Red Dragon is a serial killer – FBI profiler thriller, the first of the Hannibal Lecter series.   It was published in 1981 and since that time there have been many books, TV series, and movies that have taken a similar premise, so even though this was a fresh story forty years ago, it has been copied many times since.

The strength of this book is the author’s development and insights into the mind of the killer, Frances Dolarhyde (The Tooth Fairy).    His past, his current state of mind, and his delusional responses to the continuing investigation explain his motivations, actions, and ambitions.   But, these chapters are not a comfortable read.

At the same time, the lead investigator is damaged by the trauma of the Hannibal Lecter case.    He is supposed to be partly retired, but the case invades his soul and threatens his family’s safety.   The Red Dragon aka The Tooth Fairy (Dolarhyde) is developed more fully than the lead character, Will Graham.

Although we meet Hannibal Lecter in the book, he is not central to the plot and indeed he is already imprisoned.   At the end of Red Dragon we also learn about another serial killer, Garrett Hobbs, who had been killed by Graham in an early case.    I was left to wonder why these characters were brought into the story.   Harris uses the two cases to explain why Graham is a “haunted” man.

The storytelling follows the familiar thriller plot, but the author throws in some surprises to keep the readers guessing how the story will unfold.    I found this story to be easy to read, but not all that engaging.    It is the first book of a series and the second is Silence of the Lambs, both the book and movie receiving praise.

4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0

For a sample of this book, listen to this YouTube audiobook: