Book Review: Clarity by Kim Harrington

Clarity Fern, better known as Clare, wishes she were a normal girl, but instead she’s labeled a freak. Endowed with the ability to see people’s thoughts by touching objects, Clare, along with her supernaturally gifted mother and brother, conduct psychic readings out of their Victorian home in a sleepy, seaside town on Cape Cod. But things get even further from normal when a tourist is murdered and Clare’s brother becomes a likely suspect. When the mayor asks for her help in the investigation, Clare finds herself working with her ex-boyfriend Justin, the mayor’s son, and the intriguing Gabriel, the new hotshot detective’s son, to unravel the mystery and prove her brother innocent.

Kim Harrington’s debut novel is a refreshingly unique story where the supernatural aspects are secondary to the gripping mystery that drives the plot. Clare is a likable enough heroine, struggling with the double-edged sword that her psychic abilities bring, though I could have used a bit more character development to feel a stronger connection to her. The others in Clare’s life round out the story with plenty of family and romantic drama. Both of the love interests, the good guy Justin and the potentially bad boy Gabriel, are alluring, so it’s no wonder Clare finds herself in a love triangle. The mystery itself provides lots of twists and turns, casting suspicion on various characters and throwing in red herrings before culminating in the big reveal at the end. While this is now slated to be a series, the conclusion to the mystery is satisfying, yet still leaves some loose ends to entice the reader for more. This is perfect for readers looking for a plot-based, fast-paced story with a supernatural twist.

Clarity by Kim Harrington was released March 1, 2011 by Point, an imprint of Scholastic. Find on Amazon, in a library, or add to Goodreads.

Want another opinion? Check out reviews at YA Librarian Tales, YA Book Nerd, and GreenBeanTeenQueen.

Reviewed from an ARC received from the publisher at ALA Midwinter.

May 2nd, 2011  ♥  Books, Reviews  ♥  No Comments »