The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest

by Stieg Larsson

Reviewed by Coral

Lisbeth Salander is fighting for her life after being shot and buried alive by her father.

Although she is no longer suspected of the murders from the last book, she is still facing criminal charges for attacking the bikers and her father. What makes her situation even worse is that the section of the Swedish secret police who have been covering up her father’s crimes are determined that the truth of their operations won’t be revealed now.

As the forces against Lisbeth work to have her committed or convicted, Mikael is determined to help Lisbeth overcome the injustices that are being done to her. Working with his newspaper staff and the small group of people that Lisbeth trusts, they have a hard fight ahead of them, against people who will stop at nothing to protect themselves and their secrets.

I didn’t like this book as much as the first two, mainly because it was about confronting and dismantling a secret organization/government conspiracy, which isn’t really the type of story I normally read.

There were a couple of subplots to the story that I didn’t feel added anything to the overall plot, mainly Ericka’s story. Considering where her character ends the novel, I felt like her whole plot was a wasted idea. Also not needed was yet another woman who is romantically interested in Mikael.

I skimmed large parts of the book, but was still satisfied with how it all ended.

I know a fourth book is being published in the series by a different author I believed so I may have to try to find that one at some point. I’m interested to see where the characters go from here.

Grade: C