The sequel to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire takes up Lisbeth Salander's story where it was left off in the first book. At the end of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Lisbeth disappeared from Mikael's life because he was involved with another woman. Together, they solved the mystery of the disappearance of a girl named Harriet, but their romantic involvement didn't work out. At the beginning of The Girl Who Played with Fire, we learn that Lisbeth made her way over to the Caribbean and we see her behaving heroically during a hurricane where she saves a woman whose husband is trying to kill her for her money.
After this minor adventure in a warm land, Lisbeth once again returns to Sweden where she inadvertently gets involved in a number of homicides. The main two homicides are those of Dag Svensson and Mia Johansson, journalists who are preparing an exposé for Millenium magazine—the magazine that Mikael works for. Through this exposé, they plan to reveal how people who are high up in the Swedish government are actually involved in sex-trafficking. However, before they can blow the lid off this conspiracy, they are murdered and Lisbeth's fingerprints are found on the murder weapon. It turns out that Lisbeth visited them shortly before the murder because she found out that their research led them to someone named Zala, a figure from Lisbeth's own past.
The other homicide is that of Lisbeth's legal guardian, a lawyer named Nils Bjurman, who previously raped Lisbeth and tried to keep her from controlling her finances. Lisbeth got back at him by torturing him and tattooing him as a rapist. But this was not the end of the matter because in this book, we see that Nils has become obsessed with destroying her. When he is killed at around the same time as the two journalists, Lisbeth becomes the main suspect.
Although Lisbeth goes underground, she and Mikael collaborate once more and uncover what the two dead journalists were researching. In a stunning finale, Lisbeth almost dies, but hangs together just long enough to get back at the man trying to kill her.
Although there's no romance between Lisbeth and Mikael in this book, we learn a lot about Lisbeth's past and how she came to be the person she is today. She's a tough heroine but she's also strangely vulnerable and in this book, she becomes more humanized for us.
Stieg Larsson was raised in northern Sweden where his father worked in a smelting plant. Although his parents later moved to Stockholm, they left Larsson behind with his grandparents because Stockholm was too cramped and crowded. So he stayed in a house in the country and used cross-country skis to go to school. During his lifetime, he did not publish his novels but was instead active in the science fiction community, publishing fanzine issues. He was also an activist who sought avidly to counteract the extreme right and the growing white-power culture in Sweden. As a result, he received many death threats and although he had a life-long partner in Eva Gabrielsson, he didn't marry her, in an effort to reduce the security risks.
"I really had a hard time getting into the series. I picked up the first book probably at least 6 times over a couple months then fianlly I was drawn in. I dont know when It finally happened but Im so glad it did. I was completely enthralled with the action and adventure. So incredibly sad that the author didn't have more opportuity to live longer and give us more to read."
— Diane (5 out of 5 stars)
Mikael Blomkvist, crusading journalist and publisher of the magazine Millennium, has decided to run a story that will expose an extensive sex trafficking operation between Eastern Europe and Sweden, implicating well-known and highly placed members of Swedish society, business, and government.
But he has no idea just how explosive the story will be until, on the eve of publication, the two investigating reporters are murdered. And even more shocking for Blomkvist: the fingerprints found on the murder weapon belong to Lisbeth Salander—the troubled, wise-beyond-her-years genius hacker who came to his aid in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and who now becomes the focus and fierce heart of The Girl Who Played with Fire.
As Blomkvist, alone in his belief in Salander’s innocence, plunges into an investigation of the slayings, Salander herself is drawn into a murderous hunt in which she is the prey, and which compels her to revisit her dark past in an effort to settle with it once and for all.
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“Fans of postmodern mystery will revel in Larsson’s latest . . . also starring journo extraordinaire Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander, the Lara Croft of the land of the midnight sun . . . Lisbeth is really a Baltic MacGyver with a highly developed sense of outrage, a sociopathic bent and brand-new breast implants, to say nothing of a well-stuffed bankbook.
— Kirkus ReviewsReviews from abroad:“As good as crime writing gets . . . Completely absorbing and engaging on both a narrative and a moral level . . . Lisbeth Salander [is] a remarkable heroine.
— The Times Literary SupplementThe huge pleasure of these books is Salander, a fascinating creation with a complete and complex psychology . . . Salander is recognisably a Lara Croft for grown-ups–a female Terminator.
— The Guardian“Addictive . . . We are in the hands of a master . . . Salander and Blomkvist [are] the finest and strangest partnership in crime fiction since Holmes and Watson . . . Stunningly memorable.
— Scotland on Sunday“The Girl Who Played with Fire is that rare thing–a sequel that is even better than the book that went before . . . A combination of urgent, multilayered thriller, traditional police procedural and articulate examination of the way a supposedly open-minded country like Sweden treats its vulnerable women and children.
— The ObserverWith the spiky and sassy Salander, Larsson created the most original heroine to emerge in crime fiction for many years . . . She seizes the book by the scruff of its neck and binds the reader in fetters of fascination.
— The IndependentThis second novel is even more gripping and astonishing than the first. What makes it outstanding is the author’s ability to handle dozens of characters and parallel narratives without losing tension. Larsson was a fantastic storyteller. This novel will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
— The Sunday Times (London)The best thriller I’ve read in ages . . . If you want a book to take on your lifetime trip on the Trans-Siberian railway, The Girl Who Played With Fire is the one.”
–Evening Herald (Ireland)
“Boasts an intricate, puzzle-like story line…even as it accelerates toward its startling and violent conclusion.”
— New York TimesThe Girl Who Played with Fire will likely confirm Larsson’s position as the most successful crime novelist in the world.
— Slate“Larsson has bottled lightning . . . Formally at least, The Girl Who Played with Fire is a muscle car. But a European engine purrs beneath its hood . . . It buzzes with ideas [and] fizzes with fury.
— Los Angeles TimesA dynamite thriller.
— Liz Smith, VarietyThese books grabbed me and kept me reading with eyes wide open with the same force as the best of the series on the TV monitor . . . Move over, Tony Soprano . . . Blomkvist is a wonderfully appealing character. And the girl of the title is one of the most fascinating characters in modern genre fiction.
— Alan Cheuse, San Francisco ChronicleA nail-biting tale of murder and cover-ups in which the victims are tantalizingly hard to distinguish from the villains. . . Believe the hype . . . It’s gripping stuff.
— People“Another gripping, stay-up-all-night read.
— Entertainment Weekly“Lisbeth Salander [is] one of the most startling, engaging heroines in recent memory . . . Some of the books’ appeal comes from the Swedish setting, but most of it is a result of the author writing from the heart, not from a formula. Larsson clearly loved his brave misfit Lisbeth. And so will you.
— USA TodayThe Girl Who Played with Fire confirms the impression left by Dragon Tattoo. Here is a writer with two skills useful in entertaining readers royally: creating characters who are complex, believable, and appealing even when they act against their own best interest; and parceling out information in a consistently enthralling way.
— Washington Post “Lisbeth Salander was one of the most original and memorable heroines to surface in a recent thriller: picture Angelina Jolie’s Lara Croft endowed with Mr. Spock’s intense braininess and Scarlett O’Hara’s spunky instinct for survival . . . Now Salander is back in an even more central role . . . The reason it works is the same reason that Dragon Tattoo worked: Salander and Blomkvist transcend their genre and insinuate themselves in the reader’s mind through their oddball individuality, their professional competence and, surprisingly, their emotional vulnerability.A suspenseful, remarkably moving novel . . . This is the best Scandinavian novel to be published in the U.S. since Smilla’s Sense of Snow . . . Salander is one of those characters who come along only rarely in fiction: a complete original, larger than life yet firmly grounded in realistic detail, utterly independent yet at her core a wounded and frightened child . . . One of the most compelling characters to strut the crime-fiction stage in years.
— Booklist (starred)“This is complex and compelling storytelling at its best, propelled by one of the most fascinating characters in recent crime fiction.
— Library Journal (starred)Fans of intelligent page-turners will be more than satisfied by Larsson’s second thriller . . . [It has] powerful prose and intriguing lead characters.
— Publishers Weekly“[A] gripping, stay-up-all-night read.”
— Entertainment Weekly“Gripping stuff…A nail-biting tale of murder and cover-ups.”
— People“While very much part of a larger whole (there are numerous references to events that occurred in the first part of the trilogy), The Girl Who Played with Fire stands alone as a highly enjoyable, if not always smooth—and often disquieting—mixture of classic crime tropes, searing violence, and vivid characterization.”
— Audible.com, editorial review" Brilliant continuation of dragon tattoo, same spellbinding story telling, building on characters, leaving you on the edge of your seat wondering which way it will turn next, who will survive, will the "hero" get the villion, will the villion get his just reward, impossible to put down to get to the end. "
— ben, 12/18/2016" Every bit as good as the first in the series. Could not wait to hear the next chapter - very well read. "
— M, 4/29/2016" Wow! Even better than the 1st book! "
— Naftoli, 2/20/2014" Answering several incomplete questions in previous book. The plot, story and character involved are wider than the previous book. "
— Jon, 2/12/2014" I didn't like it nearly as much as the first book. "
— Vanessa, 2/11/2014" A great follow up to the first story... "
— Mark, 2/10/2014" Didn't start real well, and overall not as good as book 1 but still enjoyed the twists. "
— Josh, 2/3/2014" The best of the trilogy for me, more plot, more intrigue, might not be the most challenging read but he tells a good story! "
— Emma, 1/28/2014" Loved the book........can't wait to start the 3rd in the series. "
— M., 1/20/2014" A lot of unnecessary pages. A lot of unnecessary background. A lot of unnecessary gibberish. I feel this book could've been 200 pages shorter. In addition, I don't like that this book doesn't stand on its own. It's just a bridge between the two books "
— Luis, 1/16/2014" I accidentally hit the button to say I was a fan of this author. I am not a fan and think his writing is terrible. "
— Claire, 1/10/2014" Such an amazing series, wish the author was still around the write more "
— Jcjohnst, 12/28/2013" Second of the Millinium Triology. First 150 pages does not do any good to the story or your time butthen it picks up speed and thrilling. "
— Viswanathan, 12/5/2013" Loads of fun. A little slow in the middle but worth going through to learn a little more about the main character. "
— Jeff, 12/2/2013" Just finished... Really, really good. Yes the guy needed an editor. But really original, strong characters and a story that just keeps going. After reading the first book, I really didnt know what all the fuss was about - didnt really get it. Now I do. "
— Jim, 12/1/2013" So, So, Good and now onto The Girl Who Kicked the Hornests' Nest "
— John, 11/23/2013" The second book in the series of 3. I really enjoyed this one. A much faster read than the Dragon Tattoo and much more interesting. Really looking forward to reading the final book to see how it all turns out! "
— Raimundo, 11/13/2013" This is a complex story, with lots of intrique. We've just finished with the audiobook today. The reader, for Random House, does an excellent job with the many Swedish names, and uses many different inflections for the various characters. Absolutely spellbinding. "
— Theresa, 11/12/2013" Worse than The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo! "
— Leigh, 10/8/2013" Once you are into it, very veeeery difficult to stop. "
— Aaron, 8/31/2013" A great book to read and couldn't put it down. "
— Hinewaa, 6/3/2013" This series by Steig Larsson has taken on a life of its own so there's not much for me to add. Intricate and compelling, I enjoyed this even more than The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. "
— Lynn, 2/17/2013" Once again an interesting, stimulating and thought provoking read. However, I do feel that Larsson goes overboard with the sick sex aspects. That takes away from the awesomeness of the detective/mystery story. "
— Olivia, 11/20/2012" Entertaining like the first one. Still not sure I understand all the hysteria about these books though. "
— Brian, 10/16/2012" Great sequel but could have done with an edit to reduce its length. I really don't need to know what each item was when Salander did her grocery shopping. "
— Steve, 9/3/2012" so much better than the first installment of the millenium trilogy. although, it does seem to function mostly as a bridge to the third book. but still a brilliant & gripping story. "
— Lee, 5/23/2012" Really really really really good. "
— Bianka, 12/10/2011" Super fun read... can't wait to see the graphic novel series. "
— Eliane, 10/24/2011" these get worse over time "
— David, 9/17/2011" Larsson really needed an editor to cut out all of the unnecessary details. But you can really get wrapped up in the story; the series is fun, give it a read. "
— Jess, 7/6/2011" The second book in the series kept me up until 2 am...although that could have just been the drugs. "
— Candice, 6/11/2011" Last book... for now at leat... on the millenium triology... and what a good ending....I am all about "happy endings"... and to be honest if they never make any more books of the series I think I will be content... I do want more... but... it was good enough... "
— Jose, 5/24/2011" I had to read the last one in the series as well... These books are pure entertainment, with much gore and suspense. Kudos to the writer for unveiling much information about impunity for violence against women and children and bringing the message to the world "
— Tina, 5/24/2011" This certainly is an appropriate and catchy title for the 3rd book in this series. Once again, I enjoyed the fast pace and Larsson's ability to tie together all the loose ends. "
— Jsarno49, 5/23/2011" Like the first book in this series, I had a hard time getting into it. Once the story got going though, it was hard to put down. "
— Rose, 5/22/2011" Great book; my favorite of the trilogy! "
— Darlene, 5/22/2011" Sorry it was the last in the series. I enjoyed all three. The characters were all believable and well thought out. The action made for an exciting read. Loved them. "
— Linda, 5/22/2011" Loved this book as much as the first 2. I so wish the author hadn't died so we could have enjoyed the entire series he had planned to write. "
— Crystal, 5/22/2011" Nice way to close the triology. "
— Cornflakegirl, 5/22/2011" I love the trilogy. I just didn't want it to end. Some of the scenes may be implausible but for its entertainment value....it's highly recommended. I am now a fan of Lisbeth Salander! "
— nalasbang, 5/21/2011" The books in this trilogy get better as you go. "
— Roadrunner, 5/21/2011" One of the best novels i ever read..its very difficult to manage interest of reader for all 3 books and Larsson successfully does that. Very sorry for writer not to able to see phenomenon of his books "
— Ravi, 5/21/2011" I read this book so quickly. It was a thriller. Only problem was the last 30 or so pages, it got dry with information. If you don't read this book quickly after The Girl who Played with Fire you may have a hard time putting all the names to the character. "
— Coolcat, 5/20/2011" I liked this entire series. Very suspenseful. I couldn't put any of them down. "
— Sara, 5/20/2011Stieg Larsson (1954–2004) was a native of Sweden who wrote the internationally bestselling Millennium series of crime novels. Originally written in Swedish, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire, and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest were posthumously published in English in 2009. Larsson, a leading expert on antidemocratic right wing extremism and neo-Nazi organizations, was the founder of the Swedish Expo Foundation, an organization that seeks to eliminate white nationalism among young people. He was also the editor of the organization’s magazine, Expo.
Simon Vance (a.k.a. Robert Whitfield) is an award-winning actor and narrator. He has earned more than fifty Earphones Awards and won the prestigious Audie Award for best narration thirteen times. He was named Booklist’s very first Voice of Choice in 2008 and has been named an AudioFile Golden Voice as well as an AudioFile Best Voice of 2009. He has narrated more than eight hundred audiobooks over almost thirty years, beginning when he was a radio newsreader for the BBC in London. He is also an actor who has appeared on both stage and television.