LJ Ross Book Club: A Classic Thriller for October

The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris

This month’s LJ Ross Book Club selection is a classic work of thriller fiction from Thomas Harris. The Silence of the Lambs, first published in 1988, is the tale of FBI Trainee Agent Clarice Starling, tasked with hunting notorious serial killer ‘Buffalo Bill’ who has been capturing and starving women before murdering and skinning them. Rookie Clarice is assigned to elicit help from notorious psychopathic killer, Doctor Hannibal ‘The Cannibal’ Lecter, whose insight into the depraved minds of killers like himself is second to none. Unfortunately, in order to probe his mind, she must invite him into hers… is making a bargain with one dangerous man too high a price to pay to find another?

LJ’s Thoughts: 

‘This book remains one of my favourite ‘go to’ reads. Perfect to pick up for a spare five minutes, or even a luxurious few hours, it’s immersive, absorbing storytelling at its best, from an author writing at the height of his powers. It’s possible that many people may have seen the Oscar-winning 1991 dramatisation featuring Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins, rather than having read the book, and if this is the case I’d urge you to look out a copy. The film is, admittedly, a fantastic viewing experience with star turns and quality casting throughout, but nothing can replace the truly evocative atmosphere Harris weaves with his writing, and it’s worthy of discovery for those who haven’t.’