The Secret of Secrets: Dan Brown’s return to the metaphysical

What happens to us when we die?

This is a question every child asks themselves at least once and one that science has never been able to answer definitively.

But what if I told you that a scientific breakthrough has been made — one that could help humanity understand death and its aftermath like never before?

Meet Dr Katherine Solomon, a noetic scientist from Harvard, who has finally completed the manuscript for her upcoming book, revealing her latest research on nonlocal consciousness — and, most importantly, on death itself. This book promises to revolutionise the way we perceive consciousness and mortality.

Since then, she and her unpublished book have been targeted by a powerful agency of the US government. The greater question is why. Even Katherine herself cannot fathom which part of her breakthrough threatens the existence of such a powerful entity.

For all the science enthusiasts with a taste for pulsating thrillers — and a fondness for history — Dan Brown's latest release, The Secret of Secrets, is the perfect novel for you.

After years of anticipation, Robert Langdon, the world-renowned Harvard symbologist, is once again caught at the epicentre of mystery — this time in the ancient city of Prague — alongside his dearest friend, lover, and former mentor, Dr Katherine Solomon.

The plot begins as Langdon, completely frazzled after witnessing one of Katherine's premonitions come true, pulls the fire alarm and evacuates the hotel. He soon faces the scrutiny of a ruthless Czech intelligence officer, who informs him that a bomb has been planted in the building — and that Langdon is the prime suspect. To make matters worse, Katherine is nowhere to be found, and the scientist she was supposed to meet has been brutally murdered.

Langdon zigzags through Prague in search of Katherine and answers, unaware of the powerful forces at play. As the plot unfolds through a dual race between ancient mystical lore and futuristic science, our beloved protagonist uncovers the hidden truth about secret projects — and the lives at stake.

With its richly detailed settings, fascinating background knowledge, well-timed cliffhangers, and plot twists in every corner, this book reminds us of all the reasons we love Dan Brown.

This particular novel is the longest in the series — over seven hundred pages — which perhaps explains why Brown has taken eight years to resurrect his beloved creation. Langdon's romantic interests may change with every novel, but he remains loyal to his Mickey Mouse wristwatch and his old password, Dolphine123.

The Secret of Secrets stands out as one of Brown's most ambitious works. Unlike his earlier novels, it does not centre on historical mysteries, secret societies, or alternative religious histories. Instead, it is built upon scientific discovery and embellished with historical depth — a refreshing change. The execution may not be flawless, but it is nonetheless brilliant and worthy of admiration.

Every Dan Brown fan knows his penchant for weaving vast amounts of historical knowledge into his thrillers — and his unique ability to do so seamlessly, without disrupting the fast pace that the genre demands.

He knows precisely how to withhold critical information, when to reveal it, and how to frame it for maximum dramatic impact. He delivers both the adrenaline rush of the chase and the dopamine surge of learning about ancient architecture.

Brown's narration through multiple viewpoints enhances the reading experience, offering a broader perspective on the mystery at hand. This makes the narrative dynamic and fulfilling — especially in this novel, where even the most minor characters are given their moment.

Moreover, his meticulous, sometimes extravagant, detailing — from the interiors of a hotel suite to the design of a secret laboratory — vividly paints scenes in the reader's mind.

Although the novel contains several well-crafted twists (you will never guess the real culprit), Brown seems to struggle with tying up all the loose ends perfectly. Noetic science is clearly not his strongest domain, and this shows in certain sections that feel slightly laboured. You may not feel entirely satisfied by the conclusion.

Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of this novel is the underutilisation of Robert Langdon's character. Unlike in previous instalments, we rarely see his intellectual prowess at work; he functions more as a bystander than a solver. For fans who have waited nearly a decade for his return, this may be disheartening.

Nevertheless, for readers who have enjoyed Dan Brown's earlier works, rest assured: you are in for another thrilling, high-stakes ride. This may not dethrone the fan favourite The Da Vinci Code, but it will almost certainly have you racing through all seven hundred pages in just a few days.