A Catch In Time

by Christopher Alan Broadstone

"A CATCH IN TIME grew so vividly and beautifully absurd…I could not take my eyes off the book for long…C. A. Broadstone has easily convinced me that his writing style is indeed brilliant." –– Oliver Lippert, The Huffington Post

San Antonio Del Tequendama
Cundinamarca, Colombia
November 1938

‘My front door is broken, bleeding guts of shadows...’
‘...how do I find new skin...’
‘...among my desolate bones...’
“But this is nothing, right?” whispered Tatiana. “I’m still alive.”
These were her abstract thoughts as she stared like a saucer-eyed cat confronting a deluge––stared into her emerald green eyes in the large, heart-shaped crest-mirror hanging above the vanity table in her bedroom suite at Hotel “Bochica”, Salto del Tequendama.

Tatiana Marita Ospina has run away from her forced marriage to an aristocratic philanderer, and sought sanctuary at “Bochica”, a retreat for the rich and famous. The last thing she expected, however, was to discover a convoy of Nazi SS soldiers arriving at the hotel under cover of night, led by Deputy Führer Rudolf Hess. In the darkest hours of the morning, Tatiana’s sleep is disrupted by strange, ghostly music and voices, which grip her imagination and compel her to explore the lower levels of “Bochica”, where she stumbles onto the true secret the hotel has been the occult mystery behind the rising Axis powers. Openly confronted by this insurmountable horror, she must decide if she can make the sacrifice necessary to accept her role in the secret history of World War II. But will it be destiny or damnation for Tatiana Marita Ospina, as well as for the rest of the world? Weaving together psychological horror and alternative history with theater of the absurd, A CATCH IN TIME marks the triumphant and genre-defying return of dark fantasist Christopher Alan Broadstone following last year’s SUICIDE THE HARD AND OTHER TALES OF THE INNERZONE. A CATCH IN TIME also includes two short stories from SUICIDE THE HARD WAY––SMILEYS' GRAVE and ROSEBLOOD––and also "CHAPTER 19" from the novel PUZZLEMAN.

SMILEYS' GRAVE
Poet Aaron Shelley Wanton has become a lost soul among artists. He's alone, miserable, broke and––worst of all––he's no longer writing. His inability to string together any words-of-worth is driving him closer and closer toward a cliff-edge of madness. Somehow he must reconnect with his muse, the Moon, who has abandoned him. Heartbroken, he once again finds himself lying among the grim stones of Mulls Cemetery, staring up at the lunar orb through the tangle of trees. On this night, however, his burning desire for the Moon's inspiration will invoke far more than he ever bargained for.

ROSEBLOOD
"It's every place I look."
The voices agreed.
The voices also intoned that today would bring something special.
With a dozen roses in hand, Andre––a filthy, bearded flower-seller wearing a prairie coat and ragged cowboy hat––stepped up to the curb before him. There was a mess of merging cars inching down the frontage road, exiting from Interstate 30 into Garland, Texas.
Once again the voices spoke to Andre, insisting that somewhere in this herd of vehicles there would be a sacred man. One who would nod his head yes, roll down his window, and ask how much for a rose––a blossom of God!
“A great man,” muttered Andre, studying the traffic. "A saint."
Evening was approaching, and Andre knew it was going to spiral into a very glorious night.

A Macabre Thriller
Fall into a world of Grumemonsters, where no one is sane down a drain, and down a drain no one is sane. Follow Amanda, Professor Rainbow, Jeannette Orfèvre, Ben Henfy, and The Legless Man, all seeking retribution and escape from a horror worse than death. They are five disparate lives meticulously woven together over time to play a special part in the Puzzleman’s twisted vision of eternal life. Welcome to truth and eternity. Welcome to the Pipeworld.

204 pages, Paperback

Published November 22, 2016

About the author

Born in Oklahoma City and raised in Dallas, Texas, Christopher Alan Broadstone toured and recorded independent records and CDs (during the 1980s and 90s) with his bands “About 9 Times” and “The Judas Engine”. He is also the author of the macabre-thriller “Puzzleman”; the collection “Suicide The Hard Way: And Other Tales From The Innerzone” (short stories, screenplays, lyrics/poetry); the collection “Notes-To-Self: Accumulated Thoughts, Transferred Into Word Form” (early short stories, screenplay, lyrics/poetry); and the novella “A Catch In Time” (a dark alternative-history thriller), of which the relative short film “A Catch In Time: Chapter One” is available on the “Human No More” (Trash-Can Virus Limited Edition) Blu-ray. His most recent novel, the macabre-thriller “Heather’s Treehouse”, is now available in eBook and Trade Paperback (June 6, 2025). Also, Broadstone has written & directed the feature film “Human No More: A Macabre Thriller” and the feature-length “Human No More: A Making-of Documentary: Reinventing Perspective”. All are available via Amazon and Texas POĒtrope (Books - Films - Music) @ www.poetrope.com

Serving as writer and director, C.A. Broadstone previously produced three award-winning short films: “Scream For Me” (Best Short Film: NYC Horror Film Festival, Best Underground Short: B-Independent.com), “My Skin!” (Best Horror Short: Shriekfest Film Festival [L.A.], Creative Vision Award: International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival [Phoenix, AZ], Best Film/Director: Cinema Edge Awards), and “Human No More” (Best Horror Short: The Indie Gathering Film Festival [OH]). Also, he has completed two feature length screenplays, “Color Of Flame”, an erotic ghost story, and, with actor/writer John Franklin (Isaac from “Children of the Corn”), “R” (Best Horror Feature Screenplay: Shriekfest Film Festival [L.A.]). In total, C.A. Broadstone's films have been showcased on several horror compilation DVDs, have screened at 30 international film festivals, and have won 15 'Best Of' awards. All three films are currently available on the anthology DVD, “3 Dead Girls!” from Texas POĒtrope (Books - Films - Music) @ www.poetrope.com

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 stars
Beware stepping between the pages for you might not survive.
Horrors of old meets WWII is the flavour but expect the unexpected and then some from Broadstone’s graphic narrative in this Novella. He cleverly weaves genres and gruesome tones and twists them into the unknown. Time in his head must be very interesting or very disturbing but it makes for some good reading if you’re like me and like this sort of thing.
It is an extremely darker than dark tale. It is macabre yet strangely alluring. It is twisted and absurd. It is historical fiction threaded with a touch of fact. It is the rise and fall of the Third Reich with Indiana Jones meets the Germans on steroids in Ark of the Covenant woven with Twilight Zone & Freddie Kruger. Broadstone does it ingeniously and in style. It has a droll style sense of humour.
A Catch In Time hurtles the characters through a series of fates worse than death. But don’t despair that the fun isn’t over with the bonus of two short stories or teasers included. Suicide The Hard Way – Smileys’ Grave tells of one man’s obsession with the moon who soon learns not all is as it seems. You will never look at the moon in the same way.
Suicide The Hard Way – Roseblood is the tale told of one very sick mind the mind of a madman but then again is he really mad? Read to find out.
And lastly chapter 19 taken from Puzzleman which I have previously reviewed so take a peek.
Broadstones work is not everybody’s cup of tea so unless you like things twisted and gruesome best stay away. But if you do jump right in the deep end but you may never be the same.

[Jim C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not normally a fan of “horror”, “thriller” or World War II fiction – but I was captivated by this story from the first to last page! The story is just “twisted” enough with the right amount of “creepiest” to satisfy the most rabid “horror” fans, but not too “creepy” to scare away novice horror/thriller readers like myself. The opening chapter sucks you into Tatiana’s world from the very start, then it’s off to the races in a whirlwind ride of page-turning suspense and intrigue. There are even some surprising laugh-out-loud moments! And the chapter where Tatiana turns an upscale dinner party into a showdown with the Nazis is worth the read and price of the book alone! And the reveal of the ultimate villain mid-story is expected, yet highly unexpected at the same time – brilliant! Then it just gets better from there! This book is FUN!

[Jon Weidler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The titular novella is a horror period piece rife with atmosphere, mood, and exotic allure - set on the cusp of the second World War, and integrating some of the monstrous, true-life architects of that conflict. But "A Catch in Time" unfolds with the deliberation and intrigue of a ghost story before smacking the reader with a bold shot of the metaphysical and supernatural, intermixed with grotesque body horror, in the last act. (It even teases around the edges of the "art as masochism" theme Clive Barker does so well.) Broadstone's detail-oriented writing establishes a hypnotic narrative pull that brings the visceral experience of his characters to the forefront (a real flaw with most books I read - or attempt to read - is they don't *command* my attention); even when the situations veer into the type of disbelief fiction is designed for, his world remains a cruelly relatable place. There is a cinematic quality to "Catch" that makes me anxious for a feature-film version; but for the time being, Broadstone's own short film of the novella's compelling first chapter makes for an excellent teaser. The short stories ("Smiley's Grave" and "Roseblood") that follow in this edition offer intriguing takes on archetypes, symbolism, and religion - disparate tales that are nonetheless rich with detail, distinct characterization, and an offbeat sense of humor. While the excerpt from the novel "Puzzleman," which concludes the book, could be seen as a corollary to the Nazi-centric horror of "Catch," it ultimately feels a bit too familiar - in tone, plot, and character - to distinguish itself from the whirlwind force of the titular novella. (That being said, the excerpt was Chapter 19, and I'm still curious to read the rest of the novel, so I would consider that a success all the same.)

[Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick and interesting read. The history of the Nazi's has always been a fascinating subject. Especially those that supposedly got away and went to South America. This alternative history was very much intriguing and very thought provoking. There are two other short stories contained in this book as well, Smiley's Grave and Roseblood. Each story has you wondering what is going to happen next but the author does a very good job of keeping you on the edge of your seat to find out. There is also a special excerpt of a chapter from Puzzleman in here. If you haven't read that, you should. Especially if you are a fan of the strange, dark and mysterious.

[Jennifer Reimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I don’t know what I can say but this book had me from the beginning and I absolutely couldn’t read it fast enough. The twists and turns thrown into this short read, because I finished it in a few hours, kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. It was intriguing and captivating till the last page. The horror and gruesome tales, twists and turns is what I enjoy the most with reading. This was an exciting read and loved every word.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing in this book is among some of the most unique I have ever encountered. It sucks you in pretty fast and takes you for a ride through various short stories set in the time of WWII. There are twists and turns and gruesome tales of the horrors of war. With the writing style being so unique, this book might not be for everyone but I encourage you to give it a chance!

[Katie Burgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

A creatively gory fiction tale of the heroin Tatiana and her fight against all odds to stand up to “the men” who control her life. She will not be quiet and sit in the corner as expected. Tatiana is the heroin we all cheer for in the horror story that gives us the blood and gore we look for in a horror story. Well written and enjoyable to read!

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had only read one book by this author before this one, but it left such an amazingly haunting impression on me that I picked this one up without a second thought. Even before reading the synopsis, I knew I was going to be in for a bizarre treat! From the very first line, you’ll find yourself gripped with its eerie atmosphere. The disjointed thoughts of our main character, Tatiana, mirror the surreal almost dreamlike nature of the story. The author’s writing style is as vivid as it is disorienting. The narrative moves seamlessly between psychological horror and grotesque absurdity, as Tatiana navigates a labyrinth of metaphysical terrors. The merging of historical events with supernatural elements is one of the novel's most compelling features. The novel’s strength lies not only in its chilling plot but in its atmosphere. The blend of absurdity with genuine horror creates a dreamlike quality that is both compelling and terrifying.

For fans of dark fantasy, psychological horror, and alternative history, this is a thrilling and thought-provoking read that doesn’t shy away from confronting the darkest corners of the human psyche. A must-read for those who appreciate the macabre and the absurd in their thrillers, this book will leave you questioning the very fabric of time and history long after you turn the last page.

[Joanne Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christopher Alan Broadstone’s A Catch in Time is a macabre tour de force, blending psychological horror, alternative history, and a flair for the surreal that will captivate fans of Edgar Allan Poe, Clive Barker, and The Twilight Zone. With an evocative narrative that borders on the theatrical, Broadstone delivers a dark and compelling tale that is both disturbing and thought-provoking.

Set against the mysterious backdrop of Hotel “Bochica” near the eerie Salto del Tequendama in Colombia, the story unfolds in 1938, at the cusp of World War II. At its heart is Tatiana Marita Ospina, a runaway bride seeking solace from an oppressive aristocratic marriage. However, her retreat spirals into chaos as Nazi SS soldiers, led by none other than Deputy Führer Rudolf Hess, arrive under the cover of night. This strange convergence sets the stage for a deeply unsettling mystery steeped in the occult and alternative history.

Broadstone’s prose is lush and haunting, drawing readers into a world that is both grounded in historical intrigue and drenched in psychological torment. Tatiana’s descent into the hotel’s secrets is masterfully paced, as ghostly music and voices lure her into its depths. The surreal imagery—“bleeding guts of shadows” and “desolate bones”—vividly captures her internal conflict and the external horrors she faces. The stakes grow monumental as Tatiana is confronted with a choice that could alter not only her destiny but the course of history itself.

What sets A Catch in Time apart is its daring combination of absurdism with a meticulously crafted historical context. Broadstone deftly bridges these elements, creating a tale that is simultaneously grotesque and intellectually engaging. The surrealism amplifies the horror without losing its human focus, making Tatiana’s struggle feel deeply personal yet universally resonant.

Fans of dark fantasy and literary horror will find much too admire in Broadstone’s work. The novel’s rich atmosphere, morally complex characters, and innovative narrative structure will leave readers questioning the boundaries of history and the human psyche. Broadstone’s ability to balance existential dread with absurdist beauty cements his place as a master of the macabre.

Verdict: A darkly captivating, genre-defying masterpiece that lingers long after the final page.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A MACABRE THRILLER For Those Who Love POE, Clive BARKER, and The TWILIGHT ZONE.

" San Antonio Del Tequendama
Cundinamarca, Colombia
November 1938
Tatiana Marita Ospina has run away from her forced marriage to an aristocratic philanderer, and sought sanctuary at “Bochica”, a retreat for the rich and famous. The last thing she expected, however, was to discover a convoy of Nazi SS soldiers arriving at the hotel under cover of night, led by Deputy Führer Rudolf Hess. In the darkest hours of the morning, Tatiana’s sleep is disrupted by strange, ghostly music and voices, which grip her imagination and compel her to explore the lower levels of “Bochica”, where she stumbles onto the true secret the hotel has been hiding: the occult mystery behind the rising Axis powers. Openly confronted by this insurmountable horror, she must decide if she can make the sacrifice necessary to accept her role in the secret history of World War II. But will it be destiny or damnation for Tatiana Marita Ospina, as well as for the rest of the world?"
Not my typical book to read but had short stories, this is a book where you would like and not like characters will have to read the book to find out. If you like historical thriller books this is a book for you. I give this book 4 stars.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really unique horror/thriller with paranormal elements and also historical elements too which was really different. I have read books by this author before and I have never been disappointed. This author is able to create a story so dark and twisted that even though part of you wants to stop reading I literally couldn't put it down.
There is so much going on in this story. We have a women who has left her cheating lover, a hotel that holds secrets, a ghost that isn't resting peacefully and Nazi SS Soldiers all mixed and intwined together.
Like I say these story is really unique and it isn't the only one. There are also 2 additional stories and a glimpse at the book Puzzleman which is another great read.
The authors attention to detail is what really brings the stories to life and when added with the twisted, dark concepts really make for unique reads that I have never read before.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 – 3.5 Stars

A Catch In Time by Christopher Alan Broadstone is a novella length story that I can only describe as a bit of a mash up of history, horror, & thriller- with supernatural/paranormal elements, mystery, humour, and intrigue.
I knew from reading Mr. Broadstone’s ‘Puzzleman’ that this would be a bit of a twisty read- and he certainly delivered. This is a thought provoking, somewhat creepy, macabre, and entirely intriguing series of events that details an ‘alternate’ history- set in the lead-up to WWII.
This book not only contains ‘A Catch In Time”, which takes up just over half the book, but also has 2 other short stories- ‘Smiley’s Grave’, & ‘Roseblood’, as well as an excerpt of Puzzleman for readers to dive into.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Christopher Alan Broadstone!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not your typical horror/paranormal/thriller. I was pleasantly surprised when I picked up this book. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the excerpt but I was in for a ride. I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns that Broadstone took me on in this short novella. I would really love to see this pulled out into a full-length story but can appreciate it for what it is. I absolutely loved the historical aspect of it and was thrilled with the ending! I also really enjoyed the other short stories that were included. I'm really intrigued by Broadstone's mind and his writing. I can't wait to read more from him and I will be going back and binging his works when I can fit them into my reading schedule!

[Kerry Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is another success from an author I have discovered more recently. I thought the whole idea and the way it was written was brilliant. It surprised me that I was such a short book, especially with how much the author managed to pack into the story. The twists and turns the entire way through really keep you on your toes.
I enjoyed the additional short stories included. They were also unexpected but a great surprise. The characters throughout were interesting and matched the story being told so well. You couldn’t help but connect with them and want to know. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

[Allyson Ware · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I want to say how much I love this author. Getting to know the author is one of my favorite parts of reading a book. To see an author, such as this one, go into detail about how/why this book was written is such a refreshing point of view.

The book itself is very unique. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a thriller that doesn’t fall into the stereotype of the genre. You will fall in love with all of the details, intricacies, and characters. As well as the plot, of course. I was thoroughly impressed and cannot wait to read more by this author.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an absolutely beatiful horror book. This is one of the strangest books I've read this year. I loved every minute of reading it. You had to think about it. They are odd stories. The writing is creepy and disturbing in its own psychologically weird way. The characters are different, to say the least. The main story was my favorite because of its uniqueness. The whole book has a strong flow and unique feel. I found it to be a great read.

[Vicki Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christopher Alan Broadstone has an extraordinary vocabulary he uses amazingly well to make you fully aware of how each of his characters feel. Every time his characters took a deep breath or held their breath I wanted to join them. I was pulled into each of his stories and that is my favorite kind!

[Brittany Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is dark, deep and so well written. Keeps you on your toes with its twist and turns. It's not your typical thriller where you know whats going to happen next. Not at all. I didn't want to put this book down. Its a must read if you like creepy and dark. Truly unlike anything I've ever read before.

[Nina Maes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating story! This book is full of twist and turns. It's a fast read, page-turner, thrilling and very suspenseful. Very unique storyline, strong characters and a great insight to who the author is. Recommend to all book lovers. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Nicole Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story from beginning to end. Story flowed very nicely. I highly recommend this book

[Darian - Books With A Chance · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the read; I wouldn’t say it’s too dark and has a good amount of creepy. I like that you start to get that feeling right at the beginning with a little be of suspenseful wondering. The story definitely gives you goosebumps. I recommend to readers who want to dip into unusual stories and to those who like non gruesome horror reads.