Based on Kathleen’s recommendation, I just finished reading the new English translation of Swedish author Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.Â
It’s one of the best mystery/thrillers I’ve read in years. Getting into the swing of pronouncing all the Swedish names and places in my head (like Saltsjöbaden, Järnvägsgatan and Aftonbladet)  took a bit of an adjustment – but didn’t take long… and worth the effort.Â
I don’t want to give anything away, because this a must read for anyone who loves a good Agatha Christie type murder mystery. But I will say that Mr. Larsson wove two different stories together brilliantly. A fascinating story that was hard to put down. The characters are original and engaging, he offers lots of interesting twists – complexity without being confusing. Has it’s dark moments, but doesn’t overdo it. You can tell the author has passion about the issues in the book.
I’m looking forward to the publishing of the rest of the trilogy in English…Â and also disappointed that the author died in 2004 – shortly after delivering the manuscripts for this and 2 subsequent novels.
Have you read it? What did you think?
I haven’t read it or even heard of it…and I’m glad he wrote the whole trilogy before he died, how sad there won’t be any more from him. I’ll have to check it out, thanks for the rec!
I will definately add this to my list!! You know I always love a good book. Thanks for the recommendation 🙂
Oooh- it sounds really good. Maybe after I’m done reading this boring book for my book club, I’ll suggest this one and we can all read it 🙂 I’m glad you liked it.
I’m so glad you liked the book as much as I. It’s always risky recommending a book with such passion as I’m afraid I did with you. It has been an international best seller but only published here in September. I’m waiting to hear from my friend in Sweden for answers to my questions about the author. I’ll keep you posted.
I just had a thought. The sequel may be out in England right now, so I will beg my brother to send it to me and of course allow it to circulate.
I have not heard of it, but I love a good mystery. Recently I have been wanting an EASY read so I picked up a Nicholas Sparks book, lol.
The author died from a heart attack, so sad, he was brillliant. Also, the sequel will be out in the USA this coming January. Happy reading everyone.
Thanks for the plug, and glad you liked my translation (edited for the UK). The original title was “Men Who Hate Women,” so you can see one of the author’s major concerns. Books 2 & 3 are even better, and Lisbeth Salander is developed into one of the most engaging heroines in mystery literature. Stieg had planned 10 volumes, unfortunately, and apparently 200 pages of book 4 were found on his laptop — no idea what will be done with them.
The schedule for release is #2 {The Girl Who Played With Fire) in England on January 8, US release next summer. If you can stand the wait I’d recommend the Knopf US edition. As for the Swedish names, the audiobook is read by a British actor who knows how to pronounce them correctly in case you’re curious. (The 3 names you cite mean Salt Sea Baths, Railroad Street, and the Evening Paper, but I don’t believe in translating anything that can be found on a map or online — otherwise no one would ever find it.) Enjoy, everyone, these are definitely the best Scandinavian mystery/thrillers I’ve ever read.
–Reg in Albuquerque
Wow, Reg, I can’t believe you actually visited and commented on my blog. I feel so privileged 🙂
Thanks for the insight – I’m looking forward to more of Lisbeth (and hopefully Mikael?)
I actually DID look some of these locations up on a map – so good call on not translating them. I will have to pick up the audio book to see how close my pronunciations were.
Apparently, my son was misinformed about the release date for the states. It was a pleasure to read Reg’s comments and recommendations, although waiting until summer for book #2 will not be easy.
For those who haven’t figured it out, Reg is the person who translated The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo from Swedish into English!