The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest book review

So what happens when you end up getting shot and you're down the hall from your father who's also in the hospital with you, but then your half-brother is trying to kill you, and you've got this journalist who's trying to help you, but he was also an old flame? It's a lot, but it's so intriguing.

This is the third book in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series, but it's actually one of seven because two other authors picked up the mantle and continued writing the series. I love it. I've read all seven of them, and they're phenomenal. I even read the last two out of order, and they're still really good. The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye and The Girl Who Lived Twice are both fantastic. They studied Larsson's writing style to make sure they could match it.

Apparently, Stieg Larsson passed away before he could finish the full series. From what I've read, there were originally supposed to be ten books. Looking back, it's kind of amazing to see how well the series continued, but this is the last one that he actually wrote.

Lisbeth Salander is in the hospital after being shot. Her father is down the hall, creeping past her room in the middle of the night, and she knows he's trying to kill her. She's dealing with a head wound, major trauma, and she was even in a coma for a while.

Then things somehow get even crazier.

She eventually ends up putting nails through her half-brother's feet so he can't come after her again.

"You're on the edge of your seat for every single page."

This book had me hooked from beginning to end.

I will warn you, though. These books are gruesome. They are full of gore and violence, and I couldn't read them late at night because I'm a big baby. I'd never be able to sleep afterward. But when I'd wake up the next morning and pick them back up? Oh my gosh. They're so good.

The idea that your father has spent years hunting you down because, at age twelve, you tried to burn him alive, but he survived? Then all of these family connections start coming after you?

It's wild.

Lisbeth Salander is an absolute badass.

I still haven't watched the movie because I'm afraid she won't be portrayed the way I imagine her in the books, and I know it'll make me mad.

One of my favorite parts of the entire series is the relationship between Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander.

They have this mentor, friend, former lover, protective relationship that's incredibly complicated. Sometimes she'll disappear and refuse to talk to him for months. Meanwhile, he's constantly trying to protect her because he genuinely cares about her. At the same time, he has relationships with other people, Erika is leaving, and everything is just messy in the best possible way.

At its core, it's almost a love story, but not really. It's friendship, loyalty, admiration, and competition all wrapped together.

Who would have thought a world-famous hacker and an investigative journalist would become such a perfect team?

I picture Blomkvist as this buttoned-up, sweater-vest, polished-loafers kind of guy.

Then there's Lisbeth with the dark hair, tattoos, hoodies, and looking way younger than she actually is.

They're complete opposites.

If you saw them talking on the street, you'd probably assume one of them was asking the other for directions. You definitely wouldn't think they spend their time solving Sweden's biggest crimes together.

That's part of what makes this series so much fun.

So why is it called The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest?

Lisbeth uncovers one thing, and it's like pulling a loose thread on a sweater. Everything starts unraveling. One discovery leads to another, then another, until suddenly Zala is involved, government secrets are exposed, and everyone seems to be after her.

It's one giant hornet's nest that she accidentally kicks.

That's exactly what this story feels like.

If you love dark thrillers with unforgettable characters, complicated relationships, and page-turning suspense, this series absolutely delivers.

Get your copy of The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

https://youtu.be/9Nbp8EQ_RZ4?si=-mmOCpMBpmlxk2v7

Until the next book review, 

Kyla