CERN’s director, Max Kohler tries to keep the knowledge of Vetra’s death from the media, but wants to know the significance of the brand and the missing eye. Kohler finds that a Harvard professor, Robert Langdon, is considered to be the world’s authority on symbology. Kohler has Langdon flown to CERN’s headquarters so he can question him.

While Langdon is at CERN, Vetra’s daughter, Vittoria returns from a trip. Informed of her father’s death, Vittoria feels compelled to explain the dilemma her father faced with his discovery. Vetra had realized that although antimatter was a potentially cheap energy source, its improper use could lead to mass destruction. Vittoria discovers that the large sample of antimatter has been stolen. A message left by a member of the Illuminati claims to have deposited the sample somewhere within Vatican City where the cardinals have recently gathered to select a new pope. Vittoria explains that it is imperative the stolen antimatter be recovered within a day to avoid detonation. The race to find it is on!

My initial reaction to this book, having read the cover blurbs was definitely not a positive one. I envisioned an international spy thriller with religious and historical overtones. While a perfectly acceptable premise for a novel, but subject matter that has little interest for me. How wrong I was! While the capsule description on the cover is accurate, Angels and Demons has a much more wide ranging appeal.

It is exceedingly well written. Mr. Brown makes no mistakes in plotting, and draws the reader’s interest into unfamiliar territory with his accurate prose. Scientific matters are explained in terms laymen can easily understand. The history and customs of the Catholic church are discussed in detail as they relate to the plot. A physical description of the buildings and terrain of Vatican City, worthy of any travelogue, both as it appears today and did historically is presented adding a realistic touch to the novel. For the information buff, Mr. Brown has certainly provided adequate fodder.

The plot itself, which has all the essential ingredients of a thriller, is greatly enhanced by historical detail. The protocol involved in the selection of the pope and the reasoning behind the practices are fascinating. The evolution of the brotherhood known as the Illuminati is an interesting tale in itself. There are some scenes that include some rather fantastic events that the author makes believable through a combination of detailed description and religious illusions. A few twists and turns and a red herring or two keep the reader guessing the identity of the real villain of the story. Minor subplots which eventually tie into the main plot provide a bit of relief from the intensity of the main theme.

The characters are well drawn and believable. The author takes great care to provide his characters with the skills necessary to cope in unusual situations. Vittoria’s martial arts achievements stand her in good stead, as does the pope’s right hand man’s knowledge of how to fly a helicopter. Mr. Brown makes the reader a lot more willing to accept his characters ability to cope in exceedingly strange situations.

Angels and Demons should appeal to readers of widely ranging interests. The thriller devotees will be pleased, the information junkies content, the intricate puzzle enthusiasts satisfied, and the historical buffs appeased with a bit of church history and art history to contain their appetites. Tempting though it might be to read this one quickly, there is a good deal to be gained by a more careful reading. Not only in the plot detail, but also points of interest in the religion versus science controversy well worth one’s consideration. Mr. Brown has produced a novel with a large number of plusses and very few minuses.

--Andy Plonka