"The Silence of the Lambs" by Thomas Harris (Thriller/Horror, mild spoilers)

First off, I should probably mention the fact that this novel isn't what you'd call light, easy entertainment. I'd say it's not for the faint or heart of weak-stomached.

The story involves Clarice Starling, who is a trainee at the FBI academy. She becomes involved in a case involving not one, but two killers. The first is in custody in a mental institution, Dr. Hannibal "The Cannibal" Lecter. Lecter's crimes are mentioned, and they're gruesome.

But it turns out that Lecter may know something about "Buffalo Bill," an unknown killer the FBI has been trying to find. But Lecter won't just give out information quickly and easily. He makes Starling dig for it, and gives her clues somewhat cryptically, that she has to follow up on and interpret.

The case is urgent, because Buffalo Bill has kidnapped another victim. If he holds true to his pattern, it will only be a matter of days before he kills her.

The novel actually shows what happens in Buffalo Bill's home, and how he treats his captured victim. I found that sickening - Bill is very twisted.

One of the highlights of the story is the exchanges of dialogue between Starling and Dr. Lecter. Lecter is intelligent, and a trained psychiatrist himself, and seems to be digging for information as much as Starling is, he's constantly trying to figure out what makes her tick. For Starling, it can be unnerving to go through this.

As creepy and horrific as some of the violence in the book is, it's very compellingly written, and I found it a tough one to put down.

And the ending has an interesting twist, leaving the story open for more possibilities. I believe Harris did write some sequels.

Supporting characters, like Jack Crawford, a more senior FBI agent, are well thought out and developed, as well as the major characters.

And, of course, the film version with Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster was a big hit, I actually did see it years ago, and still remember some scenes vividly.

But the book is good, if you can cope with the violence - consider yourself warned.