A Broken Clock Never Boils by CJ Weiss

A Mystery/Thriller, Independently Published in 2022, 275 Pages 

What I Didn’t Like:

• I sometimes have a problem keeping characters straight when their names are too close. That being said, Rick and Ryan were too similar for me. I had to backtrack and figure out who was who. I knew them at the moment but I would get confused when the name popped up later and have to remind myself which was which. That being said, I’m aware that was intentional.
• There are some places where you feel like you skipped something important and it’s just recapped for you. It’s not often and I do think it had a purpose, but it’s there. There’s specifically one that really bothered me toward the end of the book, but I’ll refrain from giving spoilers. 
• I’m not 100% sure I’m sold on the supernatural component. Like the protagonist, I’m a skeptic. That colored my enjoyment of the book a little. 

What I Did Like:

• Sucks you right in. The board game night chapter specifically was the point for me when I knew I was HOOKED (chapter 3 or 4). You feel that anticipation and the mystery is chilling. You want answers.
• Well written. From background sprinkled in to phrases that paint a picture, this one is written to grab your attention and keep it.
• At first the title seemed odd. But it has a point rooted in the characters background and it works. Loved how it played into the story. 
• The inclusion of psychology and philosophy is handled well. Often these can be heavy handed or boring additions to a fiction story that bog the reader down. This author handles it with precision that doesn’t detract from the story. Instead, it adds a depth of thought that makes it utterly fascinating. 

Who Should Read This One:

• Fans of mystery/thrillers that delve into the paranormal in satisfying ways. 

My Rating: 4 Stars

• This one is well written and the link between psychology and the supernatural stuff was really well done.