Author: Stieg Larsson
Genre: Mystery, Trilogy #1
Published: 2008
Personal Rating: 4.25/5 (better than very good)
Yearly Count: 23
After having his career take a dive, a once-respected journalist is hired to write the biography of a wealthy man. However, the assignment behind the assignment is to solve the mystery of his niece who has been missing (presumed dead) for decades.
I was disappointed when the end quickly arrived, but realized that I had a very good time throughout the reading process. I didn't consider this one a page-turner in the same sense as a thriller (even though some consider this a thriller), but I became completely immersed whenever I had some reading time. The writing, in and of itself, had such a flow, and the many components of the storyline merged together seamlessly. It wasn't without its flaws, though. I didn't necessarily care for some of the moral issues (or lack thereof), but they didn't bother me immensely; however, that being said - I didn't have any connections with the characters either. BUT, apparently for me, a very good story, in conjunction with very good writing skills equals a worthy read even without the connections.
I will definitely go see the movie of #1; I have #2 on my TBR Shelf and #3 is on its way. Lots to look forward to!
Hey Joy, good to see you! I think you will find #2 more of a thriller in terms of pace. I did anyway. #3 kind of ties everything up. I still liked all 3 of them.
ReplyDeleteI've heard so many good things about this series and now you too. I have the first 2 on my eReader to read so I'll see if I like them as well. Hope you have a great weekend Joy.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you liked this one, all things considered. It's also on my tbr.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this yet, but I'm anxious to and plan to see the movie if it ever comes here.
ReplyDeleteYou pretty much had the same reaction to this book as I did. Not without flaws, but still a very good story (and one that got better the further along I read). I'll get to the second one eventually...
ReplyDeleteNice review! I hope to get to this one sometime soon.
ReplyDeleteThis one is my list. I'm looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to read what you had to say about this one. I hesitated for a long time and then finally bought the paperback a couple of months ago. I really need to actually pick it up and read it soon!!
ReplyDeleteKay ~ For me, "pace" and "suspense" are major components of a thriller - when you find yourself holding your breath or you can't read fast enough. I didn't find that in this book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I read that Larsson planned for 10 in the series. So sad, but I'm glad that the 3rd feels like it ties everything up.
ReplyDeleteDarlene ~ I'm so happy to see your comments! I'm thinking you'll be like the rest of us and enjoy it.
Nicola ~ I actually liked this one a lot and look forward to #2.
Bermudaonion ~ You are so faithful! Thank you for your continual support of comments. :) I haven't seen it here yet either. I'm waiting.
Les ~ I need to come by and read what you wrote. I wonder if I commented. And, yes, I agree - it got better as it went along.
Alisonwonderland ~ I hope you do too!
Charley ~ It seems to be on the list of everyone and for a very good reason. Hope you enjoy it.
Suzi ~ It's a good one. On one hand, I want to read the 2nd one soon, but on the other, I don't want to gobble them up so quickly. There's only 3! Maybe after the movie I'll pick up #2.
I tried to read this but I guess I just wasn't in the right frame of mind. Will have to try again as I have heard a great deal about this series. BTW...I'm bummed about our favorite BB Amazing Race couple ;(..I'm rooting for the cowboys!!!
ReplyDeleteDanielle ~ I'm surprised our favorite couple lasted as long as they did! :) I kinda like the cowboys, too.
ReplyDeleteAs for this book, it definitely takes a while to get into it. If you can get over the hump of the beginning, you'll discover that it gets better and better.
This is one of those that I have in my "need to write a post about one day" stack. Don't know if I'll ever get to it but I enjoyed reading your thoughts and comparing them with mine.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing you read this one? For some reason I had a really tough time with the writing style. I remember being really immersed in the story and then off on a tangent we went and it ended up feeling really jarring. I did like the characters but had a tough time with the lack of morals as well--I'd be really interested to see what they'd do with the movie (I had no idea there will be a movie!!). My friend just finished the second and really enjoyed it--said she preferred it to the first so I will continue on one of these days. Glad you liked this one, Joy!
Trish ~ I'm not sure why I didn't respond sooner, but I'm here now! :) The movie ended up being a movie with English subtitles, and it was supposedly more "artsy" (read: liberal in its scenes of immoral behavior). The only place I saw it was on the U of M's State Theatre marquee. By then I had already given up the idea of seeing it.
ReplyDeleteI hope all is well with you, Trish. :)
Joy--I guess I didn't even realize you didn't comment back. :)
ReplyDeleteWhen I left the comment, I saw on imdb.com that there was a movie in the works. I just looked again and it looks like there are actual actors rumored to be playing roles for the 2012 production? http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1568346/ I *almost* picked up the sequel today at Target but went for The Help instead.
Things are going well but busy. My blogging is sparse at best--but you did see that I'm at a new home, right? Didn't really want to make a big to-do about it--figured it people wanted to visit they would.
Hope all is well with you, too--School's just about out for you, huh?
Trish ~ Yes, I'm aware of your new home. :) I hope you are happy with your decision to move. I will be by to visit at some point. I am so overwhelmed with trying to get caught up, but I am making progress.
ReplyDeleteAnd, yes, school is out now. Whew!!!