The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

By: Stieg Larsson

Narrated by: Saul Reichlin

Length: 18 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Forty years ago, Harriet Vanger disappeared from a family gathering on the island owned and inhabited by the powerful Vanger clan. Her body was never found, yet her uncle is convinced it was murder - and that the killer is a member of his own tightly knit but dysfunctional family.

He employs disgraced financial journalist Mikael Blomkvist and the tattooed, truculent computer hacker Lisbeth Salander to investigate. When the pair link Harriet's disappearance to a number of grotesque murders from 40 years ago, they begin to unravel a dark and appalling family history.

But the Vangers are a secretive clan, and Blomkvist and Salander are about to find out just how far they are prepared to go to protect themselves.

©2005, 2008 Norstedts Agency, Reg Keeland (P)2009 WF Howes Ltd

Critic reviews

"I doubt you will read a better book this year." (Val McDermid)

"Intelligent, complex, with a gripping plot and deeply intriguing characters. The author's early death is a great loss." (Philip Pullman)

"What a cracking novel! I haven't read such a stunning thriller debut for years. Brilliantly written and totally gripping." (Minette Walters)

Gripping and dark

This book was hard to put down, even though some of the violent scenes were really hard to listen to. I'm a bit squeamish in that regard, so will be reading the remainder of this trilogy on paper, which I find less confronting than audio.
That said, the story is gripping and the narration is fine.

Once it gets going, there's no stopping

At first, I had a hard time grasping this story. The beginning is pretty slow going, with plenty of corporate talk, and background explaining. Once, it gets past that: the story really gets interesting, with plenty of suspense and character developing. Really enjoyed it, and will read the sequels.

Excellent

This is the first book of Steig Larsson I have read thought it was a bit slow in the beginning but once it got going could not stop listening. I am hooked on this series and his style loved it want the next.
Enjoyed the Narrator as well made the story come alive.
Elena

Great First Listen

This was the first audible book I downloaded onto my Kindle. It was a terrific choice. The Narrators voice (Saul Reichlin) is clear and of a good timbre to listen to. The story is gripping and well written. I especially liked the facts and statistics that were included at the start of the different parts of the book.

Worth a listen.

Would you listen to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo again? Why?

No. Its much too long and takes up too much time in todays busy world. I definitely would not have finished the book as it was too difficult to get into in the beginning and the names were also unusual and difficult to remember so it took me a while to familiarize myself with the characters, but once I did - I could relate better to the story etc.
- Also, I felt there was a little too much unnecessary detail, which dragged the story out more than needed.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo?

I cant think of 'one' memorable moment.
Although it took me a while to get into the story, within a couple of hours I was hooked and couldn't turn it off.
There were many sections of the story that I thought were very well thought out, and there was plenty of mystery and suspense.
I must admit, I much enjoyed having the story read to me. If I had to actually read the book, I would have been bored by the first few chapters and not finished it!

Which scene was your favorite?

Again, there were many favorite sections of the story that held my interest. It was a real thinking mans/womans mystery. It was very realistic/believable and intricately detailed.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me think. I found myself trying to solve the mystery before finishing the book and although I was close many times, it always had me guessing.

Any additional comments?

Loved the characters, loved the plot and loved the narration.

Thoroughly enjoyed

A gripping story. Well narrated. I look forward to listening or reading the others books in this trilogy

worthwhile

It is very hard to write a concise review of this book, as there is so much one could say about its strengths and weaknesses. Vast sections were extremely tedious, yet other, longer, sections were riveting and deeply engaging. I agree with an earlier reviewer's opinion that the novel could have done with a bit more editing. Some of the exposition is difficult to get through, and can be confusing at times. I say this as a reader who is not easily bored, and tends to enjoy the sorts of long realist novels most people find boring. Ultimately, once I got into the guts of this novel, I found it hard to put aside. I'd say the first hour or two, and the last couple hours of the audio version were not all that engaging, but I think there are a number of reasons for this, mostly personal. Others may find the Venestrom strain of the novel more interesting than I did.

The novel contains a good deal of fairly graphic sexual violence, and isn't for those who might be sensitive to this sort of thing. It is also very devoted to detail, so you will always know what the characters make themselves for lunch, for example. But I found this aspect of the novel interesting, and I think it enhanced the atmosphere and character development.

A very worthwhile audiobook. The narrator is phenomenal, and I appreciated that he captured the characters' voices and emotions without exaggeration or affectation. His narration increased the tension where appropriate, without being overwrought. Easily among the best audiobook narrators I've ever encountered.

Fascinating and Addictive

I loved this book, although it was long and a bit hard to get into at the beginning. Lisbeth Salander is one of the most unique heroines of modern fiction.

What I liked about this book was the character development and the many subplots, which created another world. The characters seem real - they aren't perfect and have character flaws and strengths like real people. I really enjoyed Saul Reichlin's narration too.

Currently on the second book, and just downloaded the third today. Thanks audible, for not waiting for the 'book' to be released in 2010, when it is already available in English in the UK.

Sorry to say that Stieg Larsson is no longer with us but he left a wonderful legacy to the world of these three novels.

Exciting and shocking.

Can't wait to see the film. Of course they are never as good as the book but this time I'll make an exception. At first I was a bit bored with the time taken to set up all the characters in this book but as the story progressed I got hooked - like so many others have. Very interesting leading female character. Not at all a conventional girl. To me she reads like a goth gen Y with aspergers and a good sex drive. Well worth the listen.

Excellent

I liked this one a lot (more like 4.5 stars). If I had to criticise, I would say that it was a tad too long (I did not need to know every time he had an open sandwich) and that the action-oriented climax (do not want to say too much) was a bit unnecessary.
Well worth the credit.