Synopsis -- Robert Langdon, a Harvard professor who specializes in the study of ancient codes and symbols, wakes up in Florence, Italy, in the hospital.  His first puzzle to solve in this new adventure is to figure out why he is in Italy, how he got there, and how he became injured.  The action starts quickly, with an assassin breaking into the hospital in an attempt to kill Professor Langdon.  He escapes with the help of one of his doctors, Sienna Brooks.  As in the earlier Robert Langdon books, there are clues in Renaissance artwork and architecture that help him solve the series of mysteries.  As he unravels the mystery about his strange appearance in Italy, he also begins to unravel another mystery, why there seems to be a previously non-existent, secret pocket in his jacket’s lining that contains a small container with a bio-hazard warning label.  Inside the container, he finds a small laser pointer that projects an image of a modified painting based on Dante’s Inferno, Botticelli’s Map of Hell – Langdon’s first clue.

Appeal  Characteristics -- Suspense (Note: I believe that this book could also be categorized as “thriller” or “adventure,” but I chose to go along with NoveList’s category of “suspense” for this annotation.)

Pacing -- Dan Brown is known for his quick pace.  This is accomplished through the use of a lot of dialogue and many short chapters.  His descriptions are succinct (without being superficial), which allows the action to keep moving forward quickly.

Characterization -- the book is focused mainly on what happens to the main character, Robert Langdon; however, it is written in 3rd person and occasionally jumps to the point of view of other characters, including the antagonists, in particular.  Langdon is a character who is known for his intelligence and extensive knowledge, but he is also a “regular guy” that readers can relate to.  Like everyone, he has limitations and weaknesses, but he also has a good sense of humor and a healthy supply of humility.

Story Line – The Inferno is action-packed from the first few pages and seems to be driven by the main character trying to figure out where he is, why he is there, and why someone is trying to kill him.  His motivation changes as the mystery evolves.

Frame and Tone -- the frame of the story (the setting and subject matter) helps to create the tone, which is dark and mysterious.  There’s a sense of impending danger from the very beginning.  The reader learns what is happening at the same time as Langdon, which makes the story compelling and suspenseful.

Style -- There is quite a bit of jargon from the world of symbology and art history.  Dan Brown describes some violent scenes, but does so in a somewhat objective, journalistic style.  He seems to attempt to appeal to the intellect rather than the emotions.

Read-alikes:

Ark of Fire by C.M. Palov

The Charlemagne Pursuit by Steve Berry

The Demonologist by Andrew Pyper