The Da Vinci Code

Title: The Da Vinci Code

Author: Dan Brown

First Published: March 28th 2006

Series: Robert Langdon #2

Genre: Fiction, Mystery

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 481

My Copy: Physical Copy

My Overall Rating: 8/10

Goodreads Summary

An ingenious code hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. A desperate race through the cathedrals and castles of Europe. An astonishing truth concealed for centuries . . . unveiled at last.

While in Paris, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is awakened by a phone call in the dead of the night. The elderly curator of the Louvre has been murdered inside the museum, his body covered in baffling symbols. As Langdon and gifted French cryptologist Sophie Neveu sort through the bizarre riddles, they are stunned to discover a trail of clues hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci—clues visible for all to see and yet ingeniously disguised by the painter.

Even more startling, the late curator was involved in the Priory of Sion—a secret society whose members included Sir Isaac Newton, Victor Hugo, and Da Vinci—and he guarded a breathtaking historical secret. Unless Langdon and Neveu can decipher the labyrinthine puzzle—while avoiding the faceless adversary who shadows their every move—the explosive, ancient truth will be lost forever.

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Inferno

Title: Inferno

Author: Dan Brown

First Published: May 14th 2013

Series: Robert Langdon #4

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 461

My Copy: Physical Copy

My Overall Rating: 8/10

Goodreads Summary

In his international blockbusters The Da Vinci Code, Angels & Demons, and The Lost Symbol, Dan Brown masterfully fused history, art, codes, and symbols. In this riveting new thriller, Brown returns to his element and has crafted his highest-stakes novel to date.

In the heart of Italy, Harvard professor of symbology Robert Langdon is drawn into a harrowing world centered on one of history’s most enduring and mysterious literary masterpieces . . . Dante’s Inferno.

Against this backdrop, Langdon battles a chilling adversary and grapples with an ingenious riddle that pulls him into a landscape of classic art, secret passageways, and futuristic science. Drawing from Dante’s dark epic poem, Langdon races to find answers and decide whom to trust . . . before the world is irrevocably altered.

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Jackaby

Title: Jackaby

Author: William Ritter

First Published: September 16th 2014

Series: Jackaby #1

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Mystery

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 299

My Copy: Physical copy

My Rating: 8.5/10

Goodreads Summary

“Miss Rook, I am not an occultist,” Jackaby said. “I have a gift that allows me to see truth where others see the illusion--and there are many illusions. All the world’s a stage, as they say, and I seem to have the only seat in the house with a view behind the curtain.” 

Newly arrived in New Fiddleham, New England, 1892, and in need of a job, Abigail Rook meets R. F. Jackaby, an investigator of the unexplained with a keen eye for the extraordinary--including the ability to see supernatural beings. Abigail has a gift for noticing ordinary but important details, which makes her perfect for the position of Jackaby’s assistant. On her first day, Abigail finds herself in the midst of a thrilling case: A serial killer is on the loose. The police are convinced it’s an ordinary villain, but Jackaby is certain it’s a nonhuman creature, whose existence the police--with the exception of a handsome young detective named Charlie Cane--deny.

Doctor Who meets Sherlock in William Ritter’s debut novel, which features a detective of the paranormal as seen through the eyes of his adventurous and intelligent assistant in a tale brimming with cheeky humor and a dose of the macabre.

I enjoyed this book a lot! It was a mix of Sherlock Holmes alongside some fantasy, and it was really great! Abigail seeks adventure desperately, but so far, all her attempts have been failures. So when she joins up with Jackaby, she's very excited. Assistant to one eccentric detective, together, they solve the mystery behind the deaths.

Abigail and Jackaby make a good team. As Jackaby says, Abigail notices the obvious, the common things that most people will not perceive. Jackaby notices the fantastical parts, things other people have no idea about. Together, they fit together like a puzzle piece. Jackaby really reminds me of Sherlock Holmes in the way he talks, and Abigail is similar to Dr Watson. It's amusing to see all the similarities, but overall, the two books are like polar opposites.

I must say, I did not see that one coming! I was surprised to find out who really was the serial killer. He/she hid in plain sight (but we should be used to it by now). When they finally confronted him/her, I wasn't sure if they were getting out alive. Luckily, they did. Well, most of them did. Anyways, I'm glad that everything turned out fine.

The book felt a little stretched out at times, but not negatively! There was not one moment when my attention drifted, and the plot was really compelling. However, I felt as if there were some irrelevant parts but very minor.

Though I don't have much to say about this book, the read was worth it! I definitely recommend it for those who love mysteries and a pinch of fantasy on the sidelines!

My Chosen Quote

“Happiness is bliss - but ignorance is anesthetic, and in the face of what's to come, that may be all we can hope for our ill-fated acquaintances.”

Nearly Gone

Title: Nearly Gone

Author: Elle Cosimano

First Published: March 25th 2014

Series: Nearly Gone #1

Genre: YA, Mystery, Thriller

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 386

My Copy: Physical copy

My Rating: 9/10

Goodreads Summary

He revved the engine and I held tight with both hands as the bike lurched forward, We zoomed down streets, leaning into the curves, wind whipping over me. I pressed into his back until all I could smell was the leather tang of his jacket, and all I could taste was the sweet thrill of flying away.

Keeping secrets is second nature to Nearly Boswell. Living in a trailer park outside Washington, DC, with a mom who works as an exotic dancer, she knows better than to share anything that would make her a target with her classmates. Only her best friends know about her obsession with the personal ads, and Nearly hasn't told anyone about the emotions she can taste when she brushes against someone's skin.

Then a serial killer goes on a murder spree and starts attacking students, leaving cryptic ads in the newspaper. Nearly might be the one person who can put all the clues together, and if she doesn't figure it out soon - she'll be next.

Big, dark, scary, and brilliantly plotted, Nearly Gone will leave you guessing until the very end.