The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Review by Heidi

This "can't-put-down" murder mystery is the first in the trilogy. The protagonist, Swedish journalist Mikael Blomkvist, is hired to investigate the disappearance of a wealthy business tycoon's niece. Blomkvist teams up with Lisbeth Salander, a tiny, pierced and tattooed computer hacker. This unlikely duo search for the clues of a mystery over 40 years old. I absolutely loved this book. It is more of a cottage read than a book club read, and utterly delicious in its action and suspense. At times it is tricky keeping up with the Vanger characters, but the family tree depicted at the beginning helps us along. I recommend not worrying too much if certain sub-plots get a little complicated. By the end, you realize that you really can just take the story at face value. Warning: Do not start this book if you have an important deadline to meet at work!!