Psycho II

Rating:
Summary: I Preferred the Movie!
Review: I read Psycho II by Robert Bloch when it was first printed and sorry but I was very disappointed and just didn't like this book and I thought the movie was better and from what I have read apparently the makers of the movie didn't like this book either and made major changes. I remember bringing this book to school with me and reading it and when I had finished reading Psycho II somebody stole the book but since I really didn't like this book it wasn't as though I was going to get all upset about the loss of it. BTW: This is only my personal opinion!

Rating:
Summary: An under-rated book and author
Review: If you loved Psycho then you will also love Psycho II. Psycho House isn't bad either. Readers just get so absorbed in Bloch's writing and storyline. This story is set for the current day, or rather the day the book was written, and takes you from the dark and rainy mental hospital to the glamour of Hollywood. It keeps you guessing all the way to the end and you will find yourself running back to the bookstore (or logging on)to get the 3rd installment. I just wish there was a 4th! The character of Norman Bates is incredible!

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: This sequel to Psycho starts off quite strongly with Norman Bates escaping from the Mental Hospital and leaving a horrible body count in his wake and ambiguity over whether he survived his escape or died in a mysterious fire. The Police think he is dead, but Norman's doctor thinks he's alive and on his way to Hollywood to kill the cast and crew of a movie based on his life and crimes.
Sadly after the first 100 pages or so, The story sags badly. Norman Bated disappears from the book (Whether or not he appears at the end is part of the mystery), and the reader must wade through 150 pages of dull story about the cast and crew of the film deciding whether to make the movie or cancel for fear of Norman coming to kill them. This segment of the book is devoid of suspense and could have really been trimmed down. Also, many of the characters spout long anti-violence speeches and criticisms of the cruelty and hypocrisy of Hollywood life, and the glorification of violence in gory 1980's splatter films. These detours stick out like a sore thumb, and do nothing to further the plot.

This book warrants *** due to the great first part of the book, but the good ending doesn't justify the sagging middle. I hope Psycho House, the final installment in the trilogy, is better than this.