Someone advised me to read Angels & Demons first, before starting The Da Vinci Code. Dan Brown weaved a very clever and intricate tale, combining fact and fiction well. I was completely enthralled with the book until the final 100 pages, as the culprit was being revealed. I felt that the story went from a thrilling mystery to a soap opera. I felt let down; almost like a cop-out. Based on the ending, I would've only given it 3 stars but I still want to acknowledge Brown's imagination for creating such a novel. I'm hoping The Da Vinci Code is better.