Clarity

by Kim Harrington

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 doesn't want to get involved. Then Clare's brother becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smouldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to find the killer.

• ISBN10: 0545230519
• ISBN13: 9780545230513
• Publish Date: 1 February 2012 (first published 1 March 2011)
• Publish Status: Out of Stock
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Scholastic US
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 245
• Language: English

Reviews

[inlibrisveritas]

Allow me to start off by saying that this is the perfect light read, even better if you are planning on doing some beach reading. I can't say I ever got what a "beach read" was, but now I do. It has a perfect blend of teen angst, budding romance, and mystery to make this a quick and friendly read.

The main character Clarity is pretty relate-able (despite her gift) and I actually get her, as opposed to all the generic cookie-cutter girls in YA books. She's pretty quirky and fairly confident in herself, and most importantly doesn't go numb in the head when it comes to guys. She has enough sense to get away when it's not good for her and will stand her ground for what she knows is right instead of immediately going with her feelings. Their is a sense of character development with her and the others but it's fairly gradual since the time line of the book is actually fairly short. The relationships and reactions are pretty spot on with reality, which as we all know can be seriously lacking in this genre.

The mystery itself was actually really good and I was pretty much hooked once the investigation started. I think I found it so enjoyable because it actually left me stumped for majority of the book (up until like two chapters before it was said), which for me is definitely a feat. I typically can guess most major plot points in YA books and while I did guess some aspects of this, I didn't guess the finally outcome until late. So it gets points with me for that. The way the investigation was handle with Claire is fairly believable but I'd say go into this not expecting full accuracy on the police investigation part, because then parts of it will bug you as there are clearly some instances that would most like not occur.

I'd definitely recommend this to most YA readers. It's easy, quick, light, and I found it to be fun. I'll definitely read the second one when it comes out.

[jeannamichel]

Clarity can touch certain objects and a vision will come to her. She is a psychic. Well, her whole family is. When a tourist in her hometown, Cape Cod, is murdered, the mayor turns to Clarity to help them solve the mystery.

This book was good. I don’t read many crime/mystery novels because there are just too many on TV these days, so I wasn’t expecting how excited I got when I thought I knew who the killer was. What I loved most was probably the way Harrington almost made every single character a suspect at one point or another. You truly did not know the actual character who killed the tourist until the end.

Clarity was a fantastic character. She was headstrong and devoted. I really loved how her character developed through the plot. Harrington did a wonderful job at describing Justin and Clare’s relationship. It depicted how Clarity was a leader, very inspiring. However with Gabriel and Clare’s relationship, it was a rollercoaster. At first Gabriel was nice, but then you flipped a switch and he was mean, then back again. He was like that for most of the novel. Changing his view about Clare every chapter or so did get annoying but after he finally told his story, it made a lot more sense. Nate, Clare’s and her brother’s friend, was one of my favorites. He was funny, sweet, and loyal (and can I say, “Yummy”). I wish I had got to see him much more in the book, but there is a sequel (I’ll be definitely on the lookout for him in that one). I am jealous of Clare and Perry’s relationship together. Perry is Clare’s brother, a player, who still can act as the protective brother type while picking up girls. I liked that Perry could only come forth with his dark secret to his sister, no one else. I also felt that when I read, I was a part of Clare’s family. It really helped bring the story to life.

Kim Harrington’s writing was exact and lovely. Through her writing, I felt that Clare’s voice came through. Her emotions, more than anything, definitely shined. The ending was shocking. I may be wrong, but if you’re reading a mystery novel and the ending isn’t shocking, then it’s probably not a good mystery novel. I wasn’t expecting that character to show up at the end at all. I loved the entire guessing game throughout the book.

Overall, this book was pretty good. It’s filled with twists and turns, up and downs, and even a killer thrown into the mix. If you like crime/mystery novels than this may be the book for you.

[lizarodz]

This is a contemporary novel with a psychic twist. Clare and her family have different abilities that make them a bit of outcasts in their hometown of Eastport. I loved this story, and I love a strong female lead and Clare was definitely strong despite the treatment she received from others.
There is the usual love triangle and in this case I have to say I belong to 'Team Justin'. Although, just like Clare I had guessed some of the truth. The novel flows really good, and makes everything easy to understand and follow. The end was action packed and left me craving for more.
I have to confess that I didn't know this was the first of a series, but I am glad that I get to visit with the folks of Eastport again (I just wish it was sooner!) 'Perception' the next installment is not due until March of next year. You can check Ms. Harrington's website for more information.
About the cover: It seems like this is the year of the awesome covers. I absolutely adore this cover, the airiness and lightness of it is reminiscent of the sea. The light colors, the intensity of Clare's blue stare, it just a wonderful thing! Don't you agree?