The Expected One

A Novel

By: Kathleen McGowan

Narrated by: Linda Emond

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.

CONTAINS NEW, UNPUBLISHED MATERIAL FROM THE ARQUES GOSPEL.©2006 McGowan Media, Inc. All rights reserved; (P)2006 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Captivating . . . 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

a difficult review to write

The book is presented as a novel. However, the basic concepts underlying it are those encountered in the DaVinci Code (a novel) and Holy Blood, Holy Grail, (non-fiction) in which Mary Magdalene is viewed as the wife of Jesus. Then the author provides an afterward in which she affirms her fundamental belief that the basic ideas she talks about in the book are true. I am not about to speak to the underlying concept the author presents. That is beyond my pay grade. Since she publishes the book as a novel, I will consider it as a novel.

Many of the characters in the book are frustratingly one dimensional. They come on the scene, say their lines and are gone. They never emerge as real people, even when they are playing critical roles. Much of the dialog seems designed as a vehicle for presenting her ideas on Magdalene, rather than creating a sense of real people in conversation. The villains she create seem exceptionally incompetent, though she may be setting them up to do their thing in later episodes of what seems to be evolving into a trilogy.

Yet, despite my complaints, there were scenes which were genuinely engaging and breathed life into the story. For the most part, these were the scenes that took place back in the first century and involved Magdalene or the author’s portrayal of Jesus.

The narrator was good.

Not your book if you believe the Bible.

What did you like best about The Expected One? What did you like least?

I liked that there was some mention of Jesus. I was disturbed by the rest.

Has The Expected One turned you off from other books in this genre?

Pretty much.

What does Linda Emond bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She was the best part. I will get other books narrated by her. She was fantastic. I was repelled by the story but loved listening to her.

Did The Expected One inspire you to do anything?

Yes, stop listening to fiction about the life of Christ.

Any additional comments?

I guess I should have expected it to be way out there but since Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John's testimonies were a mirror of each other, I wanted it to be a female aspect of what they had said.

Brought Tears to My Eyes

This is probably one of the few audiobooks that brought tears to my eyes. I normally choose unabrigded versions and but since I wasn't sure I would like it I got the abridged version then later the unabridged version.

It is along the lines of Da Vinci Code but told more like a drama than a thriller. The abridged version is a good choice for those who like things more fast paced and I personally prefered this version.

The reader is overall quite good especially in the beginning, but later I think has a problem switching between the several different accents required. She sounds almost like the middle eastern accent she uses in the beginning in parts when she has to portray a french accent.

Left me wanting more!

In just a few short lines, the author, Kathleen McGowan, has told us about the genre, setting, and main character. Leaving us to question and ponder on the hidden Historical facts of our Lord and Savior.

Outstanding!

I greatly appreciate and enjoyed this book. Despite being written as a novel, I have taken its message to heart. Thank you for your years of research & dedication in bringing this important story into the light. I look forward to your next work.