'The girl who kicked the hornets' nest' by Stieg Larsson

One of the many reasons Stieg Larsson's books have captivated such a vast number of readers is the central character of the trilogy, Lisbeth Salander. She dominates this volume to an even greater extent than the previous two. The plot is a largely improbable conspiracy at the centre of the Swedish government which is complex beyond description.

Indeed, at many points throughout the book it seems as though so many Swedish names or terms are thrown out that it becomes difficult to follow. Nonetheless, Larsson's grasp of character and what makes humans tick is second to almost no other author. His dialogue is exceptional and even in a translated work tension is retained throughout.

As ever, we largely follow the intrepid reporter Mikael Blomqvist on his pursuit of the truth concerning Salander. Both of them shortly find themselves in mortal danger which persists to even greater degree than in the previous books. However, this time it is not just limited to them as everyone with any connection to them becomes a potential target.

That sense of peril is well done, it never seems that any of the central characters are safe or uninvolved. To an even greater extent than in the previous two books, Larsson has placed his characters in a web of lies that they struggle to escape from. Even the previously occasional character of Blomqvist's editor, Erika Berger, finds herself involved with the case. She is the victim of a particularly nasty hate campaign.

Despite the references to distinct places in Stockholm and Goteborg that will leave non-Swedes slightly dumbfounded, Larsson creates a distinct sense of place and time. At no point does it feel that the narrative cannot be followed. As with all the best thrillers, the place is something of an incidental feature when compared to the action. All the action sequences are well-rendered even if some of them are frankly unimaginable. Certainly, towards the end of the book, there are a few sections that feel a little over the top.

Nonetheless, this is an excellent read and the trilogy as a whole can be highly recommended. This is especially the case for anyone who has not read for a while or is in need of some diversion.