The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

by Stieg Larsson
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo cover
Good Books rating 4.11
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £10.99–£12.99
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Technical
  • ID: 671
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9780307272119
  • Publisher: Vintage Crime/Black Lizard
  • Published: 2008-09-16
  • Formats: 27
  • Reviews: 4

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is the first book in the Millennium series by Stieg Larsson, which has been hailed as one of the best mystery and thriller books of all time. The story revolves around the disappearance of Harriet Vanger, a member of one of Sweden's wealthiest families, over forty years ago. Her aged uncle hires Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist recently convicted of libel, to investigate the cold case. Blomkvist is aided by Lisbeth Salander, a pierced and tattooed punk prodigy with a brilliant mind and a troubled past. Together, they uncover a vein of unfathomable iniquity and astonishing corruption./n/nThe novel is not just a thrilling mystery but also a critique of societal issues, including violence against women and institutional corruption. Larsson's detailed and immersive writing style brings the chilly Swedish landscape to life, creating a moody and atmospheric backdrop for the story. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a compelling blend of investigative journalism, psychological drama, and serial-killer thriller elements, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

Reviews
Reddit - r/books · 2025-10-05
mixed 3.00

The book is described as a pulpy crime novel that is easy to read, with some exciting and some boring parts. The reviewer finds it to be an enjoyable read overall, particularly the first novel in the series.

The reviewer describes the book as a pulpy crime novel that is easy to read, making it an enjoyable and engaging experience. They note that while some parts are exciting, others can be a bit boring, but overall, it is a satisfying read. The reviewer particularly enjoys the first novel in the series, finding it to be the best of the bunch. They appreciate the simplicity and the way the story unfolds, making it a compelling read for fans of the genre.

Quick quotes

    It's a pulpy crime/mystery novel.

    Pretty easy to read, parts were exciting, parts were pretty boring.

    The first novel is the best of the series.

Thoughts from the Mountaintop · 2023-03-22
thrilling 4.20

The book is a mix of cold-case, legal thriller, and conspiratorial plot twists. The reviewer loved almost every second of it, despite some unsettling scenes.

This book is a thrilling blend of cold-case investigation, legal thriller, and conspiratorial plot twists. The reviewer loved almost every second of it, finding the story to be both engaging and suspenseful. However, they noted that some scenes involving sex, rape, and bondage are unsettling and may be disturbing to some readers. Despite these elements, the reviewer found the overall narrative to be compelling and well-crafted, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

Quick quotes

    This is part cold-case, part legal thriller and part amazing conspiratorial, plot-twisty genius.

    I loved (almost) every second of it.

    Some of the scenes involving rape and bondage that are unsettling even to the most hardened reader.

Trey Stone · 2021-11-07
thrilling 4.75

The book is a part cold-case, part legal thriller with an amazing conspiratorial plot. The reviewer loved almost every second of it, finding it to be a thrilling and engaging read.

The reviewer was captivated by this book, describing it as a thrilling blend of a cold-case mystery, legal thriller, and a complex, twisty plot. They loved the conspiratorial elements and the way the story keeps you guessing until the very end. The reviewer found the characters to be well-developed and the pacing to be excellent, making it a page-turner. The only minor critique was that some of the scenes were a bit unsettling, but overall, it was an incredibly enjoyable read.

Quick quotes

    This is part cold-case, part legal thriller and part amazing conspiratorial, plot-twisty genius.

    I loved (almost) every second of it.

    The reviewer found the characters to be well-developed and the pacing to be excellent, making it a page-turner.

Luke Harkness · Luke Harkness · 2021-06-01
captivating 4.50

This dark tale is gripping and complex, delving deep into a family's history with a captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged. The story's depth and intrigue make it a compelling read.

Luke Harkness dives into 'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo' with a sense of awe for its dark and intricate storytelling. He highlights how the book masterfully combines a murder mystery with a family saga, creating a tale that is both chilling and captivating. The reviewer is particularly impressed by the depth of the characters and the way the story unfolds, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Harkness finds the book to be a great story that truly keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Quick quotes

    What begins is an incredible but dark tale that takes the pair through the depths of the family's history.

    It's a great story that truly keeps you hooked.

    The narrative is both chilling and captivating.

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