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Auntie M had so many friends recommend this book but never got around to reading it earlier in the year. Finally her writer pal Dr. Warren, Communications expert at GW Unie, sent her a copy.

Finally, I decided to see what the fuss was all about.

I read the first two chapters and was distracted by the publishing of The Blue Virgin (really, anyone could understand THAT) so by the time I picked it up again, I had to start all over to set the story and the characters in my mind. This is not a brain candy novel, ala’ Higgins Clark, to be devoured in one sitting on a sunny porch.

What it IS: a novel of mysteries, old and new; a fascinating character study of two of the most unusual protagonists living in a place where the mores and culture are different from the US; and a novel that explores the reactions to situations with often surprising results.

I find it tough to talk about the plot without giving much away, but suffice it to say that the lives of these two main characters, plus those of the others they intersect, will keep you riveted until you finish the book . . . and leave you wanting to read the next one.

Mikael Blomkvist is the publisher of a financial magazine.  When a twist in his life leaves him with open time, he is seduced into taking on the job of solving a murder that is over thirty years old.  Lisbeth Salander is the genius hacker he hires to assist him with his investigation. A troubled soul, Lisbeth has her own way of dealing with problems as they arise. She is the most unique character I’ve come across in recent memory.

This is a series of three; unfortunately for readers around the world, the author Stieg Larsson died before he could see the success of the world and the people he has created.

I’ll start Book II this weekend, The Girl Who Played with Fire, if all goes well.  I can’t wait~