The Girl in the Spider's Web
by David Lagercrantz
The continuation of Stieg Larsson's Millennium series, bringing back Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist in a new high-stakes thriller involving NSA surveillance and artificial intelligence.
Spoiler Warning
This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own discretion if you haven't finished the book yet.
Return to the Millennium
The Girl in the Spider's Web brings back Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist in a cyberthriller that pits them against the NSA, Swedish intelligence, and a criminal syndicate.
The Plot
When Frans Balder, a computer genius working on artificial intelligence, is murdered, Blomkvist investigates while Salander hacks her way through layers of conspiracy. The case involves an autistic savant child, quantum computing, and secrets from Salander's past.
What Works
Familiar Characters
Lagercrantz captures the essence of Salander and Blomkvist, maintaining their complex dynamic while developing them further.
Modern Themes
The focus on surveillance, AI, and cyber warfare feels timely and relevant.
Action Sequences
The book delivers several memorable set pieces, particularly Salander's confrontations with her past.
Technical Detail
The hacking and technology elements are well-researched and convincingly presented.
Pacing
The story moves quickly, maintaining the page-turning quality of the original trilogy.
Considerations
Different Voice
While competent, Lagercrantz's prose lacks some of Larsson's raw intensity and political fire.
Formula Familiar
The structure follows the established pattern perhaps too closely, making some developments predictable.
Supporting Cast
New characters don't have the depth of the originals from Larsson's books.
Final Thoughts
The Girl in the Spider's Web is a worthy continuation that respects the source material while updating it for contemporary concerns.
Rating: 4.0/5
Best for: Fans of the Millennium series, readers who enjoy tech-thrillers, and those interested in contemporary issues of surveillance and AI
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