The Lost Symbol

Robert Langdon is back!  This time his travels bring him to Washington, DC.  In Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol, Langdon is invited by Mason Peter Solomon to give a lecture on the mystery of the Masons at the Smithsonian Museum, only to find out he has been duped when he and other visitors to the museum find Solomon’s hand full of symbols in the main exhibit area.  What happens next is a dynamic story of intrigue and fast-paced action throughout leading to a conclusion that is unlike his others.  Langdon goes on his wild adventures with the CIA, Solomon’s sister, Katherine (a renowned scientist), and the mysterious Mal'akh, whom we learn is able to change his appearance throughout the story.  The CIA leader is a short Asian woman, Sato, who is attempting to save the US from a terrible secret that Mal’akh has and at the same time the Masons are also trying to hold onto.  Like the other stories of Brown, Langdon faces death, helps save the heroine, and solves the mystery.  Aren’t all noted historian professors able to do that?  Having lived in DC for a number of years, I loved how the story revolved around the city, the metro, the capital underground, and the streets in the city.  The secret society of the Masons, much like the secrets of the Catholic Church from his other books, is always up for scrutiny and intrigue from our society.  I could hardly put this one down and if you like a compelling story, lots of action, and the good-guy winning in the end, this is for you!  Mal’akh is the antithesis of the evil hated villian, but the twist at the end, if you pay attention, may not be so surprising!  I’ll keep that to myself.  I think it will be a good movie someday too.  Keep them coming Dan!  Add this to your list!