Check out Lisbeth Salander

To my friend Mike T in San Antonio, check out "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," "The Girl Who Played with Fire," and "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest," the Danish series by Stieg Larsson. Great story, excellent writing style, complex enough to keep you interested but clear and easy reading. The films are excellent as well! Ciao, amigo.