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  • The Silence of the Lambs

  • Written by: Thomas Harris
  • Narrated by: Kathy Bates
  • Length: 3 hrs and 3 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (77 ratings)

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The Silence of the Lambs

Written by: Thomas Harris
Narrated by: Kathy Bates
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Publisher's Summary

Hannibal Lecter. The ultimate villain of modern fiction who scared the world silent. An evil genius locked away for unspeakable crimes. A young FBI trainee plunges into the darkest chambers of a psychopath's mind in the deadly search for a serial killer.

The Silence of the Lambs is an instant classic of chilling psychological suspense. From the tormenting words of homicidal maniac Hannibal Lecter and the flesh-rending depravity of an elusive killer to the sheer courage of a young FBI novice who risks her life to track him down and stop the bloodshed, this critically acclaimed audio production, narrated by Kathy Bates, has an unforgettable intensity.

©1988 Thomas Harris, All Rights Reserved (P)1988 Simon & Schuster Inc., All Rights Reserved
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What the critics say

"A virtual textbook on the craft of suspense. A masterwork of sheer momentum that rockets seamlessly toward its climax...Harris is quite simply the best suspense novelist working today." (The Washington Post)
"Superb." (The New York Times)
"Beautifully written." (The San Francisco Examiner)

"Kathy Bates makes it sound so real you'll be looking over your shoulder for days." ( Washington Post Book World)

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What listeners say about The Silence of the Lambs

Average Customer Ratings
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Better than the movie!

I've always loved this movie, but I'm happy to say I now love the book even more! Kathy Bates is a phenomenal narrator, which is unsurprising, given her gold star acting skills. 10/10 would listen again!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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A Classic!

I had only ever watched the movie and with the nearing halloween season and a 5 hour road trip I thought it was the perfect time to finally read (or should I say listen) to The Silence of the Lambs. Even though I knew the story it felt like I was hearing it for the first time! I LOVED how the book dives straight into the story; there is no waisting time! I seriously recommend this listen!!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Okay. I Give Cathy Bates credit for doing her best

Bates was not given much to work with, being that it is a 12 chapter book abridged sooo heavily. A LOT was taken out and some even changed.

I think she did a good job as Clarice and I grew to like her version of Hannibal. She never tried to be like the Hopkins version and in that way made it her own.

I blame all the issues I have with the editors and producers.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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Bad

The book is really good the problem is it’s skips a lot of parts of the story

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It’s Abridged , only 3 hours

I Hate female narrators , Men are better. but I read the book and saw the movie, and its a great story. So I would give Kathy Bates a try, I did not realize it abridged . most of the story is missing , I plan on returning this selection. Amazon does not have the full book available. Don't waste a credit . The full book is ten hours longer .
.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Is Kathy Bates a robot?

I would have purchased this book regardless of who was narrating it, but the fact that it is supposed to be Kathy Bates sealed the deal for me.
upon starting the book I was shocked to hear what I am almost certain is a robotic voice,not has to be. the mechanic sounding flow ruins it somewhat for me, regardless of how amazing the content is.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Skips so much of the book!!!

Hated this! I wanted to follow along at a faster pace 1.5x for a university class required reading. But the narrator skips whole and sometimes multiple paragraphs. It may make the story smoother for narrating. But it was horrible for following along. Didn't make it past chp 1!!! It was that bad!

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3 people found this helpful