(12/22/2011)
As an American, the locations, and references took some effort to forge through, but the crux was the inevitable meeting between two strong characters; the girl (with the dragon tattoo!) and Blomkvist. The prologue with Vanger and his obsession with the disappearance of Harriet and the the flowers received year after torturing year, was an instant hook.
How could anyone not be entangled with this web of corporate family deceipt, mystery and a tattooed rebel iconic hacker?
Instantly emphatic, you root, both for the truth and the bond between these two, because of their unique abilities to seek it out, and their relationship with relationships!
At times they realize too much about themselves and the case they were hired for, but ultimately the better for it.
This book and I'm sure its sequels, are well worth the time invested. Outstanding discovery on my part! But this reader highly recommends you absorb "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo".
It will never leave you. A true classic.