On Wednesday, Doubleday revealed that the upcoming title, “The Secret of Secrets,” is set to hit the shelves on September 9. This will be the first Langdon novel released since “Origin” in 2017. Known for his sensational bestseller “The Da Vinci Code,” Brown has described his new book as “the most intricately plotted and ambitious novel” of his career.
In a personal statement, Brown expressed that creating this novel has been a remarkable journey filled with discovery.
The story kicks off with Langdon, a Harvard symbologist, attending what should be an enlightening lecture in Prague by noetic scientist Katherine Solomon, who is also set to become a romantic interest. However, the scenario quickly escalates as the lecture turns into a scene of murder, and Solomon mysteriously goes missing.
As the narrative unfolds, Langdon’s quest takes him from Prague to New York and London in a frantic search for Katherine and the truth behind her disappearance. According to Doubleday, readers can expect a captivating adventure that expertly juxtaposes advanced scientific concepts with age-old mystical traditions, leading to a jaw-dropping revelation about a covert project that might change humanity’s understanding of the mind forever.
Brown has consistently chosen culturally rich backdrops for his novels, having explored locations in France, Italy, and Spain. He mentioned that his fascination with Prague has its roots in the city’s profound associations with mysticism and the occult. He described it as “a labyrinth of enigmatic sites — an ideal backdrop for a Robert Langdon thriller –- a city of secrets, both ancient and modern.”
“The Secret of Secrets” also provides Brown the opportunity to delve into another passion of his: the nature of the mind itself. He believes we are approaching a crucial shift in our understanding of the brain and interpersonal relationships.
“Recent advancements in neuroscience are beginning to unveil cutting-edge models of consciousness that are poised to crack some of the mind’s greatest enigmas,” he remarked. “This topic captivates me, not only because it is intensely interesting, but also because it resonates with everyone at a fundamental level.”
Doubleday is preparing for a worldwide release of the book, planning to distribute it in at least twelve countries, including the Czech Republic, Turkey, Spain, and Finland. Brown’s bibliography also includes works like “Angels & Demons,” “The Lost Symbol,” and “Inferno.”
