Livingstone College political science professor turned fiction writer M.J. Simms-Maddox has written a thriller, “Mystery in Harare: Priscilla’s Journey into Southern Africa.”

The book is part of the Priscilla Trilogy. The first book was “Priscilla: Engaging in the Game of Politics.”

You can meet the author on Thursday, Oct. 12, from 3-4:30 p.m. at Rowan Public Library headquarters on West Fisher Street. Her appearance is sponsored by the Livingstone Writers Club.

The third book in the trilogy, to be released in 2018, is tentatively titled “El Qâhira Overlooks the River Nile.”

Simms-Maddox says the story began as a series of travel features when she started thinking about all the things that happened in the world in the 1980s. “Before I knew it, I was writing a thriller.”

Priscilla J. “P.J.” Austin is a driven woman who has worked in politics. The author describes this latest book as a “stylish, fast-paced, character-driven thriller that unravels the secrets behind … carnage at a Midwestern American black church.”

Priscilla ends up in southern Africa, where she faces more than simple prejudice. The third book will reveal Priscilla as the woman she was meant to be.

The book is published in consultation with Professional Woman Publishing, LLC.

To learn more about the author and book, you may visit www.novelsbymj.com

Sobel coming to Winston-Salem

Bookmarks will present Dava Sobel, author of “The Glass Universe,” on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. at Calvary Moravian Church, 600 Holly Avenue NW in Winston-Salem.

Following the program, Sobel will sign books. Bookmarks will have Sobel’s books available for purchase.

Two ticket options are available and both include one paperback copy of “The Glass Universe”: $15 for general entry for one or $20 for general entry for two. Books will be picked up that evening upon entry. All seating is general admission. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.

All high school and college students can show their student ID for free entry at the door (book not included). Tickets may be purchased in person at 634 W. Fourth Street #110 in Winston-Salem, by visiting Bookmarks’ website at bookmarksnc.org or by calling 336-747-1471.

Nominated for the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award, “The Glass Universe” is the hidden history of the women who contributed to the burgeoning field of astronomy.