59 pages • 1 hour read
Red Dragon
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Book Brief
464
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1980s
1981
Adult
18+ years
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
352,854 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
352,854 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Francis Dolarhyde
Francis Dolarhyde
A serial killer who struggles with the identity of the "Tooth Fairy" and "Red Dragon," shaped by a traumatic childhood and longing for transformation.
Hannibal Lecter
Hannibal Lecter
An incarcerated, highly intelligent former psychiatrist who embodies pure evil and remains a mysterious figure studied by psychiatrists.
Jack Crawford
Jack Crawford
Will Graham’s former boss, a pragmatic leader at the FBI who recruits Graham back into the field to help solve a critical case.
464
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1980s
1981
Adult
18+ years
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