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Available
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Publication
Point (2011), Hardcover, 256 pages
Description
Sixteen-year-old Clare Fern, a member of a family of psychics, helps the mayor and a skeptical detective solve a murder in a Cape Cod town during the height of tourist season--with her brother a prime suspect.
User reviews
LibraryThing member mrsderaps
Clarity, her mother, and her brother Perry are mediums. They all have their own special talents: Clarity can tell the emotions and thoughts of a person just by holding an object they touched. Her mother can read thoughts. Her brother can commune with the dead.
Together, they live a fairly peaceful
Clarity has to work with the police, without leading them to her brother. Because, as sure as she is that he didn't kill the tourist teen, she knows that all of the evidence points to Perry. Desperate, she puts her own life in danger as she digs further and further into this case. And the bodies keep coming. Hers could very well be next.
Wow. This is one read that you won't want to miss in 2011. Anyone who is a fan of the paranormal genre, suspense, a thriller, and a great YA story will want to read this book. It is a quick read, and I did not want to put it down. I finished it in under two days. Sure, I lengthened Silent Sustained Reading by a few minutes every class period. None of my students said anything, so I took that as a reason to keep reading!
Together, they live a fairly peaceful
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life on Cape Cod. Aside from strange looks and few taunts here and there, Clarity's life is pretty normal. That is, until she becomes an integral part of a local police investigation. She is paired with the son of the new detective in town to help solve a grisly murder case--One where a teen girl was shot in her hotel bedroom. And, Clarity's handsome brother is the prime suspect.Clarity has to work with the police, without leading them to her brother. Because, as sure as she is that he didn't kill the tourist teen, she knows that all of the evidence points to Perry. Desperate, she puts her own life in danger as she digs further and further into this case. And the bodies keep coming. Hers could very well be next.
Wow. This is one read that you won't want to miss in 2011. Anyone who is a fan of the paranormal genre, suspense, a thriller, and a great YA story will want to read this book. It is a quick read, and I did not want to put it down. I finished it in under two days. Sure, I lengthened Silent Sustained Reading by a few minutes every class period. None of my students said anything, so I took that as a reason to keep reading!
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LibraryThing member Kaydence
Clarity by Kim Harrington
Product Details
Pub. Date: March 2011
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Format: Hardcover , 256pp
Sales Rank: 48,497
Age Range: Young Adult
Lexile: HL580L
ISBN-13: 9780545230506
ISBN: 0545230500
Clarity is about a young girl named Clarity (Clare) who has a special ability.
The only good thing is that a detective has come to town, bringing with him a very yummy boy that happens to be around Clare’s age. While the case is being worked, Clare begins to be heavily involved with the police and attempts to help to solve who the murderer is. Someone very close to her becomes one of the top suspects and two more murders turn up. What is a psychic to do?
Overall, this was a very fun book to read. The mystery kept me guessing through about ¾ of the book. Then I was pretty sure what was going to happen. I wish there was a little more description of Clare’s visions. She is obviously put into these situations because of those visions, but Harrington seems to rush through her visions instead of describing them as thoroughly as the scenes when Clare is being made fun of. As a reader, I would have liked to see more of what she was going through. Also, I would’ve liked to have a bit more development between Clare and her family. Why are they so important to her, other than they are her family? Was there something that drew them together so closely? It seems like if I had a mother that could read my mind; I would rather spend my time away from her. These aspects didn’t take away from the read; they just would have made it more interesting to me. I like stories where the character is bared to me completely, and Clare was just not really like that. I hope that Harrington writes another story with these characters so I can get to know them better.
Product Details
Pub. Date: March 2011
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Format: Hardcover , 256pp
Sales Rank: 48,497
Age Range: Young Adult
Lexile: HL580L
ISBN-13: 9780545230506
ISBN: 0545230500
Clarity is about a young girl named Clarity (Clare) who has a special ability.
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Actually, her whole family has special abilities. Her mom can read people’s minds, her brother can talk to the dead, and she can tell what has happened to someone by touching an object they have touched. It’s almost like she can live part of their lives while she is grasping something that they held. Living in a tourist town, you would think that these would be excellent abilities to have. It’s a family business. The problem is, Clare is consistently made fun of and a new person has come to town who claims to be able to tell the future. This coupled with a murder that happened to a tourist in a local hotel has really taken a chunk out of business.The only good thing is that a detective has come to town, bringing with him a very yummy boy that happens to be around Clare’s age. While the case is being worked, Clare begins to be heavily involved with the police and attempts to help to solve who the murderer is. Someone very close to her becomes one of the top suspects and two more murders turn up. What is a psychic to do?
Overall, this was a very fun book to read. The mystery kept me guessing through about ¾ of the book. Then I was pretty sure what was going to happen. I wish there was a little more description of Clare’s visions. She is obviously put into these situations because of those visions, but Harrington seems to rush through her visions instead of describing them as thoroughly as the scenes when Clare is being made fun of. As a reader, I would have liked to see more of what she was going through. Also, I would’ve liked to have a bit more development between Clare and her family. Why are they so important to her, other than they are her family? Was there something that drew them together so closely? It seems like if I had a mother that could read my mind; I would rather spend my time away from her. These aspects didn’t take away from the read; they just would have made it more interesting to me. I like stories where the character is bared to me completely, and Clare was just not really like that. I hope that Harrington writes another story with these characters so I can get to know them better.
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LibraryThing member IceyBooks
If you're looking for a quirky, mouthy main character, Clarity is where you'll find her. Clarity (Clare) Fern, her brother Perry, and her mom are a family of freaks. Clare is a psychic, Perry's a medium, her mom's a telepath. And because of their abilities, the natives of the tourist town of
Soon, Clare's little family is turned upside down. Perry is the key suspect in a murder, where an eighteen year old girl was shot in the head. But Clare knows he didn't do it. He couldn't do such a thing.
Could he?
There's a killer on the loose and Clare will do anything to free her brother. Soon, Clare finds herself being pulled deeper and deeper into the crime, deep enough for her to be in danger.
Clarity was a quick read. I found myself relating to Clare at times, but I have to say, she can speak, especially for someone as lonely as her. I liked her mother a lot, and Perry too. They were just a family with a small business, trying to get by. The plot was well-written, and I didn't guess the murderer until the person was mentioned. But I have to say, Clarity wasn't as gripping and suspenseful as I wanted it to be, at least, not enough that it left me dying to turn to the next page.
I know there will be a sequel to Clarity, but unlike some stories, I don't really have a clue as to what will happen in the second book. To me, Clarity could work well as a standalone, even though hints were dropped here and there towards the end, suggesting something more to come.
Overall, Kim Harrington's debut novel is a must-read, it's (I'll give you three Q's) quick, quirky, and quenching!
-Would I recommend this to anyone? Probably ages 14 and up
-Is there a second book? Yes
-Will I be looking forward to book two? Yes
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Eastport hate them. The tourists stop by just for their entertainment, they don't really believe anything Clare and her family say.Soon, Clare's little family is turned upside down. Perry is the key suspect in a murder, where an eighteen year old girl was shot in the head. But Clare knows he didn't do it. He couldn't do such a thing.
Could he?
There's a killer on the loose and Clare will do anything to free her brother. Soon, Clare finds herself being pulled deeper and deeper into the crime, deep enough for her to be in danger.
Clarity was a quick read. I found myself relating to Clare at times, but I have to say, she can speak, especially for someone as lonely as her. I liked her mother a lot, and Perry too. They were just a family with a small business, trying to get by. The plot was well-written, and I didn't guess the murderer until the person was mentioned. But I have to say, Clarity wasn't as gripping and suspenseful as I wanted it to be, at least, not enough that it left me dying to turn to the next page.
I know there will be a sequel to Clarity, but unlike some stories, I don't really have a clue as to what will happen in the second book. To me, Clarity could work well as a standalone, even though hints were dropped here and there towards the end, suggesting something more to come.
Overall, Kim Harrington's debut novel is a must-read, it's (I'll give you three Q's) quick, quirky, and quenching!
-Would I recommend this to anyone? Probably ages 14 and up
-Is there a second book? Yes
-Will I be looking forward to book two? Yes
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LibraryThing member katiedoll
I think I expected Clarity to be this heavy on the paranormal story where the plot focuses on the main character’s powers and not much else. I couldn’t be any more far off. Clarity is a hooking murder mystery that despite the family's abilities, reads like a contemporary and keeps you in as
First off, let me just state that Clarity is going on my list of all-time favorite female characters. She’s quirky, comical, random, sarcastic and narrates the story sounding like a genuine teenager. Even with the more intense scenes, her thought process and banter with Gabriel was enough to make me laugh, even if I did want to be serious.
What I loved most is how unpredictable it was. Normally with books like these, I can pick the most unexpected person as the culprit and I’m usually right, but I was all over the place with Clarity. It unfolds slowly and appropriately, like CSI and The Medium with a paranormal twist and more entertaining characters that don't put you to sleep.
Overall, I loved Clarity. It’s a quick but engaging read that had me absolutely absorbed and I’ll be twitching impatiently for the second book. I definitely recommend that you run to your nearest bookstore and pick this one up!
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much suspense as the characters themselves. Reading it was almost an experience and I loved every minute of it.First off, let me just state that Clarity is going on my list of all-time favorite female characters. She’s quirky, comical, random, sarcastic and narrates the story sounding like a genuine teenager. Even with the more intense scenes, her thought process and banter with Gabriel was enough to make me laugh, even if I did want to be serious.
What I loved most is how unpredictable it was. Normally with books like these, I can pick the most unexpected person as the culprit and I’m usually right, but I was all over the place with Clarity. It unfolds slowly and appropriately, like CSI and The Medium with a paranormal twist and more entertaining characters that don't put you to sleep.
Overall, I loved Clarity. It’s a quick but engaging read that had me absolutely absorbed and I’ll be twitching impatiently for the second book. I definitely recommend that you run to your nearest bookstore and pick this one up!
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LibraryThing member pollywannabook
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
Did you happen to watch a little TV show back in 2007 called Veronica Mars (you can watch the entire series on Netflix Instant Watch)? It was a very cool teen noir series that revolved around a high school girl in a small town who used the skills she
Clare is going to be my new standard for YA heroines. She doesn’t have herculean strength or the ability to summon formidable magical powers. She’s pretty normal except for the psychic ability she inherited. Her mother is telepathic, her brother can communicate with ghosts (sometimes), and Clare has the gift of retrocognative psychometry (the ability to sense the history—sometimes—of an object by touching it). Being labeled as ‘freaks’ in her small town has given her a pretty thick skin, a razor sharp wit, and a lethal sarcasm. She’s smart and resourceful and doesn’t make apologies to herself or anyone else for doing what needs to be done.
The character of Clare would have been enough to win me over, but I also loved how understated the supernatural elements were in CLARITY. Clare uses her intellect more than her psychometry to investigate the murder that lies at the center of the plot. She schmoozes some witnesses, outright deceives others, and even flirts with a few when the ends justify it. There is room for the paranormal aspects of this story to expand as the series progresses, and judging by some of the hints dropped in this story, I’m expecting they will.
Overall, if you loved the TV show Veronica Mars, you will revel in this book. Clare and Veronica are clearly cut from the same cloth. If you’ve never watched the show, CLARITY delivers small town scandal, big time intrigue, and an intrepid teen protagonist caught in the crosshairs of a murderer. It’s a refreshing mix of mystery, romance, and subtle supernatural secrets. The second book in the Clarity series is called PERCEPTION and will be released in March 2012. That’s a depressingly long time to wait for when the first book was so head over heels amazing.
Sexual Content:
Kissing. References to sex.
Did you happen to watch a little TV show back in 2007 called Veronica Mars (you can watch the entire series on Netflix Instant Watch)? It was a very cool teen noir series that revolved around a high school girl in a small town who used the skills she
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learned from working with her P.I. father to investigate crimes (everything from identity theft to cold case murders) and ruffle feathers of the affluent and influential in her city. Like most great shows, it was canceled too soon. I’ve looked unsuccessfully for something similar for years until I read CLARITY. I knew by the first chapter that this was the spiritual successor of Veronica Mars.Clare is going to be my new standard for YA heroines. She doesn’t have herculean strength or the ability to summon formidable magical powers. She’s pretty normal except for the psychic ability she inherited. Her mother is telepathic, her brother can communicate with ghosts (sometimes), and Clare has the gift of retrocognative psychometry (the ability to sense the history—sometimes—of an object by touching it). Being labeled as ‘freaks’ in her small town has given her a pretty thick skin, a razor sharp wit, and a lethal sarcasm. She’s smart and resourceful and doesn’t make apologies to herself or anyone else for doing what needs to be done.
The character of Clare would have been enough to win me over, but I also loved how understated the supernatural elements were in CLARITY. Clare uses her intellect more than her psychometry to investigate the murder that lies at the center of the plot. She schmoozes some witnesses, outright deceives others, and even flirts with a few when the ends justify it. There is room for the paranormal aspects of this story to expand as the series progresses, and judging by some of the hints dropped in this story, I’m expecting they will.
Overall, if you loved the TV show Veronica Mars, you will revel in this book. Clare and Veronica are clearly cut from the same cloth. If you’ve never watched the show, CLARITY delivers small town scandal, big time intrigue, and an intrepid teen protagonist caught in the crosshairs of a murderer. It’s a refreshing mix of mystery, romance, and subtle supernatural secrets. The second book in the Clarity series is called PERCEPTION and will be released in March 2012. That’s a depressingly long time to wait for when the first book was so head over heels amazing.
Sexual Content:
Kissing. References to sex.
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LibraryThing member dukesangel002
Clarity is great mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat, guessing, until the satisfying end. It's a modern book, full of psychics and teenage crushes, but it really had the feel of the old true mysteries. A great blend of imagination, well-rounded characters, and an intriguing storyline.
Clare
I really enjoyed all of the characters in this book. Clare was smart and funny. She was a strong girl that knew who she was and didn't try to pretend to be something else just to please others. There are also great love interests, a unique and funny family, and an interesting cast of side characters. I loved that Clare had such a close relationship with her mother and brother. I enjoy seeing a family dynamic where they have their problems, but they are still close and still rely on each other.
The story had a great flow to it. I never hit a spot in the book where I thought the story was dragging. The mystery was revealed at a steady pace and I was never able to guess the surprise ending. I enjoyed every part of this book, but I think I enjoyed getting to read a real mystery book in the YA genre the most.
This is Kim Harrington's debut novel, but I never would have guessed it. She writes like a seasoned vet, and I will definitely be picking up anything this author puts out! I hope you all go out and get yourselves a copy, I'm sure you will all love it as well.
Clare
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and her family are freaks. Her brother, mother, and herself do psychic readings in the parlor of their home for a living, but while they glam it up, it's not a hat trick. Clare's ex, who always believed in her ability, shows up asking Clare to use her gift to help solve the murder of a tourist. Clare agrees, but since she can't control her powers, she feels like she isn't being much of a help. But, it won't be long until Clare's gift becomes the only thing that might save her and solve the string of murders happening in her tourist town.I really enjoyed all of the characters in this book. Clare was smart and funny. She was a strong girl that knew who she was and didn't try to pretend to be something else just to please others. There are also great love interests, a unique and funny family, and an interesting cast of side characters. I loved that Clare had such a close relationship with her mother and brother. I enjoy seeing a family dynamic where they have their problems, but they are still close and still rely on each other.
The story had a great flow to it. I never hit a spot in the book where I thought the story was dragging. The mystery was revealed at a steady pace and I was never able to guess the surprise ending. I enjoyed every part of this book, but I think I enjoyed getting to read a real mystery book in the YA genre the most.
This is Kim Harrington's debut novel, but I never would have guessed it. She writes like a seasoned vet, and I will definitely be picking up anything this author puts out! I hope you all go out and get yourselves a copy, I'm sure you will all love it as well.
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LibraryThing member storiesandsweeties
This was a fun read. Lots of really good memorable moments and great characters. Some YA cliches, like the girl with special powers being shunned by her classmates and called "freak", and every boy she comes in contact with being stunningly handsome, but despite all that, Harrington's fresh twist
I loved Clarity. She is funny and sharp, with a good head on her shoulders when it comes to boys. None of this 'he's gorgeous, I must have him" without a thought or solid reason. Face with a cheating ex, she holds on pretty tightly to her convictions. Faced with a swoon-worthy new guy in town who at first seems to connect with her and then shuns her because of her gifts, she stands up and shows that she's got a spine. I also loved her relationship with her mother and her brother. They were loyal and supportive of each other. It was a great dynamic. This plot had a lot of that theme woven throughout each thread...family, how each is different, and how far someone will go to protect theirs. It really made this story stand apart.
Even more than being a paranormal story, this was a fantastic murder mystery. A tourist has died in a small beach town and the suspicions start flying. With the whole incident centering around a popular town hangout, the finger could point at anyone. The investigation twists and turns and my prediction for who the killer was must have changed a dozen times. Even in the very end, I was pretty surprised! Always a good thing---there is nothing worse than a predictable mystery! Well, this one was far from that.
Definitely check this one out for a fun, twisty paranormal mystery! I think fans of The Body Finder and even those who enjoy a good Agatha Christie "who-done-it" story will really enjoy this one!
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on things and great writing style make it a solidly entertaining and very quick read.I loved Clarity. She is funny and sharp, with a good head on her shoulders when it comes to boys. None of this 'he's gorgeous, I must have him" without a thought or solid reason. Face with a cheating ex, she holds on pretty tightly to her convictions. Faced with a swoon-worthy new guy in town who at first seems to connect with her and then shuns her because of her gifts, she stands up and shows that she's got a spine. I also loved her relationship with her mother and her brother. They were loyal and supportive of each other. It was a great dynamic. This plot had a lot of that theme woven throughout each thread...family, how each is different, and how far someone will go to protect theirs. It really made this story stand apart.
Even more than being a paranormal story, this was a fantastic murder mystery. A tourist has died in a small beach town and the suspicions start flying. With the whole incident centering around a popular town hangout, the finger could point at anyone. The investigation twists and turns and my prediction for who the killer was must have changed a dozen times. Even in the very end, I was pretty surprised! Always a good thing---there is nothing worse than a predictable mystery! Well, this one was far from that.
Definitely check this one out for a fun, twisty paranormal mystery! I think fans of The Body Finder and even those who enjoy a good Agatha Christie "who-done-it" story will really enjoy this one!
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LibraryThing member katrinasoper
Im not much of a mystery murder reader, but this was an exeption because it sounded cool. Clarity, i think, is a strong female character, and the boys in it kept you guessing. But what annoyed me was the summer setting, like so many other books, and Clarity can't figure out which guy she wants.
And i don't get the cover, 1. she has red hair in the book. 2. Doesn't it look computerized? Is it taken from a photograph?It looks good though.
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Sigh! How many times have I heard this? It is getting a little old. But the guys in it were interesting.. And this book did a very good job keeping me guessing who was the murderer till the very end!I recommend it. And i don't get the cover, 1. she has red hair in the book. 2. Doesn't it look computerized? Is it taken from a photograph?It looks good though.
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LibraryThing member DarkFaerieTales
Quick & Dirty: This wonderful book will keep readers engaged with a carefully crafted plot that seamlessly weaves mystery, suspense and the supernatural.
Opening Sentence: “You don’t want to kill me,” I said.
The Review:
Clarity (Clare) and her family have special abilities. Unfortunately, this
I had a lot of fun reading this book. In fact, I read this book with a smile on my face. I immediately took a liking to Clare. She’s really your average teenager struggling through her high school years. It does bother Clare that people judge her without getting to know her, but she takes her unique ability in stride. Clare is smart, funny, responsible, and above all else grounded. She has a good head on her shoulders and she thinks her way through tough situations.
Clare’s romantic life isn’t exactly dreamy. She’s still struggling with how to handle Justin, her ex-boyfriend. Justin realizes that he’s made some mistakes, but he wants a second chance to redeem himself and possibly reignite their relationship. After his betrayal, Clare isn’t sure that she wants to give him a second chance. Gabriel is the new kid in town and also happens to be the new police detective’s son. He’s skeptical of Clare’s ability and isn’t exactly a gentleman. Even though he treats her poorly sometimes, he can’t stop developing feelings for her.
Don’t let the slim size of this novel fool you. Ms. Harrington packs a lot punch, not wasting any of the pages on filler. On the contrary, there’s a fair amount of depth. Clarity is an exciting read with a gripping mystery plot and compelling characters. The subtle romance is filled with realistic characters, dealing with real life situations, making it a story with which readers will easily identify.
Overall, Clarity is a very enjoyable read with perfect pacing, enjoyable characters and a breathless summer romance. The mystery isn’t easy to figure out and the story is full of suspense and supernatural elements. It’s a blockbuster combination that shouldn’t be missed.
Notable Scene:
My mind screamed at myself to turn away, look away, run away, but my muscles wouldn’t comply. I could only stare. It was a female, her face covered in seaweed. She wore jean shorts and a T-shirt. Where her skin showed, her body was discolored and bloated. I needed to know who she was. While everyone else stood and stared, I knelt onto the sand and reached forward to slide the seaweed off her face.
I’m sitting on the beach, staring at the black expanse of the ocean. It must be the middle of the night because it’s dark and deserted. But I sense movement. I turn around and see a shadow. Someone’s coming toward me.
“Hello,” I call out.
Whoever it is doesn’t answer, but speeds up, coming at me with determination. I’m suddenly scared. A trickle of sweat slips down my back.
My instincts kick in. I leap up and run for the boardwalk. I risk a glance over my shoulder. The shadow is charging after me. Getting closer. The stairs are too far away; I’ll never make it. I dash under the boardwalk, hoping to become invisible in the darkness.
The shadow enters. I creep farther down. It’s like a sick game of hide-and-seek. My breathing is harsh and ragged. It’s too loud; it’s going to give me away. I try to hold my breath, but I’m too terrified.
After a few moments, I glance left and right, but can’t find the shadow. Did the person give up? I start to feel like it’s over, and then arms grab me from behind, hands wrap around my neck. I can’t breathe —
The Clarity Series:
1. Clarity
FTC Advisory: Scholastic provided me with a copy of Clarity. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. In addition, I don’t receive affiliate fees for anything purchased via links from my site.
Opening Sentence: “You don’t want to kill me,” I said.
The Review:
Clarity (Clare) and her family have special abilities. Unfortunately, this
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doesn’t make Clare part of the cool crowd. Clare is a psychic, while her mother is a telepath and her brother is a medium. The local townies may think that Clare and her family are freaks, but tourists love the services that her family provides. Clare’s family relies on tourists to keep their family business going and to survive financially. Using their special abilities, the Fern family entertains tourists with readings. On a hot summer night, the peaceful town of Eastport soon finds itself faced with a murder mystery. With little clues to go on, Clare is asked to use her psychic abilities to help solve the crime. As if working with Gabriel, the son of the new police chief wasn’t difficult enough, Clare has to worry about the prime murder suspect — her brother, Perry. Clare diligently works to catch a killer and clear Perry’s name.I had a lot of fun reading this book. In fact, I read this book with a smile on my face. I immediately took a liking to Clare. She’s really your average teenager struggling through her high school years. It does bother Clare that people judge her without getting to know her, but she takes her unique ability in stride. Clare is smart, funny, responsible, and above all else grounded. She has a good head on her shoulders and she thinks her way through tough situations.
Clare’s romantic life isn’t exactly dreamy. She’s still struggling with how to handle Justin, her ex-boyfriend. Justin realizes that he’s made some mistakes, but he wants a second chance to redeem himself and possibly reignite their relationship. After his betrayal, Clare isn’t sure that she wants to give him a second chance. Gabriel is the new kid in town and also happens to be the new police detective’s son. He’s skeptical of Clare’s ability and isn’t exactly a gentleman. Even though he treats her poorly sometimes, he can’t stop developing feelings for her.
Don’t let the slim size of this novel fool you. Ms. Harrington packs a lot punch, not wasting any of the pages on filler. On the contrary, there’s a fair amount of depth. Clarity is an exciting read with a gripping mystery plot and compelling characters. The subtle romance is filled with realistic characters, dealing with real life situations, making it a story with which readers will easily identify.
Overall, Clarity is a very enjoyable read with perfect pacing, enjoyable characters and a breathless summer romance. The mystery isn’t easy to figure out and the story is full of suspense and supernatural elements. It’s a blockbuster combination that shouldn’t be missed.
Notable Scene:
My mind screamed at myself to turn away, look away, run away, but my muscles wouldn’t comply. I could only stare. It was a female, her face covered in seaweed. She wore jean shorts and a T-shirt. Where her skin showed, her body was discolored and bloated. I needed to know who she was. While everyone else stood and stared, I knelt onto the sand and reached forward to slide the seaweed off her face.
I’m sitting on the beach, staring at the black expanse of the ocean. It must be the middle of the night because it’s dark and deserted. But I sense movement. I turn around and see a shadow. Someone’s coming toward me.
“Hello,” I call out.
Whoever it is doesn’t answer, but speeds up, coming at me with determination. I’m suddenly scared. A trickle of sweat slips down my back.
My instincts kick in. I leap up and run for the boardwalk. I risk a glance over my shoulder. The shadow is charging after me. Getting closer. The stairs are too far away; I’ll never make it. I dash under the boardwalk, hoping to become invisible in the darkness.
The shadow enters. I creep farther down. It’s like a sick game of hide-and-seek. My breathing is harsh and ragged. It’s too loud; it’s going to give me away. I try to hold my breath, but I’m too terrified.
After a few moments, I glance left and right, but can’t find the shadow. Did the person give up? I start to feel like it’s over, and then arms grab me from behind, hands wrap around my neck. I can’t breathe —
The Clarity Series:
1. Clarity
FTC Advisory: Scholastic provided me with a copy of Clarity. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. In addition, I don’t receive affiliate fees for anything purchased via links from my site.
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LibraryThing member ccourtland
Clarity is a paranormal Nancy Drew accompanied by a cast of Scooby Doo-like meddling kids. This just might be the book that gets teens on the younger side reading more. Clean and easy, the narrative sails along carried by a plucky main character and set against a New England backdrop. Although the
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synopsis promises lust and revenge, the context is fairly PJ. However, just because its a teen read don't think you'll have it all figured out early. Several twists and new information about the case is presented along the way and will have a reader changing their mind about who the killer really is. Also, Harrington masterfully ties up this mystery and doesn't leave the reader hanging, but a few things are left open, which leads to the belief this is just the beginning. The reader will be satisfied, and wanting more, namely when it comes to Gabriel and Justin. Clarity is perfectly executed with a delightful set up to a sequel. I have a feeling there is more in store for Miss Clarity Fern. Absolutely loved the cozy Cape Cod mystery and can't wait for the next book by this debut author. Show Less
LibraryThing member silenceiseverything
I’ll admit it. When I first started Clarity, I assumed it was going to be like EVERY OTHER paranormal young-adult romance: shallow, with an annoying heroine, and a controlling alpha male guy. But Clarity wasn’t like that at all. I actually found it a bit different from the other paranormal
I liked that the book wasn’t mainly about the romance. It actually had a plot and wasn’t all mushy-mushy “I love yous” with an itty bitty resolution at the end to make it seem like it had a plot when it really doesn‘t. The mystery in Clarity was also very intriguing. It made sense and bonus points to the author for keeping me guessing most of the way. I usually figure out the whodunit at the very beginning or by the middle, but with Clarity I kept thinking “No, it was this person. Wait, no! It was that person! No, no, no, it was THAT person!”
As for the romance, I didn’t really like Gabriel all that much. He reminded me of Jess from Gilmore Girls and I loathed Jess. I like Justin way more (which is shocking considering what happened in their relationship). I basically liked EVERY OTHER guy more than Gabriel. I guess I found him a bit standoffish. But the romance didn’t make me roll my eyes the way it usually does, so again, I award the author bonus points for that. Oh, and I really liked Clarity (the character). She was feisty and spoke her mind often. That’s what I want in a young adult heroine. Someone strong-headed and logical. Not just someone who follows a guy blindly.
However, not all of Clarity was good. I had a very big “suspend belief (or disbelief)” moment. No detective in his right mind is going to employ teenagers in the case no matter how unofficial it is (or at least partake in the case as much as Clarity and Gabriel did). It just doesn’t happen. If you add in the fact that one of those teenagers is a psychic and the other is his offspring then you pretty much have me ranting “this just doesn’t happen.” First of all, a good detective wouldn’t want to put minors in any unnecessary danger. Secondly, any evidence obtained would be debunked by any good defense attorney. They could argue that the evidence (not counting the premonitions because that’s a whole other topic) was tainted or that there is a conflict of interest with the detective’s son finding the evidence and so on. Any evidence obtained by those means would be thrown out by whatever judge assigned to the case. Or so I believe by my many Law and Order: SVU marathons that I’ve been watching this week. That was my main gripe with Clarity.
Besides that, I did really enjoy Clarity. It was a pretty unique paranormal romance (I.e. not a Twilight knock-off) and it was a quick, breezy read. I just could not put this book down (I ended up reading it in one sitting). So, Clarity is highly recommended.
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young adult romances (you know, the ones that are trying to capitalize on Twilight’s fame of having a very unoriginal premise) and enjoyable. I liked that the book wasn’t mainly about the romance. It actually had a plot and wasn’t all mushy-mushy “I love yous” with an itty bitty resolution at the end to make it seem like it had a plot when it really doesn‘t. The mystery in Clarity was also very intriguing. It made sense and bonus points to the author for keeping me guessing most of the way. I usually figure out the whodunit at the very beginning or by the middle, but with Clarity I kept thinking “No, it was this person. Wait, no! It was that person! No, no, no, it was THAT person!”
As for the romance, I didn’t really like Gabriel all that much. He reminded me of Jess from Gilmore Girls and I loathed Jess. I like Justin way more (which is shocking considering what happened in their relationship). I basically liked EVERY OTHER guy more than Gabriel. I guess I found him a bit standoffish. But the romance didn’t make me roll my eyes the way it usually does, so again, I award the author bonus points for that. Oh, and I really liked Clarity (the character). She was feisty and spoke her mind often. That’s what I want in a young adult heroine. Someone strong-headed and logical. Not just someone who follows a guy blindly.
However, not all of Clarity was good. I had a very big “suspend belief (or disbelief)” moment. No detective in his right mind is going to employ teenagers in the case no matter how unofficial it is (or at least partake in the case as much as Clarity and Gabriel did). It just doesn’t happen. If you add in the fact that one of those teenagers is a psychic and the other is his offspring then you pretty much have me ranting “this just doesn’t happen.” First of all, a good detective wouldn’t want to put minors in any unnecessary danger. Secondly, any evidence obtained would be debunked by any good defense attorney. They could argue that the evidence (not counting the premonitions because that’s a whole other topic) was tainted or that there is a conflict of interest with the detective’s son finding the evidence and so on. Any evidence obtained by those means would be thrown out by whatever judge assigned to the case. Or so I believe by my many Law and Order: SVU marathons that I’ve been watching this week. That was my main gripe with Clarity.
Besides that, I did really enjoy Clarity. It was a pretty unique paranormal romance (I.e. not a Twilight knock-off) and it was a quick, breezy read. I just could not put this book down (I ended up reading it in one sitting). So, Clarity is highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member BookAddictDiary
Clare "Clarity" Fern has always known she was a freak. Not only that, but she comes from a family of freaks who have made solid efforts to genetically cultivate special abilities throughout the generations. Clarity has the ability to sense things about people -secrets -just from touching things.
Clarity is an exciting, fun new mystery from debut author Kim Harrington with a paranormal edge. Told in a wonderful voice, Harrington does an excellent job of bringing readers into the world -and mind -of Clarity. From the very first sentence up until the very end, I had a clear sense of who Clarity was and the issues that she dealt with daily. Harrington's prose feels like it was genuinely from the point of view of a teenager, complete with teen sass, a dash of angst and plenty of down-to-earth commentary that made me fall in love with Clarity. I was cheering for her the entire time and took joy in her triumphs and was sad when she failed.
Thankfully, Clarity' herself didn't overwhelm the other characters. Harrington constructed a fully developed and fascinating supporting cast, complete with some of the best, snappiest and most believable dialog I've read in a YA novel so far this year.
Aside from being a tiny bit slow at the beginning and having a few small pacing issues throughout, Clarity was an enjoyable, worthwhile read that infused the teen paranormal genre with something original and new -not to mention introducing some wonderful characters. Clarity is a promising first book in a new trilogy that'll make readers want to come back for more.
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Clarity's family has been able to use their abilities to make money off tourists who come through their small town. That is, until a young girl turns up dead. Clare teams up with the police to solve the case using her abilities, but as she gets deeper into the mystery, it appears that those closest to her may be the culprits.Clarity is an exciting, fun new mystery from debut author Kim Harrington with a paranormal edge. Told in a wonderful voice, Harrington does an excellent job of bringing readers into the world -and mind -of Clarity. From the very first sentence up until the very end, I had a clear sense of who Clarity was and the issues that she dealt with daily. Harrington's prose feels like it was genuinely from the point of view of a teenager, complete with teen sass, a dash of angst and plenty of down-to-earth commentary that made me fall in love with Clarity. I was cheering for her the entire time and took joy in her triumphs and was sad when she failed.
Thankfully, Clarity' herself didn't overwhelm the other characters. Harrington constructed a fully developed and fascinating supporting cast, complete with some of the best, snappiest and most believable dialog I've read in a YA novel so far this year.
Aside from being a tiny bit slow at the beginning and having a few small pacing issues throughout, Clarity was an enjoyable, worthwhile read that infused the teen paranormal genre with something original and new -not to mention introducing some wonderful characters. Clarity is a promising first book in a new trilogy that'll make readers want to come back for more.
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LibraryThing member SEToon
I actually tried to sell this to the author when she visited my store as, "a quintessential Shore Shore teen read, sun, sand, seances and suspense!"
Clarity "Clare" Fern should be having the time of her teenage life, she lives in a tourist town on Cape Cod where people come from far and wide to
Throw in another psychic side-show in town, a murder and finger-pointing at her brother as the killer and Clare has to get out of her funk and help solve the crime. Oh and there's the whole good guy/bad guy (or are they???) lover's triangle thrown in for good measure.
The story's told by Clare which works as she describes her bad vibes as she aids in a murder investigation but gets tiring as the teen romance descriptions get lathered on. A bit heavy on the talk when more do would emphasis urgency as the body count continues. We follow a standard cast of characters while merely being teased with characters far richer in potential like Madame Maslov, who can actually tell the future and skank with a broken heart Tiffany.
The novel is like salt water taffy they sell on the boardwalk in towns like Clare's Eastport. You approach the counter, full of memories of sun-bleached afternoons when you would welcome a mystery just to break you from the mid-summer doldrums. The ingredients mix well, fascinating in how they weave into one other and is packaged all attractive-like in pastels. In the end though, the final product is a bit too sweet but that doesn't stop you from eating. Overall, I look forward to spending another summer with Clare in the upcoming sequel Perception. Better have the Madame and the mystery dad in the mix and less tongue wrestling!
THINK: Nancy Drew in The Twilight Zone.
1st LINE: "You don't want to kill me," I said.
Clarity "Clare" Fern should be having the time of her teenage life, she lives in a tourist town on Cape Cod where people come from far and wide to
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fulfill their summer fantasies. Problem is she's Clairvoyant, able to tell a person's past by touching one of their belongings. The rest of her family is equally blessed/cursed. Mom is a telepath who reads minds(she must be played by Patricia Clarkson from Six Feet Under if this ever gets filmed.) Her big brother Perry is a medium and can communicate with the dead. That means she's ostracized from the locals, unable to have a normal teenage life.Throw in another psychic side-show in town, a murder and finger-pointing at her brother as the killer and Clare has to get out of her funk and help solve the crime. Oh and there's the whole good guy/bad guy (or are they???) lover's triangle thrown in for good measure.
The story's told by Clare which works as she describes her bad vibes as she aids in a murder investigation but gets tiring as the teen romance descriptions get lathered on. A bit heavy on the talk when more do would emphasis urgency as the body count continues. We follow a standard cast of characters while merely being teased with characters far richer in potential like Madame Maslov, who can actually tell the future and skank with a broken heart Tiffany.
The novel is like salt water taffy they sell on the boardwalk in towns like Clare's Eastport. You approach the counter, full of memories of sun-bleached afternoons when you would welcome a mystery just to break you from the mid-summer doldrums. The ingredients mix well, fascinating in how they weave into one other and is packaged all attractive-like in pastels. In the end though, the final product is a bit too sweet but that doesn't stop you from eating. Overall, I look forward to spending another summer with Clare in the upcoming sequel Perception. Better have the Madame and the mystery dad in the mix and less tongue wrestling!
THINK: Nancy Drew in The Twilight Zone.
1st LINE: "You don't want to kill me," I said.
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LibraryThing member resugo
I didn't know much about this book when I started reading it. I picked it up because I thought the cover was awesome. Once I began, I thought the story was awesome, too. Though it's a murder that Clare is helping to investigate, it was really fun. It wasn't too heavy or dark.
The very first chaper
I liked the different characters, especially Clare. There is a boy that I'm totally rooting for her to get with...but it'll have to wait until the next book. I'm crossing my fingers.
I also liked the supernatural abilities Clare and her family have. How they play off each other and use their skills in different ways. Clare helping out the police...super cool. Really, I'm glad this is going to be a series. I want to read more.
I did think that Clare was rather stupid at one point in the story. So much so that I almost stopped reading, but I'm glad I didn't. And I really, really did not like her brother. He was a pig. And I'm just glad Clare recognized that. She still loved him and wanted to help him, but she knew he was a pig. I'll be okay if he isn't in the next book. But maybe he'll clean up his act by then?
Anyway, a fun, quick, quirky, murder mystery. I look forward to the rest of the series!
The very first chaper
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is just one page, a flash forward to near the end of the book. A boy has been shot and is bleeding next to Clarity, while other person (who I just assumed was a boy) has a gun pointed at her head. Chapter two begins nine days before this event. So it's kind of a countdown to the Big Reveal. And the whole countdown I'm keeping track of all the boys that Clarity comes into contact with. The list kept growing...and growing...and growing. Wow, she knows a lot of boys. So I'm guessing which boy was shot and which boy was the one with the gun...and I don't know. It was fun trying to guess.I liked the different characters, especially Clare. There is a boy that I'm totally rooting for her to get with...but it'll have to wait until the next book. I'm crossing my fingers.
I also liked the supernatural abilities Clare and her family have. How they play off each other and use their skills in different ways. Clare helping out the police...super cool. Really, I'm glad this is going to be a series. I want to read more.
I did think that Clare was rather stupid at one point in the story. So much so that I almost stopped reading, but I'm glad I didn't. And I really, really did not like her brother. He was a pig. And I'm just glad Clare recognized that. She still loved him and wanted to help him, but she knew he was a pig. I'll be okay if he isn't in the next book. But maybe he'll clean up his act by then?
Anyway, a fun, quick, quirky, murder mystery. I look forward to the rest of the series!
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LibraryThing member titania86
Clarity Fern doesn't have the most normal family. Around her school and to the locals, they are known as freaks because of their special abilities. She can see situations through one person's perspective by touching objects they touched. It's not always the most pleasant thing to know the secrets
When I picked up Clarity, I was expecting a cliche, angsty teen novel that would bore me. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was more of a murder mystery than a paranormal romance with believable, realistic characters. Clare is a great narrator and I immediately liked her from the very first page. Unlike many female protagonists in YA fiction, she isn't weak or whiny or annoying, but strong and assertive. The scene where she dumps a soda on her rival's head is truly awesome. There are many YA heroines that don't have the guts to do something like that. Her narration is filled with humor, wit, and intelligence. There is just the right balance of levity and darkness. The strained relationship with her ex-boyfriend and the arrival of the new detective's hot son are the perfect recipe for an angst ridden love triangle, but Kim Harrington surprisingly steers clear of excessive teen angst. Clare and her ex are very civil with each other. She tries to move on with her life because she accepts her inability to get past his betrayal. I am so relieved that she didn't agonize over it for any length of time. I really respect her and I think she would actually be pretty cool to meet in real life. Clare proved to be one of the most interesting and realistic heroines in all of YA fiction.
In teen fiction, any sort of mysteries are usually thinly veiled and really easy to predict. This isn't the case with Clarity. In the course of the investigation, Clare doesn't always rely on her powers, but also on her own intelligence and powers of reasoning. I had no idea about who the killer was throughout the novel until it was finally revealed. I also liked that the paranormal powers aren't completely ridiculous and overpowered. Each of their powers has its limitations and variables.
Clarity is a fast paced and enjoyable read with a kick-ass heroine and a twisty mystery. I would highly recommend this book to just about everyone.
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of many of the people around her. Her mother is a telepath and her brother is a medium. Together, they conduct psychic readings for tourists in Eastport and are doing pretty well. That is, until a tourist girl is murdered in a local hotel. Clare's ex-boyfriend entreats her to use her ability to help in the murder investigation and she reluctantly agrees. Things get complicated when Clare finds out that her brother was the last person to see the girl alive. Convinced of her brother's innocence, she works hard to solve the crime, but she also puts herself in danger. Can she catch the killer before she becomes the next victim?When I picked up Clarity, I was expecting a cliche, angsty teen novel that would bore me. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was more of a murder mystery than a paranormal romance with believable, realistic characters. Clare is a great narrator and I immediately liked her from the very first page. Unlike many female protagonists in YA fiction, she isn't weak or whiny or annoying, but strong and assertive. The scene where she dumps a soda on her rival's head is truly awesome. There are many YA heroines that don't have the guts to do something like that. Her narration is filled with humor, wit, and intelligence. There is just the right balance of levity and darkness. The strained relationship with her ex-boyfriend and the arrival of the new detective's hot son are the perfect recipe for an angst ridden love triangle, but Kim Harrington surprisingly steers clear of excessive teen angst. Clare and her ex are very civil with each other. She tries to move on with her life because she accepts her inability to get past his betrayal. I am so relieved that she didn't agonize over it for any length of time. I really respect her and I think she would actually be pretty cool to meet in real life. Clare proved to be one of the most interesting and realistic heroines in all of YA fiction.
In teen fiction, any sort of mysteries are usually thinly veiled and really easy to predict. This isn't the case with Clarity. In the course of the investigation, Clare doesn't always rely on her powers, but also on her own intelligence and powers of reasoning. I had no idea about who the killer was throughout the novel until it was finally revealed. I also liked that the paranormal powers aren't completely ridiculous and overpowered. Each of their powers has its limitations and variables.
Clarity is a fast paced and enjoyable read with a kick-ass heroine and a twisty mystery. I would highly recommend this book to just about everyone.
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LibraryThing member Ronrose1
Clare Fern, her brother, Perry, and her mother, Starla, live in the resort town of Eastport on Cape Cod. They would be your typical family, with a few minor exceptions. Starla is a telepath. She can read people's minds. Perry, the older brother, is a medium. On a good day, he can talk with the
I enjoyed the fresh, new voice of the author, Kim Harrington. Her characters speak in appropriate dialog, not too young or old. The story moves along swiftly and smoothly. No outlandish leaps or plot clues held back. The characters are believeable and endearing. The cover artwork is great. I can see a follow up novel in the future. This book was provided for review by the well read folks at Amazon Vine and Point, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.
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dead. Clare, the young teenage daughter, is a psychic with the ability to draw images from objects that people have touched. They all work together eking out a living by giving readings to the tourists who frequent their quaint beach town. When one of those young tourists shows up dead, it is big news in Eastport. It's even bigger news to Clare when she discovers her brother, Perry was with the girl the night she was murdered. He may have been the last person to see her alive. Although she is normally considered a weirdo and a bit of an outcast, Clare is approached by her ex-boyfriend, Justin and Gabriel, the hunky son of the new police chief, to use her psychic powers to help clear up the murder. Clare agrees, knowing that she may be the only one who can prove her brother didn't commit the crime.I enjoyed the fresh, new voice of the author, Kim Harrington. Her characters speak in appropriate dialog, not too young or old. The story moves along swiftly and smoothly. No outlandish leaps or plot clues held back. The characters are believeable and endearing. The cover artwork is great. I can see a follow up novel in the future. This book was provided for review by the well read folks at Amazon Vine and Point, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.
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LibraryThing member SmashAttack
Clarity is a psychic, which means she can touch items and see visions of the history of the item, so to speak. Her mother, Starla, is a telepath, which means she can read minds. This is definitely not a character trait any teenager wishes for in a parent. And her older brother Perry is a medium,
Clarity and her family run a psychic business out of their Victorian home, and while Clarity would rather not be psychic to begin with, she enjoys the bond she shares with her mother and brother and pitches in with the family business. I admire her for thinking of others during a period of life –adolescence- when you usually only think of yourself. Her compassionate, protective, fun-loving, responsible, determined-to-no-longer-be-the-town-freak personality makes her a character that you wish you knew in real life. I adored her as a narrator due to her sarcastic explanations and snarky comebacks. She had me laugh out loud on many occasions. Great writing.
Clarity is still coping with heartbreak, as her ex-boyfriend and the only person to show her any bit of kindness, has trampled all over her heart. It is quite obvious that Justin still loves Clarity. He is quite sorry about his mistakes and aches for Clarity to return the sentiment. And, in walks Gabriel Toscano. I just have to say his name again. Gabriel Toscano. So sexy. :) Clarity is quite taken by Gabriel, but he quickly lets her know he isn’t a fan of her supposed skill.
Gabriel is the son of the new police detective, who just so happened to arrive in town right around the murder of a young female tourist. Justin is the son of the mayor, and urges Clarity to use her talent to help the police uncover the killer - which means she has to work with Gabriel. Oh, joyous days ahead….
I’m not a big mystery/sleuth reader, although there is mystery in pretty much every book. I read glowing reviews and knew I had to find out what the fuss was about. I’m glad I did because Clarity was a quick, fun, engaging, interesting story. With my hectic schedule, I still finished it in 24 hours. I honestly did not want to put it down. It was that fun. And the setting is very realistic, and the characters are ones you would love to live next door too. At least, I would. It was a great little whodunit mystery and I look forward to the next installment!
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which means he can communicate with the dead. Fun, interesting family, really. Too bad the town doesn’t see it that way…Clarity and her family run a psychic business out of their Victorian home, and while Clarity would rather not be psychic to begin with, she enjoys the bond she shares with her mother and brother and pitches in with the family business. I admire her for thinking of others during a period of life –adolescence- when you usually only think of yourself. Her compassionate, protective, fun-loving, responsible, determined-to-no-longer-be-the-town-freak personality makes her a character that you wish you knew in real life. I adored her as a narrator due to her sarcastic explanations and snarky comebacks. She had me laugh out loud on many occasions. Great writing.
Clarity is still coping with heartbreak, as her ex-boyfriend and the only person to show her any bit of kindness, has trampled all over her heart. It is quite obvious that Justin still loves Clarity. He is quite sorry about his mistakes and aches for Clarity to return the sentiment. And, in walks Gabriel Toscano. I just have to say his name again. Gabriel Toscano. So sexy. :) Clarity is quite taken by Gabriel, but he quickly lets her know he isn’t a fan of her supposed skill.
Gabriel is the son of the new police detective, who just so happened to arrive in town right around the murder of a young female tourist. Justin is the son of the mayor, and urges Clarity to use her talent to help the police uncover the killer - which means she has to work with Gabriel. Oh, joyous days ahead….
I’m not a big mystery/sleuth reader, although there is mystery in pretty much every book. I read glowing reviews and knew I had to find out what the fuss was about. I’m glad I did because Clarity was a quick, fun, engaging, interesting story. With my hectic schedule, I still finished it in 24 hours. I honestly did not want to put it down. It was that fun. And the setting is very realistic, and the characters are ones you would love to live next door too. At least, I would. It was a great little whodunit mystery and I look forward to the next installment!
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LibraryThing member booktwirps
Clarity (Clare) Fern is considered a freak. Everyone in her small coastal New England town knows that her family "sees things". Clarity is a psychic (she can see things by touching objects), her brother, Perry, is a medium (he can talk to the dead) and her mother is a telepath (she can read
Clarity is looking forward to the day when she leaves for college, so she can start fresh with a clean slate. She will go far away from her hometown where no one knows about her or her "gift". Until then, she has resigned herself to sit at home, do her readings and wait for high school to end. Clarity's summer is about to be turned on end, though. A teenage girl has been found murdered in a hotel, and the last person to see her was Perry (he's a bit of a man-whore). Soon, her ex-boyfriend (and son of the mayor) asks for her help in solving the case. She joins him, and the son of the new police detective to track down the killer. When more people wind up dead, Clairty has a feeling that she may be next.
I enjoyed the book, and read it quickly. It's an easy read, and follows the typical "whodunnit" path. Something about it didn't totally suck me in, though. As much as I tried, I just couldn't buy in to some of the twists, and the resolve was only ho-hum to me. The characters were fairly well-drawn, though some of the supporting characters seemed erratic in their behavior. The most consistent characters were Clarity and her family. If you like mysteries, you will probably really like this book. For me, it was just okay.
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people's thoughts). Together they entertain the tourists in their home be giving family "readings".Clarity is looking forward to the day when she leaves for college, so she can start fresh with a clean slate. She will go far away from her hometown where no one knows about her or her "gift". Until then, she has resigned herself to sit at home, do her readings and wait for high school to end. Clarity's summer is about to be turned on end, though. A teenage girl has been found murdered in a hotel, and the last person to see her was Perry (he's a bit of a man-whore). Soon, her ex-boyfriend (and son of the mayor) asks for her help in solving the case. She joins him, and the son of the new police detective to track down the killer. When more people wind up dead, Clairty has a feeling that she may be next.
I enjoyed the book, and read it quickly. It's an easy read, and follows the typical "whodunnit" path. Something about it didn't totally suck me in, though. As much as I tried, I just couldn't buy in to some of the twists, and the resolve was only ho-hum to me. The characters were fairly well-drawn, though some of the supporting characters seemed erratic in their behavior. The most consistent characters were Clarity and her family. If you like mysteries, you will probably really like this book. For me, it was just okay.
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LibraryThing member ShaEliPar
I'll be honest in saying that Clarity was a book I couldn't wait to get my hands on and quickly created my own hype around it based on the premise alone! I had a widget on my blog counting down the days until its release and purposely avoided reviews of it, so I wouldn't accidentally read a
Clare is such a strong, smart & sassy protagonist that even when she's being reckless or stubborn, you can't hep but like her. She's also very easy to relate to, in spite of her psychic powers, since all she really wants is to be accepted and understood for who she is.
The dynamic between Clare, her brother Perry, and their mother is a tight and honest one, due to the way they've been treated by the town because of their abilities. They also share a family business and rely heavily on each other to keep it going. Although they don't always get along, there's a nice, fun banter to their relationship which shows off just how much the deeply care for one another.
Before reading Clarity I thought the supernatural/psychic side of the story would be the main focus. However, its the murder-mystery of who killed the teenage tourist that actually propels much of the novel forward. I found this to be very refreshing, since the mystery is very well crafted and features quite a few twists. I admit to believing I had unraveled the mystery rather early, only to realize I didn't at all.
Now you can't have a mystery novel without a bunch of supporting characters. Most noteworthy are: Justin, Clare's charming ex and the mayor's son, who's still totally hung up on her. The new police detective who shows up in town shortly before the murder and his son Gabriel, a brooding young man with his own secret. And lastly Nate, Perry's best friend and junior reporter, who's always looking for the next big scoop. You'll have a hard time figuring out everyone's agenda, as well as who to route for in the Justin/Clare/Gabriel department.
The novel has a beautiful rhythm to it and weaves the character development perfectly with the murder mystery. At the end, when the killer is finally revealed, you'll be glad to know that every loose puzzle piece falls perfectly into place so there's no loose ends left open.
One of my only complaints with the novel is that Clare doesn't have any friends. I understand that Clare's ability might frighten or put some people off , but to not give her any friends seems both cruel and unbelievable. I just don't believe that not one single person didn't want to be her friend. This point is further irritating by the fact that her brother Perry, who also has psychic powers, still has a best friend. I also wish their could have been more backstory on the Fern family's abilities but the ending of the book suggests a sequel, where we may get more answers.
Recommended to fans of paranormal or mystery novels, Clarity is a perfect balance of the two genres and a nice fit for anyone looking for a quick read with an extremely likable heroine.
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spoiler. Although Clarity wasn't perfect, it was an immensely enjoyable book!Clare is such a strong, smart & sassy protagonist that even when she's being reckless or stubborn, you can't hep but like her. She's also very easy to relate to, in spite of her psychic powers, since all she really wants is to be accepted and understood for who she is.
The dynamic between Clare, her brother Perry, and their mother is a tight and honest one, due to the way they've been treated by the town because of their abilities. They also share a family business and rely heavily on each other to keep it going. Although they don't always get along, there's a nice, fun banter to their relationship which shows off just how much the deeply care for one another.
Before reading Clarity I thought the supernatural/psychic side of the story would be the main focus. However, its the murder-mystery of who killed the teenage tourist that actually propels much of the novel forward. I found this to be very refreshing, since the mystery is very well crafted and features quite a few twists. I admit to believing I had unraveled the mystery rather early, only to realize I didn't at all.
Now you can't have a mystery novel without a bunch of supporting characters. Most noteworthy are: Justin, Clare's charming ex and the mayor's son, who's still totally hung up on her. The new police detective who shows up in town shortly before the murder and his son Gabriel, a brooding young man with his own secret. And lastly Nate, Perry's best friend and junior reporter, who's always looking for the next big scoop. You'll have a hard time figuring out everyone's agenda, as well as who to route for in the Justin/Clare/Gabriel department.
The novel has a beautiful rhythm to it and weaves the character development perfectly with the murder mystery. At the end, when the killer is finally revealed, you'll be glad to know that every loose puzzle piece falls perfectly into place so there's no loose ends left open.
One of my only complaints with the novel is that Clare doesn't have any friends. I understand that Clare's ability might frighten or put some people off , but to not give her any friends seems both cruel and unbelievable. I just don't believe that not one single person didn't want to be her friend. This point is further irritating by the fact that her brother Perry, who also has psychic powers, still has a best friend. I also wish their could have been more backstory on the Fern family's abilities but the ending of the book suggests a sequel, where we may get more answers.
Recommended to fans of paranormal or mystery novels, Clarity is a perfect balance of the two genres and a nice fit for anyone looking for a quick read with an extremely likable heroine.
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LibraryThing member idroskicinia
Clarity is the first book of a series by Kim Harrington, and I'm glad to say I'm dying to read the next one, even thought, there is some stuff in the book that are kind of crazy.
Ok, the story is about Clarity known also as "Clare" is a girl who can see things others can't. Her family is quite
The plot made me remember "The Body Finder" by Kimberly Derting. It's almost the same thing; a girl with special abilities who helps police to find a killer or a serial killer, who at the end is going after her. But even though both stories seem very similar, there are a lot of differences. There is a lot of mystery and twists,(I was all the time bitting my nails) although the story is really simple (only 242 pages) and easy to read. I really enjoyed it.
I really liked the characters, they are nice, specially Clare's mother. ( I couldn't stop laughing with her crazy comments about people's thoughts) Her brother's name, is kind of…. weird… you need to read it!! ahhaha!
Like I said before, this is really nice book, with a simple story, with funny characters. It's not the best book ever, but I was happy to read it. Hope to see something more stunning in the next one; Perception.
4/5 I really liked it.
Ok, the story is about Clarity known also as "Clare" is a girl who can see things others can't. Her family is quite
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strange like her. They have special abilities, so they have a business at home doing that kind of thing. But everything changes when a teenage girl is found murdered. Now, Clare is going to help solve the case.The plot made me remember "The Body Finder" by Kimberly Derting. It's almost the same thing; a girl with special abilities who helps police to find a killer or a serial killer, who at the end is going after her. But even though both stories seem very similar, there are a lot of differences. There is a lot of mystery and twists,(I was all the time bitting my nails) although the story is really simple (only 242 pages) and easy to read. I really enjoyed it.
I really liked the characters, they are nice, specially Clare's mother. ( I couldn't stop laughing with her crazy comments about people's thoughts) Her brother's name, is kind of…. weird… you need to read it!! ahhaha!
Like I said before, this is really nice book, with a simple story, with funny characters. It's not the best book ever, but I was happy to read it. Hope to see something more stunning in the next one; Perception.
4/5 I really liked it.
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LibraryThing member EKAnderson
Everybody loves a good mystery, right? And paranormal romance is all the rage. Though Kim Harrington‘s CLARITY, on the surface, might appear to be your average paranormal romance, it’s anything but.
Wait, no, I take that back. It’s paranormal *and* it’s romantic. But CLARITY reads more like
So Clare has a lot on her plate: a love triangle, a family business in distress, the burden of being the town freak, and trying to clear her brother’s name. It’s not exactly a day at the beach. (Except for, you know, the beach down the street.) CLARITY is one of those books that keeps you up all night turning pages, even when you’re beyond exhausted. Kim Harrington‘s writing is superb and her plot is cleanly and tightly constructed. I cannot wait to see what’s coming next from this debut author!
Wait, no, I take that back. It’s paranormal *and* it’s romantic. But CLARITY reads more like
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a contemporary mystery than like a paranormal. (Which isn’t to say I don’t like paranormals…but bear with me here.) Sure, the protagonist is psychic, but it’s more that she’s part of the psychic family of freaks in her Massachusetts tourist town — and that everyone at school has made it known that she’s a weirdo loser — that defines her character. And, yes, Clare uses her abilities to aid the new police Chief and his (sexy) son solve a murder, but her ability is just a part of what drives the plot. I mean, there’s the aforementioned sexy guy. And there’s Clare’s ex who totally betrayed her, but wants her back, and happens to be the mayor’s son. (Yeah, the mayor wants this murder thing cleared up ASAP — that’s how Clare got on the case in the first place.) Of course, there’s also the new psychic in town, Madame Maslov, who claims to see the future when everyone in the psychic community knows that’s just not possible. Clare and her family’s business is being devastated by Madame Maslov’s shop up the street. And all of this pales in comparison to the fact that Clare’s brother, Perry, was the last person to be seen with the victim.So Clare has a lot on her plate: a love triangle, a family business in distress, the burden of being the town freak, and trying to clear her brother’s name. It’s not exactly a day at the beach. (Except for, you know, the beach down the street.) CLARITY is one of those books that keeps you up all night turning pages, even when you’re beyond exhausted. Kim Harrington‘s writing is superb and her plot is cleanly and tightly constructed. I cannot wait to see what’s coming next from this debut author!
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LibraryThing member bookittyblog
Clarity’s family is gifted. She is a psychic, her brother is a medium and her mom is a telepath. They live in Cape Cod a tourist town. Not much happens there until a tourist girl is murdered. For Clarity this doesn’t mean much until her brother tells her he was the last person to see the girl
I liked this book a lot. At the beginning I thought that I was going to know right away who the killer was, but it wasn’t that easy. The author makes you think that almost everybody is the killer and I liked that. The only bad thing is that I wanted to see more of Clarity and her family’s gifts. I love that the ending is open for another book and I can’t wait to read more of Clarity.
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alive. Now Clarity has to use her gift to find the real killer and proof her brother is innocent.I liked this book a lot. At the beginning I thought that I was going to know right away who the killer was, but it wasn’t that easy. The author makes you think that almost everybody is the killer and I liked that. The only bad thing is that I wanted to see more of Clarity and her family’s gifts. I love that the ending is open for another book and I can’t wait to read more of Clarity.
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LibraryThing member WillaRambles
arity Fern knows that she can see the past when she touches a certain object, and so does her town. So, when a teenage girl is murdered in her small town, her ex-boyfriend, who happens to be the mayor's son, asks Clarity to help her solve the case - Clare refuses to help him (he's the jerk after
I loved this debut novel by Kim Harrington, for it's originality. There isn't a lot of other novel like this out there, and Clarity out shines them all. This story is surprising, witty, and filled with suspense. I read it in 3 hours! 4 stars for Clarity!
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all), and instead teams up with the detective's son, Gabriel. When her brother becomes the prime suspect, Clare falls deeper into the case, desperately hoping that her brother isn't guilty. Can she prove him wrong, and then find the real killer? Well, you'll have to read it to find out.I loved this debut novel by Kim Harrington, for it's originality. There isn't a lot of other novel like this out there, and Clarity out shines them all. This story is surprising, witty, and filled with suspense. I read it in 3 hours! 4 stars for Clarity!
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LibraryThing member Krissy724
I’ve heard nothing but good things about Clarity, from debut author Kim Harrington, so I was really excited when I got this book from my public library. I thought the story was original, fast-paced, and I absolutely loved some of the one-liners that were said!
Clarity “Clare” Fern, her
I loved Clare, absolutely loved her! She was smart, brave, and hilarious! She had me cracking up throughout the book. Come to think of it, I really loved all of the characters. They all brought something special to the story. I especially loved Gabriel. He’s the new kid in town whose father is the lead detective on the case. At some points, Gabriel was very mean to Clare, usually for no reason but to be a douche, which I was getting annoyed at, but once I found out what his story was, I ended up falling for him a little.
Besides the great characters, the plot was absolutely captivating! From the first page I was hooked! I had no clue who the murderer was, and I was very surprised at the ending!
This is a book I definitely would recommend! You will not be able to put it down!
Clarity “Clare” Fern, her
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brother, Perry, and her mom all have special gifts. Clare can touch an object and see specific visions about things that have happened in the past. Her brother can talk to the dead, and her mother can hear your thoughts. When a girl is murdered in her small town of Eastport, MA, Clare uses her special gift to find out what happened. When her brother becomes the prime suspect in the investigation, Clare will do whatever she has to do to clear his name.I loved Clare, absolutely loved her! She was smart, brave, and hilarious! She had me cracking up throughout the book. Come to think of it, I really loved all of the characters. They all brought something special to the story. I especially loved Gabriel. He’s the new kid in town whose father is the lead detective on the case. At some points, Gabriel was very mean to Clare, usually for no reason but to be a douche, which I was getting annoyed at, but once I found out what his story was, I ended up falling for him a little.
Besides the great characters, the plot was absolutely captivating! From the first page I was hooked! I had no clue who the murderer was, and I was very surprised at the ending!
This is a book I definitely would recommend! You will not be able to put it down!
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LibraryThing member renkellym
Summary: Clarity “Clare” Fern is a psychic—kind of. By touching objects, she can see where they’ve been and who has touched them last. Clare uses her ability to help with the family business—her mom can hear people’s thoughts and her brother can talk to dead people, making them the
My thoughts: Clarity pretty much represents everything I love about young adult literature. It has a likable heroine, believable love interests, and an engaging story. Mad props to Kim Harrington!
The best part of Clarity, I think, is the mystery. Clare’s abilities make for extremely interesting sleuthing, and I really enjoyed trying to figure out the identity of the killer. And let me tell you—I couldn’t guess! Usually I’m able to predict whodunit, but with Clarity I was completely blindsided. I love unpredictability! The mystery was developed really well; Kim Harrington is definitely a writer to watch!
Another awesome aspect of Clarity is the titular character herself. Clare is funny, intelligent, and someone I would love to be buds with. She doesn’t take anyone’s crap and is almost completely comfortable with herself (she dumped a friggin’ soda on a mean girl. I literally shouted in triumph!). Her quirky personality really made the book really fun—I loved reading the murder mystery through her perspective.
Though Clare is usually sassy, the moments when she let her softer side show were great, too. I definitely couldn’t say that Clare was a one-dimensional character—she was very dynamic, and I could easily feel every feeling she felt.
Let’s talk love interests. Clare is seriously fending off dudes with a stick, the lucky girl—she has two serious love interests and one sort-of love interest. Usually I’d call that overkill, but it really worked in Clarity. Justin, Clare’s ex, was a really sweet dude, and though he made a big mistake in the past, I still found him adorable. Then there’s Gabriel, the sexy boy detective (an oxymoron? Nay!). I loved his banter with Clare. It was so difficult for me to choose who to root for! I wasn’t too happy with where the book left off in terms of Clare’s love life, but I can’t wait to see what happens in book two!
I’d recommend Clarity to anyone. I’d consider it a good gateway book for those uncertain about YA—it proves that yes, teens have decent murder mysteries, too! Seriously, guys, you need to pick up this book. Go! Get thee to a bookstore! I can almost guarantee that you’ll love Clarity as much as I did.
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kitschiest tourist attraction in town. But when a young tourist is murdered, Clare is roped in to help with the investigation. Though the detective on the case and his hot son don’t believe in psychics, they’re willing to take a chance on Clare’s ability. Will she be able to solve the case before more people are killed?My thoughts: Clarity pretty much represents everything I love about young adult literature. It has a likable heroine, believable love interests, and an engaging story. Mad props to Kim Harrington!
The best part of Clarity, I think, is the mystery. Clare’s abilities make for extremely interesting sleuthing, and I really enjoyed trying to figure out the identity of the killer. And let me tell you—I couldn’t guess! Usually I’m able to predict whodunit, but with Clarity I was completely blindsided. I love unpredictability! The mystery was developed really well; Kim Harrington is definitely a writer to watch!
Another awesome aspect of Clarity is the titular character herself. Clare is funny, intelligent, and someone I would love to be buds with. She doesn’t take anyone’s crap and is almost completely comfortable with herself (she dumped a friggin’ soda on a mean girl. I literally shouted in triumph!). Her quirky personality really made the book really fun—I loved reading the murder mystery through her perspective.
Though Clare is usually sassy, the moments when she let her softer side show were great, too. I definitely couldn’t say that Clare was a one-dimensional character—she was very dynamic, and I could easily feel every feeling she felt.
Let’s talk love interests. Clare is seriously fending off dudes with a stick, the lucky girl—she has two serious love interests and one sort-of love interest. Usually I’d call that overkill, but it really worked in Clarity. Justin, Clare’s ex, was a really sweet dude, and though he made a big mistake in the past, I still found him adorable. Then there’s Gabriel, the sexy boy detective (an oxymoron? Nay!). I loved his banter with Clare. It was so difficult for me to choose who to root for! I wasn’t too happy with where the book left off in terms of Clare’s love life, but I can’t wait to see what happens in book two!
I’d recommend Clarity to anyone. I’d consider it a good gateway book for those uncertain about YA—it proves that yes, teens have decent murder mysteries, too! Seriously, guys, you need to pick up this book. Go! Get thee to a bookstore! I can almost guarantee that you’ll love Clarity as much as I did.
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Awards
Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (Selection — 2012)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2011-03-01
Physical description
256 p.; 8.4 inches
ISBN
0545230500 / 9780545230506
Local notes
Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. 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.
Lots of fun for a teeny romance!
Lots of fun for a teeny romance!