The Bad Seed
by William March, Elaine Showalter
The Bad Seed by William March, Elaine Showalter holds a highly rated rating of 4.05 out of 5, based on 10.8K reader ratings. First published in 1954. The book spans 256 pages.
About The Bad Seed
Now reissued – William March's 1954 classic thriller that's as chilling, intelligent and timely as ever before. This paperback reissue includes a new P.S. section with author interviews, insights, features, suggested reading and more.What happens to ordinary families into whose midst a child serial killer is born? This is the question at the center of William March's classic thriller. After its initial publication in 1954, the book went on to become a million–copy bestseller, a wildly successful Broadway show, and a Warner Brothers film. The spine–tingling tale of little Rhoda Penmark had a tremendous impact on the thriller genre and generated a whole perdurable crop of creepy kids. Today, The Bad Seed remains a masterpiece of suspense that's as chilling, intelligent, and timely as ever before.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | William March, Elaine Showalter |
| Published | 1954 |
| Pages | 256 |
| Genres | Horror, Fiction, Classics, Mystery & Thriller, Mystery & Thriller |
| Average Rating | 4.05 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 10,765 |
Reader Ratings & Analysis
Rating Overview
How It Compares
Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is The Bad Seed?
The Bad Seed is categorized as Horror, Fiction, Classics, Mystery & Thriller. Its primary genre classification is Mystery & Thriller.
Is The Bad Seed worth reading?
Based on 10.8K reader ratings, The Bad Seed has an average score of 4.05 out of 5.00, which is considered "Highly Rated."
How many pages is The Bad Seed?
The Bad Seed has 256 pages.
Who wrote The Bad Seed?
The Bad Seed was written by William March, Elaine Showalter. It was first published in 1954.
What is the ISBN for The Bad Seed?
The ISBN-13 for The Bad Seed is 9780060795480.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
