Clarity - Review

Title ~ Clarity
Series ~ Clarity #1
Author ~ Kim Harrington
Release Date ~ March 1, 2011
Age Group ~ Young Adult
Publisher ~ Scholastic Point
Source ~ Electrifying Reviews

GOODREADS SUMMARY

When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth?

This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats.

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

It is crystal clear to me that Clarity tells a captivating story. There is so much to love about this book, that I hardly know where to begin. 

Mysteries are one of my favorite types of stories. I love to look for clues and make my own guesses on “who done it.” While Kim Harrington has clues sprinkled throughout the story, sometimes I did not realize they were clues until later. Awesome! She also builds suspense to the point where I had to force myself not to peek ahead in the book.

Clarity (aka Clare) has a unique family. She has the gift of clairvoyance and can look at an object to see its past. Her brother, Perry, can see spirits. To round it out, their mother can read minds. The family runs a little psychic shop and most of the town thinks they are freaks. Clare is teased, Perry is all about the ladies, and their mom knows everything they are thinking. Can you even imagine you mom being able to read your mind?!

Enter the mystery. When a girl is found murdered, Perry is accused because he is the last person known to be with her. Clare is sure of Perry’s innocence and she sets out to find the true murderer. I loved that Clare was so close to her brother and she was willing to do anything to prove his innocence. I was also drawn into Clare’s relationships with her ex-boyfriend, Justin and the new boy in town, Gabriel. Clare feels a tension as she questions her feelings for both boys.  This relationship does not dominate the story, but it adds a nice touch.

Clarity wins with a shocking mystery, a sweet romance, and strong family bonds. If I had the gift of clairvoyance, I would pick up my copy of Clarity and tell you that Melina LOVED this book and you will too. Go get a copy and see for yourself. My powers never lie.

RATING

5 Loved

COVER COMMENTS

Look into Clare’s eyes and you can see that she has a special gift. The sea gulls and the ocean blue background point to Clarity’s beach setting. There is even a feeling of the sun glaring and glistening off of Clare. Sweetness!