Tag: Action & Adventure

Dan Brown Returns: A New Thriller That Blends Science, Myth, and Mystery

‘The Secret of Secrets’ is the new Robert Langdon novel by Dan Brown. Photo: Barnes & Noble

The Enduring Appeal of Dan Brown

Dan Brown has captivated readers worldwide with his fast-paced thrillers that blend history, art, religion, and science into gripping mysteries. Best known for The Da Vinci Code, Brown’s novels often follow Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon as he unravels ancient secrets hidden in modern settings. His works combine real-world landmarks, historical puzzles, and high-stakes suspense that keep readers turning pages late into the night.

Over the years, Brown’s books have sparked debate, inspired travel to iconic sites, and drawn in both casual and dedicated readers—proving his enduring talent for making history feel urgent and thrilling.

The Secret of Secrets: A New Robert Langdon Novel

The world’s most celebrated thriller writer and author of The Da Vinci Code returns with his most stunning novel yet—a propulsive, twisty, thought-provoking masterpiece that will entertain readers as only Dan Brown can do. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

Robert Langdon, esteemed professor of symbology, travels to Prague to attend a groundbreaking lecture by Katherine Solomon—a prominent noetic scientist with whom he has recently begun a relationship. Katherine is on the verge of publishing an explosive book that contains startling discoveries about the nature of human consciousness and threatens to disrupt centuries of established belief.

But a brutal murder catapults the trip into chaos, and Katherine suddenly disappears along with her manuscript. Langdon finds himself targeted by a powerful organization and hunted by a chilling assailant sprung from Prague’s most ancient mythology.

As the plot expands into London and New York, Langdon desperately searches for Katherine and for answers. In a thrilling race through the dual worlds of futuristic science and mystical lore, he uncovers a shocking truth about a secret project that will forever change the way we think about the human mind.

About the Author

Dan Brown is the author of eight #1 bestselling novels, including The Da Vinci Code, which has become one of the bestselling books of all time, as well as Origin, Inferno, The Lost Symbol, and Angels & Demons. His thrillers have captivated readers worldwide and been the subject of intellectual debate and speculation.

He is also the author of the bestselling children’s book Wild Symphony. Brown’s novels are published in 56 languages internationally, with over 250 million copies in print.

Hunted and Haunted: A Review of ‘Soon to Be Mine’ by K.J. Kalis

‘Soon To Be Mine’ by K.J. Kalis is book 4 in the Detective Emily Tizzano Vigilante Justice series. Photo: Amazon

Book Review: “Soon to Be Mine” by K.J. Kalis

A Detective Emily Tizzano Vigilante Justice Thriller

Synopsis

Federal prosecutor Nicole Strickland is being hunted. Terrorized by a man who won’t leave her alone, she lives in constant fear, feeling his eyes on her at every turn. Her brother, FBI Agent Cash Strickland, wants to help—but without actionable evidence, the law is powerless.

Desperate, Cash turns to Emily Tizzano, a former Chicago PD cold case detective known for bending the law to serve justice. But Emily and Cash have unresolved history, and she’s skeptical—of him, his sister, and the true motives behind the request for help.

Is this really about protecting Nicole, or is it something more complicated?

Review

“Soon to Be Mine” plunges readers into a suspense-filled world where justice doesn’t always follow the rules. Nicole is a compelling protagonist—strong, principled, but also deeply vulnerable. K.J. Kalis crafts her anxiety and growing desperation with raw, emotional depth. Nicole’s determination to handle things her own way can be frustrating, especially as her stalker Ethan escalates his pursuit.

Cash’s position as both a brother and an FBI agent adds emotional complexity, while the tension between him and Emily fuels the narrative. However, Emily’s hesitancy to engage due to her murky past with Cash lacks sufficient backstory. Similarly, her dynamic with her tech-savvy friend Mike feels underdeveloped—his role and relationship to her remain unclear.

The novel’s strength lies in its pacing and emotional stakes. Kalis writes with intensity, and scenes like Ethan’s obsessive search for Nicole or Nicole’s late-night fear feel chillingly real:

“Ethan was frustrated. He’s spent the entire morning circling the building, trying to get a glimpse of Nicole, but she was nowhere to be found.”

“Fear gripped her. She stared out into the backyard again through the gap in the curtain, waiting. Her breath was caught in her chest. Her heart pounded, sending a rush of blood into her ears.”

Though it’s the fourth in the Emily Tizzano series, “Soon to Be Mine” works as a standalone, but readers may find themselves craving more character depth that previous books might provide.

Series Reading Order

  1. Twelve Years Gone
  2. Lakeview Vendetta
  3. Victim 14
  4. Soon to Be Mine
  5. The Investor
  6. The Killing Graves
  7. Deadly Verdict

About the Author

K.J. Kalis is known for gritty, heart-pounding thrillers that explore the darker sides of justice, obsession, and survival. Her work spans categories including medical thrillers, military suspense, and vigilante justice. A former poet and professional copywriter, her thrillers consistently rank in Amazon’s Top 100.

Final Thoughts

This book is perfect for fans of fast-paced suspense novels by authors like James Patterson and Harlan Coben. With its chilling stalker plot, themes of justice and family loyalty, and a resilient heroine, “Soon to Be Mine” delivers gripping storytelling that stays with you long after the final page.

Have you read any of the Emily Tizzano books? Let me know in the comments which one is your favorite or what you thought of Nicole’s story.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.