Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Thriller
Mystery & Thrillers
Quercus Books | MacLehose Press
Aug 29 2023
2/5
Netgalley
The untapped natural resources of Sweden's far north are sparking a gold rush, with the criminal underworld leading the charge. But it's not the prospect of riches that brings Lisbeth Salander to the small town of Gasskas. Her niece's mother is the latest woman in the region to have vanished without trace. Two things soon become clear: Svala is a remarkably gifted teenager -- and she's being watched.
Journalist Mikael Blomkvist is also heading north. He has seen better days. Millennium magazine is in its final print issue, and relations with his daughter are strained. Worse still, there are troubling rumours surrounding the man she's about to marry. When the truth behind the whispers explodes into violence, Salander emerges as Blomkvist's last hope.
Karin Smirnoff’s The Girl in the Eagle’s Talons offers a fresh perspective on a familiar narrative universe, following in the footsteps of Stieg Larsson’s iconic Millennium series. While the novel has its strengths, it ultimately falls into some of the same pitfalls that characterize many sequels and adaptations.
Smirnoff’s writing style is engaging, bubbling with an intensity that draws readers in from the beginning. The pacing is generally good, with a balance of action and introspection that reflects the complex emotions of the characters. The narrative centers around a young woman, which is a nod to the series’ legacy of strong female protagonists. Her journey is compelling, showcasing themes of resilience and empowerment that resonate well.
However, the reliance on established characters and plotlines can feel limiting at times. While the connections to the original Millennium universe are intriguing, they may alienate new readers who are unfamiliar with the backstory. Additionally, certain characters lack the depth and development that one might hope for, making them feel more like archetypes than fully realized individuals.
The mystery at the heart of the story is engaging, with several twists and turns that keep readers guessing. Yet, the resolution can be somewhat predictable, which may leave seasoned mystery fans feeling a bit underwhelmed. Smirnoff brings a unique voice to the narrative, but at times it feels like the novel is trying too hard to replicate the formula of its predecessors rather than carving out its own identity.
In conclusion, The Girl in the Eagle’s Talons is an average read that successfully captures some of the intrigue of the Millennium series while also stumbling over familiar tropes. Fans of the original may find value in Smirnoff’s take, but those looking for something new and innovative might be left wanting. Overall, it’s a decent addition to the series, but not a groundbreaking one.
