From the author of the global #1 bestselling debut The Silent Patient comes a spellbinding literary thriller which weaves together Greek mythology, psychology, and murder... Edward Fosca is a murderer. Of this Mariana is certain. But Fosca is untouchable. A charismatic Greek Tragedy professor at Cambridge University, Fosca is adored by staff and students alike. Particularly by the members of a secret society of female students known as The Maidens.Mariana Andros is a brilliant but troubled group therapist who becomes fixated when one of The Maidens, a friend of Mariana's niece Zoe, is found murdered. Mariana, who was once herself a student at the university, suspects that behind the idyllic beauty of the spires and turrets, lies something sinister. And she becomes convinced that, despite his alibi, Edward Fosca is guilty of the murder. But why would the professor target one of his students? And why does he keep returning to the rites of Persephone, the maiden, and her journey to the underworld?When another body is found, Mariana's obsession with proving Fosca's guilt spirals out of control, threatening to destroy her credibility as well as her closest relationships. But Mariana is determined to stop this killer, even if it costs her everything - including her own life. One of the most highly anticipated books of the year, THE MAIDENS is sure to become your new obsession...* * * * *Praise for Alex Michaelides and his #1 global bestseller THE SILENT PATIENT:'Absolutely brilliant' STEPHEN FRY'Excellent' JOANNE HARRIS'Terrific' THE TIMES, Crime Book of the Month'Smart, sophisticated suspense' LEE CHILD'Compelling' OBSERVER'An absolute jaw-dropper' LUCY FOLEY'Hugely impressive' STEVE CAVANAGH'Totally original' DAVID BALDACCI'The pace and finesse of a master' BBC CULTURE'Genuinely chilling' SHARON BOLTON'Unforgettable' ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY'Impossible to put down' MARK EDWARDS'Shocking, mind-blowing' BLAKE CROUCH'Highly recommended' C. J. TUDOR'The definition of a page turner' JOHN MARRS