A violent murder is committed in the Louvre Museum. The museum's chief curator, who is also the head of a remarkable secret society that has existed since the death of Christ, is found dead and gruesomely positioned on the floor near The Mona Lisa. In the minutes before he died, this very complex man was able to leave clues for his daughter to follow. The daughter, a brilliant cryptographer, along with a famed US symbologist, follow her father's codes and leads, hoping that he will, through his death, finally tell her what he wanted to confide in her while he lived. The secret society included members such as: Leonardo Da Vinci, Boticelli, Gallileo, Isaac Newton, Victor Hugo, Jean Cocteau, etc. These folks really Did belong to this society, which Really existed! This is when I first began my online search.

The mystery, or mysteries, take us through England, France and far back in time. We learn about the secret of the Knights Templar, and the symbolism in many of the world's most treasured paintings, as well as architectural symbolism in some of history's most sacred churches. Of course, we also learn who committed the murder and why - although this is almost secondary next to the real epic mystery the novel uncovers.

If there are flaws in the plot, I was too busy reading to discover any. That is probably the sign of a terrific book! The writing is excellent and the characters are a bit on the super-hero/heroine side, but who cares? Is what "The Da Vinci Code" proposes true? Well, the research is correct. The historical events and people explored in the book are real. But no one knows the Truth...nor will we ever, probably. I think that some things are meant to be a mystery. With all the world's diverse religions and each individual's belief in what is Divine - the Truth would have to destroy the beliefs, hopes and lives of many of the world's population. So, perhaps, in the divine scheme of things, there are many more Truths than one. Don't take the book too seriously. Just read it and enjoy!

1.) Interesting facts about artwork, the golden proportion, cryptography
2.) Details enough about Freemasonry, the Priory of Sion, Opus Dei, and the Knights Templar to make budding consipiracy theorists salivate
3.) Plenty of red herrings and foreshadowing to keep you guessing and revising your guesses
4.) Excellent pacing

Some readers may find the short chapters unusual, but they work well in maintaining multiple concurrent threads. The result is a page-turner in the truest sense--the reader almost feels as if he is in the same desperate chase as the characters.

The Da Vinci Code is far from perfect, however. The writing sometimes calls attention to itself, and the author often pauses the narrative to provide backstory and history lesson. The lines between historical fact and pure fiction are intentionally blurry, but that may be unsettling to some (devout) readers. And some scenes, including the ending, an interrogation early in the novel, and a climactic scene at Westminster Abbey, seem contrived.

Also--don't believe anything Brown says about Harvard...

Overall, this is a fun and entertaining book that doesn't deserve the harsh criticism it has received. I recommend it without reservation.

Brown has clearly perfected the thriller as have many other bestselling authors but he adds something that most of his colleagues cannot provide. Brown intertwines his exciting fictional plot with fascinating information that not only interests the reader but also enlightens them. With everything from the Golden Ratio: PHI, to symbology in art, Brown adds intellectual nuggets that keep the reader salivating.

The premise of the story itself is the true nature of the Holy Grail and its history. Obviously that topic is bound to ruffle some feathers and the information conveyed in the book will undoubtedly be rejected by many but do not let a review influenced by disapproval of Brown's theories deter you from reading The Da Vinci Code, it is a masterpiece.