Thanks for the in-depth feedback!
You're right, reusing texts in that scenario kinda ruins it, it's really something that needs a lot more writing to hide the cracks. I originally planned to use this mindbreak system to replace the original questioning mechanic (to make it less boring than just asking question after question), so I would try to use it a lot, probably once per person, with a big boss at the end of the chapter. Collecting keywords in the field is a great idea, I also want to have items/evidence in there for Joe to present, maybe they can fill that role. I hadn't checked out Cyberpunk and the Arkham series yet, but it sounds like I should take a look at the brain dance and detective mode sequences respectively. Thanks for the tip!
Regarding the last stand, you're right, that was not the super cool climax it was supposed it to be. The whole elemental thing does not lend itself to a detective game, I think I will drop that going forward and replace it with something more fitting and cooler. Or maybe as an additional touch like you mentioned, but as the main focus it's just confusing (and not fun). I should also make it clearer that the boss is saying the text, that was a clear oversight from me in retrospect.
Again, thanks a lot for taking the time to test it and writing the in-depth comment! Lots of great ideas and suggestions in there in there, I took a lot from it!