Novels by M J
Author of the Priscilla Series
Plus
A Handbook for Emerging and Seasoned Authors
The Mysterious Affair at the Met
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by M. J. Simms-Maddox Austin Macauley Publishers
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book review by Philip Zozzaro
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"And until now it has been anybody’s guess who has the high-quality fakes and who has the genuine masterpieces."
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The men in charge of the Metropolitan Museum of Art are scrambling to tamp down a possible scandal. An alarm had been triggered in a high-profile gallery where the works of artist Marc Chagall are showcased. Security cameras show a couple in proximity to the Soleil dans le Ciel de Saint-Paul. The executives reach out to a PR firm run by Priscilla “PJ” Austin and hope she can get to the bottom of things. Priscilla possesses the intellect and connections to help companies and organizations weather controversy. However, as she begins to dive into the case, she discovers connections between Met board members and an infamous forger. Now, she will need to explore a course of investigation without tipping off the suspect or their unwitting accomplices.
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A counterfeiter has high society experiencing paroxysms of paranoia in this tale of mystery and drama. The renowned reputation of Priscilla Austin precedes her physical entrance into the story. Priscilla is a protagonist who is a doting and loving wife to a CIA man. She is also a woman of uncanny insight and, thus, not to be underestimated. The plot of the narrative is linear in relation to the investigation of the event at the museum but verges on chaos when diving into the personal life of Priscilla. The complexities of Priscilla are seen in how she handles every crisis thrown her way. The story prospers when exploring both how Priscilla does her job and her relationship with her husband, Carlton. This is a book that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end.
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LITERARY LUMINARIES REVIEWS
Below are ratings (on a scale of 1-5) and general descriptions for the major parts of your book followed by a review. Even though this is only a Mini-Critique, we hope it will help you understand how readers could perceive the various elements of your book.
Title: The Mysterious Affair at the Met
Author: M. J. Simms-Maddox
Genre: Fiction - Mystery - General
Appearance:
5
The appearance of a book can make a significant impact on the experience of a reader, whose enjoyment is often enhanced by an enticing cover, an intriguing table of contents, interesting chapter headings, and when possible, eye-catching illustrations.
Plot:
5
The characters of a book should be well defined with strengths and flaws, and while they do not have to be likable, the reader does have to be able to form a connection with them. The tone should be consistent, the theme should be clear, and the plot should be original or told from a unique perspective. For informative books -- those without plot and characters--this rating refers primarily to your concept and how well you presented it.
Development:
5
Development refers to how effectively you told your story or discussed your topic. The dialogue should be realistic, the descriptions should be vivid, and the material should be concise and coherent. Organization is also a key factor, especially for informative books -- those without plot and characters. The order in which you tell your story or explain your topic and how smoothly it flows can have a huge impact on the reader's understanding and enjoyment of the material.
Formatting:
5
Formatting is the single most overlooked area by authors. The way in which you describe scenes, display dialogue, and shift point of view can make or break your story. In addition, excessive grammatical errors and typos can give your book an amateurish feel and even put off readers completely.
Marketability:
5
Marketability refers to how effectively you wrote your book for your target audience. Authors may include content that is above or below the understanding of their target reader, or include concepts, opinions or language that can accidentally confuse or alienate some readers. Although by its nature this rating is very subjective, a very low rating here and poor reviews may indicate an issue with your book in this area.
Overall Opinion:
5
The overall starred rating takes into account all these elements and describes the overall reading experience of your reviewer. This is
the official Readers' Favorite review rating for your book.
Review:
Reviewed by K.C. Finn
The Mysterious Affair at the Met is a work of fiction penned by author M. J. Simms-Maddox in the mystery, intrigue, and interpersonal drama subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. The action of this fascinating work unfolds within the venerable Metropolitan Museum of Art, where unusually large numbers of visitors are drawn to its vast collection. Among them, a mysterious couple, dripping wet in matching trench coats, captivates the museum's surveillance cameras. As they execute a perplexing prank involving a Chagall masterpiece, chaos ensues when a group of tourists in distinctive raincoats converges around them. Subsequently, a series of baffling events unfolds, culminating in the museum-goers' entrapment within the Chagall gallery, marking the commencement of The Mysterious Affair at the Met.
Author M. J. Simms-Maddox has crafted a captivating narrative set within the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art that offers a unique setting for some really exciting twists and turns. The tension is prevalent and strongly atmospheric from the outset, drawing readers into a web of mystery and deception with language that creates a powerful aura of intrigue. The portrayal of the museum's vast galleries and diverse visitors is immersive and eerie, creating a vivid sense of place and some really interesting scenes taking place in well-selected locations. The enigmatic nature of the central characters and the series of inexplicable events kept me engrossed throughout, eagerly anticipating each twist and turn as their emotions rise and personalities begin to clash. As the plot unfolds, the stakes escalate, heightening the sense of urgency and suspense with every chapter. Overall, The Mysterious Affair at the Met is a riveting read that will keep readers guessing until the very end, and I would highly recommend it for mystery aficionados everywhere.
Below are ratings (on a scale of 1-5) and general descriptions for the major parts of your book followed by a review. Even though this is only a Mini-Critique, we hope it will help you understand how readers could perceive the various elements of your book.
Title: The Mysterious Affair at the Met
Author: M. J. Simms-Maddox
Genre: Fiction - Mystery - General
Appearance:
5
The appearance of a book can make a significant impact on the experience of a reader, whose enjoyment is often enhanced by an enticing cover, an intriguing table of contents, interesting chapter headings, and when possible, eye-catching illustrations.
Plot:
5
The characters of a book should be well defined with strengths and flaws, and while they do not have to be likable, the reader does have to be able to form a connection with them. The tone should be consistent, the theme should be clear, and the plot should be original or told from a unique perspective. For informative books -- those without plot and characters--this rating refers primarily to your concept and how well you presented it.
Development:
5
Development refers to how effectively you told your story or discussed your topic. The dialogue should be realistic, the descriptions should be vivid, and the material should be concise and coherent. Organization is also a key factor, especially for informative books -- those without plot and characters. The order in which you tell your story or explain your topic and how smoothly it flows can have a huge impact on the reader's understanding and enjoyment of the material.
Formatting:
4
Formatting is the single most overlooked area by authors. The way in which you describe scenes, display dialogue, and shift point of view can make or break your story. In addition, excessive grammatical errors and typos can give your book an amateurish feel and even put off readers completely.
Marketability:
5
Marketability refers to how effectively you wrote your book for your target audience. Authors may include content that is above or below the understanding of their target reader, or include concepts, opinions or language that can accidentally confuse or alienate some readers. Although by its nature this rating is very subjective, a very low rating here and poor reviews may indicate an issue with your book in this area.
Overall Opinion:
5
The overall starred rating takes into account all these elements and describes the overall reading experience of your reviewer. This is
the official Readers' Favorite review rating for your book.
Review:
Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze
The Mysterious Affair at the Met by M. J. Simms-Maddox, another installment in a series, will appeal to fans of mystery, drama, and leading female characters. Heavy rains bring many tourists to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Suddenly, two of them start behaving strangely in front of one of the masterpieces of Mark Chagall. Then, a volunteer docent notices that the painting looks off. The brewing scandal can damage the Met's reputation. The chairman of the board of the Metropolitan Museum's trustees, Ignatius Devoe, and the museum's executive director, Shane Carpenter, enlist the aid of the distinguished PR consultant, P. J. Austin-Bernhardt, who is about to open a branch office in New York. P. J., or Priscilla, accepts the challenge to save the good name of the world-famous museum.
In The Mysterious Affair at the Met, M. J. Simms-Maddox thoroughly reveals the main character, P.J. Austin-Bernhardt, or Priscilla. This amazing woman is highly professional in her field. She possesses many other talents and treasures her African American heritage. Priscilla's unique approach to the challenges she faces drives the narrative. Simms-Maddox creates a realistic main character in that Priscilla sometimes "sees the world through rose-colored glasses." Married into a wealthy family, Priscilla is not vain and takes nothing for granted. It makes Priscilla a perfect role model for young girls and women. Among the secondary characters, my favorite is Jules, Priscilla's brave little neighbor in Harlem. The Mysterious Affair at the Met has a well-paced narrative and a gripping intrigue that captures our attention at the beginning of the story. Simms-Maddox is a gifted storyteller, and her writing style is very elegant. The author shows us Priscilla's work as a PR consultant from every possible angle, skillfully weaving it into the clever plotline.
Below are ratings (on a scale of 1-5) and general descriptions for the major parts of your book followed by a review. Even though this is only a Mini-Critique, we hope it will help you understand how readers could perceive the various elements of your book.
Title: The Mysterious Affair at the Met
Author: M. J. Simms-Maddox
Genre: Fiction - Mystery - General
Appearance:
4
The appearance of a book can make a significant impact on the experience of a reader, whose enjoyment is often enhanced by an enticing cover, an intriguing table of contents, interesting chapter headings, and when possible, eye-catching illustrations.
Plot:
4
The characters of a book should be well defined with strengths and flaws, and while they do not have to be likable, the reader does have to be able to form a connection with them. The tone should be consistent, the theme should be clear, and the plot should be original or told from a unique perspective. For informative books -- those without plot and characters--this rating refers primarily to your concept and how well you presented it.
Development:
5
Development refers to how effectively you told your story or discussed your topic. The dialogue should be realistic, the descriptions should be vivid, and the material should be concise and coherent. Organization is also a key factor, especially for informative books -- those without plot and characters. The order in which you tell your story or explain your topic and how smoothly it flows can have a huge impact on the reader's understanding and enjoyment of the material.
Formatting:
4
Formatting is the single most overlooked area by authors. The way in which you describe scenes, display dialogue, and shift point of view can make or break your story. In addition, excessive grammatical errors and typos can give your book an amateurish feel and even put off readers completely.
Marketability:
5
Marketability refers to how effectively you wrote your book for your target audience. Authors may include content that is above or below the understanding of their target reader, or include concepts, opinions or language that can accidentally confuse or alienate some readers. Although by its nature this rating is very subjective, a very low rating here and poor reviews may indicate an issue with your book in this area.
Overall Opinion:
5
The overall starred rating takes into account all these elements and describes the overall reading experience of your reviewer. This is
the official Readers' Favorite review rating for your book.
Review:
Reviewed by Demetria Head
The Mysterious Affair at the Met by M.J. Simms-Maddox is a tantalizing mystery set in the renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art, where a seemingly ordinary day takes a sinister turn. As visitors explore the vast array of art spanning millennia, a mysterious couple clad in taupe Burberry trench coats sets off a chain of events that leaves both museum staff and patrons bewildered and trapped inside a gallery. At its core, the novel is a testament to the enduring appeal of the mystery genre. With its blend of suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists, it offers readers a captivating journey into the heart of a tantalizing puzzle. As the mystery unfolds, readers are drawn into a web of intrigue and deception that keeps them guessing until the very end.
M.J. Simms-Maddox expertly crafts a tale filled with twists and turns that will delight fans of mystery. The novel's strength lies in its author's ability to create a sense of unease and suspense from the outset as seemingly innocuous events escalate into something much more sinister. The meticulous attention to detail brings the setting of the Met to life, immersing readers in its grandeur while also highlighting its potential for danger. One of the key elements that make this a standout is the cast of compelling characters. There is the enigmatic couple at the center of the intrigue, and the diverse array of museum patrons caught up in the unfolding drama. Each character is intricately woven into the story's fabric, adding depth and complexity to the plot. M. J. Simms-Maddox’s masterful storytelling and keen eye for detail make The Mysterious Affair at the Met a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery that they can put on their spring and summer reading list.