The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown (2003, Hardcover)

I'm not a huge fiction fan, nor do I read much of the other authors in the suspense/thriller genres, but I have to say I loved this book.

Authors who can master the art of making the reader want more at the close of each chapter are few and far between, but Dan Brown had me at "hello" (or whatever the first word was). His pacing is phenomenally well timed, he lends just enough historical background to the story to give it a feeling of legitimacy.

This book has obviously appealed to a wide audience -- it's been a bestseller for years now -- and would likely make a good gift (as long as the recipient doesn't have strong religious views!)