M. J. Simms-Maddox, Ph.D., is an independent author and the publisher of the Priscilla Series. The series chronicles the coming-of-age and adventures of a modern-day self-assured Black American young woman. The Mysterious Affair at the Met is the fifth installment in the series.The South Carolina native grew up in the Snowbelt of western New York. She earned her doctorate in political science from Ohio State University, has served as a legislative aide in the Ohio Senate, operated a PR firm, and taught political science for over thirty years. Her international travels play prominently in the Priscilla Series. Simms-Maddox found her passion for writing fiction somewhat late in her life and has been writing mysteries and thrillers since 1999.Her first significant work of nonfiction is A Handbook for Emerging and Seasoned Authors: An Insider’s Step-by-Step Approach to Becoming a Successful Indie Book Author and Publisher.