Elizabeth R. (esjro) - , reviewed on 8/20/2008 + 947 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 4

After rave reviews in Europe, this book is finally coming to the US with much fanfare. American readers of literary fiction who also enjoy a whodunnit mystery will appreciate the multiple plot lines that interweave as the characters lives intersect. The primary plot concerns Mikhail Blomkvist, who as a disgraced reporter begins the investigation of a cold case murder. As he digs deeper into the history of the victim's family, he uncovers dark personal and financial secrets within the family. Of course because this is a thriller someone is not happy that these secrets may see the light of day and sets out to stop him.

The cause of the Mikhail's disgrace is another mystery, and is the focus of the beginning and end of the novel. Unfortunately the first hundred pages or so are the slowest. The family history is complicated, and I found it necessary to frequently refer to the family tree printed in the beginning of the ARC I was reading. Only once Mikhail partners with the girl with the dragon tattoo who helps solve these mysteries does the pacing of the book pick up speed, and it does so exponentially. At times this book was difficult to put down.

This book has received much praise by critics in Europe because of the commentaries it makes about race relations, financial corruption, and misogyny in Sweden. As an American reader with virtually no knowledge about Sweden I did feel that my ignorance made me not appreciate some aspects of this book fully. However, the fascinating characters and complex plot lines should be enough to win over a wide American audience for this book. Highly recommended for mystery readers looking for a smart and original read - it should appeal to fans of Sharp Objects.

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