Red Dragon

by Thomas Harris

Mass Market Paperback, 354 pages

English language

Published Oct. 24, 1982 by Bantam Books.

ISBN:: 978-0-553-22746-8
OCLC Number:: 8849872

If you never thought a book could make you quake with fear, prepare yourself for Red Dragon.

For you are about to meet a human monster, a tortured being driven by a force he cannot contain, who pleasures in viciously murdering happy families. When you discover how he chooses his victims, you will never feel safe again.

You are about to be thrust so deeply into the heart of his obsession that you will find no escape.

You are about to hope beyond hope that one man—a man with powers he is horrified to use—can stop this rage-consumed soul before he kills again.

You are about to be swept into the arms of the…Red Dragon. --back cover

If you never thought a book could make you quake with fear, prepare yourself for Red Dragon.

You are about to be thrust so deeply into the heart of his obsession that you will find no escape.

You are about to hope beyond hope that one man—a man with powers he is horrified to use—can stop this rage-consumed soul before he kills again.

You are about to be swept into the arms of the…Red Dragon. --back cover

58 editions

foxrain reviewed Red Dragon by Thomas Harris

None

5 stars

This book kept me in its grip from start to finish. In many ways, it's a classic detective thriller, but it has some distinct characteristics as well. For example, the choice to let the reader into the murderer's life and head was interesting. All in all, quite a harrowing reading experience.

Caffeinated Book Dragon reviewed Red Dragon by Thomas Harris

About an incredibly complex character... and I don't mean Lecter!

4 stars

Pretty good book, and hard to believe Lecter isn't in this one any more than any of the film versions. Heck, I think the films versions had much more of him (of course, with his iconic status now, why not?)

I thought it was interesting and certainly the characterization of Will Graham vs. pretty much everyone in the book. He's a man full of demons who's survived Lecter (literally) and has tried to live a quiet life before a family murderer makes his boss bring him back from the cold. Graham isn't the most likeable character, I think, but you do feel for him. He's uneasy and trying to hold it together, but it makes you wonder how unlikeable he'd become if he was already an alcoholic. It's more like a man trying not to succumb to vices and waiting for him to fail when small triumphs become setbacks …

ridel reviewed Red Dragon by Thomas Harris

Review of 'Red Dragon' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

I think the vast majority of us will have watched Anthony Hopkins play Hannibal Lecter, and those films were all incredible. So into this comes the original books, and I wondered whether or not the movie or the book will come out on top. Well... it's a tie.

I struggle to recall what was different between the Red Dragon book and the movie. Nothing of import. There's a few changes in pacing, a bit more backstory, but I have never been more appreciative of the effort spent by the cast for their superb on-screen adaptation.

So I guess I'm slightly sad because I was hoping for something that only the novel could do, which the movie eschewed. And yet the movie was brilliant, and the book equally so. I can't fault either, I just don't think anyone needs to read this after watching the film. My first read of the …

Eli reviewed Red Dragon by Thomas Harris (Hannibal Lecter, #1)

None

4 stars

An elusive story of a killer the detective needs help from Hannibal to solve and understand. Under the power of red dragon the killer seemingly had no power over his actions. A captivating telling following the police and killer concurrently. Will def continue with the series.

The Gnome King reviewed Red Dragon by Thomas Harris

Review of 'Red Dragon' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

I read this when I was very young, I think it was my first introduction to serial killers, I reckon it was a good place to start. Francis Dolarhyde is one creepy killer and Hannibal Lector is 'Da Man'. The hunt for the killer is gripping stuff. The battle of the minds between Will and Lector makes for an interesting read.

It has been a long time since I read this, I wonder how it has aged.

Chris reviewed Red Dragon by Thomas Harris

None

4 stars

This book has once again the American obsession with serial killers. There's a film of it, which as far as I remember is fairly similar to the book but goes less into the psychology of the killer.