Dan Brown has made a career out of writing elaborate mystery thrillers that focus on “treasure hunts,” where the protagonist is on a quest to uncover deeply buried secrets. His stories are often a blend of historical facts and conspiracy theories.
one of his most popular novels is the da vinci code, where the protagonist robert langdon is caught up in a battle between two ancient organizations over the possibility of jesus christ having a child with mary magdalene.
You are reading: Books like the da vinci code
It became a smash hit, selling over 80 million copies worldwide and being translated into over 40 languages, before being adapted into a film by Ron Howard starring Tom Hanks.
12 books like the da vinci code
You’ve finished the book and are looking for something similar. however, there is a problem: you just don’t know where to start!
For that purpose, I have compiled a list of books similar to the da vinci code. they contain the same atmosphere of mystery and suspense that will make any reader feel as if they are sniffing the tail of a grand conspiracy. check it out below!
1. the last templar by raymond khoury
Four men dressed as Knights Templar attack the Metropolitan Museum of Art, steal a strange device, and seemingly drop off the face of the earth. Archaeologist Tess Chaykin and FBI agent Sean Reilly are called in to investigate, only to uncover an ancient conspiracy involving the Templars.
2. matthew pearl’s dante club
Three famous writers establish the Dante Club as they begin translating Dante’s Divine Comedy. Soon, a series of murders that mimic the punishments of hell in Dante’s seminal work begin to terrorize the city, and the trio may be the only ones who know enough about Dante to prevent the next murder.
3. the ghost manuscript of kris frieswick
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carys jones is more comfortable with old books than with people. An old client makes her an offer she can’t refuse, and she soon finds herself tracking down a legendary tomb that could change Western history. but some people would prefer the tomb to remain hidden and are willing to do anything to have it done.
4. the atlantis code by charles brokaw
The lost continent of Atlantis has been found and its ruins promise fame, fortune and the power to rule the world. Daredevil Harvard professor Thomas Lourds competes against a super-secret branch of the church to uncover the continent’s secrets that contain information about the origin of man.
5. umberto eco’s foucault pendulum
Three Milanese publishers create an elaborate hoax detailing the Knights Templar’s involvement in the occult. his harmless prank turns into a disaster when occult groups find out about his hoax and believe it to be real.
6. the golden wolves of roshani chokshi
severin montagnet-alarie’s birthright was stolen. But now the Secret Order of Babel offers her the chance to reclaim his place among France’s elites. The only drawback is that he has to discover an ancient artifact: a fragment of Babel that contains unimaginable power.
7. the raphael affair by iain pears
Renowned art historian Jonathan Argyll is searching for what he believes to be a long-lost painting of Raphael. When the painting is destroyed as quickly as it was restored, Argyll suspects something is going on in the shadows, a secret that could cost him his life.
8. The Lover Portrait of Jennifer S. alderson
zelda richardson wins an internship at the prestigious amsterdam museum and is assigned to an exhibit of art stolen by the nazis. When two women show up claiming a painting of hers as their own, Ella Zelda dives deep into the history of painting. but what she finds makes her the target of someone willing to kill for the painting’s hidden secrets.
9. the eight by katherine neville
an antique dealer approaches cat vellis to find a chess set that once belonged to charlemagne. But this chess set contains such deadly power that two convent girls scatter its pieces all over the world. Cat has to measure himself against the most dangerous people in the world if he wants to stay ahead.
10. mike hockney’s armageddon conspiracy
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king solomon was revered for his wisdom. he believed he had discovered the ultimate mystery of life, but died before he could fulfill his search for it. In the present, thousands of years after Solomon’s death, his secret society still exists and he prepares to complete his mission.
11. douglas preston’s codex
Maxwell Broadbent, a treasure hunter, has amassed half a billion dollars worth of artifacts. then he, along with his riches, vanishes. the only clue he has left behind is a videotape that challenges his three children to find his grave if they wish to claim his inheritance. however, they are not the only ones looking for treasures.
12. the flanders panel by arturo perez-reverte
Julia is a young art restorer who finds an inscription in the corner of a 15th century painting depicting the Duke of Flanders playing chess with a knight. she says “who killed the knight?” As Julia investigates, several of her friends begin to die, and the killer draws ever closer.
reading historical novels
When reading historical thrillers, especially those that examine conspiracy theories, it’s important to keep in mind that while these stories are based on fact and history, many gaps are filled by speculation and details are fictionalized to suit the author’s narrative.
what makes these narratives popular is the idea of what was and what could have been, which tickles the imagination of all readers. they tackle big questions about the past and don’t shy away from controversial topics. these are stories that are read more for their narrative than for their historical accuracy.
If you’re a fan of the genre, then I hope this list will help you find a new novel for you to enjoy. if not, these are great starting points if you ever plan to dive in.
Do you have a favorite historical thriller? Share it in the comments below!
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