A Captivating Story of Trauma and Resilience Unveiled in 'The Clock Doesn't Freeze Twice'

New Mystery Novel 'The Clock Doesn't Freeze Twice' is Published

On September 16, 2025, the highly anticipated novel 'The Clock Doesn't Freeze Twice' (original title: 時計は二度凍らない) by Uosaki Ichiko will be released, following its recognition as the winner of the 3rd Kuro Neko Mystery Award. The Kuro Neko Mystery Award was established in 2021 to invite submissions of bold and innovative mystery novels that transcend conventional genres and settings.

Award-Winning Novel Highlights

The third Kuro Neko Mystery Award-winning entry, 'The Clock Doesn't Freeze Twice,' was selected from a pool of 240 submissions. The judges were particularly struck by the depth of the characters' struggles and the evocative depiction of their inner landscapes. The novel resonates with themes of resilience, reflected in its conclusion where characters emerge stronger, akin to flowers blooming after a harsh winter.

Synopsis of 'The Clock Doesn't Freeze Twice'

The story revolves around Shio, a sixth-grade girl whose growth has been stunted for four years after the traumatic loss of her best friend in a murder case. Now a high school student, Shio is on the verge of reclaiming her life when she receives alarming news: the younger sister of her deceased friend has been kidnapped.

As she grapples with her memories, Shio's only source of comfort, Dr. Tomasu, a pediatrician she admires, hints at connections between the current kidnapping and the tragic event from four years ago. Evidence gathered from the crime scene suggests that the same perpetrator may be involved, leaving Shio determined to uncover the truth alongside her friends.

To celebrate the book's release, the publishing division of Sangyo Hensyu Center has made the first 15 pages of 'The Clock Doesn't Freeze Twice' available for free reading on their note blog, offering readers a glimpse into Shio's thrilling journey.

The story begins with Shio's ordinary day as she takes out the trash at her new high school, only to have her life unexpectedly turned upside down by a mysterious black object falling before her.

Detailed Information about 'The Clock Doesn't Freeze Twice'

Author: Uosaki Ichiko
Cover Illustrator: Chomu
Format: 360 pages, paperback
Price: ¥1,700 (plus tax)
Release Date: September 16, 2025
ISBN: 978-4-86311-460-9

You can find book details at SHC or purchase it from Amazon here and Rakuten Books here.

About the Author

Uosaki Ichiko, hailing from Tottori Prefecture, Japan, has written several notable works, including 'Husband Murder: Tsumagoi Murder Case' (Kadokawa) which won special recognition in the 8th Kakuyomu Web Novel Contest, and 'Your Haunted House, We Ensure Its Peace!' (Imai Publishing), recipient of the 3rd Small Imai Prize Excellence Award.

For updates, you can follow her on X (formerly Twitter) here or check her work on Kakuyomu here.

What is the Kuro Neko Mystery Award?

The Kuro Neko Mystery Award seeks to discover innovative works within the broad category of mystery literature, welcoming elements from detective stories and horror to SF and historical dramas. The award aims to encourage submissions that defy genre limitations, fostering fresh and diverse original works. The submission deadline for the 4th Kuro Neko Mystery Award is September 25, 2025, and contributions from both amateurs and seasoned professionals are highly encouraged.

For more information, please visit the official Kuro Neko Mystery Award website.