The Expected One: A Novel (Magdalene Line). Kathleen McGowan. Touchstone. 2006.

Book review by Tracey
This book was another Barnes and Noble sale table book. You never know just what you are going to get on one of those tables. It’s kind of like picking out a grab-bag. This book, however, was worth reading in every way. It is a fascinating story about a journalist, one Maureen Paschal, who experiences visions pertaining to the last days of Jesus Christ, and the involvement of Mary Magdalene. Maureen is not at all a religious person, in fact, she’s just the opposite. Her visions come unbidden, and are a huge disruption in her life. Unbeknownst to her, there are secret organizations waiting for her to emerge, and lead them to the knowledge that only she can acquire as the ‘Expected One’. Set in America, Israel, and mostly in France, this story is part mystery, part history, part drama, and part romance. A bonus at the end is that the author tells us that she is really the main character, and that many of the events actually happened to her. She plans to write more volumes on the subject, and provides a web site that can be visited to learn more. If you are at all interested in the true meaning of Mary Magdalene, a different take on the last days of Jesus Christ, the Magdalene legends in France, this is really worth a good look.

Tracey.