Title: Clarity
Author: Kim Harrington
Publisher: Scholastic
UK Release: June 07, 2012
First Published: March 2011
Add On: Goodreads
Kim Harrington’s debut novel is one full of mystery and suspense, likeable characters, and a touch of paranormal. In short, I enjoyed it immensely.
Clare Fern is a psychic. Her brother is a medium and her mother a telepath. In the tourist town of Eastport, their family business is a hit with the visitors, but Clare can’t help but wish her days weren’t spent as part of ‘the freak show’. Unfortunately for Clare, it seems she can’t quite hide her talent yet. The local detective and his son have a special job reserved for her and her ‘ability’. When a girl turns up dead and the killer remains unknown, it is up to Clare to embrace her unique gift and help solve the murder.
This is a short book, or at least much shorter than what I am used to, but the content is still wonderfully fulfilling. Kim Harrington’s writing style is easy to like and Clare’s voice is one I grew comfortable with almost instantly. There is a very straight-forward nature about her character that appealed to me. Unlike countless other female main characters, Clare had wit and intelligence that made her distinguishable and I’m almost certain this story would not have resonated as well with me had another character been narrating. That’s not to say she is without flaws, but I hardly noticed them as I was enjoying myself too much.
A love triangle makes itself present in this story, which, as expected, bothered me. Though having said that, the author did present both love interests reasonably well, so it could have been a lot worse. There is Justin, Clare’s ex-boyfriend who cheated on her but wants to redeem himself, and there is Gabriel, the new boy in town and the detective’s son. Although neither of them were particularly memorable, they were likeable characters that I would be happy to read about again.
My favourite aspect of this book also happens to be the most disappointing. I adore murder mysteries and Kim Harrington did a brilliant job ensuring this one was engaging and thrilling. For the most part, I loved the suspense and trying to figure out who was responsible. But the big shock, when it arrived, wasn’t very shocking. I’m usually terrible at spotting plot twists, but I pieced together the puzzle long before Clare did. A little less predictability and it would have been perfect.
Despite some of the flaws I have mentioned, I still greatly enjoyed this book, perhaps even more than I expected. The author’s writing and Clare are mostly responsible for that, and I am most definitely eager to read the sequel as soon as I get my hands on it.
Rating: 3.5 – 4 stars
I feel like I've seen this on WoW posts but this is the first review I've read (I think! It's hard to keep track!)
ReplyDeleteAnyhoo, Claire sounds like a great girl, I like my mc with a bit of wit! Shame about the love-tri, I'm already voting for the non-ex-bf!
And I'm with you on guessing the twist way before the mc does, I don't mind some predictability but when it's super obvious, it seems a bit lazy.
Lovely review, Sam, I'd like to read this asap!
I've been wanting to read this one for awhile! I love books about psychics and mysteries although I also find them pretty predictable most of the time. And the dreaded love triangle. I try to avoid those like the plague but they are everywhere. I think I'm feeling the detectives son.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy you enjoyed this one, Sam! I read it very recently and I adored it. I gave it five stars. I'll be reading Perception soon! :)
ReplyDeleteThis one looks like a good read! Happy you enjoyed it! I am def adding it to my TBR pile!:)
ReplyDeleteCheck out my - latest review! :)
Tabby @Insightful Minds & IM Design Studio
Whenever I figure out the ending of a mystery before it's explained, I kind of want to slap my palm against my forehead and that kind of happened in this book for me too haha -- that's why Sherlock Holmes stories always blow my mind! x) But besides that, I really enjoyed this book too! I formally invite you and Clare to join my and Nancy Drew's mystery crew! :D
ReplyDeleteAmazing review, Sam! I can't wait to see what you think of Perception too if you get to it -- it's bound to be a rocking review (especially since I though book two was so much better)! ;) <3
I totally forgot what the twist was already but I KNOW I CALLED IT. I also called the twist early on too in the second book. It bums me out when that happens because I am seriously NOT VERY OBSERVANT and rarely guessed these things before YA. It's weird. Anyway, despite that I remember it being a pretty enjoyable book! Clarity was a pretty likable character.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this is a really good book! I also guess right, but I still enjoyed it! I loved all the characters and the feelings of suspense and the relaxing writing style!
ReplyDeleteFantastic review!
PS! Thanks so much for adding me to your blog role!!!!!!! I love your blog too! I missed you while you were gone for two weeks.
I really like this book. :) I'm so glad you enjoyed it more than you expected. Just a warning: the second book is much more predictable than the first. Actually, I didn't like the second book, which is Perception. The love triangle also bugged me. Great review, as always. :D
ReplyDeleteI had no idea this was a mystery. I have the second book in this series but not the first. Weird, right? I haven't read that either but now I want to read both thanks to your awesome review! :)
ReplyDeleteI read this book some time back and enjoyed it, but I did have some issues. The love triangle really annoyed me and as you mentioned, none of the love interests were particularly memorable. :/
ReplyDeleteEven I figured out the murder mystery and it was a little disappointing.
Overall though, I enjoyed the book.
Seems like you did too ! :)
Great review, Sam :)
This does sound interesting Sam. sometimes I like a love triangle, when they go my way lol. I thought something would happen with the detectives son from the blurb. I'm usually not too good at predicting plot twists either so it might be a bit more suspenseful for me :) This one sounds worth a read. Great review
ReplyDeleteI really, really want this book. Fab review, Sam :)I am usually terrible at picking up on potential plot twists too lol. Did you get this one on NG? :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if it's on NG. I don't think so, as I haven't seen it around. I got my copy directly from Scholastic UK - I'll send you an email about that. :)
DeleteI agree with you about predictability and especially about the love triangle (I did grow fond of Justin, however), but like you, I had so much fun with this that I was able to forgive these flaws. I'm very excited about book 2 and convinced that it will be even better.
ReplyDeleteWonderful review, Sam!
It's a shame you worked out the plot twist before it happened, I'm normally really bad at guessing twists! But I'm glad you had some fun with this, I have a copy too so can't wait to read it, I just hope the love triangle doesn't bother me either :/
ReplyDeleteI have heard good things about this series and am curious about it. I love good murder mysteries with shocking twists, too bad this one misses the wow factor and ugh a love triangle. Still, based on the numerous good reviews I am still willing to give this series a try as you seemed to for the most part enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteI imagine living in that type of family has got to be hard, yet really interesting. Too bad the twist was easy to figure out. I'm still intrigued to check it out though!
ReplyDeleteDespite the predictability factor (but I'm pretty slow at figuring out these things so maybe it'll be less predictable for me?) this sounds amazing. Love the premise and it's so great that this has an intelligent heroine and great content! Awesome review as always, Sam :)
ReplyDeleteAnother fantastic review from you, Sam! <3 Aww, love triangle? I can't seem to avoid it in YA! Well, I'm glad that the love interests are likeable although they're not particularly memorable. Sometimes I also feel that with the amount of heroes I read in book, they're kind of blurry LOL. :P I peeked a few chapters in this book last year and have some issues with Clare, but if you like this book, I think I might give it another shot. ;)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like it would be really good, but I like my mysteries to totally shock me. I can usually figure them out pretty quick, so when a book can really surprise me - I love it! Those seem to hard to come by lately.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad this was an enjoyable read. I think it's cool that Clare's ability isn't something she has alone and that it's not a secret, either. Bummer the mystery was a bit predictable. I hate when that happens too.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
Sam, seriously, I can't even explain how much I love your reviews. You consistently NAIL it, sell me the book, and you always do a brilliant job and balancing the good with the bad. YOU. GENIUS.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great read, and Clare sounds like an amazing character. Shame it was a little predictable, and likewise about the love triangle, but otherwise = !!!
Oh this cover is different than the one I'm used to! I think I liked the other one better. Anyways this has been on my wishlist for a while but it does seem like a same-old kind of YA novel with a love triangle and unmemorable plot. Good for the time being but nothing special kind of story. I also love murder mysteries it's always been my favorite book genre so it's annoying when the big reveal is lame or just not as good as expected. Great review Sam!
ReplyDeleteShame to hear that the mystery was predictable. I'm usually good at picking up on subtle clues fairly early on, so it sounds like that aspect may not be so surprising for me. I like the sound of Clare though - witty protagonists = Brodie's friend! Love triangles don't bother me TOOO much, provided they're not... well, annoying to the point where I want to stab myself in the eye. This doesn't sound like one of those, which pleases my eyes immensely :D
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad you enjoyed this, I will definitely have to check it out. By the way, have I mentioned I really LOVE reading your reviews? Seriously, they're addictive and incredibly well written <3 And bloody persuasive :P
Okay, so I SO did not see Sarah's comment above when I typed mine. BUT WE'RE CLEARLY THINKING IN TUNE! Your reviews = blogger royalty :D
Delete*sigh* Love triangle? Very predictable plot/murder mystery? *sigh* Why do I have the feeling I probably won't enjoy this? But that aside, I think I just might LOVE the paranormal side of this :) I mean, PSYCHIC/MEDIUM/TELEPATH - THEY SOUND PRETTY DARN AMAZING. Put those three together, and I feel like we have a new bunch of characters with superpowers...kinda reminds me of THE AVENGERS!!!! Ooohh Clare sounds like a fantastic protagonist! I can't wait to meet her :) Anywayyyy, I'm glad you enjoyed this Sam! Fabulous review<3 I think I'll definitely pick up a copy (but I'll probably be careful when I start it!)
ReplyDeleteI love the sound of this one - even with the mentioned flaws. Great review, Sam!
ReplyDeleteI really really need to pick up PERCEPTION, because I loved CLARITY! And that's exactly what I thought, too!! --> "This is a short book, or at least much shorter than what I am used to, but the content is still wonderfully fulfilling."
ReplyDeleteThis book seems amazing! And i enjoy love triangles as long as they are done right.. however... its obvious sheas gonna end up with the detective's son since he IS the new character. For love triangles to be right, there can't be any biases or upper hands (such as an ex-boyfriend), one that I adored was in Hemlock because BOTH had a fair chance and basically equal footings when it came to the protagonist's feelings.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, the whole point of a murder mystery is that it keeps you guessing until the end, and like you said, this is your (and my) favorite part in books and for it to be predictable.. I don't know.. I hope with its flaws, I might enjoy it! I really do want to pick it up soon though!
I love the UK cover! gorgeous!
and great review Sam!
- juhina
The action moves along at a quick pace, which was good, but it also meant that there wasn't much time for in-depth character interactions. There was a good setup, though, so hopefully in future books the secondary characters will be given room to grow. The end isn't a cliffhanger, but does leave enough questions for the next one to solve. I'll be checking that one out.
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