I like Dan Brown's Robert Langdon stories because they're pure pulpy entertainment. There's not a lot of thinking required to enjoy The Lost Symbol, and sometimes I need that - like watching trash TV.

Just as in Angels & Demons and The Davinci Code, I often find myself three steps ahead of the characters in the story. It's both fun and frustrating at the same time. I suspect Mr. Brown does that on purpose because he knows it works. Despite my frustration, I keep reading.

The story takes place in Washington, DC. Just as in The Davinci Code, I liked reading about a place I'm familiar with and picturing the locations in my mind.

The antagonist in this story is similar to his other books. They all seem to be power-obsessed religious zealots with sick pain and body modification fetishes. I think it's time for a new character type after this one.

Dan Brown is the salty snack of modern fiction. You know it's bad for you, but you can't stop munching.