Should the books be read in chronological order?

I had put the first and secomnd book on hold at my local library. After a long wait I finally got my hands on one of them, but it is the second book ' The girl who played with fire'. I'm now hesitant to starrt it though, without having read the first one. Is it better to read them in order or does it not matter which one I read first. Should I wait for the first one?

Posted by Sandy S. , 18 February 2010

you MUST read them in order ......

Posted by tony in hove , 18 februari 2010

Just the first two chapters of the second book contain major spoilers for the first book.

Posted by cpgray , 18 februari 2010

you must read them in order

Posted by Angela K. in GREECE , 19 februari 2010

Early on in the third book you get a sort of overview of what has gone before.

However if you take this short cut you'd realise from this brief synopsis that the entire plot is ridiculously far-fetched and conflated.

Those that read the first two books might not think so because the plot has snuck on them gradually.

The books are still a thrilling read though. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Posted by R Jones in Wales , 22 februari 2010

I mistakenly read the second book first, Then I read the first book and realised how much better it would have been to understand the characters. The third book definitely requires one to have read both preceeding books. Fantastic read from all three. Not to be missed at any price!

Posted by S.K. Brady in Manchester, England , 24 februari 2010

I bought the first book quite by chance when Xmas shopping as it was on promotion at Waterstones. What a treasure I had been missing. So much so that I couldn't wait to buy the second one once I finished the first and now, having finished the second, I have pre-ordered the third in paperback. The best part of the process has been learning about the characters and seeing them develop - I cannot imagine reading the books out of order and would tell anyone not to risk spoiling the adventure.

Posted by Rhian in London , 24 februari 2010

Definately read them in order. 5 of us were going to share them one by one, but none of us could bare waiting for each of the others to finish and between us we have ended up with about 3 copies of each book!!

Posted by Mandy. Tasmania , 27 februari 2010

You could read the first book only or start with the second and go on with the third. Number two and three definately have to be in order. After the books you can see the three movies....enjoy!

Posted by Lotte in Singapore , 1 mars 2010

They are independently all great and thrilling books, but still read them in order. By not doing so you will miss a lot of the background and understanding of the characters.

Posted by Robert in Malmoe , 3 April 2010

You must read them in order. You will get the know the characters and the storyline from the first book and then pick up where the first book ended with the second book. I just today received the third book and am very anxious to begin reading it. I am thrilled to have found a trilogy of books that have been real page-turners from beginning to end! I recently saw the first movie and loved every minute of it - I simply didn't want it to end.

Posted by Donna Colarulo in Haddonfield , 6 April 2010

You could do what I did, see the movie (of the first book) and read the second. Amazing character and plot development

Posted by denise k in Canberra Australia , 9 April 2010

I bought the 2nd book in the airport. Speaking to a friend she told me to stop at once and read the 1st book so I would understand who every one is. I am so interested in researching the towns....

Posted by amy b in delray florida , 10 April 2010

I read the second then the first then the third and I don't think it made one bit of difference !!!!!! p.s. the first book is best

Posted by karen Bee in cassino Italy , 25 April 2010

what order do they go which is 1st 2nd 3rd??

Posted by sharon in scotland , 30 April 2010

Yes you must read them in order.

Posted by xcherx in malta , 2 May 2010

I bought the 2nd because the store didn't have the first. I'm really enjoying it, but after reading these comments, think I should stop and try a different bookstore!

Posted by rose moira in dallas texas , 2 May 2010

Read the books in order. Each book introduces a new facet and history to Lisbeth Salander. But unless you read the first book first, you can not truly appreciate Lisbeth Salandar and Mikael Blumqvist and their complicated lives/relationships. The order is 1) The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, 2) The Girl Who Played With Fire, 3) The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. It is like eating a 7-layer chocolate torte. Each layer is more complex and delicious than the layer before. And you want more, More, MORE!!!

Posted by Julie in Jacksonville, FL (USA) , 3 May 2010

To complicate things, I read 1 and 2, then saw the movie - which was a great adaptation of book 1. And the subtitles seemed pretty accurate, THEN, I re-read 1 and 2 (something I rarely do) and still enjoyed them. Three is coming to the US this month - I may have to buy the HardCover!

Posted by mb in berkeley (USA) , 4 May 2010

absolutely, positively YES!!!

Posted by bradeleine in los angeles , 30 May 2010

yep bought *Hornets' Nest* in hardcover I was that impatient. MUST READ in chronological order and savour like a Werthers caramel.

Posted by Barb in Regina, Saskatchewan , 7 June 2010

I think to really understand the characters and to appreciate how their relationships develop, you should read them in order

Posted by Mark in Los Angeles , 15 June 2010

I read half of the 2nd book before deciding to get the 1st one. Do yourself a favor, and READ THEM IN ORDER!!!

Posted by Bob in Fort Myers , 16 June 2010

It is possible (but not recommended) to read the second book before the first. But, definitely, you shouldn't try to read the third book before the second.

Posted by Marcelo , 16 July 2010

Are any of Larsson's other books translated in english? Yes, read them in order if at all possible.

Posted by linda in n.c. , 18 July 2010

you must read them in order because basically they are three parts of the same book.

when i read the first one i skipped the first few chapters because i found it very slow going, but when i finished all three i went back and read the first bit again and it was a lot easier to understand

Posted by Alan C in LEEDS , 21 July 2010

I am absolutely furious with the late Stieg Larsson. Because of his writings I have been unable to do any housework, go shopping, visit with friends or even talk on the phone. All I can do is stay immersed in that darn trilogy! I feel like I've been in Sweden for days now and am beginning to speak to myself in a Swedish accent. How did I allow myself to get so wrapped up in mere fiction? Ok, must go now...am almost finished with book #2 and have to race to the bookstore for #3. Please God, let it be there!!

Posted by Elsa in Alabama , 30 July 2010

I beg to disagree that the Millenium series should be read in order! It can be read with the third first and then start from first and second. I started with kicking the hornet nest and then got a tottoo before being burned by fire. The continuation of the first & second is obvious but by starting with the third you get to have dejavu feeling when reading the first with many thrilling "AHA" moment. It spiced up the reading for me. And I agree with Elsa... what was I thinking trying to read the book from page 1 to the last in one sitting.... now I am having withdrawal symptoms waiting for the fourth (if ever it comes out).

Posted by Gwoeii in Kuala Lumpur , 17 August 2010

What is the order?

Posted by SS in Celebration, FL , 20 August 2010

Is there a 4th??? that would be great!!!!

Order...1st...the girl with the dragon tattoo.

2nd...the girl who player with fire.

3rd...The girl who kicked the hornet's nest.

Posted by linda in nc. , 22 August 2010

...in order. unquestionably.

Posted by Onnalora in OR , 26 August 2010

I agree with Gwoeii. I bought n read no3 first. then no 1 followed by no 2.

Posted by choi in kuala lumpur , 8 October 2010

I started quite right by reading the 1st book and advancing to the 2nd and 3rd book in chronological order. It could had been a disaster if I did it otherwise. It would be like putting your pants on before getting in your boxers. That would be a mess. Anyhow on what you intend to do does nothing to destroyed the intensity of the triology. Enjoy the book as you like it.

Posted by red jet in philippines , 16 October 2010

i've read the first book and then accidentally the third, is it still worth reading the second?

Posted by P in Barbados , 18 October 2010

@red jet ~ Superman have his pants first before his underwear! He still is the longest serving superhero... HAHAHAHAHAHAH! Want to try? I'll get you a pink one!

I bet ES and Miriam Wu would love to see you in one! HAHA :) Cheers.

Posted by Gwoeii in Kuala Lumpur , 3 November 2010

Hmm... pants first before underwear? I bet ES and Miriam Wu would love to see you in that! :) Cheers.

Posted by Gwoeii in Kuala Lumpur , 3 November 2010

Definitely read them in order. Otherwise, you're likely not going to understand what's happening. The story unfolds in a very meticulous way, and you have to have all the details in place at one level before you can understand the next one.

Posted by Linnea in Minneapolis, MN , 14 April 2011

Saw 2 of the subtitled movies "Tattoo" & "Hornet's Nest" in that order; seemed that there was something missing in between ("Played with Fire"). Both movies were very good although and have started me on reading the the trilogy in the following order; Tattoo, Fire & Nest. Things are going to pot in my house because I can't seem to put the 1st one down. Excellent writing.

Posted by Mary McNeil in Nova Scotia , 10 July 2011