THE
SECRET MAGDALENE is an outrageously inventive work of fiction about
the early Christian years, during the life and times of Mary
Magdalene and Jesus Christ. The 400-plus-page novel, which includes
a bibliography with several pages of source material, is divided by
scrolls rather than chapters. The first scroll begins with "The
Voice" of Mariamne, the main character. 

Through the voice of Mariamne --- a visionary and prophet with an
unquenchable thirst for knowledge --- THE SECRET MAGDALENE takes
readers on a journey thick with details and wild in
imagination.

Mariamne is an adolescent Jewish girl who survived a childhood
illness that left her hearing voices and experiencing visions. She
lives in Jerusalem with her father Josephus and his ward, Salome,
who also has the gift of prophecy. Mariamne and Salome are raised
like sisters and are cared for by Tata, a household slave with
worldly experience and a soft spot for her charges. 

One night, during dinner, Mariamne is moved to speak in one of her
prophetic voices, whose proclamation is witnessed by Josephus's
dinner guests. Josephus immediately sends Mariamne to her room and
makes excuses for her behavior, but one of the houseguests is
intrigued by what he has heard and wants to learn more. For
Mariamne, that night changes everything. A week later, because of a
misunderstanding involving the houseguest and Salome, Josephus
banishes Salome, Tata and Mariamne from his home.

With Mariamne's banishment, her quest begins. For both protection
and ease of travel, Tata disguises Mariamne and Salome. Dressed as
boys, they travel as child prophets who become known for their
visions and wisdom. After parting ways with Tata, the young women
travel with other companions to Alexandria in Egypt, where Mariamne
and Salome become educated in philosophy and other areas of
knowledge. 

During subsequent travels, they meet John the Baptizer (John of the
River), himself a great prophet. John of the River, believed by
some to be the Messiah, harkens the arrival of the real Messiah
and, in doing so, becomes a threat to those in power. Through John,
Mariamne meets his cousin, Yeshu, a simple man who is becoming a
famous healer, teacher and prophet --- and a man believed to be the
Messiah. 

With the encouragement of Yeshu, Mariamne shares the knowledge she
learned during her studies in Egypt. She joins Yeshu as he teaches
and heals, spreading his message of love and forgiveness to his
followers, whose numbers continue to grow. In this fictional
portrayal of historic events, places and people, Mariamne walks
with Yeshu as he travels from Cana in Galilee, to Bethany in Judea,
and into the garden of Gethsemane. She is present at the foot of
his cross. 

In THE SECRET MAGDALENE, Mary Magdalene steps out of the shadows
and onto center stage. Through the fictional voice of Mariamne,
Mary Magdalene is elevated to a position of prominence as a
disciple and the beloved companion of Jesus Christ. This is a
wildly imaginative novel that undoubtedly will attract a lot of
attention and foster discussion about one of the most controversial
and fascinating women in early Church history.