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47 pages 1 hour read

Psycho

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1959

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Book Brief

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Robert Bloch

Psycho

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1959
Book Details
Pages

208

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Fairvale, California • 1950s

Publication Year

1959

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Psycho by Robert Bloch, a timid, middle-aged man named Norman Bates runs the Bates Motel, where he lives under the oppressive influence of his domineering mother, Norma. When a woman named Mary Crane, fleeing with stolen money, checks into the motel, an increasingly sinister series of events unfold, revealing dark secrets about Norman's past and mental health. The novel contains depictions of trauma, abuse, and outdated mental health practices.

Mysterious

Dark

Unnerving

Suspenseful

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

4.3

74,139 ratings

78%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Robert Bloch’s Psycho captivates with its psychological depth and chilling narrative. The novel excels in building tension and delivering twists, earning high praise for its suspense and intricate character development. However, some critics find parts of the prose dated and pacing uneven. Overall, it remains a seminal work in horror fiction.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Psycho?

A reader who enjoys psychological thrillers and horror with intricate, suspenseful plots will find Psycho by Robert Bloch captivating. Fans of Stephen King's The Shining or Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House will appreciate Bloch's masterful blend of terror and psychological complexity.

4.3

74,139 ratings

78%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

208

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Fairvale, California • 1950s

Publication Year

1959

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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