logo

59 pages 1 hour read

Red Dragon

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1981

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Thomas Harris

Red Dragon

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1981
Book Details
Pages

464

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

United States • 1980s

Publication Year

1981

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Red Dragon by Thomas Harris follows retired FBI profiler Will Graham as he is called back to track down a serial killer known as the Tooth Fairy. With the help of imprisoned cannibalistic psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter, Graham delves into the mind of the killer while facing personal and professional challenges. The novel introduces Hannibal Lecter and explores themes like psychological trauma and transformation. The story contains references to sexual abuse, child abuse, physical violence, and anti-gay slurs.

Dark

Suspenseful

Unnerving

Mysterious

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.3

352,854 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Red Dragon by Thomas Harris is widely praised for its chilling and suspenseful narrative, featuring complex and psychologically rich characters. Reviewers commend Harris's meticulous attention to detail and masterful pacing. Some critics, however, note that the graphic violence may be overwhelming for some readers. Overall, it's a compelling and highly recommended read for thriller enthusiasts.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Red Dragon?

Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers and crime novels will find Red Dragon by Thomas Harris captivating. Fans of intricate character studies, such as those in Patricia Highsmith's The Talented Mr. Ripley or Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl, will appreciate the dark, suspenseful narrative and complex antagonist in Harris's work.

4.3

352,854 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

464

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

United States • 1980s

Publication Year

1981

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.