Psycho

by Robert Bloch

Book Overview

Psycho is the original thrilling novel from multi-award-winning author Robert Bloch--and the basis for the classic film from Alfred Hitchcock.

"Icily terrifying " --New York Times

Norman Bates loves his mother. She has been dead for the past 20 years, or so people think. Norman knows better, though.

Ever since leaving the hospital, he has lived with Mother in the old house up on the hill above...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1590203356
• ISBN13: 9781590203354
• Release Date: May 2010
• Publisher: Overlook Press
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.38 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.3" x 7.8"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

A page turner!

I have been told by my husband that this was a really great book, and I put it off many times, so long story short I came across Pyscho at Half price books and glad I got it. I couldn't put it down and when I finished this masterpiece I immediately ordered the 2nd novel. Love this, don't put this book off I recommend anybody reading it and it's a really quick read and you just keep wanting to turn the page to find out what happened it's nonstop.

put yourself in the time frame

After reading everyone else's reviews and seeing what mostly everyone else had to say, I want to agree that the film is better than the novel. But, I still loved the novel. I think the bet way to enjoy it is to put yourelf in the time frame. It's 1959, a time that when we look back on it we think of a better more peaceful time. And the people thought they were living basically in peace. Then word spreads the country of a small town man from Plainfield, Wisconsin, (a town you've probably never even heard of). A man who has killed 2 women and done horrendous things to them. A man who has dug up at least 9 graves at cemetarys in the area. You don't know all the facts, but you have heard rumors of cannibalism and other suh terrible things. You are disgusted and terrified, yet eager to know more. Then, Robert Bloch, a more or less unheard of author at the time writes a book and says it is based on the Gein case. You recognise the name Gein as the small town man from Plainfield, Wisconsin. Eager to get inside his head, you read Psycho. It gives you an insight into Ed Gein's head through the character of Norman Bates and this terrifies you. You did not think anyone could ever be *that* Psycho, and with everything that is going on, you know that it may not be just a book, but a reality. My point is, while, even though it is a good, fast, enjoyable read, it may not seem very terrifying to you. But If you think back to the time it was written, you may get a better perspective. If you are looking for a horror that reads fast, and just hppens to be true (except for the hotel and other fictional facts) read Psycho; if you are looking to be really truly scared, watch the movie. I recommend both.

Psycho the book compared to the movie.

In another review of this book someone said that this book was exactly like the movie. It is not. Not to say it is any better or worse. Any fans of Psycho the movie should read the book. It gives many insights into the true nature of Norman Bates' frame of mind. It is also more involved in the relationship between Sam and Marian. I personally liked the movie better because it is easier to think of Norman Bates as being good-looking (as in the movie) than fat (as in the book). I also think there are more and better quotes in the movie. It is very interesting seeing the psychological comparisons between the two. I highly recommend this book.

"I think perhaps all of us go a little crazy at times."

Psycho is a great read, made even greater by the fact that the book is 40 years old! Extremely groundbreaking in the use of a pathology for the killer, it seems that Norman Bates is as much a household name in American culture as Ronald McDonald. The Alfred Hitchcock film version seems to have used the book for the script, with only minor deviations. A short read, it's impossible not to finish this in one sitting. While reading I took down four pages of quotations from this book, it's that good and inspiring. I do think this book could have been longer and bloodier provided it had been written 10-15 years later. The ending was great and overall the book was awesome. Reading it was like watching the Hitchcock version of the movie, and vice versa. A must read Horror novel. On a scale from 1-10 I'd rate this novel a 10, for its historical significance, the intensity of the story, the quote factor, and characterization. Come on, everyone knows Norman Bates!

PSYCHO is just as thrilling as the the 1960's movie. . . Onl

PSYCHO moves along very quickly and presents the story as creepy as it is without langoriously adding un-needed details. Unlike other horror/thriller books, PSYCHO's author, Robert Bloch is able to let you slip into the reality of Mary Crane, and then violently steer your attention away from her. As in the movie, the plot is . . . In an attempt to run away with her lover, Mary Crane steals money from her boss. But on her way to her lover's place, she stops at the creepy BATES HOTEL. After chatting with the deranged hotel manager, Norman Bates, she decides to return home ...only to be butchered. Her worried sister and lover follow her trail to find the truth which shocks everyone, (especially the reader) to the bone.

AWESOME!

The movie rocked the world of horror as we know it. Alfred Hitchcock's slasher film "PSYCHO" was based on this book. . .but Alfred never did this classic justice. READ THIS BOOK! An enjoyable book and easy read.