Summer Book #10

Inferno by Dan Brown

This is the fourth and most recent offering in the Robert Langdon series by Dan Brown. Because it is part of a series, there are things that are "required" at this point to occur in the book. Robert will be solving a mystery involving symbols and art. There will be a gorgeous female sidekick. He will trust the wrong person. All of these were present in this one. I am not saying this makes Inferno a predictable and boring book, quite the opposite.

To be honest, I did not know what to expect from Inferno. I read DaVinci Code and Angels and Demons several years ago, when all the hubbub about the former was going on. I enjoyed both of those books immensely, and couldn't put them down. Then, a few years ago, The Lost Symbol was released, and I didn't enjoy it at all. Inferno was just as enjoyable as the first two in the series, I am happy to say.

Inferno begins, and we find Robert in Florence in a hospital because he's been shot. The doctor who helps him, Sienna Brooks, explains to Robert that his injury has caused temporary amnesia. This diagnosis is helpful because Robert has no idea why he's in Florence. Then, the person who is 'after' Robert shows up at the hospital, so Robert and Sienna flee. Sienna manages to get part of Robert's clothes, which includes a clue that Robert must solve.

This clue is a projection of a piece of artwork depicting Dante's hell. There are inaccuracies in the image, and Robert realizes that this must be why he is in Florence. Another mystery to solve. Robert and Sienna are being followed by soldiers in black, so they have that added stress while trying to solve this mystery. 

I should point out that 'the bad guy' who set up the mystery Robert is trying to solve is a huge fan of Dante's Divine Comedy, primarily Inferno.  And this guy is really bad; he wants to release a plague on the Earth to control the population.

Robert and Sienna traverse Florence, figuring out the pieces to the puzzle, which lead them to Venice and then Isanbul. Of course Robert solves the puzzle, but is it in time?

As I said, I enjoyed this book. In addition to the mystery aspect of the story, it has made me want to see Florence. I learned a great deal about the city, as well as being entertained.