Mikael Blomquist hurt his reputation as a journalist of integrity when he ran a story about a businessman that he couldn't back up with proof. Now, he's prepared to retire to the "country" for awhile and take on an intriguing task until he figures out what to do. But as Mikael begins looking into the 40-year-old disappearance of young Harriet Vanger, he's drawn into an intricate web of politics and deceit.

Partnering with him on his quest for the truth is the decidedly odd but brilliant Lisbeth Salander. Sporting a dragon tattoo and a standoffish attitude that hides deep wells of hurt, Lisbeth will pull you through this novel at a breakneck pace.

I could not put this book down. It's one of the best crime fiction books I have ever read, and I read it with an infinite sadness knowing the author delivered three manuscripts to his publisher and died weeks later. It's terrible thinking that we'll see no more than those three books from this fabulous author. Seriously, this is a must- read book.