Almost as good as the first book!
I don’t remember why I wanted to read the first book in The Millennium series, but it was probably a mix of me hearing about the book all my adult life and suddenly seeing a sale on Audible. Anyway – I’m very glad I started it and I’m very glad I kept going with the series, because the first book is probably one of the best thrillers I’ve ever read.
This second book is almost just as good. It takes places a while after the first and interestingly enough kind of makes us start all over again. Mikael and Lisbeth hasn’t had much if any contact since the end of the first book, and when Mikael gets caught up in a double homicide that somehow gets pinned on Lisbeth, which results in a manhunt after her across all of Sweden, we just know that they’re bound to meet again.
Like with the first book, this is a multi-layered mystery that just keeps on giving and giving, slowly revealing more interesting, impossible twists with every turn of the page. At the same time, it’s a character builder. We learn more about Lisbeth and Mikael as we delve into their pasts and dig through their secrets. Lisbeth’s life is – perhaps not surprisingly – particularly interesting. She’s a fascinating character with a very interesting skill set, and I love reading about her. I’m very much looking forward to the next book.
At the same time, book two isn’t as awesome as book one. You can read my review of the first book here. It’s probably not weird when you think of how good book one was, ’cause it’s always going to be difficult to write a follow up to a master piece like that. It’s only natural that a sequel can’t reach the same heights. I felt especially that the middle of the second half lagged a bit. The action and mystery felt like it took a backseat to a lot explanation and setting up the ending. Again – magnificent book, but not as good as the first.
I’m looking forward to reading the next one though. I have the first one so vividly in my mind still, I thought I read it sometime last year, but it turns out it was back near the end of 2021. Weird how fast the time goes by. I’ll have to make sure I don’t leave the next book waiting for a couple of years this time. Have you read any books of Stieg Larsson? Do you love ’em as much as me? Let me know in the comments!
And as always – please, check out my books if you like thrillers! There are crime mysteries like this, and more psychological horror vibes if that’s your fancy. As an indie author, every single ounce of support helps immensely, and I’m eternally grateful for all my readers!
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Trey Stone, Author 