'Da Vinci Code' author putting up wrought-iron fence

The Associated Press

RYE, N.H. -- Now that a copyright-infringement claim against his publisher has been dismissed, Dan Brown can get on with his private life -- or at least, try to.

Brown, best-selling author of "The Da Vinci Code," is working to put up a wrought-iron fence around his home to keep out uninvited guests. It would sit atop a 2-foot-high stone wall and rise up no more than 6 feet, according to a letter his attorney presented to Rye selectmen recently.

"It sits right out there," police chief Alan Gould said of Brown's home.

He said Brown was concerned that the heightened attention brought on by a lawsuit claiming he stole ideas from a nonfiction book might create security concerns. A judge in London ruled Friday in Brown's favor.

"We shared those concerns," Gould said. "Whether it's the paparazzi or someone who wants to pour goat's blood on the steps or just someone who wants a picture."