Chapters 20 through 23 Summary

Salander arrives at Blomkvist's cabin with her report on the five murders on Harriet's list, plus three more that fit the pattern. They wonder how Harriet got involved and think there must be a connection to the Vanger family. All the murders had occurred between 1949 and 1966, and they had been sadistic killings involving animal sacrifice and fire. They also realize that all the victims' names are traditional Jewish names, and that the Vanger family has included several anti-Semites and Nazis. Salander says she thinks the perpetrator is not an insane serial killer, but a bastard who hates women. They consider various people who might have a connection, including Otto Falk, who was pastor of the local church at the time. Salander seduces Blomkvist, and the following morning, they find the corpse of a cat on the porch. The cat has been...