Hi everyone! Yes, I’m alive. I’ve taken a bit of a break from blogging for the summer to focus on my writing career (more on that later). I hope you’re all doing well, and I’m proud to present Alex Michaelides’s newest book. I was given the audiobook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
Edward Fosca is a murderer. Of this Mariana is certain. But Fosca is untouchable. A handsome and 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 on The Maidens when one member, a friend of Mariana’s niece Zoe, is found murdered in Cambridge.
Mariana, who was once herself a student at the university, quickly suspects that behind the idyllic beauty of the spires and turrets, and beneath the ancient traditions, 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.
My Take:
I expected to like the book. THE SILENT PATIENT is probably my favorite psychological thriller, so there was little doubt I would like this one.
What absolutely blew me away, however, was the audio quality. Not only were the narrators absolutely perfect for their roles (I say “roles” because they definitely brought the same amount of gravitas to this performance as an Oscar-winning actor) but the music setting the tone at the beginning and the overall quality of the audiobook makes this a fantastic production. This is what an audiobook should be.
As for the story, it’s superb. Michaelides fooled me again, and I did not see that twist coming. Mariana is a beautifully constructed character, and her arc is both heartwarming and crushing.
And if you are a fan of The Silent Patient, you’ll be happy to know that some of those characters make brief appearances here. If you having read The Silent Patient, however, don’t worry. It’s not necessary to understanding this novel.
If you’re planning to take a road trip this summer, this would be an excellent audiobook to listen to on the way. Click the image to buy the audiobook today!
A Couple of B's 