Red Dragon by Thomas Harris

I think this is a very good procedural novel. Harris has the technical details of forensic and crime scene investigation down to a science. Hannibal Lecter is barely in the novel and that fact makes him MORE memorable, not less.

All that being said, I feel like it runs out of gas once Francis Dolarhyde fakes his suicide. Him popping up at the end felt so unrealistic and unearned, but it's not like the supposed suicide wasn't already unsatisfying.

I think the most interesting thing in the book starts halfway through: Francis' romance with Reba. Dolarhyde is such a pure monster before it, and when he eats the Red Dragon picture but leaves the women alive at the museum Will probably had it right when suggesting he was trying to stop. And it's kind of amazing Reba brought that about after reading his unrepentant letter to Lecter.

Honestly, the scene of her being allowed to touch the tiger was amazing, and made me like Dolarhyde in spite of everything. In the end, he couldn't overcome the voice in his head or the demon on his back. But it's interesting that this woman made him WANT to. And even more interesting how terrified and conflicted it made him.

Also props to Harris for having her survive the book.

Freddie Lounds noting that Graham's hand on the shoulder during the photo was a set-up is interesting. Because I think it's true. That's what bothers Graham too.

Lecter printing Graham's home address in code in the Tattler for the Tooth Fairy to read shows exactly how dangerous and duplicitous Hannibal Lecter really is. And we didn't have to see him wearing anyone else's face to realize it.

So many people have called this a horror classic but I won't go that far. But it's a solid read. The ending could have been stronger but the book was mostly successful otherwise. 4 stars.