Book #10 - The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

This book was recommended to me by my Mom, but I had heard about it before she lent it to me to read. The title alone was a somewhat intriguing and it had been popping up on a number of the "Must Read" lists I found online. I'm glad to say that overall, the book did not disappoint either.

At first, it was a little difficult for me to get into the story. This book is set in Sweden, and I often have a hard time relating to stories that take place in a foreign country. Perhaps it's because it takes a little longer for me to create my frame of reference. Just understanding how much items cost is a challenge - how am I supposed to know what the dollar equivalent of a kroner is?

The book tells the story of a journalist, Michael Blomkvist who is commissioned to uncover a mystery within the legendary Vanger family - Sweden's fictitious dynasty family who has fallen from grace as the captain of industry they once were. Blomkvist is asked by the family patriarch to uncover what happened to his niece Harriet. The catch is that the mystery is nearly 40 years old.

As he starts to uncover more pieces to the puzzle, Blomkvist realizes he needs the help of a professional researcher to actually make headway in the case - enter "the girl with the dragon tattoo," Lisbeth Salander. What they discover is a grizzly family secret that changes the family's history forever. I know, I know, you're probably wondering if they find out what's happened to Harriet; to find that out, you're going to have to read the book.

The synopsis I provided is what I think is the best part of the novel. However, in my opinion, the plot was muddied with a number of superfluous story lines - like Blomkvist's recent conviction of libel in an attempt to expose of crooked businessman; or Lisbeth's back story of being raped and a prisoner of the Swedish mental health system. They were somewhat interesting, but I think the heart and the mystery of the story - what happened to Harriet within the twisted web of the Vanger family - is more than capable of standing on its own.