Books in the Freezer - A Horror Fiction Podcast · Stephanie Gagnon

FROM THE VAULT: Psycho Trilogy with Guide to the Unknown

·1 hr 14 min·5 clips

Stephanie revisits a 2020 episode with Guide to the Unknown hosts to discuss Robert Bloch's Psycho books.

This episode revisits a 2020 discussion between host Modern Day Stephanie and guests Will and Kristen from the paranormal pop culture podcast Guide to the Unknown. They analyze Robert Bloch's original literary "Psycho" trilogy, which inspired the famous films. Will is also noted as a writer for the horror series "The Trouble with Tessa." The conversation centers on Bloch's novels "Psycho," "Psycho II," and "Psycho Murder House." Will potentially introduces an additional, bonus book from the broader Psycho literary universe. The hosts compare these source materials to their more famous cinematic adaptations directed by Alfred Hitchcock and others. They examine the characterizations of Norman Bates and other figures as written by Bloch. Specific plot points and narrative choices unique to the books are detailed, contrasting them with the movies. The discussion covers the sequels' approaches to continuing Norman's story after the events of the first novel. Insights include analysis of how Bloch's writing builds psychological tension differently than Hitchcock's visual style. The episode explores the author's themes of madness and identity. A surprising claim might involve the true nature of a character or event in the books that differs significantly from popular film knowledge. The sequels' plots are described as taking unconventional, perhaps unexpected, directions. The hosts find dark humor in some of Bloch's prose and the escalating absurdity of the scenarios. They appreciate the novels as distinct, foundational works in the horror genre. The tone is conversational, enthusiastic, and deeply nerdy, filled with mutual fandom for horror deep cuts. The style is analytical but informal, focusing on fun comparisons and trivia. Horror literature fans and cinephiles interested in the "Psycho" franchise's origins would love this episode. Listeners seeking only serious literary criticism or those unfamiliar with the basic "Psycho" story might choose to skip it.

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