Z Is For Zero: Zero Is For Out Of Time

by Arthur S. Newman

“Why?”A deranged fan has wagered a dangerous game with the heirs of a popular author, Janae Mayfield (writing under the name, Annie Reeves), who has died without finishing her life’s work of completing her popular mystery series. The family (Reese Mayfield and Peter Mayfield) has vowed to let dead authors and their works lie, choosing not to release the notes for the final novel or to hire a ghostwriter to complete the series.As Annie Reeves’s fortune dwindles and one member of the family disappears, other members are concerned that they may be next. The assailant vows that the family and its fortune will diminish little by little if they do not complete the work.Are there notes for the last novel? How far will the menace go to have his or her obsession satisfied?The case lands in the hands of an ancient FBI agent who remembers when you traded secrets via a note stuffed into a pack of bubble gum and it was clear who the enemy was.Agents Luke Donovan and Kim Novak will ride along with Agent Dan Wharton and look over his shoulder. Though he seems one step behind, don’t underestimate his powers of perception.You will get a peek at the popular series that ignites the reason for fandom gone wrong. The “Calendar Series” is what some call Annie Reeves’s thrilling novels.Annie introduces us to Justine Phoenix Webb, an investigative reporter with a knack for finding the truth and leveraging justice. She also elicits help from the intuitive Captain of Police Cornell Beaker and FBI Agent Nicholas Kasey. There may or may not be a romantic entanglement.Don’t forget you have an actual case to solve, unlike what you find in other works of fiction. You must solve it before you discover you are…out of time!

319 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2023

About the author

A multi-talented writer and illustrator.

Arthur is originally from Culpeper, Virginia. However, he has decided that Heathsville, Virginia, is the perfect place to nurture his passion for writing. He has written, illustrated, and animated five children's books, and has also explored writing short stories, novellas, and informational material. In 2021, he released his first novel, The Umbrella Clause, which allowed him to fully embrace his identity as a writer and storyteller.

Arthur has been a business manager, an IT professional, and an accidental librarian. His knack for quickly understanding new subjects gives him a unique ability to excel in any profession he chooses. A long-time curator in New York once described him as a polymath because of his broad knowledge across various topics. Given his wealth of experience and vivid imagination, Arthur is sure to create some of the most thrilling stories yet to come.

He has inspired a growing audience to reach inside and find their inner creativity.

Reviews

[April Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story and the story within a story is captivating. This story kept me interested and made me want more. Lots of twists and turns. Have to say, I’m like the fans in the book… I want to know more about Justine and Cornell!!!!

[John Fetzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh.

A tale that hints at Sue Grafton and the alphabet books, but only has intentionally passing references to kinda, sorta similarities. An OK mystery/detective story, but not even a parody.