You guys, I just finished reading The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye by David Lagercrantz and let me tell you, it was a wild ride from start to finish! As a long-time fan of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium series, I was eager to sink my teeth into this fifth installment, penned by Lagercrantz after Larsson’s unfortunate and untimely death.
The story picks up with our intrepid heroine Lisbeth Salander serving time in Flodberga women’s prison for the events that transpired in The Girl in the Spider’s Web. Never one to play by the rules, Lisbeth passes her time hacking the prison’s computer system and generally stirring up trouble. But when she receives a message from a fellow inmate that her friend Mikael Blomkvist is in danger, Lisbeth springs into action.
| Title | The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye |
| Author | David Lagercrantz |
| Genre | Crime, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery |
| Language | English |
| Publication Date | September 12, 2017 |
| Length | 464 pages |
Where to Purchase
Breaking Out of Prison, Lisbeth Style
In classic Lisbeth fashion, she devises an ingenious escape plan that includes rappelling down the side of the prison using a makeshift rope crafted from bedsheets. Have I mentioned how much I love Lisbeth’s resourcefulness and refusal to adhere to societal norms? This whole prison break sequence shows off her rebellious spirit and problem-solving skills, which are totally badass.
Reuniting with Mikael
Once free, Lisbeth sets off to reunite with Mikael in Stockholm. Together, they begin investigating a cold case involving a young boy who was brutally murdered years prior. The boy’s sister, who also happens to have been Lisbeth’s fellow inmate, wants justice for her brother’s death.
Of course, this investigation ends up putting both Lisbeth and Mikael directly into harm’s way. There are twists and turns, violent confrontations, overseas adventures, and several intense action sequences. But our heroes prevail, as always.
My Thoughts on the Novel
Here are a few of my personal thoughts on The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye:
- David Lagercrantz does an admirable job capturing Larsson’s tone and voice for the characters. It feels seamless compared to the previous Millennium books.
- Lisbeth remains as fierce and enigmatic as ever. Her courage in fighting for justice despite personal risk is inspiring.
- The relationship between Lisbeth and Mikael continues to walk that fine line between platonic and romantic. I’m still hoping they get together!
- The pacing fluctuates a bit. Some chapters race along breathlessly while others get mired down in minute details.
- The violence is jarringly graphic at times. Not for sensitive readers!
- I appreciated the commentary on Sweden’s criminal justice system and flaws surrounding incarceration.
- The ending ties up loose ends but still leaves me eager for the next installment!
Should You Read It?
Overall, I really enjoyed The Girl Who Takes an Eye for An Eye and absolutely recommend it to fans of Lisbeth Salander and the Millennium series. Lagercrantz does the story justice while putting his own spin on the beloved characters. If you’re looking for a gritty page-turner filled with hacking, motorcycle chases, revenge plots, and romantic tension, this book delivers. My only complaint is that I sped through it so quickly! Now to anxiously await the sixth entry in the series…
