Review/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 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?

Kim Harrington’s debut novel Clarity has been highly anticipated since the first peek of the book's beautiful cover made its rounds on the blogs. Like everyone else, I was excited about reading the book, and I am happy to say that not only was I not at all disappointed, but I  hope that Harrington has plans to write more about Clarity and her family.

Clare (Clarity) Fern is one terrific character. She lives in a small coastal town on Cape Cod with her mother, and brother. The family earns their living as psychics, which makes Clarity a freak in the eyes of most of her (townie peers). What I loved about Clarity was her ability to ignore or stand up to those who ridiculed her about her ability, and her unerring strength. Unlike many YA characters whose decision often stem from their emotions, most of Clarity’s decisions are well thought out.  I also loved the strong family unit and Clarity’s loyalty especially to her brother. Finally, I applaud Clarity’s wherewithal to stand her ground with her ex-boyfriend, who cheated on her with the town skank, even though he did seem extremely sincere about his feelings for Clarity.

Aside from the great characterization, I was also very impressed with Harrington’s plot, which revolves around the murder of a teenage girl. Clarity is asked to help her ex-boyfriend whose father is the mayor of Eastport by using her psychic abilities in an unofficial capacity. She is teamed up with Gabriel, the son of Eastport’s new detective, who is less than thrilled to be working with a psychic. Sparks fly, both romantically and otherwise as Clarity and Gabriel investigate the murder. There are political implications thrown in for good measure, and the fact that Clarity’s brother, who is a bit of a player, spent part of the evening with the dead girl only adds to the suspense. While I tried to figure out whodunit, Harrington successfully threw in enough red herrings that the ending was not as predictable as I thought.

In the end, I found Clarity to be a fast-paced engaging read with a satisfying ending. I also am quite sure that there is much more to learn about Clarity and her family, and will be looking forward to Harrington’s next book.

Source: Receive ARC copy from Publisher

As part of my 21 Day Blogoversary & Birthday Bash you can enter to win your own ARC copy of Clarity here.