In an incisive account of the Hannibal Lecter novels and their subsequent movie adaptations, Lecter creator Thomas Harris? career is examined in detail, and the development of the novels and screenplays is closely analyzed. The author sheds new light on the scripting, casting, and shooting of all four movies, and describes how the disappointing box-office returns on Manhunter gave way to the critical blockbuster The Silence of the Lambs. There are revealing insights into the production of Hannibal, and the story is brought fully up to date with coverage of Red Dragon and Hannibal Rising.