American Gothic

Rating:
Summary: Bloch not quite at his best
Review: Like Psycho, Bloch based this novel (however loosely) on real-life events. American Gothic focuses on the career of H.H. Holmes, a serial killer who lured victims to his "castle." Bloch's version is appropriately chilling, and carries his typical stamp of suspense.

However, Bloch is best known as a short story writer, and for good reason. His stories shine, while his novels tend to drag. This book is no exception. His writing style is much better suited to shorter fiction, and the plot and atmosphere of American Gothic are not well sustained throughout the length of the novel. If you are a Bloch fan, then by all means read it. If, however, you are a horror lover, something faster-paced may be more to your liking.

Rating:
Summary: Bloch not quite at his best
Review: Like Psycho, Bloch based this novel (however loosely) on real-life events. American Gothic focuses on the career of H.H. Holmes, a serial killer who lured victims to his "castle." Bloch's version is appropriately chilling, and carries his typical stamp of suspense.

However, Bloch is best known as a short story writer, and for good reason. His stories shine, while his novels tend to drag. This book is no exception. His writing style is much better suited to shorter fiction, and the plot and atmosphere of American Gothic are not well sustained throughout the length of the novel. If you are a Bloch fan, then by all means read it. If, however, you are a horror lover, something faster-paced may be more to your liking.