Deviant

By: Harold Schechter

Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Now with a new afterword read by the author.

From the author of “top-drawer true crime” (Booklist) books comes the definitive account of Ed Gein—the man whose shocking crimes inspired Psycho, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and The Silence of the Lambs.

The year was 1957. To his Wisconsin neighbors, Ed Gein was a slight, Midwestern farmhand with a twisted little smile. To an unsuspecting nation, he would become one of the most notorious crime figures in history, having lived for ten years in his own secret world of brutal murder and unthinkable depravity.

Here is the grisly true story of “the Butcher of Plainfield,” a deranged killer whose fiendish fantasies inspired such works as Psycho, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and The Silence of the Lambs. More horrifying than any movie or novel however, Deviant dares to explore in chilling detail the life and times of one of the most twisted madmen in the annals of true crime—one who still haunts us to this day—and how he transformed his small, nondescript farmhouse in the American heartland into his own private and inescapable domain of ghoulishness and blood.

Very interesting

Like everyone else I was left wanting to know what the true story was after watching the Netflix Show. Great read and lots of great detail. I love to hear the true story instead of embellishments.

Great deep dive.

Love the detail and back story, narrator was very good as well. Wonderful addition to my true crime library

Fact based re telling of a real horror

I particularly enjoyed the description of the stark, hard Wisconsin atmosphere of the 1940's and 50's having grown up there during the 70's.

Wow, a must listen!

I honestly found this both shocking and thought of it the best book I have listened to in quite awhile.

So far so good.

The author did some research and presents the story well. I appreciate the family background and social insight. Lots of reading of relevant texts such as the obituaries of family members that reflect their place in the community.

The Story of Ed Gein is Fascinating

This book is perfectly written and structured. My attention was kept throughout the narration, which was present for me.

Not Netflix

This beats Netflix by miles! I think the series should've taking more from the book. Im definitely recommending this book for whoever wanna know about the real story