I am glad that I put my disappointment in the first book aside long enough to get into the second. This book has better pacing, better character development, and better writing overall. Still, it could have used some liberal editing and plot-fixing. I will finish the series for the resolution of Salander's character, but won't be recommending it to anyone. Either I am missing something necessary to enjoy Swedish crime fiction, or the books simply aren't as good as the hype.