A gripping thriller and a profound spiritual journey that reveals the greatest story never told!
Two thousand years ago, Mary Magdalene hid a set of scrolls in the rocky foothills of the French Pyrenees, a gospel that contained her own version of the events and characters of the New Testament. Protected by supernatural forces, these sacred scrolls could be uncovered only by a special seeker, one who fulfills the ancient prophecy of l'attendue—The Expected One.
When journalist Maureen Paschal begins the research for a new book, she has no idea that she is stepping into an ancient mystery so secret, so revolutionary, that thousands of people have killed and died for it. She becomes deeply immersed in the mystical cultures of southwest France as the eerie prophecy of The Expected One casts a shadow over her life and work and a long-buried family secret comes to light. Ultimately she comes face-to-face with Jesus Christ, Mary Magdalene, John the Baptist, Judas, and Salome in the pages of a deeply moving and powerful new gospel, the life of Jesus as told by Mary Magdalene.
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"I was really excited about this book as I am interested in the role of women in the Christian, especially Catholic faith. It reminds me of the fast pace and excitement of the Dan Brown books. Knowing it was the first in a trilogy, I looked forward to the sequels. uh oh. "
— Shari (4 out of 5 stars)
“Riveting.”
— People“Highly evocative…keenly imaginative.”
— USA Today“A tour de force…profoundly moving…full of love and pathos.”
— San Antonio Express-News“Shimmering…engrossing…masterfully balanced.”
— Irish EditionCaptivating . . . controversial . . . enchanting . . . courageous . . . Kathleen McGowan delivers the truth against the world!
— Betsy Chasse, producer, What The Bleep Do We Know?It took a tremendous amount of courage to write this book. . . . Its portrayal of biblical characters is hauntingly, disturbingly real. I will be forever grateful to Kathleen McGowan for giving me a huge push forward on my spiritual journey by opening me up to a deeper vision of the Divine.
— Reverend Jeffrey J. Bütz, author of The Brother of Jesus and The Lost Teachings of Christianity" Another Mary Magdalane story - a cheap imitation of the DaVinci Code. Do your self a favor and read something else. "
— Daniel, 2/19/2014" A novel about Mary Magdalene in France - a very captivating story. Great read! "
— Roz, 2/17/2014" A captivating tale on the journey to find the truth about Mary Magdalene and her gospels. It is well written and interesting. Very controversial because of it's content and life story of Mary's life with Jesus and how they were married. "
— Elise, 2/15/2014" It's The DaVinci Code on steroids. It really holds ya! "
— Alayne, 1/19/2014" Might have made a better short story or novella. Author is trying too hard to build mystery (look at the author photo where she prominently displays a ring...). Premise is good. I was taken in by the claims that it was similar to the Davinci Code. It isn't. "
— Hilary, 1/16/2014" Very interesting and informative book about Mary Magdalene and her blood line. Can't wait to read Kathleen McGowan's The Book of Love when it is published "
— Shelia, 1/11/2014" Just another in a long line of Divici Code-like books. I actually can't decide if I liked it or not. "
— Bekah, 1/11/2014" Having grown up under a patriarchal religious influence, this book was both a engaging read and a liberating experience. It was wonderful to once again feel I, as a woman, was part of herstory. "
— Suzanne, 11/20/2013" Not nearly as good as it could have been. The writing was rather wooden and the characters didn't come alive. "
— Jeanne, 10/19/2013" the most interesting book...amazing...beautiful story... "
— Simona, 10/18/2013" This book really screamed Davinci Code knock off to me. Wasn't at all impressed by any of it. "
— Andrea, 10/12/2013" For me, this book falls in that delicious category of guilty pleasure beach read. "
— Sue, 9/4/2013" Along the lines of the DaVinci Code, but I liked it more. The plot's inclusion of Jesus' resurrection makes it more in line with my beliefs than the Code. Good story, interesting, and fast paced. "
— Laurie, 7/30/2013" An interesting story on the life of Mary Magdeline and her relationship with Jesus and as a disciple. This is the first book in a trilogy. I am intrigued enough that I plan to read the next two books. "
— Pam, 3/13/2013" Is a nice story. Interesting perspective about the bible and Maria Magdalena. It has nice plottwists. Really enjoyed reading it. "
— Paulien, 7/23/2012" Entertaining, but is this author serious about herself? "
— Elfgiva, 7/18/2012" Fascinating "DaVinci Code" type book. "
— Laurel, 12/3/2011" Interesting interpretation into story of Jesus and Mary Magdalene plus it's suspenseful like the DaVinci Code. Great read! "
— Melinda, 11/27/2011" the book is similar to the DaVinci Code - exploring alternative viewpoints/histories of the life of Christ. There are some really odd and formulaic ones out there, but this one was interesting and pretty sweet. There's more of a positive focus on his life rather than on age old conspiracies... "
— Peggy, 11/23/2011" I love any book that celebrates red heads and mythology or religion. Add to that McGowan's ability to move seamlessly from current day to ancient times and you've got a real treat. Don't forget mystery, intrigue and romance. A great (quick) read from start to finish. "
— Angela, 9/6/2011" It was exciting, not necessarily well written but fun and interesting, will read the next two. "
— Ellen, 8/15/2011" For historic novel lovers and Mary Magdalene fans, this is a don't miss. Fantastic journey of a modern writer to France to uncover secrets about her past life, and the life of Mary Magdalene. Suspenseful, delightful and enchanting. "
— Savana, 7/21/2011" Similar to The Eight by Katharine Neville. Check it out. Now there is a sequel out called "The book of love". "
— Audrey, 4/22/2011" Possible the only genre worse than pseudo-historical fiction is pseudo-religious-historical fiction, in particular anything centering about the life of Joshua of Nazareth (The Christ). This book gets a 2 only because it is very well written. "
— Ryan, 4/21/2011" I loved The DaVinci Code. This book is better, much better. "
— faeriecrone, 4/20/2011" Not nearly as good as it could have been. The writing was rather wooden and the characters didn't come alive. "
— Jeanne, 4/18/2011" I enjoyed this book tremendously -- tho written as fiction, there are many things that rang true for me.. it's about a journalist who is drawn into the Mary Magdalene legends. I'm looking forward to McGowan's next book. "
— Angelica, 3/22/2011" I love any book that celebrates red heads and mythology or religion. Add to that McGowan's ability to move seamlessly from current day to ancient times and you've got a real treat. Don't forget mystery, intrigue and romance. A great (quick) read from start to finish. "
— Angela, 3/15/2011" Wow - what an intriguing new perspective on the Origins of Jesus and Mary... "
— Claire, 3/9/2011" The Expected One is a novel for all women. Women that was misunderstood, like Mary Magdalene. This novel have similarities with The Da Vinci Code. But I find it less offending when it comes to religious aspects. "
— Louis, 3/6/2011" I thoroughly enjoyed these books. I Love novels in historical settings. The chapter that pertained to the week of the crucifixion of Jesus was very moving! "
— Delene, 2/4/2011Kathleen McGowan’s books have developed an international cult following since her debut novel, The Expected One. Her unique style of historical fiction combines unprecedented field research with inspired storytelling. She is also a dedicated activist, and commits a portion of her time and royalties to organizations that protect women and children from the horrors of human trafficking and sexual slavery. She has teamed up with the Emancipation Network and Made by Survivors to fund and participate in programs which provide shelter and safety for victims of abuse and raise awareness of this global epidemic. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and sons.
Linda Emond is an award-winning actress of stage, film, television, and audiobook narration. Her performances on Broadway earned her nominations for the Tony Award in 2003 and 2012 and for the Drama Desk Award in 1997 and 2002. She was awarded the Joseph Jefferson Award for her roles in plays at theaters in Chicago. Her film credits include roles in Julie & Julia, Dark Water, and Across the Universe, among others. Her television credits include such series as Elementary, The Good Wife, and Law & Order: SVU, as well as movies such as A Dog Named Christmas. She has narrated dozens of audiobooks, winning four Earphones Awards and being named a finalist four times for the prestigious Audie Award. In 2011 she was named by AudioFile magazine as a Best Voice in Mystery & Suspense for her reading of Flash and Bones.