The Girl Who Played With Fire is the sequel to The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. Yes, you need to read the first book in order to appreciate the second book. I waited until the third book in Stieg Larsson’s “Millennium Trilogy” was published, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest, because I’d read that The Girl Who Played With Fire ended with a cliffhanger and I wasn’t sure I could wait a year until the third volume was published. Stieg Larsson said he considered the three books one Big Book, and he’s right. However, all three books have the same flaws: too many characters, too many digressions, too many weird plot twists. Yet, Larsson’s books have an undeniable power to hold your interest despite the overwriting. The secret is the characters: Mikael Blomkvist, crusading journalist, and Lisbeth Salander, a Goth computer hacker. Together, they battle corrupt politicians, sexual deviants, and criminals. I loved the movie version of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and I can’t wait until the movie version of The Girl Who Played With Fire opens on July 2. GRADE: B-
In general I liked the first one, what with the two main characters and the twisted family plot. The second one, however, I quit reading, though I might go back to it now that the third one is out. It was just too dark and too nasty.
I no longer get much enjoyment or entertainment out of books like that, no matter how well written. There are just too many other things to read that aren’t that heavy.
You’re right about THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, Jeff. It was the best book in the series.
One was enough for me although I will certainly see the movie–which I thought made the first book more comprehensible. I wonder if they would be the sensation they are if he hadn’t died.
The movie version of THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO was better and more comprehensible than the novel, Patti. I’m hoping the movie version of THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE is just as compelling.
I bought both books and am waiting for the third one when it’s in trade paperback.
Have heard nothing but rave reviews and noticed the movies at the local Blockbuster. Will read books first before I watch the movie.
The Swedish film company filmed all three movies based on the books at the same time, PK. THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO is the best movie I’ve seen in 2010. I’m counting the days until the movie version of THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE opens July 2. The third movie should open next spring.