47 pages • 1 hour read
Robert BlochPsycho
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1959A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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 The novel contains depictions of trauma, abuse, and outdated mental health practices.
Reviews & Readership
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 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.