TW: murder, rape, necrophilia, graphic content, torture, child abuse and psychopathic tendencies ⚠️
Red Dragon is the first in the Hannibal series and is based on the slayings of two families and the FBI and police working around the clock to find and prevent the next killing. They bring in an old profiler, Will Graham, who helped previously capture the notorious Hannibal Lecter but in order to understand this new serial killer they need Hannibal's help. This book draws you in so well and I've always felt it's a little bit underloved due to Hannibal only being a supporting character in some ways, I know he hangs over Will like a dark cloud but this book is focused on Francis Dolarhyde. Despite this though it has always been my favourite in the series. Throughout this read you can't help but speed through it because it is just so enthralling and such a page turner that you need to know what happens next. To me Thomas Harris is the epitome of "just one more chapter". One big thing that always gets me about how Harris writes is how despite the fact you know the horrific and vile things Dolarhyde has done you can't help but have some pity for him especially when he delves into his childhood (obviously no justification but still tugs a few heart strings and makes you understand why Dolarhyde's need for power and validation is so strong). Honestly this book will have you letting your guard down early on in the end before Harris gets your heart racing again and keeps you gripped until the very last page. If you haven't read this book and this series I cannot highly recommend it enough! I absolutely LOVE it