Where Angels Fear to Tread

Z-Detective #4

by John Stockmyer

Big Bob Zapolska (“Z” to his friends)—untrained, unlicensed, low-class private eye that he is—should not be asked to work important cases. Unfortunately, he’s gained a reputation for solving crimes associated with the occult. Z as “ghost hunter”? Not by choice. Not that Z is superstitious. Not that he’s uncomfortable dealing with the supernatural. (Not that he always tells the truth… even to himself!) It’s just that, like any “normal” private eye, he prefers normal cases to the Abnormal ! Gaining attention by solving a “ghost light” case, he was then hired as “muscle” to protect the young “psychic investigator,” Jamie Stewart—a haunted house adventure that had the two of them pursuing personal interaction more than supernatural inquiry. Forced by top cop Willis Addison to team once again with feisty Ms. Stewart—this time, to explain the unexplainable—is it a wonder the Z-man feels he’d cracking up? Could Z’s mental difficulties stem from the “powers” of the hypnotist he and Jamie are investigating? Is that why Z has “holes” in his memory? Is mesmerism behind Z’s dreams of dead eyes staring at him? Can Z’s professor friend unscramble Big Bob Zapolska’s brain before Z slides into insanity? Throw in cattle mutilation, mobster mutilation, invisibility in the presence of a “Hand of Glory,” and Z finds himself in pursuit of… what? Will “big and ugly,” persistence, a keen sense of smell, and a disregard for legal niceties help Z battle the forces of lunacy? In short, can Z “wake up” before it’s just too late?

358 pages, Paperback

First published March 12, 2002

About the author

John G. Stockmyer is an individual whose irrepressible creativity has manifested itself in many ways: as a poet, teacher, produced playwright, author, co-owner of an educational materials business, creator of a time-machine simulator, and, more recently, as a podcaster and producer of eBooks. During his career he has received awards for scholarship, numerous teaching awards and, as a writer, was a Thorpe Menn finalist.

John G. Stockmyer is now semi-retired from a 40+ year career as an Ancient/European History Professor at Maple Woods Community College, but still teaches and writes part-time. He currently lives in Clovis, New Mexico with his wife Connie.