The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

The third book in Stieg Larsson's Millenium trilogy, concludes the events begun in The Girl Who Played with Fire. The strengths of the previous books are again present - strong characterization, high stakes that are deeply personal, and an intricate web of deception and secrets brought sequentially into the light. Blomqvist and Salander remain intriguing protaganists, even when operating at a distance from each other.

More than just a mystery thriller, the heartbeat pounding at the core of The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, is friendship. Through it's diversity of characters, the narrative offers a look at the different shapes friendship takes when people feel compelled to offer it. At this point in the story characters are largely formed and must decide how to respond to Salander's critical needs. While it's a hurdle for people to offer their friendship to Salander, it's as a much of a hurdle for her to receive it. This important component of the story is especially interesting where the study serves to break down common cultural stereotypes.

If you've read the first two books, you're certainly going to read this one. I expect you'll be quite satisfied.