The secret of secrets A novel

Robert Langdon is in Prague with Dr. Katherine Solomon, whose new book--a mind-bending exploration of human consciousness that could revolutionize both science and philosophy--is about to be published. Unfortunately, someone does not want that to happen. Katherine disappears, along with all known copies of her manuscript. Robert frantically searches for her but faces interference from the local police, who target him for a recent murder. The U.S. embassy becomes involved, but the ambassador's actions are suspect. Using his wit and eidetic memory, Langdon searches Prague for clues about Katherine's whereabouts and why she is a target. A massive U.S. government facility beneath the city may hold the answers. Brown crafts a thrilling follow-up to Origin, packed with insights into human consciousness, Prague's architecture, and ancient myths brought to life, as the contrast of ancient and modern ideas drives a race against time to stop a misguided human experiment. Michael narrates with a range of voices and emotions, capturing the nuances of history, science, and love, while sustaining a strong sense of urgency and mystery throughout. VERDICT Robert Langdon fans and those who enjoy thrillers set in cities with rich historical backgrounds will find this audio engaging.--Joanna Burkhardt

The sixth adventure of Harvard symbology professor Robert Langdon explores the mysteries of human consciousness, the demonic projects of the CIA, and the city of Prague. "Ladies and gentlemen...we are about to experience a sea change in our understanding of how the brain works, the nature of consciousness, and in fact…the very nature of reality itself." But first--Langdon's in love! Brown's devoted readers first met brilliant noetic scientist Katherine Solomon inThe Lost Symbol (2009); she's back as a serious girlfriend, engaging the committed bachelor in a way not seen before. The book opens with the pair in a luxurious suite at the Four Seasons in Prague. It's the night after Katherine has delivered the lecture quoted above, setting the theme for the novel, which features a plethora of real-life cases and anomalies that seem to support the notion that human consciousness is not localized inside the human skull. Brown's talent for assembling research is also evident in this novel's alter ego as a guidebook to Prague, whose history and attractions are described in great and glowing detail. Whether you appreciate or skim past the innumerable info dumps on these and other topics (Jewish folklore fans--the Golem is in the house!), it goes without saying that concision is not a goal in the Dan Brown editing process. Speaking of editing, the nearly 700-page book is dedicated to Brown's editor, who seems to appear as a character--to put it in the italicized form used for Brownian insight,Jason Kaufman must be Jonas Faukman! A major subplot involves the theft of Katherine's manuscript from the secure servers of Penguin Random House; the delightful Faukman continues to spout witty wisecracks even when blindfolded and hogtied. There's no shortage of action, derring-do, explosions, high-tech torture machines, attempted and successful murders, and opportunities for split-second, last-minute escapes; good thing Langdon, this aging symbology wonk, never misses swimming his morning laps. Readers who are not already dyed-in-the-wool Langdonites may find themselves echoing the prof's own conclusion regarding the credibility of all this paranormal hoo-ha:At some point, skepticism itself becomes irrational.A standout in the series. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.