Thomas Harris‘s novel, The Silence of the Lambs, is a gripping tale that dives into the world of serial killers while using complex relationships between law enforcement and criminals as a vessel. No wonder the novel was adapted into a feature film and no wonder the novel and film are both spectacular.
While Harris’s Red Dragon novel focused on former FBI profiler Will Graham and his relationship with the notorious psychiatrist and cannibalistic killer Dr. Hannibal Lector, The Silence of Lambs introduces us to F.B.I. Academy trainee Clarice Starling. This sequel to the successful Red Dragon sees Clarice getting to know Lector from the Baltimore State Hospital for the Criminally Insane while also helping to track down the serial killer dubbed Buffalo Bill. The tension between Clarice and Lecter is palpable, making their interactions both fascinating and unsettling.
The way Harris writes Hannibal Lector and his ability to both care for those he comes along, but also manipulate them to get what he wants is truly wonderful to read in such a thrilling way. Lector’s background as a psychiatrist adds a whole other level to the story, his manipulation and intelligence are on full display throughout the novel and kept us on the edge of our seat.
Most people tune into Thomas Harris’s Hannibal novels to get a dose of Hannibal The Cannibal, but seeing Clarice Starling growth throughout the novel is just as worth it. Clarice faces numerous challenges throughout the investigation but confronts her fears and insecurities while pursuing justice for the victims.
The suspense in The Silence of the Lambs is palpable. Even with having seen the feature film before reading this novel, we were fully engaged and somewhat surprised with each page turn. The overall story of Clarice Starling, Hannibal Lector and Buffalo Bill is one that will sit with me for a long time. Thomas Harris is a skillful storyteller and he put it all out there with The Silence of the Lambs.
We highly recommend the novel The Silence of the Lambs, as well as Red Dragon. These books should be on your to-be-read list if they are not already. Any fan of suspenseful thriller and horror novels should read these books before they die.
The Silence of the Lambs was adapted into an award-winning feature film in 1991 starring Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster.
The Silence of the Lambs is the second book in the Hannibal Lector series and is available at bookstores everywhere. Check out the audiobook on Libro.fm narrated by Frank Muller.
