Title: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Author: Stieg Larsson
Narrator: Simon Vance
Unabridged Length: 16hrs, 19 mn.
Here is a summary of the book from the Goodreads website:
Mikael Blomkvist, a once-respected financial journalist, watches his professional life rapidly crumble around him. Prospects appear bleak until an unexpected (and unsettling) offer to resurrect his name is extended by an old-school titan of Swedish industry. The catch—and there's always a catch—is that Blomkvist must first spend a year researching a mysterious disappearance that has remained unsolved for nearly four decades. With few other options, he accepts and enlists the help of investigator Lisbeth Salander, a misunderstood genius with a cache of authority issues. Little is as it seems in Larsson's novel, but there is at least one constant: you really don't want to mess with the girl with the dragon tattoo.
My Review:
I love audiobooks that are full of suspense, action, and mystery, as they always keep my attention with the intrigue. After hearing such positive and glowing reviews of this book, I may have set my expectations a bit high, because I did not find the level of enjoyment from this book that many others did.
I found Blomkvist an interesting character, who puts his life on hold to help Henrik Vanger solve an unsolved mystery regarding his niece, Harriet. Harriet disappeared suddenly, years ago, without any explanation and is hoping that Blomkvist can help him where the police couldn't. Blomkvist does make headway on his investigation, but realizes quickly that in order to research everything properly he will need an assistant. That is when he hires Lisbeth, the girl with the dragon tattoo.
Lisbeth is an odd character who adds her own element to the story. She has amazing investigative skills that make Blomkvist open his eyes to new possibilities. As they unveil the mystery of Harriet's disappearance, they form not only a good working relationship, but also a solid friendship. Not only do they solve the mystery, but confront a current day predator. This part of the novel puts Blomkvist's life in danger, bringing Lisbeth to his rescue.
I really was expecting more action and suspense from this novel, but the biggest part was solving the mystery from years ago. One of my friends told me the next book was better, so I will probably listen to that one also, but I will wait for awhile. With themes of family, secrets, and mystery, you may find more enjoyment than I did from this book. I do recommend this book for lovers of a good mystery, but not if you want some action to go along with it.
My Rating: 3/5
Disclosure: I borrowed this audiobook from a co-worker and listened to it for my own entertainment.
5 comments:
I saw the movie and enjoyed it - I'm not sure I could handle this on audio.
I finally gave into the hype and picled up the book at a clearance sale. Thanks for lowering my expectations a little :)
I read the complete trilogy and this one has the least amount of action because of all the character development. But I promise, they only get better. I hope you continue and enjoy them as I did.
Kathy: Dekker and Baldacci were more action packed than this one.
Stacy: I've heard the series gets better so i will be listening to the rest, after taking a little hiatus from them.
Lisa: Don't worry...I won't give up!
The story is gripping..for those who love crime thrillers..its just way too awesome..The characters are strong,they leave an impression on your mind..The plot is nice,agreed there could have been a few less pages where the book goes dragging a bit,but then it all adds up to your reading experience and isn't that boring..I liked it very much and even went on reading the other two volumes of this trilogy..and I guess it is perfectly great..the plot stays in your mind even afterwards for awhile and the characters look so real...If you like reading,reading smart crime fiction,reading a book you can get lost in...I'd say go for it :)
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