Title: The Girl in the Spider’s Web
Author: David Lagercrantz
Series: Millenium, #4
Narrator: Simon Vance
Published: September 2015, Random House Audio
Length: 13 hours 22 minutes
Source: Personal copy via Audible
She is the girl with the
dragon tattoo—a genius hacker and uncompromising misfit. He is a
crusading journalist whose championing of the truth often brings him to
the brink of prosecution.Late one night, Blomkvist receives a
phone call from a source claiming to have information vital to the
United States. The source has been in contact with a young female
superhacker—a hacker resembling someone Blomkvist knows all too well.
The implications are staggering. Blomkvist, in desperate need of a scoop
for Millennium, turns to Salander for help. She, as usual, has her own
agenda. The secret they are both chasing is at the center of a tangled
web of spies, cybercriminals, and governments around the world, and
someone is prepared to kill to protect it . . .The duo who
captivated millions of readers in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The
Girl Who Played with Fire, and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest
join forces again in this adrenaline-charged, uniquely of-the-moment
thriller.
My thoughts: I loved the Stieg Larsson books and was devastated when I heard he had died before finishing what was to be a nine or ten book series. Oh how I would have loved to see what he had in mind for Salander and Blomkvist, but alas, that was not to be. I, along with many others, was on the fence as to whether or not I would read this book – did I want to continue reading a series with a new author continuing on? I’ve actually never been in that situation before, so I wavered back and forth, but curiosity won out…I had to know how David Lagercrantz would handle the story line.
I have to say I liked this book. Was it as good as Stieg Larsson’s books – maybe not, but I think there is definite promise and potential if he keeps the series going. I think the way he decided to tell this first story of his was a good attempt to keep the series moving forward. And I think that we as readers need to keep in mind that he’s not Larsson…if that’s what you are expecting, than do yourself a favor and don’t pick this one up.
I think one of my favorite parts of this book is that we get a deeper understanding of Lizbeth. Her interactions with the autistic boy really challenge her, yet I think these scenes are when we see her at her most vulnerable. This adds depth to her character and while she still remains that bad-a**, sharp-tongued, hacker girl, she also shows that there is a protective side to her.
There are plenty of familiar characters present as well as some new faces and I’m not sure if all will be back in the next book or not. I really feel strongly that there will indeed be a next book as the ending left some issues unresolved.
Audio thoughts: One of the big draws to this book was the fact that Simon Vance was narrating it…I loved listening to him narrate the other books in this series and I figured even with a new writer, at least having the same narrator would allow some continuity. Simon Vance is a pure joy to listen to and I think he did a great job with this audio. If there are more in this series, I think I will continue listening to them if and only if Simon Vance is the narrator!
Books in this series:
1. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
2. The Girl Who Played With Fire
3. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest
4. The Girl in the Spider’s Web
Kristin, I'm glad you enjoyed this book. Lisbeth is a terrific protagonist (I read the first book in The Girl series). She is strong.
I've been on the fence about trying this book. I'm still not sure what I'll do. I am glad that they kept the same narrator as the first three. I would have to go back and listen to them again before I could tackle this book. I haven't listened to them since before the American movie came out, so I won't remember what was going on.
This is a series I've read and have this new installment on my TBR. Glad you liked it.