The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

A Lisbeth Salander Novel

By: Stieg Larsson, Reg Keeland - translator

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 16 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

#1 NATIONAL BESTSELLER • The thrilling first book in the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series featuring Lisbeth Salander: “Combine the chilly Swedish backdrop and moody psychodrama of a Bergman movie with the grisly pyrotechnics of a serial-killer thriller, then add an angry punk heroine and a down-on-his-luck investigative journalist, and you have the ingredients of Stieg Larsson’s first novel” (The New York Times). • Also known as the Millennium series

Harriet Vanger, a scion of one of Sweden's wealthiest families disappeared over forty years ago. All these years later, her aged uncle continues to seek the truth. He hires Mikael Blomkvist, a crusading journalist recently trapped by a libel conviction, to investigate. He is aided by the pierced and tattooed punk prodigy Lisbeth Salander. Together they tap into a vein of unfathomable iniquity and astonishing corruption.

Look for the latest book in the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series, The Girl in the Eagle's Talons, coming soon!

Listen to the rest of The Millennium Trilogy.

©2008 Stieg Larsson (P)2008 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"Cases rarely come much colder than the decades-old disappearance of teen heiress Harriet Vanger from her family's remote island retreat north of Stockholm, nor do fiction debuts hotter than this European best seller...At once a strikingly original thriller and a vivisection of Sweden's dirty not-so-little secrets, this first of a trilogy introduces a provocatively odd couple." (Publishers Weekly)

"Combine the chilly Swedish backdrop and moody psychodrama of a Bergman movie with the grisly pyrotechnics of a serial-killer thriller, then add an angry punk heroine and a down-on-his-luck investigative journalist, and you have the ingredients of Stieg Larsson's first novel." (The New York Times)

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a striking novel. Just when I was thinking there wasn't anything new on the horizon, along comes Stieg Larsson with this wonderfully unique story. I was completely absorbed." (Michael Connelly)

Absorbing

When I first began,I was not sure I would like this book. The initial part of it is essential though a bit slow. Afterward, I was completely absorbed and entertained. Don't pass on this one. The ratings are completely justified.

stick with it!

I agree the beginning of the listen was painful. The author takes a long time to introduce all the characters and pick up the pace, but stick with it because you'll be rewarded with a spelling binding story. Unfortunately, you have to get through the first dull part until you meet the most interesting character, Lisbeth Salander. She is the girl with the tatoo and pack of secrets that will keep you guessing. The story takes off at that point. She is one of the richest characters you can imagine.
The story is potpouri of intrige. Take crime, abuse, revenge, jouranlistic ethics, finance, computer hancking, sex, lies, and even video tape and this is it! Soon you'll forget those first slow moments. It is set is Sweden so you get a peak at another culture on top of an unforgetable drama.
This is not for the romantic. It is far from an escape novel. This book is a brain stretcher that will haunt you long after you put it down.
P.S. The narrator is a genius!

Spoiler Alert

Thought this was a very entertaining book and the reader is engaging. You will not find yourself losing track of what's gone before. However, there are two scenes (1 rape and 1 animal mutiliation) that are disturbing if you are not prepared for them emotionally. Be forewarned. But do not let that dissuade you from taking up this book.

What a great read

I had no expectations for this book, but it won the best of 2008 so I thought I'd give it a try. I was genuinely pleased with this book. The story line was good and well developed. I especially grew to love Lisbeth Salander. I can't wait to see what happens to Lisbeth and Mikael in book 2.

Wonderful - does many things extremely well

This is one of those cases where I have trouble understanding criticisms, although if you don't accept the premise during the first hour of the story then it may not work for you. My opinion is that this book shows mastery at so many levels: sopphistication of plot and "mystery puzzles", credible high tech tricks, judicious use of criminal pshychology, two very likable characters, absence of dull spots, high level of meaningful detail, first rate narator. It is a tragedy the author died before this was published.

From a girl with a Depeche Mode tattoo

The first part of the book is a little slow. Getting used to he Swedish names and locations can a bit confusing at first but the well-written story is great all the way to the last word. I highly recommend adding this to your library. I hope this author will translate more of his books to English. One of my favorites of 2008.

Very engaging story!

This book with superb narration was so engaging that I spent most of the weekend listening to it. Fabulous narration. Great book to listen while driving or otherwise. Absolutely recommend.

WOW

Wow, it's been awhile since I've read a book that I didn't want to put down. But, this book grabbed me. I googled the author and was sad to read that he died of a heart attack after three books in this series. All I can say is, I can't wait for the next two to show up in Audible.

Solid writing, great read

This book is well written and intriguing. I listened to it once, and then filled time while on business travel listening to it again. I seldom write reviews, but felt that this is a book worth recommending.

Well worth the long listen . . .

This was great; I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys complex characterization, surprising plot turns, and in-depth contexts. It is a historical Swedish family saga, with just the right amount of mystery and action. It does treat sexual violence towards women, and yes, it does get a bit graphic at times--but not to the point where you get sick of it. Earlier reviews warned me that it is long; yes, some people cannot hang with it--should be absolutely no problem for regular readers, those with a B.A. and above, or just plain mystery fanatics.

Now, it isn't perfect: it takes a while to get going and there is some predictability and maybe the main character Blomquist is a little too affable, but other than that . . . I just wish I could find more by this author I know so little about.

By the way, this narrator is one of the best I've heard on Books on Tape or Audible, ever.