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Nurse practitioner, Greenville native and now-author Penny Pickle will discuss her debut novel, a supernatural thriller titled “A Shortage of Angels,” at the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum at noon this Tuesday.

As a lifelong fan of Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Pickle’s protagonist, Calvina “Cal” Jean Prather is a 10-year-old “precocious tomboy,” somewhat similar in character to “Mockingbird’s” Scout. However, Cal has the special, supernatural ability to “quiet her mind to see the workings of angels as they go about their celestial tasks, navigating the trials and hardships faced by mortals here on Earth.”

As the story unfolds, Cal and a friend witness a murder. Then, when the killers search for the children in an effort to silence them, Cal reluctantly calls on the angels to intervene, and the only angel available to help on such a short notice is none other than Lucifer, thickening the plot immensely.

With story elements that include social challenges and prejudices, the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum describes the book as ultimately having an uplifting message “about the beauty of children and their unconditional acceptance of others.”

In addition to working as a nurse practitioner, Pickle also leads the Sabine Valley Medical Pediatrics clinic, was the cofounder of CareLine home infusion company, and is an ordained minister.

Admission to the museum’s program is free for museum members. Otherwise, admission charges are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors/veterans/college students, and $3 for 6-18 year olds. For any questions, the museum can be contacted at (903) 450-4502.

- Herald Banner