PARIS – After an eight-year hiatus, bestselling author Dan Brown has returned to the literary world with his latest thriller, The Secret Of Secrets, which launched globally on September 9 in 16 languages simultaneously.

The English version of the novel spans nearly 700 pages, and according to Brown, it is “by far the most intricately plotted and ambitious novel I’ve written to date.”

Brown, now 61, is best known for his blockbuster 2003 novel The Da Vinci Code, which became a global phenomenon blending art, religion, codes, and historical intrigue. His new book is said to push these boundaries even further.

“The hallmarks of Dan’s books – codes, art, history, religion, and cutting-edge science – are on full display alongside a propulsive plot,” said Nihar Malaviya, CEO of Penguin Random House Global, in a press statement.

To maintain secrecy and avoid leaks, the project involved confidentiality clauses for publishers, translators, and printers, mirroring the clandestine tone of Brown’s own novels.

Brown kicked off a month-long promotional tour on Sept 9 in New York, with plans to visit 12 countries to promote the book.

Early critical response has been mixed. The New York Times offered a broadly positive review but noted the book's “hyperactive plotting runs on hyperventilating prose.” Meanwhile, The Guardian dismissed it as “weapons-grade nonsense from beginning to end.”

Brown’s rise to literary fame came suddenly. After two under-the-radar novels, he rocketed to success with The Da Vinci Code in 2003. That book, which tackled theories about Jesus’ descendants, the Mona Lisa, and Freemasonry, sold millions but also faced backlash from scholars and theologians for its controversial claims.

A 2006 film adaptation starring Tom Hanks grossed over US$760 million globally, further cementing Brown’s cultural impact.

To date, Penguin Random House reports that Brown has sold over 250 million copies across 56 languages, making him one of the most successful authors of the 21st century.