July 28, 2009

The Girl who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson Review and Giveaway (Ends 8-15)

Around the same time Mikael Blomkvist is preparing to run a shattering expose on the Sweden sex trade, Lisbeth Salander becomes the prime suspect in a slew of murders. Cryptic as always Lisbeth doesn’t much aide her defense, and for some reason is dodging Mikael who is convinced that she is (probably?) innocent. To the delight of salivating fans across the world Mikael and Lisbeth along with appearances of some favorites introduced in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo must solve the mysterious murders, and the clues may be buried in Lisbeth’s past.

The tremendous reception of these books must have something to do with Stieg Larsson’s ability to make them feel so modern. The story is Lisbeth’s as Larsson adds layers to his fascinatingly complex character. She may be the hands down best version of a dodgy bisexual computer genius that I’ve ever read. OK, she is the only one I can think of, but that is her charm. It is so rare to come across an original character in contemporary fiction, much less a suspense/crime/mystery novel where formulas and clichés abound.

So what if some of the plot revolves around improbable coincidences? The plot moves. I read these books back to back, more than 950 pages combined, and to my surprise the story never stalled and my interest never lagged. Instead I was disappointed when the second book concluded, and I’m dying to read the third. If you liked The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, you’ll be glad to know that The Girl Who Played with Fire exceeds even high expectations. Fire stands well on its own, but it is more of an extension of everything I loved about the Tattoo. I find that I can’t talk about one novel without recalling the other. Larsson’s characters and dramatic twists continuously shock. These novels set the benchmark of what a crime novel can be. They are an unparalleled achievement in fiction and worthy of all the buzz and fanfare readers can laud.

Thanks to the help of Random House I am giving away both of the first two books in the trilogy. One reader will receive a hard cover of both The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Girl Who Played with Fire and another will receive a Hardcover of The Girl who Played with Fire. Please leave a comment with a distinguishable email to enter. Contest open to US and Canada only and entries must be received by August 15th. Thanks for entering!

35 comments:

  1. I started reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo a few months ago and then got sidetracked and didn't pick it back up again. Perhaps I will have to give it another go!

    Sarah: slkooiman@yahoo.com

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  2. I'd like to enter the contest. I've heard about "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" but haven't read it yet. Thanks!

    Marian : mdperera at hotmail dot com

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  3. I've read the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and absolutely loved it, I would be thrilled if I could be entered for The Girl who Played with Fire.

    Thanks

    ~ Popin
    proudbookworm[@]gmail[dot]com

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  4. What a great giveaway! I would love to be entered! milou2ster(at)gmail.com Thanks!

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  5. Awesome giveaway! I'd love to be entered!

    WordLily AT gmail DOT com Thanks!

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  6. Just got "Dragon Tattoo." I'd love to have this one to read them back to back.

    litandlifeATgmailDOTcom

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  7. I haven't read either of these but I've been wanting to read "Dragon Tattoo" and this one sounds good as well. Please include me (and please draw my name!!!)

    melacan at hotmail dot com

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  8. I've heard so much about these. Please enter me!

    nbmars AT yahoo DOT com

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  9. I'd love to be entered for this.

    ziaria(at)gmail(dot)com

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  10. I'll throw my name in the hat too, these books look interesting.

    jen4777[at]hotmail.com

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  11. I heard about both of these books. I'd love to enter. Thanks! dwmorrison5161(at)att(dot)net

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  12. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is on my to be read list. I so very much want to read these books with all the wonderful things I've heard. jessica(at)fan(dot)com

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  13. I would love to win either (or both!) of these. I've heard great things about them and hate to be missing out.

    shhhimreading[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  14. I have heard such wonderful things about these books. I'd love to win!

    bookingmama(at)gmail(dot)com

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  15. Yes ,I would love to enter this contest. I've wanted to read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo forever! Thank you!
    Mark
    freebs59@sbcglobal.net

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  16. sounds like some great reads

    ykatrina at hotmail dot com

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  17. I have been holding my breathe for the second book to come out. So please enter me in this contest. Thanks so much for the opportunity.
    wheresmyrain(at)yahoo(dot)com

    elizabeth

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  18. I'd love to enter. Thanks so much!

    bj19662001 (at) yahoo (dot) ca

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  19. I just recently started to hear about this author. I would love the chance to get caught up on the story. I guess there is a 3rd book to come out too...


    bsyb100 at gmail dot com

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  20. I've heard only good things about these books but I haven't had a chance to read them yet. I'd love to be entered!

    Ladytink_534(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  21. Oh, I keep hearing how good this author is! Please enter me!!!! nicolama at cogeco dot ca

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  22. I think these look so fabulous. Thanks for the giveaway~
    s.mickelson at gmail dot com

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  23. Thanks for a great giveaway! I would love to read both books!

    redladysreadingroomATgmailDOTcom

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  24. I would love to read these!

    marielay@gmail.com

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  25. Please count me in - I've heard great things about this author and it's time I check him out for myself! Thanks for the chance!

    geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com

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  26. I just found your site and am enjoying it, please couint me in for this giveaway.

    cenya2 at hotmail dot com

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  27. I'd love to win!

    kelleyseibel[at]gmail[dot]com

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  28. I've heard rave reviews about this series and now I really want to read it. Thanks SO much for the opportunity!

    stephxsu at gmail dot com

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  29. Please enter me, I borrowed the first and loved it! :3

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  30. Loved The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and I am just starting The Girl who Played with Fire. Our library would love another copy of either they get abused...

    Thanks for the chance- LooseEnds AT Snet Dot Net

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  31. I'm really eager to read "The Girl Who Played with Fire!" I read "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" on vacation and loved it...

    Cheers,
    agjuba at hotmail dot com

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  32. These both sound like awesome books! Please enter me.

    Shadowofwonder47[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  33. Please enter me! Very much looking forward to read both books.
    lizzi0915@aol.com

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  34. I've never heard of this book before but I'm intrigued and would very much like to read it. libertyhockeymgr(at)aol(dot)com

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  35. These have been on my TBR list for a while

    chocolateandcroissants at yahoo dot com

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