ERIKA BOLSTAD >> Presents “Windfall: The Prairie Woman Who Lost Her Way and the Great-Granddaughter Who Found Her,” in conversation with Emily Strasser. 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, Magers & Quinn, 3038 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls.

JOHN GASPARD >> Professional magician launches “The Professor’s Nightmare,” the ninth in his mystery series featuring magician/sleuth Eli Marks who, with his brilliant Uncle Harry, tries to trap someone who is giving residents of a retirement community hallucinations, using an illusion that might or might not work. The book also includes two Eli novellas. The author’s previous Marks book, “The Self-working Tricks,” was recognized by the Minnesota Library Foundation as Best Adult Fiction in 2022. At the launch he will also sign copies of “The Curious Mysteries of Eli Marks,” first in his new middle-grade series. It offers 10 mysteries and includes instructions on how to perform 10 magic tricks featured in the stories. Noon-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, One Upon a Crime, 604 W. 26th St., Mpls.

ROB JUNG >> Rob Junghans, writing as Jung, discusses his psychological thriller “Judgment Day.” 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, Magers & Quinn, 3038 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls.

MAUCH/RORIPAUGH >> Matt Mach discusses “A Northern Spring,” his collection of prose/poetry/ memoir and essay, and Lee Ann Roripaugh discusses her short story collection “Reveal Codes.” 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13, Next Chapter Booksellers, 38 S. Snelling Ave., St. Paul.

MATTHEW SCHUFMAN >> Graphic designer and K-4 art teacher launches his debut children’s picture book, “Fraser the Forest Ranger,” about a ranger who checks the land and his animal friends every morning, but he’s lonely. So he sets out to find a friend. A sunny, crowded beach makes him long for the shade of home. The zoo makes him miss his animal friends. The city is noisy and nobody pays attention to him. So he walks home, only to find a stranger in his cabin. He’s in the wrong cabin and the person is a female ranger. Fraser finally has a friend. Schufman is also a musician who writes and performs original music in the band Graveyard Cub. 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, Red Balloon Bookshop, 891 Grand Ave., St. Paul.

TRACY K. SMITH >> Former U.S poet laureate, author of five poetry collections including ‘Life on Mars,” winner of the Pulitzer Prize, discusses her latest, “Free the Captive: A Plea for the American Soul,” which offers a blueprint for “fulfilling our duties to each other and to the future.” Virtual/live streaming in MELSA metro area libraries’ Club Book series. Go to facebook.com/ClubBook.

SUSAN THURSTON >> Presents “Sister of Grendel,” her novel about the sibling of one of literature’s most feared monsters, in conversation with Carla Hagen. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, SubText Books, 6 W. Fifth St., St. Paul.