The Silence of the Lambs is Harris's most perfectly-realized novel. In its expert use of the omniscient narrator to present the thoughts and emotions of principal characters, in its riveting dialogue, in its psychological acuity, and in its authentic use of police proce dure, The Silence of the Lambs is considered by many critics to be a book which ultimately bridges the gap between popular fiction and literary fiction, a book which can be read for enjoyment or reflection. Harris again creates suspense by having his heroes work against a deadline, this time days instead of weeks, and by moving back and forth between the principals of his story, this time weaving in Lecter as a subsidiary storyline to the cat and mouse game between Buffalo Bill and the authorities pursuing him.