A native of Mississippi, Thomas Harris began his writing career covering crime in the United States and Mexico and was a reporter and editor for the Associated Press in New York City. He is the author of Black Sunday, Red Dragon, The Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal, Hannibal Rising, and Cari Mora. Five of his books have been made into films, including most notably the multiple Oscar winner, The Silence of The Lambs.