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Dr. MJ Simms-Maddox’s book, “The Mysterious Affair at the Met,” was among the books featured in the December 2025 issue of The New York Times Book Review (NYTBR) magazine.
In “The Mysterious Affair at the Met” by MJ Simms-Maddox, PhD., Priscilla Plays in High Cotton in the World of Highly Valued Works of Art-the fifth installment in the Priscilla Series-begins in the middle of May 1990 in the city that never sleeps. After “a mysterious-looking couple” pulls off their prank, they and the large tourist group walk out of that particular camera’s range, becoming submerged elsewhere in the interminable galleries of the gigantic museum.
Throughout this thrilling book, readers are transported to the bustling streets of New York City in May 1990. Despite the tempestuous weather characterized by howling gales and torrential rains, the city remains alive with activity. New Yorkers, clad in rain hats and trench coats, navigate the wet streets, while tourists flock to shops, restaurants, and cultural landmarks, seeking refuge from the elements. Among these iconic destinations is the venerable Metropolitan Museum of Art, which, on this particular day, is experiencing an unusually high volume of visitors eager to explore its vast collection of over two million works of art spanning five millennia.
As the story unfolds within the hallowed halls of the Met, a sense of foreboding begins to creep in. Surveillance cameras capture a mysterious couple in matching taupe Burberry trench coats, who seem to be up to something sinister. Just as they pass by Marc Chagall’s masterpiece, “Soleil dans le Ciel de Saint-Paul,” a large group of tourists in distinctive red-and-white-striped vinyl raincoats converges around them. What happens next baffles the museum’s surveillance crew and sets off a chain of events that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. The couple’s prank leads to a shocking moment when a heavy metal grille drops from the ceiling, locking the unsuspecting museumgoers inside the gallery, and triggering a “High Alert!” that echoes throughout the museum.
Meanwhile, Priscilla, having just returned to Columbus, Ohio, from a secret mission in the Middle East, finds herself grappling with her own challenges. Her newlywed husband, Carlton, is suffering from a severe bout of amnesia, leaving Priscilla unable to fully resume their marriage. In an effort to stay closer to him while he recuperates, she decides to open a public relations office in New York City. As news of the “high alert” at the Met spreads, the museum’s board of trustees quickly enlists the help of savvy PR consultant P. J. Austin-Bernhardt to manage the crisis, setting the stage for Priscilla’s involvement in the unfolding mystery.
Determined to uncover the truth behind the bizarre events at the Met, Priscilla employs her intelligence-gathering skills to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Her investigation leads her to a French artist named Thibaut Francois, who is at the center of a web of deceit involving art forgery, theft, and extortion. As Priscilla digs further, she discovers that Thibaut’s twin sons and a former associate, who happens to be the current chairman of the Met board, are also entangled in this global art fraud racket. The stakes are raised as Priscilla navigates a world filled with intrigue, deception, and high-stakes drama.
“The Mysterious Affair at the Met” promises to be a thrilling addition to the Priscilla Series, blending elements of mystery, art, and personal struggle. As Priscilla confronts the challenges of her husband’s amnesia while unraveling a complex art fraud scheme, readers will be captivated by her resilience and determination. This installment not only showcases the vibrant backdrop of New York City and the iconic Met but also delves into the intricacies of human relationships and the lengths one will go to protect those they love. Join Priscilla on her latest adventure as she uncovers the truth behind the mysterious affair and navigates the high-stakes world of highly valued works of art.