The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson

First of all, you've got to say something about a book (a trilogy really) that makes you want to NOT drink so that you can stay up as late as possible to read (so as not to forget what you've read). That is what this trilogy has done to me! And how bummed am I that I've completed the final chapter of the last book in the trilogy!!! SO BUMMED!!! I need a drink!!!

So this last book in the trilogy is really a continuation of the second book. I'm sure that the author chose to split it in two for two reasons: 1) Money! Two books means two hardbacks and two releases with two separate sellings which means MONEY MONEY MONEY!!! (though he's now dead so who cares) and 2) Had it not been divided into two books, the ONE book would have been about 1300 pages. YOWZA!!!

Anyway, as I've said this last book is a continuation of the second so I don't want to say too much about so as not to give anything away. I will say, however, that it is an in depth investigation of the circumstances that have landed Lisbeth in a world of trouble. She's basically shut off from all of those who could help her and left to prove her innocence - with only her lawyer - in the attempted murder of her father and 14 other lesser charges. Her ability to trust is being tested and in the end she will be left with only one choice. You must read this series because I'm telling you it is spellbindingly DEEEEELICOUS!!!

The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! You know, it only happens that once in a blue moon that you come across a book series that just obsesses your mind and this trilogy is one of them!
The Girl Who Played With Fire is the 2nd in the trilogy by Stieg Larsson (The Girl With the Dragon Tatoo is the first...and don't expect anymore from Larsson cause him dead). In this one, we once again see Mikael Blomkvist, journalist and Lisbeth Salander, "punk computer hacker" in cahoots (from a distance) in order to clear Salander's name in a triple homicide. The circumstances: A few weeks before Dag Svensson, a freelance journalist, plans to publish a story that exposes important people involved in Sweden's sex trafficking business (based on research conducted by his girlfriend, Mia Johansson) the couple are shot to death in their Stockholm apartment. Lisbeth's prints are on the murder weapon and she knows more about the mystery than she's letting on. What follows is about 500 pages of mind boggling adventure as Blomkvist and Salander try to find those responsible for the killings. Through computer hacking, breaking and entering, disguises, torture and so much more fun stuff, Salander and Blomkvist eventually find the answers to all their questions.

The great thing about this book was all of the stuff the reader finally learns about Lisbeth. Her past finally comes to light and the reason for the crazy way she acts (she's sort of socially handicapped and hates men who hate women) is finally revealed. The reader, however, is still left with one or two questions about Salander (where's her twin sister?) and #3 (The Girl Who Kicked a Hornet's Nest) had better reveal those hopefully startling revelations! I can't wait!!! It just came out in hardback and I want to go out and get it lickity split but I also want to savor the moment and have a little anticipation (unlike Maggie who couldn't hold back). I'll try and wait as long as I can before buying! READ THIS SERIES!!! And BONUS!!! The movies are already made (Swedish but if you read the books you can read subtitles!)

The Girl With the Dragon Tatoo by Stieg Larsson

So, it's been a while since I've read a good crime/whodunit novel and let me tell you, it was worth the wait! I had read/heard about this book (and the sequels) so when I saw it in the grocery on sale I jumped on it!

First of all, the book takes place in Sweden. In fact, the novel is a translation - thus an international monster best-seller. In summary, the book centers around several characters. First there's Mikael Blomkvist - a financial journalist, recently suffering a career set back when he is found guilty of libel after printing a rather "scandalous" article on a Swedish billionaire. Afraid that his magazine, which he is co-owner of will take a hit because of his bad publicity, he decides to take a year sabbatical after receiving an offer he can't refuse. Enter Henrik Vanger, an 82-year old former CEO of an industrial company who has suffered these last 36 years after his beloved grand niece disappeared. Vanger hires Blomkvist to attempt, one last time, to find out who killed his cherished niece. Blomkvist in turn, recruits Lisbeth Salander - a 24-year old, slightly psychotic, computer-hacking, genius researcher to assist. What follows is a roller coaster ride of discovery!

This book was deeeeeeeelicious. I couldn't put it down. There were so many twists and turns and disturbing "STUFF" that I was engrossed for all of its almost 700 pages! And to make it even more awesome!!!??? There are two more books featuring these character (The Girl Who Played With Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest)! The thing that sucks!!!!??? Stieg Larsson died in 2004 so after the next 2, I've got nothing to look forward to?! Read this! You will love it (I think)!