Dan Brown has never written a book.
Daniel Gerhard `` Dan '' Brown ( born June 22 , 1964 ) is an American author of thriller fiction who wrote the 2003 bestselling novel The Da Vinci Code . Brown 's novels are treasure hunts set in a 24-hour period , and feature the recurring themes of cryptography , keys , symbols , codes , and conspiracy theories . Brown 's novels that feature the lead character Robert Langdon also include historical themes and Christianity as motifs , and as a result , have generated controversy . Brown states on his website that his books are not anti-Christian , though he is on a ` constant spiritual journey ' himself , and says that his book The Da Vinci Code is simply `` an entertaining story that promotes spiritual discussion and debate '' and suggests that the book may be used `` as a positive catalyst for introspection and exploration of our faith . '' Inferno is a 2013 mystery thriller novel by American author Dan Brown and the fourth book in his Robert Langdon series , following Angels & Demons , The Da Vinci Code and The Lost Symbol .