"The Lost Symbol" by Dan Brown

I have some sympathy for New York Times bestselling authors. After all, when your books are international bestsellers and some of the most widely read novels of all time, it must be tough brainstorming and putting together a new tome. And Dan Brown, unfortunately, has missed the mark with his latest thriller.

The Lost Symbol has the same suspenseful, jumpy narration that characterizes all of Brown's novels--enough twists and turns to interest the reader. But what you're all undoubtedly wondering is, what conspiracy theory did he delve into this time? The answer lies not in Europe like his past novels, but in our nation's capital: Washington D.C.. Brown explores our forefathers' Mason heritage and thus explains some of the architecture and symbols hidden in Washington. Drawing a kind of stretched parallel, Brown also delves into Noetic Science--a real, ancient science that suggests our thoughts can change physical matter in the world.

So we have all the classic Dan Brown elements: Robert Langdon, conspiracy theory, attractive woman sidekick. What's missing? Besides the fact that the link between Noetic Science and Masonry is stretched a little too thin, the story just lacks in comparison to his other bestsellers. The thrill factor of learning more about Washington and the secrets of Masonry hidden in the city is enough to keep the reader interested and mildly entertained, but if you're looking for an action-packed thrill ride, you'll find The Lost Symbol falls a little flat. I suggest Dan Brown's other novels (Angels and Demons and The Da Vinci Code, or even the awesome The Deception Point if you're not too much of a Robert Langdon fan) or Steve Berry's The Romanov Prophecy for a thriller that really gets your heart racing.

Beth gives it two out of five carrots!

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Hardcover, 29.99