Never judge a book by its cover" and "I could not put it down". These are two clichés that shouldn't normally appear in a respectable book review, but they do describe neatly how I feel about this book. When the book was originally published, I was sure that anything with a Goth/Punk style heroine with tattoos, as per the cover illustration, was not for me. Browsing the local Community Centre book selection recently however, I saw a copy with snowy trees on the cover (how shallow am I) and decided to pay the small price and try it. Thats when I couldn't put it down took effect. It starts with a good old fashioned missing persons mystery with limited suspects, develops nicely with the very likeable Blomqvist reluctantly taking on the case as he's reached a crossroads in his life, and just continues to get better. The tattooed girl Salander is I believe a unique heroine and from the time the two meet, the plot roars into life. The relationship and the mission they are on to put old wrongs right is very satisfying. Even with the original mystery solved, there is more, and it's one of those books where the characters and the plot are so compelling you don't want to reach the end, and when you do, you have to buy the other two books in this trilogy, Girl Who Played With Fire, and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets Nest. I had to buy this copy as a visiting friend asked to borrow my snowy trees copy, and was I think a little offended that I refused to part with it, so I ordered this one. Quite simply one of the best novels I have ever read, so much depth, originality, and pure talent in the writing.Read full review
This book is about a murder, a mystery, an investigation. It is unusual in its style, with a lot of investigation, but not a lot of action. Having said that, the telling of the investigation is gripping, and the action when it happens is enough to keep you reading when you should really put your light out and go to sleep. And unlike in Poirot novels, although there are many possible suspects to consider, there is only one solution that fits the known facts. I kicked myself for not realising the answer; in retrospect it is obvious, but at the time ... And the penultimate thing I'd like to say about this book is that it is a very clever story, and I admired it enormously. The last thing to say is that I rushed to eBay to buy the sequel, but that's another story.
Brought this after seeing 1st film, then buying and reading 2nd-3rd books and watching those films too. The book IS so much better and kinda ruined the films! I dont even like thrillers or anything with violent content. You get lost in the story and wrapped up in the characters truely fantastic. I would recommend this for anyone who has ever been oppressed, got sick of the system, and wanted to kick some arse in an intelligent way. What an achievement for 1 man- and now all that is disappointing is finding any book that matches these in depth and breathe- read it!
Great book could not put it down till it was finished
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I wanted to read this book as my bro in law, and a male friend had both raved about Steig Larsson;s books. I found the book very slow to get into it;s stride, and if not for the good reviews I would have perhaps given up on it. However, I;m so glad that I didn;t. An excellent read..especially when you stop trying to pronounce in your head Swedish names and places. I'll buy the rest of Larssens books. Be patient with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. She;s worth it.
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