Horror · Classics · Thriller
American Psycho
Patrick Bateman is a wealthy, image-obsessed Manhattan banker in the late 1980s who spends his days on business cards and restaurant reservations. At night he leads a secret life of extreme violence.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1991
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 399
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you want a cold, darkly satirical novel about status and emptiness, and can tolerate extreme content.
Skip this if you are sensitive to graphic violence and sexual cruelty, which is among the most explicit in mainstream fiction.
The feel
Content warnings
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about American Psycho
- What is American Psycho about?
- Patrick Bateman is a wealthy, image-obsessed Manhattan banker in the late 1980s who spends his days on business cards and restaurant reservations. At night he leads a secret life of extreme violence.
- Who should read American Psycho?
- Read it if you want a cold, darkly satirical novel about status and emptiness, and can tolerate extreme content. Skip it if you are sensitive to graphic violence and sexual cruelty, which is among the most explicit in mainstream fiction.
- How long and how fast is American Psycho?
- It is a medium-paced, medium read of about 399 pages, first published in 1991.
- Does American Psycho have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Violence, Gore, Torture, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Animal death.
- Can I borrow American Psycho for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends American Psycho; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after American Psycho?
- Readers who liked it often move on to Fight Club, The Talented Mr. Ripley, A Clockwork Orange.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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