As a regular reader of crime thrillers, I first read the Da Vinci Code a few weeks before the film was released and, as normal, enjoyed the book more than the film. The book was a real page turner with short chapters jumping between the different chapters keeping all the plot lines active and move at a fantastic pace.

So when I heard of the imminent release of Angels and Demons, I decided to read the prequel to the Da Vinci Code over a few days. I enjoyed the book a lot and once again it was very difficult to put down. The writing style is almost identical and the twists are as visible in advance as in his other work. I don’t want to go into the details of the plot line in case readers are planning on seeing the film and don’t know the plot.

So, does Dan Brown deliver a classic piece of literature? No. Does he attempt to? No. What this book is, is a fine piece of crime literature that makes sure you keep reading and turning the pages.

So why do people expect the films to be great? The first film had some very mixed reviews (as did the books) and it is to be expected, so will this one. The problem is that, most good crime films or TV shows have great twists that nobody is expecting. Unfortunately, the popularity of his books has caused his twists and plot lines to be so well known that there will be no surprises in the film. The film will of course be a success but don’t expect it to last for very long and expect the DVDs to be heavily discounted within weeks of hitting the shelves.

The only films that have have had great success from a popular book are those of the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the Harry Potter Films. These books are well known but the films have done well because of the use of special effects in these films and have also been of a more family nature.

Overall, the book is a good read and deserves it’s success, but don’t expect a masterpiece of literature and don’t expect the film to smash all box office records.