Scan barcode
literary_heather's review
3.0
Interesting book about Ed Gein, the "original Psycho" - his crimes have influenced so many books, movies and serial killers that you probably know his story before you pick up the book. I enjoyed the book and thought the author did a good job of showing how pathetic his life was (you almost pity his existence) but the horror of what he did is still shocking. He was very sick, not necessarily evil and calculating like Bundy or Ridgeway.
Found the public reaction from outside his town to be disconcerting - how it because a family outing to drive passed his farm, and how some creep bought his car to create a sideshow at fairs.
Found the public reaction from outside his town to be disconcerting - how it because a family outing to drive passed his farm, and how some creep bought his car to create a sideshow at fairs.
mercenator's review against another edition
3.0
Good. Repetitive. No real new information, but written in an engaging way. I question the honesty of the narrator in some cases because there is feigned omniscience…but perhaps there’s enough info about Gein at this point to make assumptions?
siriuschico's review against another edition
5.0
Deviant is one of the best true-crime books I have read in a while. The story of Ed Gein is both horrifying and fascinating. It seems that the true culprit was his mother - Augusta. She nurtured Ed psychosis into the extreme and quickly snuffled any flicker of social feelings. After her death, Ed Gein just became unhinged, and he tried, in his psychosis, to bring his mother back. In one way or another. It is also an excellent probe into the fifties; to observe the public's reaction to these horrific crimes. Harold Schechter excellent writing skills wrap up all this fantastic story into an easy-to-read snack. The book is a page-turner, and the author knows how to keep the reader invested and how to weave an exciting storyline while still keeping all the facts straight.
angelikareadsavariciously's review against another edition
4.0
Pretty interesting considering the type of horror genre he may have inspired. Gory stuff.
jinanpaquin's review
3.0
Audiobook
Good and engaging book, albeit slightly repetitive at times, and outdated in terms of vocabulary used and reference to pop culture. Nonetheless, it was informative and I would recommend this read for those who are interested in true crime and want to know more about the infamous Ed Gein.
Good and engaging book, albeit slightly repetitive at times, and outdated in terms of vocabulary used and reference to pop culture. Nonetheless, it was informative and I would recommend this read for those who are interested in true crime and want to know more about the infamous Ed Gein.