It was a 2008 Bestseller and I've heard enough about it to have entered into my bookclub JUST to read this book. (Ironically, I don't think I'll be able to make the bookclub talk, because I'll still be traveling home from an out-of-state wedding).
Nonetheless, let's talk about Stieg Larsson's The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. This gripping mystery is set in Sweden and follows three distinct storylines: 1) Journalist Mikael Blomkvist is convicted of libel for publishing a story against corporate giant Wennerstrom. Blomkvist knew he was on to something, that Wennerstrom was definitely up to no good, but needs more time and evidence to nail the corporate leader once and for all. 2) To get away from the shame of libel conviction, Blomkvist agrees to work for former CEO of Vanger Industries, Henrik Vanger, to write the Vanger family history and moreover, do his best to find out what happened to Vanger's niece, Harriet. Harriet went missing - no body was found and the circumstances of her disappearance are to say the least, suspicious. 3) Punk/Goth/Weirdo Lisabeth Salander (aka the girl with the dragon tattoo) works for a security firm. She's absolutely amazing at doing background checks and other investigations. But she has no social skills. In fact, she's a ward of the state due to not being "mentally or emotionally" capable of handling herself and her private affairs.
Corrupt corporations, murder, sex, secrets, lies...this book has it all. It's intricate, suspenseful, memorable, and just a pleasure to read. There were some downsides, though. The beginning of the book was a little dry, but it did set up a nice profile of just who Blomkvist and Salander were as people. The middle - totally awesome! The very, very end of the novel felt forced. There were details given that were unneeded and it just seemed like Larrson was trying to wrap up the loose ends and be done already. I would have been happy with the book ending on page 553 of the paperback. Nonetheless, WELL DONE.
My score: 9.5/10.
