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Hannibal Lecter #1-2
The Silence of the Lambs and Red Dragon
For the first time in one volume, the complete story of Dr. Hannibal Lecter, brilliant psychiatrist, sophisticate and homicidal genius.
RED DRAGON
A psychopath is murdering entire families in seemingly motiveless attacks. Special agent Will Graham must get inside his mind and anticipate his next move. One other person, Dr Hannibal Lecter, shares his insight into the mind of the killer, and Graham needs his help before the killer strikes again. But Lecter is a homicidal genius in an asylum for the criminally insane, and Will Graham is the man who put him there.
Red Dragon is an international bestseller and has been made into a successful film, Manhunter, starring Brian Cox.
THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS
A serial killer, known only as Buffalo Bill, is stalking women of a similar build and colouring. Their bodies, naked and flayed, are found in different states of the USA. The key to finding Buffalo Bill is locked inside the mind of Dr Hannibal Lecter. Clarice Starling, a trainee at the FBI Academy, must use Lecter's acute insight to find the killer. He offers cryptic clues in return for a glimpse into Clarice's mind - a dangerous bargain for any agent to strike.
The Silence of the Lambs has sold over a million copies, and has been made into a blockbuster film from Orion Pictures Corporation starring Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter and Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling.
RED DRAGON
A psychopath is murdering entire families in seemingly motiveless attacks. Special agent Will Graham must get inside his mind and anticipate his next move. One other person, Dr Hannibal Lecter, shares his insight into the mind of the killer, and Graham needs his help before the killer strikes again. But Lecter is a homicidal genius in an asylum for the criminally insane, and Will Graham is the man who put him there.
Red Dragon is an international bestseller and has been made into a successful film, Manhunter, starring Brian Cox.
THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS
A serial killer, known only as Buffalo Bill, is stalking women of a similar build and colouring. Their bodies, naked and flayed, are found in different states of the USA. The key to finding Buffalo Bill is locked inside the mind of Dr Hannibal Lecter. Clarice Starling, a trainee at the FBI Academy, must use Lecter's acute insight to find the killer. He offers cryptic clues in return for a glimpse into Clarice's mind - a dangerous bargain for any agent to strike.
The Silence of the Lambs has sold over a million copies, and has been made into a blockbuster film from Orion Pictures Corporation starring Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter and Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling.
534 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 1991
128 people are currently reading
3672 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Harris
35 books8,307 followersLibrarian Note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Thomas Harris began his writing career covering crime in the United States and Mexico, and was a reporter and editor for the Associated Press in New York City. His first novel, Black Sunday, was printed in 1975, followed by Red Dragon in 1981, The Silence of the Lambs in 1988, Hannibal in 1999, and Hannibal Rising in 2006.
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Thomas Harris began his writing career covering crime in the United States and Mexico, and was a reporter and editor for the Associated Press in New York City. His first novel, Black Sunday, was printed in 1975, followed by Red Dragon in 1981, The Silence of the Lambs in 1988, Hannibal in 1999, and Hannibal Rising in 2006.
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October 30, 2025
انا لست رجلا كما ترون
لقد بدات كرجل ولكن بمشيئة الله و رحمته؛"و ارادتي":{تحولت}وصرت ما هو اكثر من مجرد رجل! ا
كلمات:فرانسيس دولارهايد
رائعة السفاحين لتوماس هاريس التنين الاحمر و صمت الحملان الصادرة عام ١٩٨٢
و جمعت بين اقوي ابطاله مع الظابط ويل جراهام
تتميز كل من صمت الحملان و التنين الاحمر بعدد ضخم من الاقتباسات علي لسان سفاحين توضح كل شيء ثقريبا لكل من يسألون عن ماهية الدوافع التي تجعل قاتل يقتل عائلات كاملة لا يعرفها حتي
كاغلب روايات هاريس السوداوية؛ تقبضك و تتركك كئيبا بائساَ
لقد بدات كرجل ولكن بمشيئة الله و رحمته؛"و ارادتي":{تحولت}وصرت ما هو اكثر من مجرد رجل! ا
كلمات:فرانسيس دولارهايد
رائعة السفاحين لتوماس هاريس التنين الاحمر و صمت الحملان الصادرة عام ١٩٨٢
و جمعت بين اقوي ابطاله مع الظابط ويل جراهام
تتميز كل من صمت الحملان و التنين الاحمر بعدد ضخم من الاقتباسات علي لسان سفاحين توضح كل شيء ثقريبا لكل من يسألون عن ماهية الدوافع التي تجعل قاتل يقتل عائلات كاملة لا يعرفها حتي
كاغلب روايات هاريس السوداوية؛ تقبضك و تتركك كئيبا بائساَ
December 11, 2019
Five stars to both of these books. Loved the stories, very well written. Would definitely read again.
December 17, 2019
Red Dragon
“Fear comes with imagination, it’s a penalty, it’s the price of imagination.”
I was first introduced to Dr. Lecter in 1999. As a 14 year old he awoke a lot of new curiosities in my life. I believe this movie was the start of my love for horror.
Why I only got around to reading the books now is still a mystery. I’ve seen all the movie adaptations and the TV series. Usually I won’t see any movies or series before I read the books, but this was just the other way around.
That being said, I was a bit disappointed in Thomas. His writing is a bit sporadic, and it felt like he had difficulty putting his thought down on paper.
I was however pleasantly surprised by the differences in the book vs the movie. Graham is such a different character than I expected. And the twist at the end really made me curious to see how the other books will differ.
Silence of the Lambs
“Being smart spoils a lot of things, doesn't it?”
I must say I enjoyed The Silence of the Lambs a lot more than I did Red Dragon.
Not sure if it is because I got used to Harris' writing or because the writing was just overall better?
The thing I enjoy most is that the FBI and police are really ignorant about the killer. Most of their attempts turn out into dead-ends and wrong places. Some authors seem to miss that the protagonist doesn't have to know everything about the killer and his evil plans.
The dynamics between Starling and Lecter is what makes this book in my opinion. The way they manipulate each other and think they are in the position of power.
I now need to get Hannibal and Hannibal Rising. The need to know the rest of Lecter’s story is pressing.
“Fear comes with imagination, it’s a penalty, it’s the price of imagination.”
I was first introduced to Dr. Lecter in 1999. As a 14 year old he awoke a lot of new curiosities in my life. I believe this movie was the start of my love for horror.
Why I only got around to reading the books now is still a mystery. I’ve seen all the movie adaptations and the TV series. Usually I won’t see any movies or series before I read the books, but this was just the other way around.
That being said, I was a bit disappointed in Thomas. His writing is a bit sporadic, and it felt like he had difficulty putting his thought down on paper.
I was however pleasantly surprised by the differences in the book vs the movie. Graham is such a different character than I expected. And the twist at the end really made me curious to see how the other books will differ.
Silence of the Lambs
“Being smart spoils a lot of things, doesn't it?”
I must say I enjoyed The Silence of the Lambs a lot more than I did Red Dragon.
Not sure if it is because I got used to Harris' writing or because the writing was just overall better?
The thing I enjoy most is that the FBI and police are really ignorant about the killer. Most of their attempts turn out into dead-ends and wrong places. Some authors seem to miss that the protagonist doesn't have to know everything about the killer and his evil plans.
The dynamics between Starling and Lecter is what makes this book in my opinion. The way they manipulate each other and think they are in the position of power.
I now need to get Hannibal and Hannibal Rising. The need to know the rest of Lecter’s story is pressing.
December 9, 2016
Great duo!!
June 22, 2022
I'm not a very psychological thriller reader, too much violence for me, but here I am with 5 bright stars for Hannibal Lecter!
Is something wrong with me if I find him incredibly awesome, fabulous, charming and irresistible?! Shame on me.
Is something wrong with me if I find him incredibly awesome, fabulous, charming and irresistible?! Shame on me.
February 2, 2018
I dug this today for Mr. R to read because I was shocked that he hadn't, anyway before it made it to him I found myself reading it, so he's reading Hannibal Rising first instead. Because I guess it is the first in terms of character order, if not publication order. I know the books well as stand alone stories but I think they are better read as a set of work.
I love the whole series. I like that even after I've read these countless times now, they still pull me in and I still notice something new each time. The stories are brilliantly plotted, but the characters are outstanding, not just the obvious things like the Starling/ Lecter relationship - every character is - Lecter's cultured side - only eating the rude or bad flute players still makes me laugh and feel grossed out at the same time. When Jack Crawford is sitting with his wife and feels 'which book was warm' because he can't focus on anything but her pain at that moment is heartbreaking. The scant pages that deal with the love story between Jack and Bella Crawford convey more emotion and romance than some entire romance novels can't pull off...And Clarice has a Mustang, not because the author Googled 'cool cars' and stuck her with what came up the top of the list. The man describes the engine notes, because if you have a Mustang, that's the kind of stuff that matters. And that tricky, somewhat mulish, model of Mustang fits Starling's personality perfectly.
There are so many little details that make these books amazing - and I think, they are part of the reason why I get so ticked off with some of the other writers who think if they cram enough shock and gore into a story they get a sociopath but a well written sociopathic serial killer is as rare as the real deal, which is around 3%- 5% of the global population.
I love the whole series. I like that even after I've read these countless times now, they still pull me in and I still notice something new each time. The stories are brilliantly plotted, but the characters are outstanding, not just the obvious things like the Starling/ Lecter relationship - every character is - Lecter's cultured side - only eating the rude or bad flute players still makes me laugh and feel grossed out at the same time. When Jack Crawford is sitting with his wife and feels 'which book was warm' because he can't focus on anything but her pain at that moment is heartbreaking. The scant pages that deal with the love story between Jack and Bella Crawford convey more emotion and romance than some entire romance novels can't pull off...And Clarice has a Mustang, not because the author Googled 'cool cars' and stuck her with what came up the top of the list. The man describes the engine notes, because if you have a Mustang, that's the kind of stuff that matters. And that tricky, somewhat mulish, model of Mustang fits Starling's personality perfectly.
There are so many little details that make these books amazing - and I think, they are part of the reason why I get so ticked off with some of the other writers who think if they cram enough shock and gore into a story they get a sociopath but a well written sociopathic serial killer is as rare as the real deal, which is around 3%- 5% of the global population.
June 9, 2013
I initially did not think that I would enjoy a book about a serial killer or violence of this kind; but a co-worker encouraged me to read them because Thomas Harris writes so well. So, I read Silence of the Lambs first, then Red Dragon. I wished I had read them the other way around, because what I realized is that whichever one you read first, you may like better simply because Thomas Harris is such an amazing writer. He grabs my attention and his books are so very well written, I truly was IN every scene, and he writes the way I like an author to write, succinctly, intriguingly and with a fascinating story line with twists so you don't want to put the book down. For me, Thomas Harris is THE prototype of an excellent writer; I will never forget the Silence of the Lambs; it was so good I had to see the movie to see how close they were to the book and it didn't disappoint. Film makers are doing a better job in the last 15 years--making movies that follow the books very well. I recommend reading both of these books, but I definitely enjoyed Silence of the Lambs better.
March 30, 2011
I've only read the Red Dragon, and not Silence of the Lambs. However I found the book to be very interesting, I mean it practically dares you to put it down, because the author knew you couldn't once you've started. I gave this a 5 out of 5. Anyone who reads this book will be satisfied with it.
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October 30, 2022Classics
October 17, 2024
It's nice to read a set of books where every character is really good at what they do. Unfortunately what everyone does in these books is not nice at all. Really great novels, but not necessarily books for warming up ideas of the human spirit
June 12, 2017
Everybody needs a good villain.
Like good coffee, the perfectly good villain is a creature hard to define and even hard to find. Fortunately, in the hands of the good Dr Hannibal Lecter, we're perfectly taken care of.
For the purpose of this discussion, we're going to forget the movies and TV show: I'm a purist in matters of the heart and Dr Lecter is very, very close to my heart.
I actually read the series out of sequence, my first read being Hannibal which is the third novel. Fully enraptured by the poetic and dark plot, I nagged my Dad into buying me the rest of the set wherever he could find it. Dad found this fat little gem stalking the old book bazaars of Karachi. I was doing my house-job in Surgery at the time, that being my first ever actual job as a doctor. Understandably, I went crazy with my 'official' Daktaarrr saa'ab stamp (WHAT IS IT WITH ME AND STAMPS, SUBCONCIOUS?!) and proceeded to mark my ownership over all the novels Dad would bring for me from Karachi.
There is a marked progression of Thomas Harris's interest in Hannibal as a character when you look at the books sequentially. In the first two, he's more of an accessory villain in contrast to the more grotesque monsters presented in the novels. He serves to put their crimes into context with his calm, rational discourses, first with Will Graham then later with Clarice Starling.
Ah, but who provides context for the good doctor?
Hannibal's enduring power lies in the mystery that surrounds his origins and his almost vampiric demeanour. The guy is a genius, a physician, a mass murderer and finally a lover to Clarice Starling. Hannibal as a character is like a really good bass guitar that's initially humming in the background but later forms the core of the entire song (listen to Swingin' Party by Kindness on Soundcloud. Thank me later).
ONLY, and I repeat, ONLY a writer of Thomas Harris's narrative brilliance could pull that off. Perhaps that has to do with Harris's first job as a crime-scene reporter. His prose is surgical in its precision, haunting and heavy with poetry that forms from every image he carves. Like Frank Herbert, Harris does not judge, only narrates. His plot never descends into the kind of sensationalist hyperbole other crime and suspense writers fall victim to. Harris like Hannibal isn't conventional and can't be pigeon-holed. Like reaaaaaally good, dark coffee.
Like good coffee, the perfectly good villain is a creature hard to define and even hard to find. Fortunately, in the hands of the good Dr Hannibal Lecter, we're perfectly taken care of.
For the purpose of this discussion, we're going to forget the movies and TV show: I'm a purist in matters of the heart and Dr Lecter is very, very close to my heart.
I actually read the series out of sequence, my first read being Hannibal which is the third novel. Fully enraptured by the poetic and dark plot, I nagged my Dad into buying me the rest of the set wherever he could find it. Dad found this fat little gem stalking the old book bazaars of Karachi. I was doing my house-job in Surgery at the time, that being my first ever actual job as a doctor. Understandably, I went crazy with my 'official' Daktaarrr saa'ab stamp (WHAT IS IT WITH ME AND STAMPS, SUBCONCIOUS?!) and proceeded to mark my ownership over all the novels Dad would bring for me from Karachi.
There is a marked progression of Thomas Harris's interest in Hannibal as a character when you look at the books sequentially. In the first two, he's more of an accessory villain in contrast to the more grotesque monsters presented in the novels. He serves to put their crimes into context with his calm, rational discourses, first with Will Graham then later with Clarice Starling.
Ah, but who provides context for the good doctor?
Hannibal's enduring power lies in the mystery that surrounds his origins and his almost vampiric demeanour. The guy is a genius, a physician, a mass murderer and finally a lover to Clarice Starling. Hannibal as a character is like a really good bass guitar that's initially humming in the background but later forms the core of the entire song (listen to Swingin' Party by Kindness on Soundcloud. Thank me later).
ONLY, and I repeat, ONLY a writer of Thomas Harris's narrative brilliance could pull that off. Perhaps that has to do with Harris's first job as a crime-scene reporter. His prose is surgical in its precision, haunting and heavy with poetry that forms from every image he carves. Like Frank Herbert, Harris does not judge, only narrates. His plot never descends into the kind of sensationalist hyperbole other crime and suspense writers fall victim to. Harris like Hannibal isn't conventional and can't be pigeon-holed. Like reaaaaaally good, dark coffee.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2025
*Red Dragon* and *The Silence of the Lambs* are more than just cornerstone entries in the Hannibal Lecter saga—they are psychological thrillers at their finest, driven by razor-sharp characterization, masterful dual perspectives, and an atmosphere that lingers long after the final page.
What truly elevates both novels is the way Thomas Harris crafts deeply human, complex characters who feel as real as they are terrifying. Will Graham and Clarice Starling are not just FBI agents—they're richly drawn protagonists whose personal vulnerabilities are as central to the story as the crimes they investigate. Graham’s tortured empathy and Clarice’s quiet determination make them magnetic opposites who face equally harrowing emotional journeys. And of course, Hannibal Lecter—intellectually seductive, monstrous, and oddly elegant—remains one of the most iconic antagonists in literary history.
The use of dual perspective is where Harris truly excels. In *Red Dragon*, the inner workings of Francis Dolarhyde—his trauma, delusions, and chilling transformation into "The Great Red Dragon"—are explored with unsettling intimacy. Similarly, *The Silence of the Lambs* deftly balances Clarice’s perspective with Lecter’s enigmatic worldview and Buffalo Bill’s descent into madness, creating a tension that never lets up. These shifting lenses offer readers not just a mystery, but a full immersion into the psyche of hunter and hunted alike.
Pacing is another standout. Harris builds tension with surgical precision—never rushing, never dragging. Each chapter unfolds with a deliberate rhythm, layering dread and suspense in a way that keeps you compulsively turning pages, yet dreading what you'll find.
Atmosphere is where these books go from excellent to unforgettable. Harris doesn’t just set scenes—he *breathes* them into existence. The clinical chill of psychiatric hospitals, the claustrophobic unease of crime scenes, the quiet dread of rural homes—every location is soaked in mood. There’s a constant undercurrent of menace, but also moments of eerie beauty that reflect the complexity of the characters themselves.
In short, *Red Dragon* and *The Silence of the Lambs* aren’t just great thrillers—they are haunting explorations of identity, morality, and the dark corners of the human mind. Essential reading for anyone who loves crime fiction with depth, intelligence, and atmosphere that cuts like a scalpel.
What truly elevates both novels is the way Thomas Harris crafts deeply human, complex characters who feel as real as they are terrifying. Will Graham and Clarice Starling are not just FBI agents—they're richly drawn protagonists whose personal vulnerabilities are as central to the story as the crimes they investigate. Graham’s tortured empathy and Clarice’s quiet determination make them magnetic opposites who face equally harrowing emotional journeys. And of course, Hannibal Lecter—intellectually seductive, monstrous, and oddly elegant—remains one of the most iconic antagonists in literary history.
The use of dual perspective is where Harris truly excels. In *Red Dragon*, the inner workings of Francis Dolarhyde—his trauma, delusions, and chilling transformation into "The Great Red Dragon"—are explored with unsettling intimacy. Similarly, *The Silence of the Lambs* deftly balances Clarice’s perspective with Lecter’s enigmatic worldview and Buffalo Bill’s descent into madness, creating a tension that never lets up. These shifting lenses offer readers not just a mystery, but a full immersion into the psyche of hunter and hunted alike.
Pacing is another standout. Harris builds tension with surgical precision—never rushing, never dragging. Each chapter unfolds with a deliberate rhythm, layering dread and suspense in a way that keeps you compulsively turning pages, yet dreading what you'll find.
Atmosphere is where these books go from excellent to unforgettable. Harris doesn’t just set scenes—he *breathes* them into existence. The clinical chill of psychiatric hospitals, the claustrophobic unease of crime scenes, the quiet dread of rural homes—every location is soaked in mood. There’s a constant undercurrent of menace, but also moments of eerie beauty that reflect the complexity of the characters themselves.
In short, *Red Dragon* and *The Silence of the Lambs* aren’t just great thrillers—they are haunting explorations of identity, morality, and the dark corners of the human mind. Essential reading for anyone who loves crime fiction with depth, intelligence, and atmosphere that cuts like a scalpel.
March 9, 2022
5/5 - The Silence of the Lambs
August 10, 2023
Two amazing novels
October 28, 2025
A very generous interpretation of the FBI’s role in American society. They have had a history of getting involved in much more dastardly shit than catching serial killers. But if you can suspend your disbelief and come to accept your protagonists (who are characters of dimension to be fair) and suspend your disbelief, these are quality thrillers of incredible detail based on the author’s first hand experience of how the media and state institutions function and, more importantly, abrase each other in times of crisis. Lector is also just a quality character and it’s a genius turn of story telling to have him, not as the primary antagonists, but a conniving resources crucial in tracking them down.
March 23, 2018
It's been many years since I last read these two books and despite having watched the films with relative frequency, I had forgotten how great these really are. Harris has a definite and possible disturbing talent for writing serial killer characters, capturing their different personalities, character quirks and psychoses with an ease that is chilling. Red Dragon is our introduction to Hannibal Lector, who I will always picture and hear as Anthony Hopkins, as he is used by the FBI to help capture the Tooth Fairy, a disturbed and unstable killer tormented by the memory of his grandmother and the Great Red Dragon that lives with him (so to speak). This then flows beautifully into Silence as Lector's mind and insights are used by the FBI once again in trying to capture Buffalo Bill. Having these two stories together and reading them back to back shows how well they work together and how Lector alters his character to suit the person he is speaking to, as long as it suits his own sense of fun of course.
July 27, 2013
I loved this book!! True, I got it after avidly (some have said obsessively) watching the entire first series of Hannibal on NBC, but the show only spurred me on to read the book. And, unsurprisingly, I loved it!
I loved the character of Dr. Lecter, and come Silence of The Lambs, the back and forth between Clarice Starling and Hannibal the Cannibal. There were moments where I even laughed out loud!
Harris wonderfully created these characters, and as wonderful as they are, it was a little strange picturing Jack Crawford as white, much like having Dr. Bloom be a male was a completely foreign idea.
However, as wonderful a world as he created, the style of Harris annoyed me at times, as he would mention things that had happened previously in the story's universe, but he would only ever touch lightly on them instead of saying what had happened. But that's a personal opinion, and it wasn't enough to sour my love for all things Hannibal.
Consider me a tried and true Fannibal!!
I loved the character of Dr. Lecter, and come Silence of The Lambs, the back and forth between Clarice Starling and Hannibal the Cannibal. There were moments where I even laughed out loud!
Harris wonderfully created these characters, and as wonderful as they are, it was a little strange picturing Jack Crawford as white, much like having Dr. Bloom be a male was a completely foreign idea.
However, as wonderful a world as he created, the style of Harris annoyed me at times, as he would mention things that had happened previously in the story's universe, but he would only ever touch lightly on them instead of saying what had happened. But that's a personal opinion, and it wasn't enough to sour my love for all things Hannibal.
Consider me a tried and true Fannibal!!
July 5, 2015
thomas harris defined a new genre with the invention of hannibal lecter. the original story in red dragon brings to life the flawed but adventurous will graham. while the silence of the lambs fleshes out the obnoxious hannibal in earlier life. red dragon is a great detective thriller with the suitable twist to keep you guessing. while silence of the lambs is a fine structured novel on the life of a bitter and near perfect sociopath. the movie from jonathon demme did the novel well.
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April 13, 2010Wow, i read this book a few years ago and i absolutely loved it. every moment was so worth getting yelled at in class to put the book down. XD i really recomend this book.
June 21, 2010
I read Red Dragon
November 5, 2012
This book I am reading.
March 21, 2013
one of my favorite movies! Even though I watched the movies first I literally screamed at the end of red dragon!!!
September 25, 2007
This is the all time best horror book ever written.
October 27, 2020
Red Dragon:
Will Graham used to be a profiler for the FBI. He is forced out of retirement in order to help catch a new killer, “The Tooth Fairy” (or as the murderer thinks of himself, the Red Dragon), who has brutally murdered 2 families thus far. This novel also introduced us to Hannibal Lecter for the first time as Graham finds himself having to seek help from the cannibal killer (whose apprehension he played a key role in), and this paves the way to one of the more disturbing pen pal-activities I could imagine.
Harris plays around with what seems like tropes in a way that still managed to surprised me and keep me guessing.
I am also amazed that this story will have been published 40 years ago next year. It has aged so well, and doesn’t feel dated at all. Mom has had this book since I was 5 and although it has taken me a very long time, I’m very happy that I decided to read it. A very dark, twisted and wholly engrossing read.
The Silence of the Lambs:
This is the story that made me borrow the book from my mom, one of my classic “I really liked that movie, I should try the book for size”-cases.
In this story, Jack Crawford (who we know from Red Dragon) enlists the help of fed trainee Clarice Starling. She’s to see if she can fool Lecter into helping them crack the case of crazed killer “Buffalo Bill”. A completely engrossing and dark read that I appreciated even more than the movie. I’ll have to seek out the rest of Harris’ books at some point in the future.
Will Graham used to be a profiler for the FBI. He is forced out of retirement in order to help catch a new killer, “The Tooth Fairy” (or as the murderer thinks of himself, the Red Dragon), who has brutally murdered 2 families thus far. This novel also introduced us to Hannibal Lecter for the first time as Graham finds himself having to seek help from the cannibal killer (whose apprehension he played a key role in), and this paves the way to one of the more disturbing pen pal-activities I could imagine.
Harris plays around with what seems like tropes in a way that still managed to surprised me and keep me guessing.
I am also amazed that this story will have been published 40 years ago next year. It has aged so well, and doesn’t feel dated at all. Mom has had this book since I was 5 and although it has taken me a very long time, I’m very happy that I decided to read it. A very dark, twisted and wholly engrossing read.
The Silence of the Lambs:
This is the story that made me borrow the book from my mom, one of my classic “I really liked that movie, I should try the book for size”-cases.
In this story, Jack Crawford (who we know from Red Dragon) enlists the help of fed trainee Clarice Starling. She’s to see if she can fool Lecter into helping them crack the case of crazed killer “Buffalo Bill”. A completely engrossing and dark read that I appreciated even more than the movie. I’ll have to seek out the rest of Harris’ books at some point in the future.
February 28, 2024
This is probably the perfect way to enjoy the Hannibal Lecter series.
From a lengthy cameo to a beloved classic...
Red Dragon
The novel follows Will Graham, a brilliant FBI profiler who'd suffered injuries when capturing Lecter five years previously.
The 'Tooth Fairy' murders that are central to this novel are grisly enough to see Graham reluctantly agreeing to help.
In a way this is very much a police procedural of it's time, the notion that the perpetrator is annoyed that the press has dubbed him the tooth fairy adds an interesting complexion.
Lecter's appearance is breif, its fascinating that its him that Harris would later reuse for a much more impactful story.
Silence of the Lambs
This follows a similar formula to the first novel, but the simplistic little change of the FBI agent being female adds some much deeper scope to the narrative.
Who could forget Clarice Starling's first visit to the mental institution that houses Lecter...
The case of a serial killer dubbed 'Buffalo Bill' is intriguing whilst the manner in which he harms his victims are practically gruesome.
From a lengthy cameo to a beloved classic...
Red Dragon
The novel follows Will Graham, a brilliant FBI profiler who'd suffered injuries when capturing Lecter five years previously.
The 'Tooth Fairy' murders that are central to this novel are grisly enough to see Graham reluctantly agreeing to help.
In a way this is very much a police procedural of it's time, the notion that the perpetrator is annoyed that the press has dubbed him the tooth fairy adds an interesting complexion.
Lecter's appearance is breif, its fascinating that its him that Harris would later reuse for a much more impactful story.
Silence of the Lambs
This follows a similar formula to the first novel, but the simplistic little change of the FBI agent being female adds some much deeper scope to the narrative.
Who could forget Clarice Starling's first visit to the mental institution that houses Lecter...
The case of a serial killer dubbed 'Buffalo Bill' is intriguing whilst the manner in which he harms his victims are practically gruesome.
February 22, 2024
Three and a half stars, rounding up to four. I read and reviewed both books collected here separately, so this is basically just for my own records. Dragon got four stars from me and Lambs three, so the average is obvious.
Honestly, my perception of this series is so very coloured by the tv series Hannibal - one of my absolute favourites - that I'm not sure how much of my reaction to the books is actually for the books, and how much is a reflection of the show. Season three was, I think, my least favourite of the series, the one that reflects Red Dragon, yet I prefer the book version to that of Lambs. Go figure. Maybe because it's been a while since I rewatched that the book characters are hitting differently, but there it is... my preferences are inconsistent. I know it and don't care. I enjoyed the first book more than the second.
Honestly, my perception of this series is so very coloured by the tv series Hannibal - one of my absolute favourites - that I'm not sure how much of my reaction to the books is actually for the books, and how much is a reflection of the show. Season three was, I think, my least favourite of the series, the one that reflects Red Dragon, yet I prefer the book version to that of Lambs. Go figure. Maybe because it's been a while since I rewatched that the book characters are hitting differently, but there it is... my preferences are inconsistent. I know it and don't care. I enjoyed the first book more than the second.
January 1, 2025
Thomas Harris is a master storyteller. Whether you’re into horror, thrillers, or Harlequin romance, you’ll love this book. No joke, it’s a really good, satisfying read. Harris’ attention to detail and the use of intelligent foreshadowing makes the reader feel like they’re free to scrutinize plot and character motivations and be rewarded for doing so. This is not always the case with ‘thriller’ books where the plot is derivative and the characters are cardboard. No matter what genre of books you’re into, you’ll enjoy reading this book.
WARNING: There is smut. There is blood, gore, and disgustingly violent acts described in full detail. If that’s not for you, then stay away. Honestly, age and/or a desire to not read about sex and violence are the only legit reasons for a person not to read these two masterpieces.
WARNING: There is smut. There is blood, gore, and disgustingly violent acts described in full detail. If that’s not for you, then stay away. Honestly, age and/or a desire to not read about sex and violence are the only legit reasons for a person not to read these two masterpieces.
August 8, 2023
Review is for the Red Dragon, which for some reason I can only find on Good Reads as part of this set with Silence of the Lamps. The Red Dragon's back story was challenging for me to read, and was the part of the story that dragged for me. I do have a little bit of a problem with all the hype around Hannibal Lector in these stories. Yes, he is chilling and interesting. But he is such a MINOR CHARACTER. (!!) He does very little here to move the plot along. Unless I missed something? I don't want to reveal any spoilers, but Lector seemed more like a detour that a major plot point. Read this because Will Graham, Jack Crawford, and the Red Dragon make a compelling cat-and-mouse detective story. Lector is just gravy.
February 2, 2019
Red Dragon, at times, was interesting to read. it gave off such an 80s vibes and i really enjoyed that. what I didn't enjoy was, something massive happens and then it goes stop and start with the flow of the story. it really turned off the book at times.
Silence of the Lambs, Dr.Lecter was so interesting to read about!!! i loved how he talked, he gripped me in so quick. but there were times where the pacing of the story falls off. at times there were parts of the book that was so gripping and i really enjoyed that.
overall the book had its moments that really shined but then the lacklustre pacing really made the book challenging to keep interest in.
Silence of the Lambs, Dr.Lecter was so interesting to read about!!! i loved how he talked, he gripped me in so quick. but there were times where the pacing of the story falls off. at times there were parts of the book that was so gripping and i really enjoyed that.
overall the book had its moments that really shined but then the lacklustre pacing really made the book challenging to keep interest in.
June 16, 2024
Both books are amazing! I've never really read Thriller, but it's definitely worth it to read the first two books of the Hannibal Lecter series.
The difference between the two books is great. In the first book we have Will Graham a middle aged man as the main character, who was already known for apprehending a serial killer and in the second one we have Clarice Starling who's still in the academy.
Seeing familiar characters from the first book, being casually sexist to Clarice startled me at the beginning, but it gives realism to the book and it's just written so well
The difference between the two books is great. In the first book we have Will Graham a middle aged man as the main character, who was already known for apprehending a serial killer and in the second one we have Clarice Starling who's still in the academy.
Seeing familiar characters from the first book, being casually sexist to Clarice startled me at the beginning, but it gives realism to the book and it's just written so well
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