Book Review : Clarity by Kim Harrington

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Published February 1st 2012 by Scholastic Inc.
Paperback, 256 pages
Available on IndieBound | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Synopsis
Don't close your eyes. Except when the truth is too dark to bear.

Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift.

And a curse.

When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case -- but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother -- who has supernatural gifts of his own -- becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?

Review
Clarity "Clare" Fern is a psychic, just like her telepathic mother Starla and medium brother Perry. When a murder takes place at King's Courtyard, a cheap motel in Eastport (her living area), Clarity is determined to find out the truth, more so because her brother is the last person to see the victim alive. What starts out as a seemingly-simple task becomes more deadly when the murder count increases.

Although this book has something to do with paranormal abilities, I didn't find it hard to accept as the author didn't write long, boasting explanations about the Ferns' special powers. Instead, she simply tells you about how their powers work in general, without any hullabaloo. The author's writing style is one that will "lure" you into the fictional world she created without much thought. I also appreciate her quirky sense of humour, which you will come across more than once in this book.

Clare is a great heroine and a clever teen detective. She has a strong sense of family loyalty, and she's willing to do anything to prove her brother's innocence in the murder. She's undoubtedly my favourite character in this book, though she may be headstrong and "blind" at times. Justin, her ex, is a real good guy who loves Clare with all his heart. They broke up because of Justin's accidental betrayal, but I would really love to see them get back together again.

CLARITY's plot is well-planned, the story is fast-paced and you'll be thrown into a situation where everybody is a suspect. That's the one thing I love most about a murder mystery novel. The author handles with the story with such adeptness and finally sends me away smiling, satisfied with how the story ends.

CLARITY is a guaranteed page-turner, you won't want to stop reading until you've finished the book. Set in a lively tourist town, made up with complex, interesting characters, and spiced up with crime and mystery, Kim Harrington's debut will capture your heart.

For me, CLARITY is the perfect summer read. What about you?

Rating: 5

Note of Thanks
Many thanks to Stephanie from Scholastic Malaysia, Singapore & Indonesia for sending me a copy of Clarity for this review!

About The Author

Kim Harrington
Kim Harrington is the author of the CLARITY series for teens and the SLEUTH OR DARE series for kids. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and son. When not writing, she's most likely reading, watching one of her favorite TV shows, or fantasizing about her next vacation. Learn more about Kim on her website, Facebook or Twitter.

4 creative remarks:

Heather said...

It sounds wonderful! I'm adding it to my list of books to read while on vacation this summer.

Jaime Lester said...

I just finished reading Clarity last week and I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed your review as well. I didn't find it hard to believe at all. The only thing that really bothered me was the Mayor and Sheriff asking 3 16 year old children to work on a murder case. That seems a little unrealistic to me, but that was really my only issue. Other than that, I loved it! Thanks for your review!

Marlene Detierro said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Marlene Detierro said...

I really enjoyed Harrington's style of writing and the suspense was maddening. It feels like you are right there next to Clarity, feeling everything she feels. There are a couple issues that were left unexplained, like her mysterious missing father, and the love triangle between Clarity, Gabriel, and Justin. I was disappointed when it ended because I wanted to find out more about the characters. I look forward to reading more from this author, and the sequel to this series, The Perception.
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