The Girl Who Played With Fire (Millennium Trilogy Book 2) by Stieg Larsson

In the second book of this trilogy we see the return of Blomkvist and Salander in their production and revelation of a document detailing sex trafficking behaviour in Sweden. The story takes a turn for the worst when Salander become suspect for three murders, one of whom was an abuser of Salander. She, while in hiding aids the progress Blomkvist makes in the case.

With twists and turns all along the way we are left agonising at the completion of the book to read on to the final book of the trilogy.

A slightly slower-paced book than its predecessor but never the less successfully setting the scene for a mind blowing finale.

8/10

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Millennium Trilogy Book 1) by Stieg Larsson

Out of sheer curiosity of it's reputation I bought this book when I saw it on offer in a leading bookstore. I don't regret my purchase.

A crime fiction, yes many of us have read many of those, but never with such fascinating and colourful, encapsulation characters and a storyline to beat all others.

Mikael Blomkvist, a notorious journalist due to a recent conviction of libel, takes on the case of a wealthy businessman, Henrik Vagner. To all others Blomkvist is seen to be chronicling the rich and successful life Vagner has lead, but between only himself and Vagner he is delving into the disappearance of Vagners lost granddaughter. As Blomkvist begins his search for Harriet Vagner he realises that the suspects into the apparent murder could only have been close family or friends. As the investigation continues slowly help is sought from eccentric, reclusive Lisbeth Salander and from then on the story gains in pace, both of the story line and your heartbeat!

I had my theories as I was reading it but the climax of the book was brilliant if not terrifying!!

9/10

The Boy I Love by Marion Husband

I was immediately transported into a totally different account of this period than I have ever considered before. Of all the books and literature I have read about wars and post-war periods, I am ashamed to say this book opened doors I myself had never considered.

Written in the aftermath of World War 1, the story follows the story of Paul Harris, a soldier who fought in the war. Harris is forced out of obligation to the duty of his dead brother to marry his pregnant fiancee. Paul Harris however, is homosexual. In unbiased but passionate accounting, Marion Husband allows us into the mind of the young man who is bravely doing his duty as he sees it, to his lost brother, but fighting his longing for a man he can never openly love.

Torn by obligation and want, the reader follows his story vividly from start to finish.

Marion won the Andrea Badenoch award for fiction and the Blackwell Prize for this book, and I look forward to reading the sequel, Paper Moon, which sits proudly at the top of my Christmas list!!

10/10 for a thought-provoking, tear-jerking read.