The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson

Title: The Girl Who Played With Fire

Author: Stieg Larsson

Published: January 2006

Lisbeth Salander is a wanted woman. Two Millennium journalists about to expose the truth about sex trafficking in Sweden are murdered, and Salander's prints are on the weapon. Her history of unpredictable and vengeful behaviour makes her an official danger to society - but no-one can find her. Mikael Blomkvist, editor-in-chief of Millennium, does not believe the police. Using all his magazine staff and resources to prove Salander's innocence, Blomkvist also uncovers her terrible past, spent in criminally corrupt institutions. Yet Salander is more avenging angel than helpless victim. She may be an expert at staying out of sight - but she has ways of tracking down her most elusive enemies.

Rating: 5 Stars

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo was very plot focused, however I found I preferred the character focused style of The Girl Who Played With Fire. This installment focuses on the character of Lisbeth Salander, and we learn a lot more about the way she works. Not only that but we finally learn what All The Evil is. And from learning about that particular scenario I have to say Salander certainly had balls at the age of twelve. 

This installment is set two years after the previous one, and we can see how the characters have developed over that period of time. Bjurman is still an arse, Salander has matured a bit but is still as reckless as ever, and is there anyone who Blomkvist isn't shagging? Seriously why throw Harriet Vangar into the mix as well. 

The villain this time is a mastermind, who just so happens to have the perfect muscle for any job. Dumb, and suffering from a genetic condition meaning he can't feel any pain, as well as being built like a mountain makes Ronald Neidermann a pretty formidable opponent in a fight. And of course the end gives us some beautiful plot twists as well as a great cliffhanger. 

I found the storyline much more interesting this time, although that might have something to do with the fact that Salander was the primary character. 

The only thing that really bugged me is that Salander is a billionaire now yet she furnishes her flat with stuff from Ikea. 

Would I recommend this book? Most definitely. This was a great read, and the final cliffhanger means I'm about to buy the last book now.