"THE LOST SYMBOL," by Dan Brown, Doubleday, 509 pages, $29.95

Author Dan Brown is an entertainer. His work is sort of like Scooby Doo for adults: exciting stories with thrilling plot twists and deep mysteries all tied up into a neat little package in 24 hours or less.

And like Scooby adventures, Brown's work has a star quality that draws people in and has them eagerly coming back for more.



Brown's penchant for symbols, signs, secret societies, art and history provide the perfect backdrop for the kind of tales he writes so well, and his latest foray, "The Lost Symbol," is no exception.

Harvard symbolist Robert Langdon, the main character from "The Da Vinci Code" and "Angels and Demons," once again takes center stage as he races through the streets and monuments of Washington, D.C., trying to find a Masonic pyramid that holds the key to the secret of Ancient Mysteries.

Langdon has always thought very highly of Peter Solomon, so when his mentor extends a last-minute request to deliver a lecture at the U.S. Capitol, Langdon quickly agrees.
Within hours Langdon is in D.C., getting there just in time for the event. But the "event" isn't at all what Langdon is expecting. Within minutes of his arrival, a horrifying object materializes in the middle of the Capitol Rotunda.

Though the authorities are stumped, Langdon immediately recognizes the object for what it is -- an invitation to acquire a body of secret knowledge that was amassed long ago.

Langdon suddenly finds himself plunged into the world of Masonic mysteries when he learns that Solomon has been kidnapped. Langdon realizes that the only way to save his friend is to accept the invitation and begin a search for esoteric wisdom he himself has trouble believing in.

Until its release Tuesday (Sept. 15), the plot of Dan Brown's latest book was shrouded in mystery.

One thing that Brown did let slip prior to "Symbol's" release, however, is that Freemasonry, a fraternal order dating back to the Middle Ages, would play a leading role.

That announcement stirred a flurry of questions surrounding the so-called super-secretive group, and led many to speculate in what light Brown would portray the Masons.

But if Masons were worried they'd be vilified, they have nothing to fear. In fact, Brown's treatment of Freemasonry is nothing but open-minded and respectful. He describes parts of rituals but carefully notes when they are out of context, choosing instead to celebrate the spirituality of the group rather than what some see as oddities.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were also fearful their church would be shown in a poor light connected to the Masons, but that is not the case. References to the LDS Church only appear twice. At one point Langdon, as a scholar, mentions his skepticism that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon from gold plates. The other mention comes as he discusses how if taken out of context, a variety of religious practices, including Mormon baptisms for the dead, could be misinterpreted as strange or cultlike.

While Freemasonry plays a starring role in "Symbol," so does the character Robert Langdon. Here, Brown has developed Langdon from a mystery-solver to an identifiable person. There's a greater depth of personality and moral compass that lends credibility to Langdon's actions and beliefs.

As advertised, there's a plethora of codes, dangerous action sequences and a terrifying enemy in "Symbol," too. And at times it's hard not to draw comparison to the blockbuster movie "National Treasure." The difference, though, with "Symbol" is it forces the reader to think, rather than being spoon-fed information.

Many will come to "Symbol" looking for conspiracy theories and hidden meaning. And certainly some of the grand concepts and familiar tenets of different theologies -- "at-one-ment" and "order from chaos" -- will inspire readers to do further study. But overall, "Symbol" is meant to be enjoyed. So sit back, relax and do just that, enjoy.

E-mail: jharrison@desnews.com