Friday, June 26, 2015

Review: The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The Naturals (The Naturals, #1)

The Naturals is one of those books that I noticed on several Stacking the Shelves posts a couple of years ago.  I picked up a copy, but it wasn't really at the top of my TBR pile until now.  I'm participating in the COYER scavenger hunt and needed to read a book written by an author with three names.  I scanned all of my unread books and this one practically jumped out at me.

I can't believe I didn't start this series sooner.  I have been reading the Stephanie Plum, Women's Murder Club, King & Maxwell, and Kay Scarpetta murder mystery series for years, but this is the first time I have come across a YA version.

Cassie is a seventeen-year-old girl with a natural ability to read people.  Her mother was murdered five years ago and her father is overseas in the military.  When she is asked to join an FBI program for teens with various natural abilities, she jumped at the opportunity.  The program is supposed to sharpen their skills while helping the FBI solve cold cases.

Dean is the only member of the group who is a natural profiler like Cassie.  Michael is a natural at reading emotions, Leah is a walking lie detector, and Sloane is an encyclopedia who can spit out facts and statistics on just about anything.  One day, The Naturals stumble upon an active murder investigation their supervisors are working on.  Cassie is immediately drawn to it because of the similarities with her mother's case.  They begin working the case and are pulled further into the killer's world than any of them could have imagined was possible.  I was completely shocked when I discovered who the killer was and couldn't believe the lengths he/she went to.

Overall, this was an excellent start to the series.  I was completely captivated throughout the book and I loved the characters.  I gave the book 4 stars and I can't wait to see what happens next in Killer Instinct.

8 comments:

  1. I'm glad to see that you liked this one! I read it back when it came out and absolutely loved it, but I still have yet to continue on with the series. I think I'd have to reread this one first. Great review!
    Krystianna @ Downright Dystopian

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    1. Thanks!! I think I picked up the series at the perfect time. I can read the first three books without waiting between releases. I'm sure Barnes would include enough background info that you won't need to reread the first book. At least that is my experience with most series I'm reading.

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  2. I really liked this book and need to grab up Killer Instincts and can't believe I haven't done it yet..lol.

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    1. I would continue onto the next book ASAP, but I don't own a copy and I want to stick with the COYER challenge. I'm trying to read books I already own until the end of the challenge....or books I can trade for in our free little library.

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  3. Oh, I hadn't discovered this book until your review, but now that I have, I am adding it to my TBR list. I am a big fan of books like these so this sounds like it's right up my alley!

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  4. I keep seeing this book as recommended for me and hesitating. Guess I should stop hesitating as it sounds exactly like my kind of read! Debbie@CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

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    1. I don't think I really knew what it was about or I would have read it a long time ago. I would definitely recommend it if Goodreads thinks it is similar to your other books.

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