Book Review: The Da Vinci Code

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Da Vinci Code     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Dan Brown
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Religious Fiction
Doubleday, Apr 2003, $24.95, 454 pp.

Harvard University symbologist Robert Langdon is in Paris when he is awakened in the middle of the night by the police to come to the Louvre. Someone killed museum chief curator Jacques Saunier in the most secure section, Grand Gallery near the Mona Lisa. The culprit left behind enigmatic messages including bringing Langdon into the investigation.

The police syspect Langdon killed the curator, but cannot prove it. Meanwhile he joins with French cryptologist Sophie Neveuto in an effort to solve the puzzle of the message that both believe will lead to the identity of the killer. They begin to decode clues that when combined forms a map depicting the locale of the Holy Grail and proof of the existence of Jesus. However, several secret societies will use anything including murder to insure that the Grail remains hidden.

The sequel to the exciting tale ANGELS AND DEMONS, THE DA VINCI CODE is a fast-paced tale that will provide much pleasure to readers who enjoy religious thrillers. The police procedural takes a back seat to the engaging Langdon-Neveuto deciphering of the codes as the two characters are a delightful lead pair. Though the story line occasionally detours into religious history sermons, fans will appreciate this fine action-packed novel.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner