September 23, 2019
Swedish journalist Mikael Blomkvist takes center stage in Lagercrantz’s exciting third addition to Stieg Larsson’s Millennium series (after 2017’s The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye). Lisbeth Salandar, the girl with the famous dragon tattoo, has been off traveling around Europe and not responding to Blomkvist’s emails, which has left him working halfheartedly on a story about Russian computer trolls. Then he receives a phone call from a medical examiner who tells him a dwarf has been found dead on a Stockholm street with Blomkvist’s phone number in his pocket. This is far more interesting than Russian trolls, and after Blomkvist enlists Lisbeth’s help, she figures out that the man was not a dwarf, but a Sherpa, which leads them to a deadly Everest expedition involving the Swedish defense minister. When Blomkvist gets into trouble, Lisbeth comes to his rescue. Lisbeth’s plan to kill her evil twin sister, Camilla, provides a diverting subplot. A tantalizing ending hints at important changes for Blomkvist and Lisbeth ahead. Series fans will be pleased with the thoughtful way Lagercrantz develops the character of their beloved action heroine in this worthy outing. Agents: Magdalena Hedlund and Jessica Babs Bonde, Norstedts Agency (Sweden).