The Expected One

By: Kathleen McGowan

Narrated by: Linda Stephens

Length: 17 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

Two thousand years ago, Mary Magdalene hid a set of scrolls in the French Pyrenees: the Gospel of Mary Magdalene, her version of the life of Jesus and the events 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'Attendu, the Expected One.

As Maureen becomes immersed in the mystical lore of L'Attendu, the eerie prophecy of the Expected One casts a shadow over her life and work, and a long-buried family secret comes to light. Maureen's extraordinary journey takes her from the dusty streets of Jerusalem to the cathedrals of Paris to the rocky foothills of southwest France. To search for the scrolls, she must unravel clues that link history's great artistic masters, dynasties, and scientific minds. Ultimately, she comes face-to-face with Jesus Christ, Mary Magdalene, and a love triangle that changed the course of history in a deeply moving and powerful new gospel...the greatest story never told.

©2006 McGowan Media, Inc. All rights reserved (P)2006 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"[A] much-heralded debut." (Publishers Weekly)

Really Profound

I grew up in an extreme religious homeschooling cult, and only got away because I studied the bible enough to perceive the heart of Christ, which gave me courage to leave the legalism of the system I was in. So I'm always nervous when people seem to approach the bible as something to play with for their new exciting story. But as another reviewer said, I wish I had heard the author's postscript notes before the rest of the book because hearing her passion and insights made made me feel comfortable with her story. And it really does lineup with what I know of the heart of Christ.

I gave 4 stars for performand simply because the narrator kept pausing awkwardly in the middle of sentences and it threw me off. But listening at 1.5 speed helped.

Eye opening

I totally enjoyed exploring the mysteries while allowing myself to come to my own conclusions. Well done on all accounts 👏🏻

good read!

Very good book for open minded people!!

Enjoyable, but flawed

One thing you have to say about this book, it was extremely well-researched! I looked up a lot of the things the author talks about, and while there were some discrepancies (I assume for the sake of the atmosphere and plot), I could confirm everything that I researched. The author's version of Jesus' life is told through a political lens, which is interesting. Some parts did drag, some parts were fascinating. A mixed bag, but worthwhile if you are at all interested in the myriad different interpretations of Christianity. The narrator was slightly annoying, but only slightly.

The Expected One

I enjoyed this book greatly. I look forward to the remaining books. I have already enjoyed two others.

indescribable

Tears!... and a sense of feeling so amazing I can't even put into words! LOVE!!!

I expect to be listening to this book again and again

What an important and liberating gift! I am so grateful to the friend who recommended this book.

My only suggestion to the reader would be to read her end notes about her unexpected journey before beginning.

Couldn’t handle the narrator

I read the book awhile back and wanted to listen to the audible for a refresher before picking up the next book in the series. I had difficulty connecting with the narrator and it distracted me from the story. I ended up returning and going through the book on my kindle instead.

I see that the same narrator is on the second book. I’ll probably just get that one on kindle as well.

Thoroughly enjoyed it!

There is a lot going on in this book. The afterward by the author intimates that it is not quite fiction although it must be categorized as such and I thought it was very brave of her to do that. The story does make you think and I do agree with the author when she says that history was written by the winners - so who knows what they didn't tell us? I look forward to the sequels - I hope there are many. I would listen to this book again.

Amazing story

Although this is a book of fiction, I feel like I finally met the real Mary Magdalene and Jesus. This is the second time I have read this book, and will not the last. As a lapsed Catholic, it has re-awakened my belief in God and Jesus.