The Girl Who Played With Fire follows Lisbeth Salander and Mikhail Blomkvist as they uncover a sex trafficking ring involving corrupt officials in Stockholm. When journalist Dag Svensson and his girlfriend are murdered, Lisbeth becomes the prime suspect. As Blomkvist investigates, they discover deeper connections involving Lisbeth's past and a Russian defector named Zala. Sensitive topics like gender-based violence and human trafficking are depicted in the narrative.

The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson is praised for its intense and gripping narrative, with standout character development, notably of Lisbeth Salander. Reviewers commend its intricate plot and compelling pace. However, some critique its occasional verbosity and a slower start. Overall, it’s a thrilling sequel that captivates with its depth and complexity.

Readers who enjoy intricate crime mysteries and strong, complex characters will revel in Stieg Larsson's The Girl Who Played With Fire. Fans of Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl or Michael Connelly's The Lincoln Lawyer will appreciate the novel's intense, suspenseful narrative and the intricate web of secrets and intrigue it weaves.

Mysterious / Dark / Suspenseful / Gritty / Challenging

- The Girl Who Played With Fire is the second novel in the Millennium series, which was originally intended to be a ten-part series by author Stieg Larsson before his untimely death.
- When the English translation of The Girl Who Played With Fire was published in 2009, it became the first translated novel to reach number one on the New York Times Best Seller list in the U.S. since 2004.
- The original Swedish title of the book, "Flickan som lekte med elden," retains the author's intention of highlighting the protagonist's daring and complex character.

Study Guide

Book Brief

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About The Girl Who Played With Fire

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Overview

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The Girl Who Played With Fire Summary

Background

The Girl Who Played With Fire Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Irregular Equations”

Prologue-Part 1

The Girl Who Played With Fire Prologue-Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “From Russia With Love”

Part 2 The Girl Who Played With Fire Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Absurd Equations”

Part 3 The Girl Who Played With Fire Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Terminator Mode”

Part 4, Chapters 21-26

The Girl Who Played With Fire Part 4, Chapters 21-26 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 27-32

The Girl Who Played With Fire Part 4, Chapters 27-32 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Girl Who Played With Fire Character Analysis

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Themes

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Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

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Book Club Questions

The Girl Who Played With Fire Book Club Questions

Stieg Larsson

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The Girl Who Played With Fire

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