Robert Bloch's Psycho: Sanitarium

By: Chet Williamson

Narrated by: Chet Williamson

“Horror author Chet Williamson ably succeeds in the tough task of creating a sequel to Robert Bloch’s masterpiece, Psycho; a prequel to the less effective Psycho II; and a solid story in its own right…The novel shines. Whenever Norman gets the spotlight, the novel feels like a lost Bloch work.” —Publishers Weekly

The original Psycho novel by Robert Bloch was published in 1959 and became an instant hit, leading to the smash movie only a year later, which brought Norman Bates's terrifying story into the public consciousness, where it still remains (proven by the success of the tv series, Bates Motel). It took Bloch 23 years to write another Psycho novel, revealing that Norman had been in a mental institution the entire time. In that sequel, Norman quickly escapes the sanitarium and goes on a killing spree in Hollywood.

But what happened in that asylum during those two decades? Until now, no one has known.

It's 1960. Norman Bates is in the State Hospital for the Criminally Insane and it's up to Dr. Felix Reed to bring him out of his catatonic state.

But Norman and Dr. Reed have obstacles in twisted fellow patients and staff members who think of the institution as a prison rather than a place of healing. And the greatest obstacle is the building itself, once a private sanitarium, rumored to be haunted. A wild card appears in the persona of Robert Newman, Norman's twin brother, taken away at birth after the attending doctor pronounced him brain damaged. As Robert and Norman grow to know each other, Norman senses a darkness in Robert, even deeper than that which has lurked in Norman himself.

Soon, murders begin to occur and a shocking chain of events plunge us even deeper into the deranged madness inside the walls of Psycho: Sanitarium.

Loved it!

Where does Robert Bloch's Psycho: Sanitarium rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Great performance, great story! I usually only listen to audio books at my desk at work and with this one I was listening at home too because I couldn't wait until the next work day to hear what happens next.

AMAZING

loved everything about this book! I definitely recommend giving it a read! twists and turns ahead!

Had to force myself to endure till the end.

The narrator had the voice of an announcer during the entire book! there were so many side plots that it didnt really feel like a Bates book. I had to force myself to finish it.

brilliant

I liked that the detail and momentum of the story was
consistent and narrated perfectly.

Ever wonder what happened to Norman Bates?

I absolutely loved Psycho, I have both read the book and, of course , seen the movie. Although this is titled " Robert Bloch' s Psycho : Sanitarium , of course he didn't write. Now that would be creepy ! This book is so true to Mr Bloch's Norman, you can believe he did pen it. It is a book made for Audible though. The voices were spot on, and that music. Great lines too! Norman to me is just a sweet boy with an over protective mother.

She may even try to follow him in his quest for sanity. Wonderful characters. I've never had the pleasure to listen to Chet Williamson narrate previously, but will be on the lookout. If you love the real, original Anthony Perkins , or if you like to have chills for a few days I highly recommend this book!