Book Review: Hanging by a Thread by Sophie Littlefield

Title: Hanging by a Thread
Author: Sophie Littlefield
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 11, 2012

Summer is the best part of the year in Winston, California, and the Fourth of July is the highlight of the season. But the perfect town Clare remembers has changed, and everyone is praying that this summer will be different from the last two—that this year's Fourth of July festival won't see one of their own vanish without a trace, leaving no leads and no suspects. The media are in a frenzy predicting a third disappearance, but the town depends on tourist dollars, so the residents of Winston are trying desperately to pretend nothing's wrong.
And they're not the only ones hiding something.
Clare, a seamstress who redesigns vintage clothing, has been blessed—or perhaps cursed—with a gift: she can see people's pasts when she touches their clothes. When she stumbles across a denim jacket that once belonged to Amanda Stavros, last year's Fourth of July victim, Clare sees her perfect town begin to come apart at the seams.
In a town where appearance means everything, how deep beneath the surface will Clare dig to uncover a murderer?

MY REVIEW

Hanging by a Thread by Sophie Littlefield is a mystery novel with a twist of paranormal. The paranormal comes from the special talent that Clare possesses. Clare can see the past, when she touches clothing. Clare’s journey starts to take a darker turn when her mother moves them back to Winston. Clare rekindles her friendship with Rachel, but it does not feel the same. Just when Clare begins to adjust and make friends with the popular group, she starts to fall for the bad boy, Jack. 

Clare likes the feeling of belonging, but she also likes to express her individualism. She does this by custom making her clothing, usually with vintage pieces and materials. While doing this, Clare comes across a denim jacket that may have belonged to the missing girl Amanda Stavros. Clare feels a responsibility to find out what happened to Amanda, but she is not sure where to start. As things begin to take a dangerous turn, Clare is determined to protect her friends, but they may not be who they seem. All Clare wants to do is prevent another tragedy from happening in Winston. 

Jack is set up to be the clique bad boy, with a police record and anger problems, but by the time Clare meets Jack that is all in the past. The town suspects his evolvement in Amanda’s disappearance, but there was never any evidence. Jack is protective over Clare, and he seems to be really trying to make up for the mistakes of his past. I really like the sweet relationship that Jack and Clare develop, while Clare is trying to solve the Stavros disappearance. I have not read any of Sophie Littlefield’s other works, but I will defiantly be doing so in the future. 

I really like the way the story unfolds in Hanging by a Thread. The story comes to readers in two parts through Clare or through her visions of the past. This book is not solely about the mystery, it is also about friendship. The story is written very well, and the details fall into place at just the right times. Hanging by a Thread is great book for both mystery fans, and fans of paranormal books. There is a little bit of romance in there for romance fans, but it is not overwhelming. 

**Unabridged Bookshelf received this book from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review**

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