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 Master's Pen

Another genius writing from the mind of Dan Brown. It is a chilling, thrilling book that I could not put down! I thought this book warrants a movie deal with Michael Douglas playing the lead! The book kept me guessing with mystic anticipation and the book was written in the style of a master writer! Dan must be a mystic - his writing proclaims that he is. I never read the paper book - however, the way the book is read is absolutely outrageous! I loved all the characters and found that Dan has once again written another masterpiece. A must hear and read! Can't wait to see which mystical order he writes about - mm - could it be the Rosicrucians? Freemasons? I await on bated breath for the new inspiring follow up in 2005!

Wonderful

Dan Brown does an excellent job of combining all elements to create a fast paced book. His use of historical data and intrique force you to keep turning the pages as if you're running with the characters. Great read!!!!!

Very Enjoyable

What made the experience of listening to The Da Vinci Code the most enjoyable?

I appreciated learning some truths about history that I was previously unaware of. Recognizing of course that this is still a work of fiction and we need to be careful to discern between truth and fiction.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

The Da Vinci Code......Fiction????? HMMM!!!!

This book was amazing! Excellently written and read. Five stars, does not do this book proper justice, if it were up to me I'd give it 10 stars! It kept my attention from the first word. This novel contains what excites most Americans nowadays, and keeps the common Americans attention, fast-paced action, deeply hidden dirty secrets, and even a touch of romance. Throughout the entire reading of the book, and especially at the end. This book made me wonder exactly how far from reality it truly was! Prior to reading this book, I was not a very big fan of mystery novels. This amazing novel definitely changed my opinion on that. So I hope you enjoy it is much as I did.

One of the most enjoyable reads I've encountered

It is rare for a book to combine historical fact and fiction together with the depth and creativity of this work. This will be a disturbing book for many because it takes on the roots of present religeous dogma, but it is a must read for all of us because it forces introspection and re-evaluation. What's more, it is fun. The characters are well developed and for the most part believable. The plot is rich with historical context and there is amply action. But the real enjoyment comes from exploring the historical facts that are presented with just enough researched validity to force repeated trips to the library/internet to see what is real and what is not. I was surprised at how much of the historical narrative presented in this book is factual.

Heads up

I think this book can be enjoyable if you remember its fiction, not fact. It does dance through some interesting topics in church history such as the Knights Templar and the Priory of Sion - not to mention Da Vinci. Keep a copy of Da Vinci's "The Last Supper" at hand, it will help.

Be forewarned that the book will seem blasphemous to many Christians. (Christ is married to Mary Magdeline). Also beware that the narrator seemed to learn what a French accent is by watching old Pink Panther cartoons - at times he was hard on the ears. Finally, the "flashes of insight" the characters have are from out of the blue and prevent the "reader" from trying to solve things for him/herselve.

Must reading

This book had me from the first disc. Every step of the way had twists and turns that kept me looking forward to my commute each day. Many interesting facts from the real world melded into the story so you end up wondering exactly where truth dropped off and fiction picked up. This was the most intriguing story I've gotten from audible. I wouldn't have thought it possible but it knocked "Jester" into 2nd place.

A GOOD suspense novel with no filth? WOW!

I don't know how the full novel was, but, since Mr. Brown did the abridgement, I would assume that it was similar. This was an excellent and suspensful novel that did not beleauger the listener with trash for "effect". I enjoyed every moment and thought "I had it figured out." only to find out I did, then I didn't, then I did, then "OH!"... It was really a good listen!!

da vinci code great!!

great book to listen to. i suggest you listen to it twice

Da Vinci Code - Weaver

The best read all year. The whole church is discussing this wonderful novel. It's all my wife can talk about! Terrific book by a terrific writer.