Hannibal Lecter series reviewed

With 1981’s Red Dragon, Thomas Harris introduced the world to Dr. Hannibal Lecter. And though “Hannibal the Cannibal” didn’t take a starring role in the first book in the series, he would soon become the focus of Harris’s work.

If nothing else, the popularity of Hannibal Lecter provides insight into society’s interest in serial killers. But Harris’s skill as a writer and Lecter’s personality have led to the character becoming a literary legend.

This article explores the books that introduced the world to the criminally insane Hannibal, in addition to looking at the TV show and film adaptations of Harris’ work.

Book series overview

Hopefully, you’ve never had the desire to consume human flesh, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be interested in characters who do. Across four books, Thomas Harris tells the tale of Hannibal Lecter, giving the killer an unlikely ending and offering peeks into his backstory.

Book 1 – Red Dragon

Despite being the introduction of Hannibal Lecter, Red Dragon doesn’t make the cannibal its focus. Rather, the story follows an FBI profiler named Will Graham in his pursuit of a serial killer the media names The Tooth Fairy for his habit of biting into his victims.

Assigned by Special Agent Jack Crawford to find the killer, Graham tries to overcome the mental scars his work left in his mind as he comes out of retirement.

Through his investigations and meetings with Lecter, Graham finally tracks down a man named Francis Dolarhyde. With its shocking conclusion, Red Dragon sets the stage for Hannibal Lecter to come to the forefront.

Book 2 – The Silence of the Lambs

The cannibalistic serial killer introduced in Red Dragon returns in the follow-up. Only this time, he takes center stage despite spending almost the entire book locked up in a cell.

The Silence of the Lambs introduces us to rookie FBI agent Clarice Starling. Despite being new to the FBI, she’s assigned to speak to Hannibal Lecter to see if he can shed any light on a killer known only as Buffalo Bill.

What follows is a story of cat and mouse that is even more intense than Red Dragon. But unlike that book, the focus here is on the developing relationship between Starling and Lecter.

Readers follow Starling’s journey from FBI trainee to grappling with a true genius for every shred of information. All the while, the threat of Buffalo Bill, otherwise known as Jame Gumb, looms large.

Book 3 – Hannibal

Following his successful escape from custody, Hannibal joins the titular killer as he makes a new life for himself in Florence.

Introducing a new cast of characters, including dogged investigator Rinaldo Pazzi and slimy FBI agent Paul Krendler, the book explores Hannibal Lecter outside the confines of a cell for the first time.

Clarice Starling returns, as does Frederick Chilton, the former head of the asylum in which Lecter was housed. The book also introduces us to a surviving victim of Lecter, Mason Verger, and his hulking sister Margot as they attempt to hunt Lecter outside the law.

Originally thought to be the conclusion to Lecter’s story, Hannibal’s real-life setting makes the book easy to absorb. It also has many standout scenes, including a disturbing dinner party and a horrifying scene involving pigs that you must read to believe.

Book 4 – Hannibal Rising

Serving as a prequel to the original trilogy, Hannibal Rising delves into the tragedies that molded the mind of the titular killer.

Starting in World War 2-era Lithuania, the book charts Lecter’s encounters with the Nazis as a young boy, as well as the tragic fate of his sister, Mischa.

After surviving these horrors in his Lithuanian home, Lecter moves to France to live with his aunt, Lady Murasaki. From there, the book charts Lecter’s descent into the villain that would eventually be dubbed The Chesapeake Ripper.

Some argue that Hannibal Rising gives too much backstory to a character that thrived on having an air of mystery. But for those who want the full tale of Hannibal Lecter, it’s essential reading.

Hannibal Lecter portrayed in other media

Though the Hannibal Lecter books developed stellar reputations on their own, they became even more famous thanks to Lecter’s appearances in film and television.

Manhunter marked Lecter’s first appearance on film. An adaptation of Red Dragon, the film sees Brian Cox star as the famous cannibal. It’s a unique film, bearing the hallmarks of Michael Mann’s directorial style. But it’s a solid entry into the world of cinema from Lecter.

However, the true star-making performance of Hannibal Lecter came in 1991’s The Silence of the Lambs. Starring Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling and Anthony Hopkins as Lecter, the film won several academy awards. It also gave us a chilling line about chianti and fava beans, which is one of the best quotes in cinema.

Hopkins reprised his role in 2001’s Hannibal, 2002’s Red Dragon, and 2007’s Hannibal Rising. Though in the latter film, he’s joined by Gaspard Ulliel, who plays the younger version of the killer.

Julianne Moore replaces Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling in Hannibal. Ridley Scott also replaces Jonathan Demme as Hannibal’s director.

In 2013, Lecter came to the small screen in Hannibal. Loosely based on Red Dragon, the show starred Mads Mikkelsen as Lecter and Hugh Dancy as Will Graham. Running for three seasons, it achieved critical acclaim until NBC canceled it in 2015.

Listen to Hannibal Lecter audiobooks on Speechify

Hannibal Lecter was a true success story for Thomas Harris. Despite not being the star of Red Dragon, Lecter’s allure was such that Harris had to focus on his famous villain, making him one of the most famous fictional serial killers of all time in the process.

On Speechify Audiobooks, you can find Red Dragon and The Silence of the Lambs in audiobook format, alongside a library of over 65,000 other titles, including many other options in the horror genre. With no subscription needed, Speechify Audiobooks allows you to buy the audiobooks you want when you want them.

Are you ready to enter the world of Hannibal Lecter? With Speechify Audiobooks, you get your first book for free when you sign up.

FAQ

Who was the real Hannibal Lecter?

Alfredo Ballí Treviño offered the inspiration for the character of Hannibal Lecter.

What did Hannibal Lecter suffer from?

Theories suggest Lecter had Wendigo’s Psychosis and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Why did Hannibal wear a mask?

Hannibal wears a mask to prevent him from biting when he’s being transported between facilities.

What did Hannibal Lecter do to Agent Starling?

Lecter manipulates Starling, baiting her into a question-and-answer game as he slowly tries to control her mind.

What was Hannibal Lecter’s nickname?

“Hannibal the Cannibal” and “The Chesapeake Ripper.”

Where was Hannibal Lecter captured?

Will Graham finds a copy of Wound Man on Lecter’s bookshelf, tipping him off to the doctor‘s true nature.

Who was Benjamin Raspail?

Benjamin Raspail was one of Lecter’s victims. The killer served up Raspail’s remains to unwitting members of the Baltimore Philharmonic Orchestra.