Citi of Books Highlights “Mystery in Harare: Priscilla’s Journey into Southern Africa” by M.J. Simms-Maddox, Ph.D. at LIBER Feria Internacional del Libro 2026

M.J. Simms-Maddox, Ph.D., brings a distinctive voice to contemporary fiction through her background in political science and legislative work. A graduate of The Ohio State University, she has worked as a legislative aide, political science professor, and communications professional. These experiences inform her storytelling, allowing her to weave political insight and cultural awareness into narratives that remain deeply human and character-driven.

What happens when a woman who once navigated the halls of state politics suddenly becomes the survivor of a violent attack that sends her thousands of miles from home?

That question lies at the heart of “Mystery in Harare: Priscilla’s Journey into Southern Africa” by M. J. Simms-Maddox, an intense and fast-moving thriller now being introduced to the global publishing community at the London Book Fair. Among the many books on display, this novel stands out for its blend of suspense, international intrigue, and emotional depth. For readers exploring the fair’s diverse selection of fiction, the story offers a dramatic shift from domestic political life to a landscape shaped by history, conflict, and survival.

The story begins with a shocking moment as Priscilla prepares to marry a man she likes but does not truly love. In the midst of the ceremony, gunfire erupts inside the sanctuary, leaving chaos and tragedy in its wake. The last thing Priscilla remembers is briefly seeing the shooter before losing consciousness. When she awakens, she is no longer in the United States but on the outskirts of Harare, confused, sedated, and desperate to understand how she arrived there.

As Priscilla attempts to uncover the truth, she finds herself navigating unfamiliar territory across Zimbabwe and South Africa during a period shaped by the tensions of Apartheid. Surrounded by political unrest, dangerous encounters, and shifting alliances, she must rely on her intelligence and resilience to survive while uncovering the hidden forces behind the attack that changed her life.

This piece elevates The Priscilla Trilogy by taking its heroine beyond familiar political territory into the complex social and cultural histories of the African continent. Through danger, love, discovery, and survival, Priscilla emerges not only as a thriller protagonist but as an enduring symbol of courage and determination.

With its focus on international business, professional networking, and the expansion of Spanish-language publishing into European and Latin American markets, LIBER provides a setting where these connections can take shape.

Citi of Books at LIBER Feria Internacional del Libro 2026 — bringing every book into an international publishing community where stories can find new connections, new possibilities, and new readers.