The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Millennium Trilogy)

I have just finished reading this book which was recommended to me by a friend. As someone who is not usually a crime fiction fan (I certainly never buy them), I was not very enthusiastic about it but had some curiousity because of the rave reviews it was getting in other areas also. I found the beginning of the book a bit tedious and was starting to think it was not for me, but, all of a sudden, it got a grip and I found that I was most reluctant to put it down! I have now had the satisfaction of finishing it this morning after a record reading time. I found the book most entertaining, evoking many differing emotions - suspense, disgust, intrigue, and some laughs also. The location being in Sweden was interesting and the translation certainly did not affect the impact of the storytelling. The two main characters were likeable and I grew fond of them and found myself caring about them. The author certainly can reach the reader and at the end, my main emotion was one of satisfaction. I certainly intend to the read his other two books. Jean Ross

Some incredible thrillers are coming from Scandinavian countries these days. Anyone who is a fan of the Kurt Wallander series of books by Henning Mankell will know what I mean. Now we have a new addition to the shelf, courtesy of deceased author, Stieg Larsson. This is the first volume in the Millenium trilogy and after finishing this first book, I am very much looking forward to the next two volumes. Larssson died in 2004 soon after delivering the manuscripts for 3 crime novels to his publisher. It's a pity that this gifted author isn't around for a long time to come. The tale is split between the shady secrets of a wealthy family and the murky dealings of a famous businessman. Mikael Blomkvist, a recently convicted journalist, is hired by Henrik Vanger to investigate the disappearance of his niece almost 40 years ago. Vanger promises Blomkvist the means to clear his good name as part of the payment and Blomkvist accepts. The author manages to maintain an excellent pace throughout, but still delivers a strong social lesson while providing the thrills. It is an intelligent thriller with a conscience. Probably one of the best of its kind in recent years.

I got all three books in the trilogy as a present, and read them all in less than a week (in Swedish), a personal record. The first book is now available in English. (The literal tranlation would have been "Men who Hate Women".) The books are complete page-turners, the suspense keeps building. The author's death prior to publication may have contributed to some minor errors of fact and of internal consistency, but this does not detract from the readability. Apparently, the English version has problems, judging from other reviews. I sincerely hope the publisher (and the translator) will take better care with the third (and last) installment. The background portrayal of a school system gone haywire and of a mental health system out of control, both violating people that don't quite fit in with the Swedish way resounds with its plausibility. I am left with the impression that the author had first-hand experience with the horrors of the former, if not necessarily the latter. Curiously, the author fails to draw the conclusion that it is the welfare state itself that is the cause, he clearly embraces it - but then, he is a dyed-in-the-wool Swede. A piece of advice to the reader: It is helpful to have a physical map of Sweden handy; with the exception of one of the main locations (Hedeby, which exists only unrelatedly in Denmark) all the towns are real. The "Millennium" magazine featured in the books exists in the real world as "EXPO", and Mikael Blomqvist is clearly the author's alter ego. I believe that somebody familiar with the "in crowd" in Stockholm will find several matches between the fictitious characters in the trilogy and real people. Nils Andersson

For someone who normally reads one chapter of a book each night before bed, I found myself reading chapter after chapter with this one - it was so riveting I could not put it down. Once the characters are developed in the first few chapters, the story takes on a pace which gets more and more exciting as it heads towards it's crescendo. Excactly as all good stories should be. I can't wait for the next installment!

Was not sure about this book at first but once I got into it, I thought it was amazing. It is very well plotted and has strong characterisations. It left me wanting to know more about Lisbeth Salander the computer hacker. In this book there is a srong theme concerning the abuse of women. Looking forward to reading the next two in the series. Strongly recommend to anyone who hasn't yet discovered this book by this talented author (RIP).

First time I have chosen to read one of the 'emerging' scandinavian crime novels. I was not disappointed, very much the opposite. Loved the introduction to the main characters which follow through into the following two novels, The girl who played with fire and The girl that kicked a hornets nest. The girl who played with fire, I've also read and have just ordered The girl that kicked a hornets nest. Would recommend these books if you like well written and executed plots, strong and in the case of Lisbeth Salander, unusual characters. Just what you need for these cold winter nights with nothing much on the telly. With, if you're lucky like me a log fire and a cup of chocolate. Bliss.

I really enjoyed this book. There were loads of surprising twists and turns, and the characters are really interesting, and different. It was a bit of a slow start, but you have to stick with it, its a different kind of crime story, not your usual investigation. I will be buying the others in the series, as i'm hooked on the characters!

This book is incredible. The way the author introduces little by little the story, how the different plots inside the book are intermingled till they collide and the reader can see that everything is related. The novel keeps on surprising you and it would be very difficult to stop reading, just because you want to know more. If you want to read a good book, don't hesitate and choose this one. You won't regret.

I chanced upon this book purely by accident and although the beginning is a little heavy going it is an essential part of the book(s) to follow as it introduces you to all the major characters. The plot is gripping and totally unexpected and it kept me up until the early hours of the morning. I bought the sequel The Girl who played with fire which I would say was even better. Both books are brilliantly written and very well translated. I can't wait for the third book to be published - I'll be first in the queue.

Great story to listen to, good plot development and characterisation. Excellent choice for fans of Scandanavian literature and detective fiction. Looking forward to listening to the next story - The Girl Who Knew Too Much,already purchased. A little caution may be needed for people who are upset by some graphic details of violence against young people.However, it is not sensationalised, and is in keeping with the story. Keep listening or reading!