A review by katermannx
The Bad Seed by William March

5.0

"The Bad Seed" by William March is a chilling psychological thriller that tells the story of a young girl named Rhoda Penmark, who appears to be a sweet and innocent child, but is actually a cold-blooded killer. As her mother Christine begins to uncover the truth about her daughter's true nature, she must confront the horrifying possibility that evil can be born, not made.

The novel is masterfully written, with March creating a sense of creeping dread as the reader becomes aware of Rhoda's true nature. The characters are well-drawn and believable, and the themes of nature vs. nurture and the dark side of childhood innocence are explored in a nuanced and thought-provoking way.

In 1956, the novel was adapted into a movie of the same name, directed by Mervyn LeRoy. While the movie is faithful to the novel in many ways, it does make some significant changes to the story, including altering the ending.

Both the book and the movie are notable for their exploration of the dark side of human nature, and the idea that evil can exist even in the most innocent-seeming individuals. However, the book is able to delve deeper into the psychology of the characters, allowing the reader to fully experience the horror of Rhoda's actions and Christine's growing terror and despair.

Overall, "The Bad Seed" is a haunting and unforgettable tale of psychological horror that will stay with readers long after they have turned the last page. It is a must-read for fans of the horror genre and anyone interested in exploring the depths of human nature.