Summary: In this article, I have compiled 18 books similar to Dan Brown, offering thrilling plots filled with historical intrigue, hidden codes, and gripping mysteries. Top 3 picks:
- The Rule of Four by Ian Caldwell & Dustin Thomason
- The Templar Legacy by Steve Berry
- The Last Templar by Raymond Khoury
Books like Dan Brown’s are a perfect mix of history, mystery, and nonstop suspense, often packed with ancient secrets, hidden codes, and exciting conspiracies. These novels keep you hooked with a blend of brain-teasing puzzles, historical intrigue, and action that makes it hard to put the book down. If you love diving into complex mysteries while exploring historical settings, secret societies, and cryptic symbols, these books are right up your alley. Just like Brown’s works, they offer a thrilling escape that blurs the line between fact and fiction, leaving you wondering what’s real and what’s not.
TOP 18: Best Books Similar to Dan Brown
- The Rule of Four by Ian Caldwell & Dustin Thomason
- The Templar Legacy by Steve Berry
- The Last Templar by Raymond Khoury
- The Secret Supper by Javier Sierra
- The Alexandria Link by Steve Berry
- The Seventh Secret by Irving D. Yalom
- The Istanbul Puzzle by Laurence O’Bryan
- The Devil’s Advocate by Andrew Neiderman
- The Highway of the Third Heaven by Marcello Stanzione
- The Book of Secrets by M.G. Vassanji
- Labyrinth by Kate Mosse
- The King’s Deception by Steve Berry
- The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)
- The Eight by Katherine Neville
- In the Name of the Family by Sarah Dunant
- The Liar’s Gospel by Naomi Alderman
- The 3th Victim by Lisa Gardner
- The Templar's Secret by M. Palov
1. The Rule of Four
- Authors: Ian Caldwell & Dustin Thomason
- About: Two Princeton students delve into an ancient text, uncovering secrets that challenge historical narratives.
- Style of Writing: Intellectual and suspenseful, blending academic intrigue with thrilling discoveries.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words.
- Year Written: 2004
- Emotional Impact: Engages readers with its intricate plot and thought-provoking revelations.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; some familiarity with historical and literary references enhances understanding.
- Why Read It: Appeals to fans of historical puzzles and academic adventures reminiscent of Dan Brown's works.
2. The Templar Legacy
- Author: Steve Berry
- About: A treasure hunt ensues as characters seek a powerful secret linked to the Knights Templar.
- Style of Writing: Fast-paced and adventurous, with historical and political intrigue.
- Length: Approximately 110,000 words.
- Year Written: 2006
- Emotional Impact: Keeps readers on edge with its blend of action and mystery.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible to a wide audience.
- Why Read It: Combines historical speculation with modern thriller elements, akin to Dan Brown's storytelling.
3. The Last Templar
- Author: Raymond Khoury
- About: Four masked horsemen raid New York's Metropolitan Museum, igniting a global search for a Templar secret.
- Style of Writing: Engaging and cinematic, with alternating historical and contemporary narratives.
- Length: Approximately 120,000 words.
- Year Written: 2005
- Emotional Impact: Captivates with its blend of action, history, and suspense.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible to most readers.
- Why Read It: Offers a thrilling exploration of Templar legends and historical conspiracies, reminiscent of Dan Brown's themes.
4. The Secret Supper
- Author: Javier Sierra
- About: Set during the creation of Leonardo da Vinci's “The Last Supper,” an inquisition uncovers hidden messages.
- Style of Writing: Mystical and historical, intertwining art, religion, and suspense.
- Length: Approximately 95,000 words.
- Year Written: 2004
- Emotional Impact: Provokes thought about art, faith, and historical interpretation.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; an appreciation for art and history enhances the experience.
- Why Read It: Explores the mysteries behind one of art's most iconic works, appealing to fans of historical intrigue.
5. The Alexandria Link
- Author: Steve Berry
- About: A quest to uncover the fate of the Library of Alexandria leads to geopolitical tensions and hidden knowledge.
- Style of Writing: Thrilling and informative, with a focus on historical enigmas and contemporary stakes.
- Length: Approximately 110,000 words.
- Year Written: 2007
- Emotional Impact: Engages with its blend of intellectual puzzles and high-stakes adventure.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; historical references may require additional research.
- Why Read It: Merges historical speculation with modern thriller elements, similar to Dan Brown's approach.
6. The Seventh Secret
- Author: Irving D. Yalom
- About: A psychological thriller exploring the complexities of human behavior and hidden truths.
- Style of Writing: Deeply introspective and philosophical, with a focus on character development.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words.
- Year Written: 1980
- Emotional Impact: Thought-provoking, encouraging readers to reflect on human nature.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; philosophical themes require thoughtful engagement.
- Why Read It: Delves into psychological mysteries, offering depth and insight for readers interested in character-driven narratives.
7. The Istanbul Puzzle
- Author: Laurence O’Bryan
- About: An adventure that weaves together historical puzzles and modern-day intrigue in Istanbul.
- Style of Writing: Fast-paced and enigmatic, with a strong sense of place.
- Length: Approximately 90,000 words.
- Year Written: 2012
- Emotional Impact: Keeps readers guessing with its twists and cultural richness.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; accessible to a broad audience.
- Why Read It: Combines historical mystery with a vibrant setting, appealing to fans of Dan Brown's globetrotting adventures.
8. The Devil’s Advocate
- Author: Andrew Neiderman
- About: A legal thriller where a young attorney becomes entangled with a mysterious and powerful firm.
- Style of Writing: Suspenseful and dark, with a focus on moral ambiguity.
- Length: Approximately 85,000 words.
- Year Written: 1990
- Emotional Impact: Provokes contemplation on ethics, ambition, and temptation.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; legal jargon may require some acclimation.
- Why Read It: Offers a gripping narrative on ambition and morality, with psychological depth.
9. The Highway of the Third Heaven
- Author: Marcello Stanzione
- About: An exploration of spiritual journeys and mystical experiences.
- Style of Writing: Reflective and spiritual, with descriptive prose.
- Length: Approximately 80,000 words.
- Year Written: 2003
- Emotional Impact: Inspires introspection and spiritual contemplation.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; familiarity with spiritual literature enhances understanding.
- Why Read It: Provides a unique perspective on mystical traditions and personal transformation.
10. The Book of Secrets
- Author: M.G. Vassanji
- About: A tale intertwining personal discovery with historical exploration of secrets and their implications.
- Style of Writing: Lyrical and contemplative, with rich character development.
- Length: Approximately 110,000 words.
- Year Written: 1999
- Emotional Impact: Evokes deep reflection on identity, history, and the nature of secrets.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; cultural and historical references enrich the narrative.
- Why Read It: Explores themes of identity and history, offering a profound reading experience.
11. Labyrinth
- Author: Kate Mosse
- About: Two women, separated by centuries, uncover secrets of the Holy Grail in the French countryside.
- Style of Writing: Dual narrative, intertwining historical and contemporary plots with suspense.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words.
- Year Written: 2005
- Emotional Impact: Engages with its blend of adventure, history, and mystery.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; alternating timelines require attentive reading.
- Why Read It: Combines historical intrigue with modern adventure, appealing to fans of Dan Brown's storytelling.
12. The King’s Deception
- Author: Steve Berry
- About: Cotton Malone, a former U.S. government agent, is thrust into a political conspiracy involving the British royal family. The discovery of a long-buried secret could lead to a major shift in global power.
- Style of Writing: Fast-paced, with historical elements and suspenseful twists. The plot alternates between action-packed moments and reflective historical exposition.
- Length: Approximately 110,000 words
- Year Written: 2013
- Emotional Impact: Intense and engaging, with moments that make readers question historical narratives and political dynamics.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; historical references are well-explained, making it accessible to most readers.
- Why Read It: If you enjoy thrillers with historical conspiracies, royal secrets, and a strong action-oriented protagonist, this is a great read.
13. The Cuckoo's Calling
- Author: Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)
- About: This is the first novel in the Cormoran Strike series, in which a private detective investigates the mysterious death of a famous model, which is initially believed to be suicide but may involve foul play.
- Style of Writing: Clever and detailed, blending mystery, character development, and psychological insights.
- Length: Approximately 115,000 words
- Year Written: 2013
- Emotional Impact: Deeply engaging with strong character development and an intricate mystery that keeps you guessing.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; straightforward mystery but rich in character exploration.
- Why Read It: If you're a fan of detective stories with a literary touch and enjoy unraveling complex mysteries, this book is a great choice.
14. The Eight
- Author: Katherine Neville
- About: A thrilling journey that follows two parallel narratives—one set in the 18th century and one in the 20th century—centered around a mysterious chess set linked to a powerful secret.
- Style of Writing: Engaging, multi-layered, and puzzle-like, with historical references and complex narrative structures.
- Length: Approximately 155,000 words
- Year Written: 1988
- Emotional Impact: Intriguing and captivating, particularly for readers who enjoy complex puzzles and historical intrigue.
- Difficulty Level: Higher; requires close attention to detail due to the interwoven timelines and historical elements.
- Why Read It: If you enjoy historical thrillers with intricate plots, puzzles, and mysteries akin to Dan Brown’s work, The Eight will draw you in.
15. In the Name of the Family
- Author: Sarah Dunant
- About: This historical fiction delves into the world of the Borgia family in Renaissance Italy, exploring their political and religious machinations as well as the impact of their notorious legacy.
- Style of Writing: Richly detailed, reflective, and scholarly, blending historical narrative with fictional elements.
- Length: Approximately 130,000 words
- Year Written: 2017
- Emotional Impact: Thought-provoking and often unsettling, as it delves into the complexities of power and corruption within one of history’s most infamous families.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to high; the novel demands attention to historical detail and character development.
- Why Read It: Ideal for those fascinated by Renaissance history, political intrigue, and the personal stories behind famous historical figures.
16. The Liar’s Gospel
- Author: Naomi Alderman
- About: A fictional retelling of the life of Jesus from the perspectives of different characters involved in the biblical story, offering a fresh look at history and religion.
- Style of Writing: Literary, philosophical, and introspective, with a focus on character development and moral ambiguity.
- Length: Approximately 95,000 words
- Year Written: 2012
- Emotional Impact: Deeply engaging and often provocative, challenging traditional narratives and religious interpretations.
- Difficulty Level: High; requires open-mindedness and sensitivity to religious and historical themes.
- Why Read It: For those interested in rethinking biblical stories, this book offers a unique perspective on religious history and its human consequences.
17. The 3th Victim
- Author: Lisa Gardner
- About: The third book in the Detective D.D. Warren series follows the investigation of a serial killer whose third victim may hold the key to solving the case. The story intertwines the lives of the victims and the detective.
- Style of Writing: Fast-paced, tense, and dark, with vivid characterizations and psychological depth.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words
- Year Written: 2001
- Emotional Impact: Engrossing and chilling, keeping readers on edge with its high-stakes drama and suspense.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; straightforward in plot, but emotionally intense.
- Why Read It: If you're a fan of psychological thrillers with a complex investigation and strong female leads, this book delivers.
18. The Templar's Secret
- Author: C.M. Palov
- About: A historical thriller focused on the Knights Templar and a secret that has been hidden for centuries. The protagonists must uncover the truth about the Templars before a dangerous faction gets to it first.
- Style of Writing: Suspenseful, action-packed, and filled with historical references and conspiratorial twists.
- Length: Approximately 95,000 words
- Year Written: 2010
- Emotional Impact: Keeps readers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced action and a sense of urgency to uncover secrets.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; easy to follow for fans of action thrillers and historical mysteries.
- Why Read It: Ideal for readers who love exploring Templar legends, historical conspiracy theories, and high-octane adventures.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you love Dan Brown’s mix of history, mystery, and suspense, I think The Rule of Four, The Templar Legacy, and The Last Templar are definitely worth checking out. These books deliver the same exciting blend of ancient secrets, hidden codes, and thrilling action that make Brown’s novels so captivating. Each one puts its own spin on historical intrigue and mind-bending puzzles, and I’m sure fans of fast-paced, thought-provoking thrillers will find them just as gripping.
