Having hugely enjoyed the first in the series, despite the hype, I am glad to report that I thought The Girl Who Played With Fire was even better; what at first appears to be a tense but ultimately private and tragic tale of revenge for past abuse turns into a thriller with national and international complications; it's like the best of the Rebus novels, but with more attractive characters and much nastier sex. Very highly recommended; reading the first book first isn't necessary but is desirable.