Looking for Dan Brown–style thrillers that feel more grounded in reality

Hey everyone,

I’m currently reading Dan Brown’s latest book. He was one of my favorite authors when I was younger, and his stories introduced me to the world of historical and symbol-based thrillers. However, as much as I still enjoy his themes—art, mythology, religion, and esoteric knowledge—I’ve found that his recent works don’t resonate with me as much anymore.

The reason, I think, is that his plots often feel too overblown: secret organizations with world-changing conspiracies, revelations that could “rewrite human history,” and twists that stretch believability a bit too far. I’d love to find authors who explore similar subjects—hidden meanings in art, ancient mysteries, philosophical or religious symbolism—but in a more realistic and intellectually grounded way.

For context, I’ve already read The Name of the Rose and Foucault’s Pendulum by Umberto Eco, and I really appreciated how those books balance mystery and erudition with believable plots and characters.

So, do you have any recommendations for books or authors who capture that same sense of mystery and depth, but with a more realistic tone than Dan Brown’s recent novels?

Thanks in advance—I’m really looking forward to discovering new reads in this genre!