The book delves into the intersection of art, aesthetics, and ethics through the character of Hannibal Lecter, highlighting his culinary and artistic tastes. It examines how Lecter's refined aesthetic appreciation, particularly for art and beauty, shapes his character and actions. His ability to derive aesthetic pleasure from the depiction and reality of horror, including his own crimes, underscores the complex relationship between aesthetics and morality. The book also explores the concept of "aesthetic distance," questioning whether a psychopath like Lecter can truly appreciate art without moral considerations. Furthermore, it investigates the idea that Lecter's moral deficit actually results in an aesthetic deficit, as he enjoys art that is both morally and aesthetically questionable. The book ultimately challenges traditional aesthetic theories and raises questions about the role of ethics in the appreciation of art.