The Lost SymbolI finished the unabridged audiobook version of Dan Brown’s latest mystery-thriller, The Lost Symbol, a few nights ago. Dan Brown seems to get a lot of ivory tower criticism these days for his less than Shakespearean prose measured against the commercial success of his books. While I understand the critique, I find it overstated. More importantly, it didn’t impact my enjoyment of the book in the least.

The story follows the same general formula Brown used in the other two Robert Langdon stories, The DaVinci Code and Angles & Demons – two favorites. Few authors can put me on the edge of my seat with the written (or spoken) word: certainly Stephen King tops that list, but Brown is not too far behind. Less terrifying, but nearly as riveting. Like its predecessors, the research apparent in the book is immensely impressive. I love the entire idea of Professor Langdon: a charismatic “hero” built on brains; a more authentic, believable Indiana Jones. And like all great fiction, the book sustains a feel of believability, and mixes it within enough smarts to leave the reader thinking.

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