read for Popsugar 2018 challenge: Nordic noir

I'm shocked that I managed to go so long and be completely unspoiled for this book. I'm really split on my thoughts for this book. At points it dragged on, and other moments flew by. Lisbeth is definitely a unique character whose insights I enjoyed, where as Blomkvist read like such an author stand in, I kept rolling my eyes. I was really intrigued about the mystery regarding Harriet's disappearance but all Wennerstrom stuff just made my eyes glaze over.

My biggest issue was how much sexual violence is in this book. I know each section began with a statistic regarding sexual violence in Sweden, but... this book didn't seem to say anything. It concludes that rape is wrong but it makes the issue REALLY black and white

psychotic incestuous father and son pair, an evil sadistic guardian, yeah they're really bad. but what about that kind of friend who pressures you when you're drunk?

when sexual violence/assault and rape is often a lot murkier. Perhaps because I'm reading it in the time of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, I just wanted a more nuanced conversation about it.

I liked this enough, but I don't want to continue this series. I read spoilers to find out if anything interesting happens in the next books and I'm disappointed.

Lisbeth a 25/26 yo woman has a sexual relationship with a 16 yo?? That's just terrible. I'm sorry but a 25 yo cannot have a sexual relationship with a 16 yo. (I mean a hell of a lot else happens but feels like a real back track on this attitude that sexual assault is bad)