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The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005

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Book Brief

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Stieg Larsson

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005
Book Details
Pages

672

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Sweden • Contemporary

Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Stieg Larsson's internationally bestselling crime thriller, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, follows disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist and ingenious hacker Lisbeth Salander as they team up to solve the decades-old mystery of Harriet Vanger’s disappearance, uncovering deep-seated corruption, violence, and dark family secrets. The material involves sexual assault and graphic violence.

Mysterious

Dark

Suspenseful

Gritty

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.3

3,287,482 ratings

80%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo intricately blends thriller, mystery, and social commentary, praised for its complex characters and gripping narrative. Critics laud the protagonist’s depth and the book’s intense pace. However, some find it overly intricate and burdened by dense details. Overall, it’s a compelling read for fans of dark, multifaceted stories.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo?

Readers who enjoy The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson typically appreciate complex, dark mysteries with intricate plots and strong, unconventional characters. They may also be fans of novels like Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl or Thomas Harris's The Silence of the Lambs, which similarly feature suspense, psychological depth, and unexpected twists.

4.3

3,287,482 ratings

80%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Lisbeth Salander

A talented researcher and world-class hacker with a distinct punk style, she is known for her intelligence, reclusiveness, and distrust of authorities due to her past traumatic experiences.

A respected financial reporter and part owner of Millennium magazine, known for his idealistic approach to journalism and his commitment to uncovering corruption.

An elderly, retired industrialist who seeks assistance with a personal investigation, he is portrayed as both sympathetic and manipulative.

Lisbeth Salander’s compassionate guardian who respects her autonomy and advocates for her against compulsory institutionalization.

CEO of Milton Security and Lisbeth Salander’s supportive employer, who overcomes his initial prejudices about her unconventional appearance.

Henrik Vanger’s lawyer who initially misjudges Salander but later respects her skills and follows her guidance.

Co-owner and editor-in-chief of Millennium magazine, she is a strong, intelligent woman navigating and improving the male-dominated world of publishing.

A member of the Vanger family who is known for her quick wit and directness, she becomes involved with Mikael Blomkvist during his investigation.

Lisbeth Salander’s appointed guardian after Palmgren, depicted as a predatory figure who abuses his position of authority.

Harriet Vanger’s brother and CEO of Vanger Corporation, known for his seemingly friendly demeanor.

Henrik Vanger’s grandniece, who disappears under mysterious circumstances central to the story’s investigation.

Book Details
Pages

672

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Sweden • Contemporary

Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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