• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

  • By: Stieg Larsson
  • Narrated by: Saul Reichlin
  • Length: 18 hrs and 48 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (2,579 ratings)

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The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo  By  cover art

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

By: Stieg Larsson
Narrated by: Saul Reichlin
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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)

What listeners say about The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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33 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Stieg is brilliant . . . But Saul delivers too

You've read all the rave reviews; believe them! These books (The Trilogy) are fabulous.
But let me praise the narrator, Saul Reichlin. He brought the books to life in a wonderful way. He made it easy to distinguish between the characters, despite a variety of accents (Swedish, Irish, Australian, Russian, etc.) and he did it without making them into caricatures.
As I discussed the books with friends, I would mention a name and they would often say "is that how you pronounce it?". Mr. Reichlin not only made these books a pleasure to listen to, he made me confident pronouncing more-than-difficult Swedish names and places!
Buy the book, and enjoy.

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18 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding

Terrific story, terrific characters, terrific narrator. Could not put it down. Loved this book.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Don't miss this book

One of the best books I have listened too. The first time I have rated a book 5. The narrator was excellent as well

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Email To My Uncle Trying to Convert Him to Audio

I just listened to the audio book. What an experience! You have got to start using your i Pod to listen to books.

Reading this book versus listening to it would probably be like drinking soy milk instead of partaking of the real stuff.

It gets even worse when you try to condense 18 hours into a couple of hours. A couple of times I thought the book was ending at a climatic part and was saying "Wow what a book" to myself only to find out there were several more hours to listen too. My reaction was - there is nothing the author could decently add to this story - only to find out a few hours later there definitely was.

I don't know how a movie can do justice to the book. The comparison has got to get worse.

A movie would be like listening to Beethoven's ninth on a toy accordion instead of with a symphony orchestra.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

fast paced

Fast paced, attention grabbing mystery that keeps you wondering till the very end,

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

hard to get into but worth the effort.

I found this book quite boring to begin with, but was totally hooked by half way through. Funny, had I read the actual book, I would have given up early. Being audio, I just kept listening and the story was well worth it. If you like a good mystery give it a go.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Black thriller brilliantly narrated

I won't add to comments about the novel (which is riveting!) but I would like to compliment the narrator Saul Reichlin. His narration is outstanding. His pronunciation of the names, the individualisation of the characters, the pacing of the narrative, are all brilliantly realised. The tone of his voice is warm and pleasing to listen to.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

intriguing story

Book takes a while to get into but then takes hold with it suspense and intrigue. The narrator is brilliant and keeps hold of the audience with his pace. Pronunciation of Swedish names is authentic.

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4 people found this helpful