In one of the most eagerly anticipated literary events of the decade, Thomas Harris takes us once again into the mind of a killer, creating a tour de force of psychological suspense. Seven years have passed since Dr. Hannibal Lecter escaped from custody but FBI agent Clarice Starling has never forgotten her encounters with him. Mason Verger, Lecter's only surviving victim, is also obsessed with revenge, and soon realises that to tempt the doctor out from his hiding place he must have the most exquisite and innocent-appearing bait; he must have what Dr. Lecter likes best.