The Da Vinci Code

A Novel

By: Dan Brown

Narrated by: Paul Michael

Length: 7 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

#1 WORLDWIDE BESTSELLER • While in Paris, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is awakened by a phone call in the dead of the night. The elderly curator of the Louvre has been murdered inside the museum, his body covered in baffling symbols.

“Blockbuster perfection.... A gleefully erudite suspense novel.” —The New York Times

“A pulse-quickening, brain-teasing adventure.” —People

As Langdon and gifted French cryptologist Sophie Neveu sort through the bizarre riddles, they are stunned to discover a trail of clues hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci—clues visible for all to see and yet ingeniously disguised by the painter.

Even more startling, the late curator was involved in the Priory of Sion—a secret society whose members included Sir Isaac Newton, Victor Hugo, and Da Vinci—and he guarded a breathtaking historical secret. Unless Langdon and Neveu can decipher the labyrinthine puzzle—while avoiding the faceless adversary who shadows their every move—the explosive, ancient truth will be lost forever.

Can't get enough of The Da Vinci Code? Check out our store devoted to all things Da Vinci.

©2003 Dan Brown (P)2003 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"In this gleefully erudite suspense novel, Mr. Brown takes the format...to blockbuster perfection." (The New York Times)
"Brown solidifies his reputation as one of the most skilled thriller writers on the planet with his best book yet, a compelling blend of history and page-turning suspense." (Library Journal)
"Many notches above the intelligent thriller; this is pure genius." (Nelson DeMille)

The real scoop

Ok, forget the hype. This is an incredibly well structured story that is told poorly. Brown's narration and dialogue ARE atrocious; the worst psuedo film noire drivel imaginable. However, it is a very fast paced story that is gripping because of its detailed attacks on traditional religious symbolism/beliefs. The characters work well together, and there are some nice little (though expected) twists. It's a great beach read! Is any of it true? Who knows. Does it matter? Only to those who are threatened by such challenges to their beliefs. If you don't expect more than a good ride, you won't be disappointed.

Excellent Mystery with art references

Author Dan Brown does an excellent job of keeping you riveted to the story. This is truly a thinking person's mystery novel. His attention to detail is great. You are hooked from the beginning and can't wait to hear what happens.

Like others may have said, one negative is the annoying french accent the narrator has for the french woman Sophie.

Worth the listen!!

First time reader/listener of Dan Brown

Oustanding! A long time fan of Clive Cussler, Tom Clancy and Robin Cook I was in need of finding a new author to help while away the undless hours of boredom working on a factory assembly line. This was also my first downloaded book from Audible.Com and what an excellent suggestion from the search engine. If you enjoy the Adventures of Jack Ryan, Dirk Pitt and the likes of a mystery that makes you think as well as entertain you then you will enjoy this book.

Great!!!!!!

This was the greatest read that I have ever had!

Thrilling

The "Da Vinci Code" was my first book from Audible, and it was very well worth it. Kept me thrilled from the first minutes I listened to it. Very good narration and atmosphere created by the readers voice. For anyone who is into suspense and mysterical ancient brotherhoods and conspirations, this is the right one.

The Da Vinci Code abridged was a fun listen.

Wish I had bought the unabridged version of the book. I missed out on some details that I would have liked to have heard.

Held My Interest All The Way

We listened to this in the car on one of our long trips back and forth to and from our vacation house. Neither one of us wanted to get out of the car for fear we would miss something. I think what made it even better was the dramatization which, in all of the audio versions, is key to the level of enjoyment. Cleverly drawn from actual things, the author was able to lend credibility to items, situations, and theories in a fictional story.

Best book I've read in a long time

I travel a lot for work, and always find myself looking for captivating books for the long flights. I had to hold myself back on this one because I would have read it all too quickly. Brilliant author - his other books are great too.

Interesting reading

I found this book very intriguing - especially being raised Roman Catholic. This book has awakened a new longing for Knowledge of biblical "his"tory, or the lack there of. I loved this book

Great, Captivating

I had not seen the movie. But I thoroghly enjoyed the audio book. It was intense and fast-paced. I would certainly recommend this book to others. Definitely a 4-star book.