Crime
The Silence of the Lambs
1988·338 pages
A young FBI trainee hunts a serial killer with the help of a cannibalistic psychiatrist. A chilling psychological thriller.
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A young FBI trainee hunts a serial killer with the help of a cannibalistic psychiatrist. A chilling psychological thriller.
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When Buffalo Bill begins kidnapping and skinning young women, FBI trainee Clarice Starling is assigned to interview the brilliant, terrifying psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter — now imprisoned for murder and cannibalism — to gain insights into the killer's mind. A game of psychological cat-and-mouse ensues, as Clarice trades secrets with Lecter while racing to save the latest victim. The second novel in Thomas Harris's Hannibal Lecter series.
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What's Inside
will contain mild spoilers
Romance & sex
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Themes of sexual perversion in the context of serial homicide; no explicit scenes depicted but repeated references to deviant sexual behavior present. Minor romantic elements mentioned, not a primary theme.
Violence & gore
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Extreme graphic violence; murder, skinning, and cannibalism central to plot.
Profanity
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Moderate use of strong language throughout the narrative.
Substance use
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Minor mentions of alcohol; no drug use or addiction themes.
LGBTQ+ Rep.
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References to transsexuals and gay individuals; a main character’s “false” transsexual identity is a major thread. Multiple characters emphasize that the character’s violent tendencies aren’t truly related to transsexual presentation; queer characters referred to in both positive and negative lights.
Religious content
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No religious themes present.
Magic & witchcraft
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No occult or magical elements depicted.
Occult / demonology
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No evidence found in available sources.
Political content
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Some political references to federal law enforcement structure; minor references to different LGBTQ+ viewpoints.
Self-harm / suicide
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No self-harm or suicide depicted.
Abuse & suffering
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Frequent themes of psychological abuse and suffering; central to killer's actions. Sexual coercion tied to criminal behavior; not explicit.
Other
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References to animal slaughter. Negative commentary by some characters about fat/overweight women.