Review: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson: A Gripping Crime Thriller (Millennium #1)

Swedish author Stieg Larsson’s debut novel, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, immediately captured the world’s attention upon its release. Since then, it has secured its place among the best crime novels, thanks to its gripping plot, shocking storyline, and fluid narrative.  

Originally titled Men Who Hate Women in Swedish, this psychological thriller, crime, and mystery novel was translated into English as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.  

One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is that it was published posthumously. Larsson, a journalist by profession, had written the trilogy but passed away from a heart attack before seeing it published. After his death, the book gained massive popularity and became a bestseller. And it’s no wonder—I personally couldn’t put it down.  

Stieg Larsson – The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo – Plot Overview

The novel weaves together multiple storylines. One revolves around a potential murder and a police mystery, while another delves into the investigation of a serial killer. Additionally, it incorporates a journalistic subplot, as one of the main characters is a journalist—much like the author himself.  

The book begins with a mystery. Henrik Vanger, an 82-year-old industrialist, receives a framed, pressed flower as a gift—a tradition that has continued for 36 years. The sender is unknown, but Henrik believes it’s connected to his niece, Harriet Vanger, who disappeared decades ago and is presumed murdered. Despite the efforts of the police and his family, the case remains unsolved for 36 years.  

The Protagonist: Journalist Mikael Blomkvist

After introducing this central mystery, Larsson shifts focus to one of the main characters, Mikael Blomkvist. The author meticulously develops his characters, delving into their pasts to give readers a deep understanding of their motivations. Blomkvist, an investigative journalist, finds himself in a dire situation after publishing an exposé on the corrupt dealings of billionaire businessman Hans-Erik Wennerström. The article, published in the magazine he co-owns, leads to a libel lawsuit. Blomkvist is found guilty, fined heavily, and sentenced to three months in prison.  

As a result, Blomkvist’s career is in shambles. He loses his reputation, steps down from his editorial role at the magazine, and faces financial ruin.  

The Hacker: Lisbeth Salander

In my opinion, Lisbeth Salander is the second main character of the book. While the central mystery simmers in the background, Larsson introduces Lisbeth, a socially awkward and psychologically complex individual working for a security company. Unlike Mikael, her backstory remains shrouded in mystery throughout the novel, hinting at a traumatic past that has deeply affected her.  

Lisbeth is assigned to investigate Mikael by Henrik Vanger, who uses the pretext of writing a family history to enlist Mikael’s help in solving Harriet’s disappearance. Lisbeth’s meticulous research skills uncover shocking details about Mikael, setting the stage for their eventual collaboration.  

The Mystery of a Missing Girl and a Serial Killer Investigation

Mikael begins investigating Harriet’s disappearance, which occurred during a family gathering on a remote island owned by the Vanger family. Harriet, then 16, vanished without a trace. Some believe she drowned, while others think she ran away. However, Henrik is convinced she was murdered—and that the killer is a member of their own family.  

As Mikael digs deeper, Lisbeth joins him, and their paths intertwine. Together, they uncover not only Harriet’s fate but also a series of gruesome crimes, a serial killer, and a dark family history. The Vanger family’s seemingly pristine facade hides a horrifying “graveyard” of secrets.  

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: The 2009 Swedish film vs. the 2011 American adaptation.

Themes: Violence Against Women and Racism (Nazism)

Stieg Larsson uses the novel to shed light on several societal issues, particularly those prevalent in Sweden but relevant worldwide. Two of the most prominent themes are violence against women and racism. The Vanger family harbors Nazi sympathizers, and the book doesn’t shy away from exposing their ideologies.  

At the start of each of the book’s four main sections, Larsson shares statistics about violence against women in Sweden. While the novel serves as a window into Swedish society, it also acts as a critique, highlighting the country’s darker aspects. The characters’ experiences with domestic violence, sexual abuse, and misogyny are portrayed unflinchingly, making for some difficult but necessary reading.  

Here are the statistics Larsson cites:  

• 18% of women in Sweden have been threatened by a man at least once in their lives.  
• 46% of women in Sweden have been physically assaulted by a man.  
• 13% of women in Sweden have experienced severe sexual violence.  
• 92% of women who have experienced sexual violence did not report their most recent incident to the police.  

Economic Journalism and Corporate Corruption

While the novel is primarily a crime thriller, it also explores the world of economic journalism and corporate corruption. Mikael, an expert in financial journalism, initially faces ruin after exposing Hans-Erik Wennerström’s corrupt practices. However, after unraveling the Vanger family’s secrets, he turns his attention back to Wennerström, seeking justice and revenge.  

Book Review: Stieg Larsson – The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Millennium Series, Book 1)

In summary, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a multifaceted, gripping, and thought-provoking novel. Larsson masterfully blends psychological tension, crime, and social commentary. The book not only delivers a thrilling mystery but also shines a light on critical issues like violence against women, racism, and corporate greed.  

The novel also pays homage to classic crime fiction. Larsson references several crime novels and authors, including Dorothy L. Sayers’ Have His Carcase, which shares similarities with the book’s locked-room mystery. Other mentioned authors include Sue Grafton, Val McDermid (The Mermaids Singing), Åke Edwardson, Elizabeth George, and Sara Paretsky.  

About the Book

Title: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Series: Millennium Series, Book 1  

Original Title: Män som hatar kvinnor (Men Who Hate Women)  

Author: Stieg Larsson  

First Published: 2005  

Publisher: Norstedts Förlag (Sweden)  

Number of Pages: 672  

This is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and anyone interested in a story that combines suspense with social critique. Larsson’s writing is both engaging and impactful, making The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo a standout in the genre.

See also: Book Review: The Road by Cormac McCarthy – A Haunting Tale of Survival and Humanity