To properly assess Secret of Secrets, I must first address my history with the author and his works, as my past experiences invariably shape my review. The author in question is none other than ‘Mr. Da Vinci Code’ himself, Dan Brown.

Though I was young when The Da Vinci Code was published, I was well aware of the controversy. My initial fascination came from the Tom Hanks film, particularly the iconic Cryptex and the alluring blend of mysterious coded messages and the study of symbology. The film was the impetus for me to finally expand my horizons beyond my usual reading fare.

My first encounter with the books was later, listening to Angels & Demons on a trip with my Grandmother. The blend of real-world technology at CERN and the intrigue of the Vatican and a revived ‘Illuminati’ immediately captivated me. While my mother owned some of Brown’s other titles, my focus remained entirely on the Vatican conflict.

Ultimately, Brown’s signature formula—combining popular conspiracies with a ticking-clock thriller that unfolds over a single 24-hour period—is what drew me in and has been the constant force moving his plots forward.

Each novel has a primary focus on one primary conspiracy, and they are as follows:

Taking these premises too seriously will, of course, elicit reactions of, “That’s not true!” The entire point of these stories is entertainment, and treating real-world conspiracies as actually real (often to the surprise of the characters themselves) creates a fun playground for an exciting tale. Like many forms of entertainment, you have to suspend your disbelief; otherwise, you won’t have a good time. Not every novel needs to be a literary masterpiece dissected for philosophical or psychological nuance; sometimes, you just need a fun distraction. The cinematic equivalent is a “Popcorn Flick.”

This time around, we catch up with Langdon and his new, but not unfamiliar, Paramour, Katherine Solomon. The famous Noeticist from Brown’s earlier novel, “The Lost Symbol,” Solomon has continued her research into the nature of the human condition, and her newly finished manuscript has caught the attention of some powerful global players. Following a talk at the famous “Prague Castle,” and an evening sipping Absinthe and a peculiarly pork-flavored cocktail, Langdon and Solomon find themselves at the center of a conflict between an ancient being from Prague’s storied history, and a shadowy organization intent on keeping Dr. Solomon’s research out of the light.

Professor Langdon returns for this adventure, though he’s often more a spectator or tour guide than a puzzle-solver. His appearances primarily involve pointing out famous locations, with far fewer mysteries demanding his direct expertise.

The return of Katherine Solomon, an integral piece of the story, was an absolute delight. She brings her usual sharp insight, focusing this time on new frontiers in neuroscience and the concept of non-local consciousness.

The Golem is a thoroughly enjoyable and refreshing character. Taking advantage of Prague’s interest in the Occult and cosplay to conceal their identity, the Golem acts as a detached “Avenging Angel,” motivated by a personal quest for justice.

Sasha Vesna, a young neuroscience researcher with epilepsy, has found a new lease on life and love through her superior, Dr. Gessner. Unfortunately, her naive and trusting nature may have led her into peril.

Jonas Faukman, an editor at Penguin Random House who has worked on both Langdon’s and Solomon’s books, quickly discovers he bit off more than he could chew by agreeing to publish Solomon’s manuscript.

Heide Nagel, the US Ambassador to the Czech Republic, finds her true purpose and allegiances tested as her position brings her an unexpected share of grief.

While these characters share the bulk of the story, several other smaller but integral players—including a UZI officer, a pair of U.S. Embassy agents, and the head of a shadowy US investment group—all drive the plot forward despite their fleeting presence.

Prague provides a unique and effective setting for the story. It is well-known enough for recognizable landmarks yet retains enough mystery to ensure the audience learns something new. I was particularly engaged by the inclusion of the infamous “Astrological Clock” on the Old Town Hall, which has fascinated me for years with its unique combination of classic time, the Zodiac, and Old Czech Time. The novel also introduces intriguing new details, such as a peculiar art installation that repurposes Cold War infrastructure into a prominent character from a galaxy far, far away. Brown’s descriptive writing firmly puts the reader in Langdon’s slick-soled loafers as he navigates this ancient and mysterious city.

My appreciation for Dan Brown’s works remains profound. The single 24-hour time frame still provides a steady pace and allows parallel storylines to develop without dragging. After briefly swearing off the series following the disappointing conclusion of Origin, this novel has thankfully rekindled my enthusiasm.

I do, however, question Langdon’s necessity in this particular story. While he displays all the classic hallmarks (morning laps, the Mickey Mouse watch, the symbolic segues), I often wondered why he was there. Since his symbology expertise rarely served as a key piece of the solution, his role could have been filled by another character entirely. While his presence wasn’t unenjoyable, I would have preferred him to be a proactive solver rather than simply reacting to his environment.

While the internal plot is sound, the broader series continuity is disappointing. Beyond a casual mention of the technological ‘new species’ twist from Origin, the novel ignores major, relevant events. For instance, the mass sterility event from Inferno—affecting one-third of the global population—is completely unaddressed. Furthermore, I was surprised there was no acknowledgment of his partner in The Lost Symbol, Katherine Solomon, or even a brief recall of Langdon’s own past traumas, like his “near-death” sensory deprivation experience.

Overall, I was impressed and thoroughly enjoyed the story. It has reignited my passion for Langdon’s adventures—making me itch for a big-screen adaptation of Digital Fortress—and I was excited to learn that The Secret of Secrets itself will be a Netflix adaptation. Hopefully, they choose to create it as a continuation of the recent Peacock adaptation of The Lost Symbol.

If you’re looking for a quick and exciting read, you could do far worse than The Secret of Secrets; for fans of the series, this is a great return to form, raising many intriguing questions about life, the universe, and everything in between.