Thomas Harris, Red Dragon

Thomas Harris, Red Dragon - Synopsis:

"A serial killer is on the loose. He bites, he maims, he murders entire families in hideous ways. The police have no leads. They're afraid they can't stop him. That's why FBI agent Will Graham has come out of retirement. He has a special talent for catching serial murderers. The last one, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, nearly killed him. Maybe you've heard of Dr. Lecter? Even in jail, he's still dangerous. Graham knows that. But he's going to ask for Dr. Lecter's help. And it may be the most terrifying mistake of his life".

First published back in 1981, 'Red Dragon' was Harris' second novel following the 1973 release of 'Black Sunday'. The novel brought the world the psychotic cannibal, Dr. Hannibal Lecter for the very first time, but who was not brought largely to the public's attention until the later follow-up novel 'The Silence Of The Lambs' was published. The rights to the book were snapped up by producer Dino de Laurentiis and then filmed by Michael Mann (Heat, Insider) as the 1986 film 'Manhunter'. Dino de Laurentiis later decided to return once again to the story by remaking Manhunter as the recent film 'Red Dragon'.

The novel itself is an interesting and enjoyable read. The storyline is well paced, dispersing a concoction of heart-racing action with heart-stopping suspense. The plot unfolds nicely throughout the novel, as we are enticed to analyse and interpret Francis Dollarhyde's state of sanity. The violence is extreme in places, which can be a little disturbing. The characterization is superb, bringing together a carefully constructed masterpiece of literature. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the novel and was gripped from the first page onwards. Definitely well worth a read!