As Mikael and Lisbeth join forces to solve the disappearance of Harriet Vanger, it may turn out to be much more deadlier than that, as they try to find out what connection Harriet had with five brutally murdered young women.

Journalist Mikael Blomkvist, convicted for slander, is hired by industrialist Henrik Vanger to solve the 40 year old disappearance of his niece Harriet, but Mikael soon finds out he's getting help in the case, from hacker Lisbeth Salander.

A branch of the Secret Police begins to feel threatened by the outcome of the "Zala" incident. Now, in order to protect themselves, they decide to silence those who may be considered a threat to them, including Lisbeth.

As Lisbeth's trial begins, Mikael races against time to gather information to acquit her, but "The Section" begins a new course of action to stop Mikael's investigation: striking out against Erika and Mikael themselves.