It is the fourth and final novel in Harris’ series, serving as a prequel to his three previous books featuring his most famous character, the cannibalistic serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter. The novel was released with an initial printing of at least 1.5 million copies.

Opening in Lithuania in 1941, Hannibal Lecter is eight years old and living in a castle with his parents and sister, Mischa. With the castle located near the eastern front of World War II, the Lecter family escapes to their lodge to elude the advancing German troops. With the castle abandoned, it is soon raided by Germans and civilians aiding them, their hidden art collection is among the stolen loot. Three years later, an advancing Soviet tank stops at the Lecter family’s lodge looking for water, only to be bombed by a German Stuka, the explosion killing all but the children.