59 pages • 1 hour read
Thomas HarrisRed Dragon
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1981A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.