Review: Clarity - Kim Harrington

Clarity by Kim Harrington, published by Scholastic on 7th June 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
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:
‘Clarity’ by Kim Harrington is like a modern-day Nancy Drew mystery but with a twist. Clarity “Clare” Fern is actually a psychic who only has to touch an object to see imprints and visions. The story focuses on her search for a young girl’s killer, whilst also trying to prove the innocence of her own brother Perry.

The opening scene is quite shocking and grabbed my interest immediately. Chapter two takes place nine days earlier and shows how events unfold up to the moment that Clare’s life is on the line. This definitely hooks the reader in and got me trying to guess who couldn’t be trusted throughout the story.

I really liked the paranormal element of the story and the fact that it’s not something which has to be concealed or kept secret. Clare is very open and honest about her gift, even though she is ostracised by many of the other teenagers at her school. As psychic talents run in her family however, she always has the support of her mother and brother.

There’s a love triangle between Clare, her ex-boyfriend Justin and hot new guy in town, Gabriel. They have equal good points but I think Justin was my favourite because although he’s made mistakes where Clare is concerned, he still cares about her and wants to do the right thing. Although I did really like both boys, I have to admit that I’m getting a little bit tired of the love triangle dynamic in so many young-adult books. Sometimes it can work brilliantly but at other times it can feel a bit formulaic.

Kim Harrington’s debut novel is an enjoyable read with plenty of mystery and romance along the way. This book is a fantastic start to the series and the sequel, ‘Perception’ is due to be published in 2013.