5 Books Like The Da Vinci Code for Mystery and Thriller Fans

05.23.2023 // By Tome Tailor

5 Books Like The Da Vinci Code for Mystery and Thriller Fans

If you were captivated by Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code and its race-against-time plotline, then you are likely a fan of cryptic mysteries, historical enigmas, and clever twists. For fans of The Da Vinci Code’s expert blend of history, suspense, and action, we’ve got a list of five more books to add to your reading list. Prepare to immerse yourself in stunning landscapes, rich history, and intriguing mysteries with these captivating novels.

1. The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco (View on Amazon)

One of the best-selling books of all time, Umberto Eco’s debut novel is a masterful blend of religious symbolism, historical insights, and mystery. The book is set in an Italian monastery in the 14th century, where stinging truths, murders, and power struggles abound. The Name of the Rose follows the story of William of Baskerville, a Franciscan friar, as he investigates a series of mysterious deaths at the monastery.

Filled with labyrinthine libraries, secret manuscripts, and heretical texts, this powerful narrative paints an astonishing picture of mystery and intrigue, all against a backdrop of Renaissance Italy. Filled with intellectual puzzles, engaging prose, and riveting suspense, The Name of the Rose is the perfect book for those who enjoyed the puzzles and historical aspects of The Da Vinci Code.

Read or Listen to The Name of the Rose

2. Labyrinth by Kate Mosse (View on Amazon)

This mesmerizing novel transports readers between 13th-century France and present day, weaving two parallel narratives centered around the mythical Holy Grail. The historical sections are set during the brutal Albigensian Crusade against the Cathars, while the modern storyline follows Alice Tanner, a British volunteer, as she discovers a labyrinth and becomes part of an ancient mystery.

With its vivid attention to historical detail, multisensory descriptions of the French landscape, and a rich, layered plot, Labyrinth is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy cryptic treasure hunts that span centuries.

Read or Listen to Labyrinth

3. The Rule of Four by Ian Caldwell and Dustin Thomason (View on Amazon)

This fast-paced mystery takes place on the prestigious campus of Princeton University. The story follows two friends, Tom and Paul, who are each grappling with their futures and a 500-year-old enigmatic text called the Hypnerotomachia Poliphili. As they attempt to decipher the ancient tome, the pair quickly find themselves swept into a web of murder, betrayal, and deceit spanning decades and continents.

The Rule of Four pays homage to the tradition of literary mysteries, diving deep into the origins of the Hypnerotomachia and its influence on history, art, and architecture. With its combination of scholarly intrigue, overlapping parallel narratives, and treacherous puzzles, this novel is a great read for fans of The Da Vinci Code.

Read or Listen to The Rule of Four

4. The Seven Wonders by Steven Saylor (View on Amazon)

The Seven Wonders is a gripping, enlightening historical fiction set in the Roman Empire. The protagonist, Gordianus the Finder, is a keen young detective who journeys to witness the wonders of the ancient world. His adventures not only take him to iconic architectural marvels, but also into the heart of mysteries that require intellect and intuition to untangle.

This collection of interwoven stories provides readers with vivid descriptions of long-lost civilizations, along with intricately plotted mysteries that will keep readers guessing until the end. With its fast-paced narrative and compelling historically accurate setting, The Seven Wonders is an excellent choice for fans of The Da Vinci Code who value a richly textured historical backdrop alongside their mysteries.

Read or Listen to The Seven Wonders

5. The Eight by Katherine Neville (View on Amazon)

This captivating novel takes place in two fascinating time periods: the French Revolution and New York during the 1970s. It weaves together the lives of two remarkable women as they attempt to uncover the secret of the Montglane Service, a centuries-old chess set rumored to possess immense power.

The Eight follows the story of Catherine Velis, an American computer expert, and Mireille, a French nun, as they search for the fabled chess set, accompanied by a colorful array of historical figures including Napoleon, Robespierre, and Talleyrand. Readers will be drawn into a thrilling journey that combines mysticism, numerology, and history in a compelling tale of conspiracy, suspense, and revelation.

Read or Listen to The Eight

In Conclusion

If The Da Vinci Code captured your imagination with its blend of history, suspense, and intrigue, any of these novels are sure to provide the same captivating experience. From 13th-century monasteries to the art-soaked streets of Renaissance Italy, each of these stories offers an exciting adventure filled with mystery and wonder. Don’t wait any longer to immerse yourself in these engrossing tales. Happy reading!

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