The Book I Couldn't Put Down Soon Enough. I hope Barry Forshaw is a peudonym... I couldn't bear to think of anyone earning their money this way. Actually though, at times it was hilarious. On page 77 Hariet Vanger is described as Henrik's brother's grandmother. And then on page 79 he describes Harriet as his brother's granddaughter. As you can imagine the scope for further error's in Mr Forbshaw's exposition of the plot of the three very complex novels is almost unlimited. Mr Fordshaw, though, is up for the challenge. The only merit, and I say again, the only merit in this unfortunate endeavour is a set of photos of Stieg Larsson which I've duly torn out and consigned the rest of the pages to the fire, where at least they might serve some purpose.

This was obviously produced at the gallop shortly after Stieg Larsson's early and unexpected death. It has all the hallmarks of a scissors and paste job. Pages 1 to 62 cover the life of this troubled man and is the most interesting part of the book by far. As for the rest,the longest section (pages 63 to 214) which is headlined 'The Books',takes us through the three volumes in abridged form. Now if you have read the books already (and I presume you have) this is of little or no use to you as it is quite simply a rehash. Next we have a chapter on other Scandinavian writers deemed rivals of Larsson which is of reasonable interest. The section about tours following the three book's footsteps as it were is of little use to anyone apart from the most ardent fan.
'Writers on Larsson' brings together other well-known crime writers who give their opinions of the man and his work. We end with a short piece about the film versions of Larsson's work.
Despite my reservations regarding this book,I must say that anything that is published which helps us to understand this incredible and troubled man is well worth reading. I do however hope that a more worthy attempt will soon be written. ( )

This book will probably seel moderately well, as its subject is hot propoerty; however it is a big disappointment and cannot be called a biography. Its opens with the briefest overview of Larsson's life and work, mostly lifted from other publications. Then the bulk of the volume is spent going over the plots of Larsson's three published volumes, interspersed with the briefest of comments. Then follows a lengthy chapter telling you what numerous other crime writers think about the work of Larsson, at this point I pulled out what remaining hair I have! It is stiffly written in style and offers nothing really new. I enjoy a good biography and recived this one as a gift; it is probably amongst the worst biographies I have ever read. do I tel the person who gave it to me? That, is the mystery.... ( )