Sometimes they were together so often that it felt as though they really were a couple; sometimes weeks and months would go by before they saw each other. But even as alcoholics are drawn to the state liquor store after a stint on the wagon, they always came back to each other.

Her absence had felt like torture--almost a form of personal punishment. He had nobody to discuss his feelings with, and for the first time he realised with appalling clarity what a destructive hold she had over him.

Don't call me crazy.I'm a survivor. I do what I have to do to survive.

Wennerström was devoting himself to fraud that was so extensive it was no longer merely criminal–it was business.

Salander's fingers emerged like something dead from beneath the earth. Had there been any human watching, he would probably have reacted like the fox. He was gone like a shot.

When their love was not reciprocated, it could quickly turn to violent hatred.

...you have no idea how mentally handicapped I could be if push comes to shove.