Book Review: Psycho by Robert Bloch

Psycho
Series: Psycho #1

Author: Robert Bloch
Published: April 10, 1959
208 Pages

Reviewed By: Kim
Kim’s Rating: 5 stars

Book Description:

The story was all too real-indeed this classic was inspired by the real-life story of Ed Gein, a psychotic murderer who led a dual life. Alfred Hitchcock too was captivated, and turned the book into one of the most-loved classic films of all time the year after it was released.

She was a fugitive, lost in a storm. That was when she saw the sign: motel – vacancy. The sign was unlit, the motel dark. She switched off the engine, and sat thinking, alone and frightened. She had nobody. The stolen money wouldn’t help her, and Sam couldn’t either, because she had taken the wrong turning; she was on a strange road. There was nothing she could do now – she had made her grave and she’d have to lie in it. She froze. Where had that come from? Grave. It was bed, not grave. She shivered in the cold car, surrounded by shadows. Then, without a sound, a dark shape emerged from the blackness and the car door opened. Psycho is not a tale for queasy stomachs or faint hearts. It is filled with horrifying suspense and the climax, instead of being a relief, will hit the reader with bone-shattering force.

Kim’s Review:

I listened to this book on audio and a great listen it was! Holy cow! I totally get why Mr. Hitchcock latched onto this story the way he did! Norman Bates is a terrifying figure. Through his mother and you have a creepy story with a fascinating twist. And what makes it even more interesting is the time period it was written in; back when mental illness wasn’t really understood nor treated well. I can’t really say much about Psycho without giving too much away. I’d like to think that most people have at least watched the movie so they know what the twist is. However, for those who don’t, I won’t say too much. But I think everybody should read Psycho. It’s a Criminal Minds fan’s dream book! I love it!

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