Which book is the best?

I am curious as to which book people liked best? I took me a while to get into Book 1. I didn't feel any compulsion to keep reading until I had approx 180 pages read. After that, I loved the book. The third book had a lot of necesssary background detail e.g.the entitlements of the SAPO Constitutional Section that wasn't the most captivating to me but obviously it was all a build up to a magnificent finish, particulary the downfall of Teleborian at the trial. I must say that my favourite book was The Girl Who Played With Fire. Not sure how relevant the storyline concerning the Forbes couple at the beginning of the book was but I suppose it showed a side to Salander's persona. However, the rest of the book fascinated me with all the action and suspense....so, which one was your favourite??

Posted by Aine i Ireland , 10 January 2011

Book One

Book Three

Book Two

Posted by Tiny in Vancouver , 11 January 2011

book 3 was the best, was thrilling

Posted by , 11 January 2011

I agree with the first sentment of Aine from Ireland. I, too, had a hard time getting into Dragon Tattoo; but was told by a friend to keep reading. I did and just a few minutes ago finished Girl who played with Fire and if it were not for the 6" of snow in my driveway, I would drive to a store and buy Hornet's Nest to read on this snowy day. What a shame that such a talent is no more!!!

Posted by Teresa in Woxall PA USA , 12 January 2011

I actually liked Book 1 Dragon Tattoo best. The mystery was more compelling in this one and the story had many twists and turns that kept you guessing. And then there's Lisabeth Salander. What an awesome character! I was so disappointed to learn that Stieg Larsson had passed away and that he was going to do 10 books had he lived. It really makes me wonder what direction he would have taken Lisabeth and Blomkvist. I hope they resolve all the legal wrangling around the 4th novel. Maybe it could actually be published one day.

Posted by , 12 January 2011

I read the first book over the Thanksgiving holidays. Needless to say I rushed out to find The Girl Who Played with Fire in trade paperback and in hardback "Hornets Nest." I rarely every buy things in trade or hardback because of the cost. These books were well worth it. I am even contemplating buying the $100.00 hardback editions with the bonus book about Stieg Larsson that is being sold at Borders. Such a wonderful talent lost too soon.

Posted by , 12 January 2011

I liked The Girl Who Played with Fire best...it wasn't easy to solve, like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and it wasn't full of repetition and what I felt was unnecessary extensive coverage on the history of the "Zalachenko Group" (a brief overview would have sufficed for me). It also featured Salander as the most central character out of all of the books in the series. She got to do the most in TGWPWF, with more coverage, and there was also much more action. I read it in 2 days, often loooong into the night because I did not want to put it down.

I liked The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo least of all...I figured everything out in the early 300s and had to wait for Blomkvist to figure it out in the 400s or so. I guess I read too many crime novels and watch too much Law and Order: SVU.

Posted by MBW in Virginia, USA , 13 January 2011

the book 1 , when starts the history!

Posted by Júlia Alves , Brazil in Rio de Janeiro , 13 January 2011

Like Aine, I had a hard time getting into the first book. I have only read about 100 pages and so far have been utterly bored with it. I had a difficult time trying to follow it, I guess due to my lack of interest. After reading the first 100 or so pages, someone took the book from me. So, I have started reading the second book while I wait to get the first back. So far, from what little I have read, I definitely prefer the second book. But, I still have a lot more to read, so my opinion could change. I'm not even all that interested in the second book either. I'm about 150 pages in and still am not at that "can't put it down, staying up all night reading in the dark" point yet. Usually I am hooked on a book by time I'm done reading the prologue, if not by time I'm done the first chapter or two. Honestly, the reason I am still reading it all is because I am hoping it will pick up and grab my interest. I'm hoping that point is right around the corner.

Posted by Cortney in Bear, DE , 18 January 2011

the 2 one.... lots of action, lots of Salander at her best !!

Posted by M , 20 January 2011

For me, each book was the best.

Book one, was the best introduction I've ever read, the character develoment was amazing, wanted me to read more.

Book two, was the best as far as straight up action, plot development & twists.

Book three, was the best at intrigue and the sense of vindication.

I could not tell you which one I enjoyed the most.

Posted by Billy in Long Beach, NY , 20 January 2011

I loved all the books.

I love having Mikael and Lisbeth together so that is part of the reason I love the first book.

Posted by , 21 January 2011

Book 2

Posted by , 21 January 2011

Book 2 definitely....Although book 3 was really just a direct extension of book 2. Like one long book written in two parts. Took a while to get into the first book, but was hooked halfway through, and immediately when I picked up book 2. I have to say, when I hear people rave about a book, usually I end up disappointed. This was the first series in a long time that I felt lived up to expectations!

Posted by , 22 January 2011

Book #1 was definately the best, even though the plot was kind of predictable. #2 was ok, but not as good as #1. #3 is disappointing, boring in my opinion.

Posted by , 22 January 2011

Book #3 Best - I had seen the original movie #1 first before starting to the read the books - although I enjoyed the movie - being a little odd with sub titles + always been a supporter of any "underdg with balls", I saw in Lisbeth the epitomy of exactly that - "fuck off and leave me alone, but if you enter my personal space, be careful = no compromises!!" Then book #1, as it sets the scene and establishes the first generatio p characters for later books, then Book #2.

So how did "they" get away with murdering him - or s it natural causes, and his own crime case hushed up, just like his book's mai theme?

What a pity we will never get anoher tri-logy from that magician's brain again.

Posted by Oddball , 24 January 2011

The Girl Who Played with Fire for the action and twists.

Posted by , 27 January 2011

I won't miss any of the 3 books....

Posted by Ron in Hamburg , 27 January 2011

When I started the first book, I was so confused by the names, titles, etc. that I almost gave up and as a consequense I skimmed through a lot of it as being just too difficult. After getting into it, I was held captive by all the character development and finished it straightaway. After reading books 2 and 3, I went back and re-read book 1. I think book 1 was my personal favorite.

Posted by Buck in Montgomery , 30 January 2011

Book 2 was my favorite for all of the action, but I loved them all, and feel a sense of loss now that I have finished the last. Will start reading them again, this time in Swedish.

Posted by Sara C. in Zionsville , 30 January 2011

I also feel at a loss now that I have finished all three. How I wish Larsson was still around to give us some more! I'm not sure which one I loved the best, maybe the first as it has the best interaction between Mickael and Lisbeth. I sincerely hope this draft version Larsson left behind gets published and Blomkvist and Salander re-ignite their romance.

Posted by Ro in Ireland , 30 January 2011

Book 2 and 3 are really one book, in two parts as someone mentioned earlier. I prefer the more political aspect of books 2 and 3, over the closed room murder mystery of the first book, and while the trial scene in The Hornets Nest is brilliant, the narrative action and cliffhanger ending of the second book probably makes it my favourite.

The first book, especially, could have been edited a bit more aggressively to reduce excessive repetition and exposition, but the actual story in there was excellent.

Posted by , 2 February 2011

My favorite book was Book 2. I loved reading about how Lisbeth spent her time...reading about math and science? Awesome. She is such a facinating character. Although I must say, the second movie was my least favorite. It left most of the interesting stuff out from the book.

Posted by Katie in San Diego , 12 February 2011

Speaking of that (my post above), I wrote a blog about the 10 Reasons Lisbeth Salander Is My Hero: http://www.shirtsandgiftstoday.com/10-reasons-lisbeth-salander-is-my-hero/

Posted by Katie in San Diego , 12 February 2011

i agree with katie in san diego,they always do that with movies.....and blomkvist character in movies is certainly intriguing but i didnt find him attractive as steig said he is in books.....noomi played lizbeth really good, but they just ran through with the movies....they should have made them in 2 parts.....is the 3rd movie out yet??

Posted by basra in canada , 12 February 2011

My answer is "all three".

Posted by YP in Istanbul , 15 February 2011

The first one is a blast, a real masterpiece. Two and three left me somewhat disappointed.

I only finished reading two and three because I started them and worked my way through the end. Far too many totally unrealistic coincidences. Some Kurdish friend of Blomkvist happens to know the cleaner at the hospital in which Salander is kept; the right youngster with the Police in Stockholm happens to be on first name terms with the former PM of Sweden. Gimme a break.

Posted by Martin in Frankfurt , 15 February 2011

I think you should have applied the 'willing suspension of disbelief', Martin. It is fiction after all.

Posted by Ro in Ireland , 15 February 2011

The problem with books 1 & 3 is that they seemed to have a nice resolution about 2/3 of the way through and then the final 1/3 was tying up a loose end. it seemed anticlimactic. Book 2 just ended and 3 was a continuation of that plot. I liked 2 and 3 the best because there was more character development and plot in them.

Posted by Mark in Wisconsin , 15 February 2011

Well, Ro, it's not "The Lord of the Rings" we are talking about. Setting of the stories is Sweden ten years ago, most of the pubs and streets and hotels and even people do exist. Just found some of the fictional inventions in part 2 and 3 less skillfully done. But don't get me wrong: I loved reading them - fascinating and thrilling.

Posted by Martin in Frankfurt , 16 February 2011

In terms of structure, Book One seems much tighter, better crafted, than the next two books. It also has the obvious advantage of introducing the amazing and sometimes charming talents of Lisbeth. No significant surprises after that.

Posted by F. Henry in Pittsburgh , 18 February 2011

Possibly the Forbe's story at the beginning of book 2 was to make the book easier to get into. The beginning of book 1 was so slow. I know that this idea is a stretch.

Posted by Buckrroo in Montgomery , 24 February 2011

I have just finished book one, Audiobook and played it in my car on journeys, same as others I found it very hard to get into at the beginning, but then I was hooked, I have just started book 2, audio is brilliant, with accents people seem very real, and the laziness of not having to read, great listening when bdoing housework etc...

Posted by Karen in North Wales, UK , 24 February 2011

The entire collection is intense. However, the third book is my favorite. Political espionage at its best, the plot is fantastic. And the court trial chapter is just excellent. Although, I was saddened when I finished the third book, I don?t want a fourth book. This trilogy is just perfect...

Posted by Rafael in Cincinnati USA , 2 Mars 2011

Book one was my least favourite. It was really graphic and violent in parts. Book two and three were better with more focus on Lisbeth.

Posted by Ang in Brisbane , 7 Mars 2011

Each had a strength and support what followed. I couldn't say one was better than another. Spectacular reading.

Billy from Long Beach, NY on 20 Jan 11 may have said it best:

"Book one, was the best introduction I've ever read, the character develoment was amazing, wanted me to read more.

"Book two, was the best as far as straight up action, plot development & twists.

"Book three, was the best at intrigue and the sense of vindication"

Listened to unabridged "...Tatoo" on audio books driving from Little Rock to Memphis and back and then two days later from Little Rock to Atlanta and back ... then drove around town after 8 hours on the road for another hour to listen to the end. Wife thought I was nuts.

Posted by Don B in Little Rock , 10 Mars 2011

ALL!

He is a genious. =)

Posted by Viktor in Anapolis, Brazil , 24 Mars 2011

dfr's Last Theorem...The sum is > than the parts.

Posted by dfr in chicago , 24 Mars 2011

why is the first book so hard to get into,. i got interest after 100 + pages

Posted by B in NYC , 29 Mars 2011

Book One (Dragon Tattoo) takes time to get super interested but once you do, you are hooked. I've just finished Book Two (Played with Fire) and WOWWW... what a fantastic story and what a fantatic writer Steig was. I've just purchased Book Three (Hornet's Nest) and can't wait to get started.

Posted by Jeanne in Viera, FL , 15 April 2011

Well I guess my take was very different. What I got the most out of was learning more about Sweden. Until recently I had thought of Sweden as a near perfect country. My grandmother was from there; came to the USA at 19 along with several siblings and they were all great people whom I loved very much. The books were excellent but so far I have not had a chance to read TGWKTHN yet, hard to get in rural Alaska.

Posted by BudR in Bethel , 20 April 2011

I'd agree with BudR regarding the insight into Sweden and Swedishness, and for that reason I'd rate them in reverse order - Hornet's Nest first, Dragon Tattoo last.

Posted by genji in Lisbethtown , 20 April 2011

I rate them 1,3,2

I do hope the forth gets printed by the family

I saw the film of the 3rd yesterday and do not recommend it - too disjointed and far removed from the continuing storyline of the book.

Posted by Ray i in Sydney , 20 May 2011

Book 2. More events and actions happening.

Posted by Roselia316 in Sydney, Australia , 22 May 2011

Book 2 is the best. Salander did work so hard to fight back Zalachenko.

and Teleborian. (All the authorities she suffered from. ) And i like the scene she cared about her former guardian Holger Palmgren, and her girlfriend Mimmi.

Book 3 was complicated and book#1 was dark.

Posted by mimmi in Tokyo , 22 May 2011

I must say the second, although I liked the first alot for the mystery. The second was a thriller and a much faster story. The third feels draggy and lengthy beyond the threshold of enjoyment...

Posted by Speedygi81 in Singapore , 11 June 2011

Well, I'm with several others: ALL THREE! But if I HAD to choose to save my life I would pick PWF. It gives us so much more info on Lisbeth herself. She's awesome. We see how much she has had to put up with and what she has to do merely to survive. I read PWF first and the prologue hooked me [can't even comprehend how horrifying it would be, to be restrained for an extended period of time.] But I must say I LOVED them all; they are the best novels I have ever read and I've read in the thousands, classics and pulp alike.

Posted by Bob in Albuquerque , 27 July 2011

While book one had the literary critics sit up and take notice of the trilogy, I actually preferred book two much better. The action was totally riveting, and while it ended with a cliffhanger, that wasn't a problem for me as I'd already bought book 3 in advance and was able to delve into it immediately. :)

Some fans have commented that Blomkvist and Salander have too few scenes together in book 2, but I scarcely noticed this. Besides, Salander is more unpredictable when she's acting by herself. I don't really regard them as a crime-solving duo like Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson... the plot is still great even with independent story threads for the two leading characters.

Posted by Rin in Singapore , 6 December 2011

I've read only Book 1 and found it predictable although i liked Salander..probably because I read a lot of agatha christie..Are books 2 and 3 as predictable??

Posted by GhostofPerdition in India , 9 January 2012

Book1. For me it is the initial development of the character that creates the attraction to the story. Painting the mental pictures of each, visualizing their mannerisms, creating them.....that's the beauty of a great story. SL, books 4-10 and the Lisbeth Salander legacy will be sadly missed.

Posted by PK in United States , 13 January 2012

I watched all 3 films first which I was quite pleased about, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to read quickly enough! The first film (Swedish version) I liked, but thought the 2nd and 3rd films disappointing. However once reading the books I couldn't put any of them down. The 2nd and 3rd books are soooo much better than the films, Lisbeth's character really comes out and I loved learning more about her as a person. She's an awesome girl. Am gutted there will be no more books, such a pity about the author's death. Would really like to visit Sweden now. I'm seriously thinking of re-reading all 3 books, something I've never done before.

Posted by Denise in England , 7 Mars 2012

IM READING THE 3th BOOK, ANS SO FAR I HAVE LOVED THE FIRST 2, AND TODAY I WILL START WATCHING THE SWEDISH VERSION MOVIES. Lisbeth Salander es lo mejor de lo mejor :)

Posted by Berenice in Mexico , 29 April 2012

I loved Book 1,I don't understand why some people found the beginning rather boring because I liked it, even though it beat around the bush a little. Lisbeth was more of an enigma in the first book and I wished I saw more of her. Then in the second and third books I wished I didn't. Larsson stretched her too much to make her seem good at everything: Fighting blokes twice her size, doing Math for fun, and also giving her new fake fat on her chest because apparently he was tired of her "childlike breasts". It was also frustrating that Larsson insisted on keeping the two main character of the book apart for two whole books, because the trilogy was all about Mikael and Lisbeth and the fact that they were apart makes them more like two separate stories.

Posted by Kaat in Singapore , 27 June 2012

I've just finished the final book in the trilogy, and I thought that while they were all very well written and easy to read, the first book is a lot better. It feels like, while there are certainly elements to Larssons story telling that are borrowed, the characters are refreshingly original. In the 2 sequels, this is less so, the bad guys are particularly cleched, and other than Neidermann, who is ripped straight from a Bond movie, I didn't get the feeling that `section` was actually that much of a threat. Zalachenko was a cripple, Gullberg was terminally ill, and Clinton pretty much bed-ridden. The others seems to lack any real conviction to the sections cause, and were always one step behind. I watched the first two Swedish movies after I read the books, and was really disappointed. It's always difficult to capture the magic of a good book, but I actually though the Daniel Craig movie was a lot truer to the text in key points.

Posted by Dave in London , 13 November 2012