A word of advice from our in-house Reader’s Advisor, Melanie Matt regarding the Stieg Larsson “Millenium triology” :

The first book, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, can be read on its own as a stand alone book. But if you are planning to read the newest one, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest, be advised that it would be helpful to read book two (The Girl Who Played with Fire) beforehand. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest is very much a continuation of The Girl Who Played with Fire and might leave some readers a little lost if it’s the first Larsson book they are picking up.