The Da Vinci Code

A Novel

By: Dan Brown

Narrated by: Paul Michael

Length: 16 hrs and 59 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 Books On Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The Da Vinci Code sets the hook-of-all-hooks, and takes off down a road that is as eye-opening as it is page-turning. You simply cannot put this book down. Thriller readers everywhere will soon realize Dan Brown is a master." —VINCE FLYNN, New York Times bestselling author of Separation of Power

"Dan Brown is my new must-read. THE DA VINCI CODE is fascinating and absorbing -- perfect for history buffs, conspiracy nuts, puzzle lovers or anyone who appreciates a great, riveting story. I loved this book." —HARLAN COBEN, New York Times bestselling author of Tell No One

"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)

Try to find a version with a different narrator

This guy is absolute crap. He took a strong, compelling story And reduced it to the level of a children’s puppet show. He has no consistency with his pronunciation of even the most simple words, let alone proper nouns... I can’t tell you how many times he refers to the famous museum in Paris As the louver. On top of everything else, anytime he attempts at doing an accent, the butchers it and it just ruins any momentum of the story has built up

Not great, but pretty good.

There are all kinds of complaints about this story. It honestly isn't that bad. I've read better books with more accurate history, but I like a good conspiracy. Even if the author takes a few (a lot) of liberties.

Brilliant performance of inspiring work

Would you consider the audio edition of The Da Vinci Code to be better than the print version?

Each is better than the other in different ways. Paul's accents are all well-done (French, Spanish, Italian, British London & Received, even Scottish!) However I also enjoyed reading the print book years ago, as I could work the codes and puzzles along with the characters.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The old woman in Roslin Castle (spoilers!).

Which scene was your favorite?

Probably where Robert and Sophie are in the home of Sir Leigh Teebing and he's telling the story of the Holy Grail. I love Paul Michael's performance of Leigh. It reminds me of Kenneth Brennagh playing Gildroy Lockhart (in a good way).

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

Of course! Pace was good, not too slow or too fast.

Any additional comments?

I was pleasantly surprised by the interview at the end with the screenwriter for the movie, and then the lecture by Dan Brown himself, which I enjoyed very much.

Puzzle-solving Suspense

Dan Brown's The DaVinci Code is a novel full of rich characters, complex puzzle solving and traditional suspense. His writing style reminds me of Robert Ludlum. This book is alot of fun and will really have you thinking. Be warned, you may want to take a trip to Paris after you finish reading!

WOW

OMG I couldn't get out of the car when I got home. I sat in the boiling hot car riveted. Only thing is, I had to go on line several times to look at the paintings described in the book.

Top Notch book

hard to turn off found myself in the driveway listening to it many times even after long days of work

Awesome

If you haven't listened to this one yet do yourself a favor and see what everybody's been talking about for years. Great fictional story weaved around historical facts. It really is well done.

Inconsistancies.

The taxi from the train station was a manual shift, yet Sofie demanded the taxi driver to "put it in park" a term associated with automatic transmissions. Another inconsistant remark... Sophie said her Grand father never told her a lie. If she revered him so highly why was she so adamant never to make contact with him after the incident at the villa where she witness Jack Sauniere in a Masonic symbolic ritual? All in all, it is still a turn pager!

The end of The Da Vinci Code

Yes, read and enjoy a good book. Take the time to truly think about the story and what if. But at the end, please keep leasing. At the very end, Dan Brown's father introduces his son, and then Dan Brown gives a short talk about the book-movie, and a bit about him self. Great insite into his thoughts on why the book, and how good or bad. It has gotten people to start talking about their beliefs, their Gods, and simply talking. You will enjoy it, even if you believe or do not believe in a Great Spirit.

Worth it!

Great narrator as good as I've heard
Very interesting and thought provoking story. Read it!