As I mentioned previously, I have tried to stay away from books that portray women in predatory situations. There is too much violence against women in our world for me to read/support those kinds situations in fiction. However, I was drawn to this book by some really glowing reviews, and I am glad I did. Although there is a predator, a persistent and courageous woman who is fighting to bring him tojustice serves as a particularly strong counterbalance. 

Mariana Andros is a successful but troubled group therapist. Mariana’s niece, Zoe, is one of the bright spots in Mariana’s life and that she is going to university in Cambridge just like Mariana, they have an even closer bond. So when Zoe calls to say one of her friends from school has been murdered, Mariana, rushes to her side. There is something disturbing about the way the girl was murdered, and when Mariana finds our that she was a part of a group called The Maidens, that Edward Fosca, a charismatic professor of Greek Tragedy at the university established, her suspicions deepen. However the police, are not interested in her suspicions, and are only interested in doing a cursory investigation.

Then another body is found and despite Fossa’s alibi, Mariana is convicted that he is the killer. But why is he targeting his own students?  What do these murders have to do with the rites of Persephone, the maiden, and her journey to the underworld, which seems to pre-occupy Fosca. With time running out, Mariana’s obsession in bringing Fosca to justice begins to spiral out of control, threatening her life and the lives of those she loves.

Michaelides expertly draws us in with carefully drawn characters, and well-paced tension. Mariana is particularly intriguing, not a super hero, but rather persistent and protective of the ones she loves. well written, and with wonderful descriptions of Cambridge itself, this is an exciting read.

Brenda’s Rating: ****(4 Out Of 5 Stars)

Recommend this book to: Marian, Keith, and Sharon

Book Study Worthy? Yes

Read in e-library format.