Baby Got Books

The Girl Who Played with Fire

Stieg Larsson’s The Girl Who Played with Fire is the second book in the international bestselling Millennium trilogy. The author never saw his work in print, having died shortly after handing in the completed works. The tragic circumstances and his actual “job” certainly add to the trilogy’s mystique. I challenge you to read this profile of the author and not want to read his books.

girlwhoplayedwithfire

If you haven’t read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, you’ll probably want to start there. (Read BGB Reviews of Dragon Tattoo here and here.) Dragon Tattoo is loaded with character development of all the major players in Played with Fire. You don’t necessarily need all of that back story to enjoy Played with Fire, but I’d imagine that reading the second book will be a richer experience if you do.

If you have read Dragon Tattoo and enjoyed it, you will definitely want to read Played with Fire. It’s even better than the first book. Way better. There’s more Lisbeth Salander (and we learn more about why she is the way she is). More intrigue in the Millennium offices of Michael Blomkvist. There’s more Stockholm. I’m not even going to mention the plot. The less you know going in, the better it is.

There is one bit at the end that strains credulity. I’m willing to overlook that part because I devoured the book right up until that piece – paused and said “Oh come on!” – and then dove right back in. If you are oversensitive to that sort of thing, then the whole enterprise may not be your bag.

The reviews of the final book in the trilogy have started coming out in England. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest will not be available here until next summer. On my birthday. Perfect.