5 Stars and more! Dan Brown at his best! The Da Vinci Code is the best read i've had all year. With Robert Langdon as the leading character, and a journey through art history, this book puts a whole new view on religion. A truly gripping read, i couldn't put it down. Undoubtably the best book on my bookcase.

Amidst the media hype and religious protest surrounding 'The Da Vinci Code' is a fantastically gripping page turner.At no point could I guess the surprise ending of this book and it certainly wasn't for want of trying. With each chapter I found myself unveiling new whodunnit theories and proclaiming a new villain. The reader is kept perched firmly on the edge of their seat.Thousands of years worth of history is laid before the reader in fascinating detail. The events (and alleged events) are delivered in a style that dares the reader to draw what conclusions they will hence the world wide debate. Dan Brown provokes us throughout to question the textbooks and I don't think this book would be half as good without it.The imagery in this edition is stunning and it took me twice as long to read as the paperback version but was every bit as enjoyable if not more.I suspect that the fierce debate surrounding the allegations made in this novel will continue to rage on. However I would advice the reader to ignore the media circus and take this novel for what it is: a fantastically well written, suspense-filled, un-put-downable rollercoaster of literary and creative genius.

The Da Vinci Code follows Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon in another gripping murder mystery/thriller, this time with a historical treasure hunt after a murder at the Louvre in Paris. His companion, Sophie Neveu—granddaughter of the murder victim and a skilled cryptologist—joins Langdon on both the hunt for the killer and the quest to uncover the secrets of "The Holy Grail." Set primarily in modern-day Paris and parts of England, Dan Brown once again showcases his meticulous research. The attention to detail in his depiction of locations, documents, rituals, and historical facts is one of my favourite aspects of his writing. Brown’s dedication to accuracy adds a rich layer to the novel, and Langdon remains as lovable as he was in Angels and Demons. After reading Angels and Demons, I was eager to dive into The Da Vinci Code, and its famous reputation didn’t disappoint. The story is a joy to read from start to finish. I particularly enjoyed the flashbacks to Langdon’s teaching moments, which provided context for the historical elements in the book. These moments often added a bit of humour, especially when Langdon interacts with stereotypical students. The novel heavily focuses on religious themes, especially the story of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. I can see why it sparked controversy, leading to its appearance on banned book lists due to its portrayal of Christian history and the Vatican. However, Brown’s thorough research leaves you questioning just how much of it is based on truth. It’s thought-provoking, to say the least. Brown’s writing style is engaging, with short, manageable chapters that make it hard to put the book down. His descriptions of locations, objects, and scenes are vivid and easy to visualise, bringing the story to life. I couldn't help but compare the novel to the film adaptation and, like Angels and Demons, the movie sticks relatively close to the book, despite some creative liberties. I appreciate that the film preserves the core of the story, but it was also refreshing to discover elements in the book that the movie left out. However, seeing the film first did spoil some of the surprises in the novel. One element that sets The Da Vinci Code apart from Angels and Demons for me is its greater sense of realism. While I enjoyed Angels and Demons, the more fantastical elements—like Langdon jumping out of a helicopter with a tarpaulin—kept it from being a five-star read. Overall, I was thrilled to finally read The Da Vinci Code. It has quickly become one of my favourite stories, and I can’t wait to continue the series. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves a good treasure hunt, enjoys escape-room-style thrillers, or is intrigued by religious controversy and history.

The curator of the Louvre Jacques Saunière was murdered. French police suspects Robert Langdon, a Professor of Religious Symbology and Sophie Neveu to be involved in the killing. While looking for the Holy Grail, the reason for the crime, both were chased by the police as well as an unknown group through Paris and London. At the beginning I was disappointed. I hadn’t expected an ordinary crime story of a man and a woman who escaped most disastrous situations. After reading more and more chapters I changed my mind. The information given by the author Dan Brown about the history of the Catholic Church, the origin of the bible as well as interpretations of famous paintings makes “The Da Vinci Code” a book which is worth reading.

Dan Brown's most popular work, but in my opinion not his best, the plot is well developed but you can see where events are coming from if you have read some decent crime fiction before, the characters are a bit plain but suffice for the story, and the church becomes a suitable foe after the events of the first book (Angels and Demons) when Robert Langdon helped save them, a couple of good twists in the middle/latter part and a fair ending rounds this novel off nicely but there just isn't enough drama for me to get too excited about this novel, something Angels and Demons had, Good but better is out there.