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)

A new Dan Brown fan...

This was a very good book. It started off a little slow but really picked up. The only thing i didnt like was that the epilougue could have given some more post adventure details on how things settled but I guess I can always read the next book in the series.

Captivating and thought provoking

To say the The Da Vinci Code is a page turner would be an understatement! I found myself cursing at the end of each chapter as Brown left me grasping for what would happen next. The art history and world history are both intriguing and thought provoking. You have probably heard the phrase "history is written by the winner." Brown takes us on a journey of religious history through the eyes of the losing team, and delves into the lengths they went to to protect and preserve their truth. I loved the explanations of religious symbols, ancient languages and codes. My journey into the ideas Brown explored has not ended with the silence of my Otis. The Da Vinci Code sparked my interest in learning more about the Louvre, Greek mythology, Da Vinici and even Walt Disney.

couldn't put it down

If you could sum up The Da Vinci Code in three words, what would they be?

I would have to say astonishing, mystifying, intriguing. . This book had soo much detail in it in regards to the Bible and different events that happened to where it made you want to pull out your own Bible to find out if what was written held truth, it made you want to pull up De Vinci's work to see if I can locate the details in his photos that were described in this book.

What did you like best about this story?

What I liked best about this story is how it follows the time line and plot of the first book, the sequence is just amazing. I also enjoyed the mystery and plot behind the story not to mention all the historical detail that the story provides, whether it be fiction or non fiction.

What does Paul Michael bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He brings emotion and suspense to the story.

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

Yes it was

Any additional comments?

None

Entertaining Art/Religion History, So-So Fiction

The Da Vinci Code is a fun read/listen. The art history and religious commentary are quite interesting and even enlightening at times. You might even find yourself doing web searches (as I did) looking up Da Vinci paintings and historical references to the Holy Grail and other related entities. On the other hand, as fiction, Dan Brown's novel is simply serviceable at best. He's certainly no great prose stylist by any stretch of the imagination, his characters are very one-dimensional, and his plotting is pretty your standard textbook murder mystery/thriller material. As for the presentation, depending on your point of view, the narrator of the book is either to be commended for his linguistic prowess or severely criticized for tackling so many stereotypically realized European accents during his reading (I admit to having thought of both Monty Python and Inspector Jacques Clouseau several times during the recording). So in short, if you're looking for something entertaining and occasionally enlightening for your daily commute, then you'll enjoy this book. On the other hand, if you're looking for great literature, this isn't it.

The Da Vinci Code

I read this book on recommendation of a friend who described it as a "feminist murder mystery." It was his excitement that had me read a mystery something I wouldn't do. This book is a story about what happened to the feminine divine as perpetrated by the heavily masculine Catholic Church. The mystery part was a great platform for the unfolding of art history, symbology, religion, and early matricentric culture; an education I didn't know I was waiting for. I have talked about this book with others and am thrilled to hear the discussions generated from the book. Have at it.

Just plain great

A great listen. You won't be disappointed and you will never look at the last supper picture the same.

Enjoyed it!

I just finished this book for a second time and I still love it. True, the plot has some problems, and the ending is somewhat disappointing, but everything else is fantastic. The background research about the Holy Grail was fascinating, so interesting. I would recommend this book to anyone with the possible exception of very devout individuals.

Intense

1000 times better than the movie--

great book, very entertaining

the book was long, but very easy to follow and entertaining to read. can't wait to hear more from this author.

Well written with an excellent narration

While the premise of the story takes considerable open mindedness to swallow, the plot is well spun with unexpected twists and is fast paced enough to keep the reader wanting to listen to the "next page." I was especially impressed with the narration as it was drew the reader into the story not unlike the radio-shows of old - only thing missing were the soundeffects!