The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Summary from Goodreads

Cassie Hobbes is not like most teenagers. Most teenagers don’t lose their mother in a bloody, unsolved kidnapping. Most teenagers can’t tell who you are, where you’re from and how you’re likely to behave within moments of meeting you. And most teenagers don’t get chosen to join The Naturals.

Identified by the FBI as uniquely gifted, Cassie is recruited to an elite school where a small number of teens are trained to hone their exceptional abilites.

For Cassie, trying to make friends with the girls, and to figure out the two very different, very hot boys, is challenging enough. But when a serial killer begins recreating the details of her mother’s horrific crime scene, she realises just how dangerous life in The Naturals could be...

Paperback, 352 pages

Published November 7th 2013 by Quercus

My Review

The Naturals isn't at all like I was expecting. It's a very intelligent read, that is very well researched - this is probably due to the author's extensive knowledge in the psychology, psychiatry and cognitive science fields.

An exciting mix if interesting characters work this very engaging storyline. The writing is fantastic and I honestly sat riveted from start to finish. Danger lurked around every corner and nothing was ever certain - I loved that!

Main character Cassie is unexpectedly dragged into a special unit of the FBI. She is keen to join, because her own mother was murdered and her body or killer never unearthed. Cassie, like the teens in the group have a special talent that makes it easier for them access and analyse situations and evidence. Cassie, is a natural profiler and that's why she has been asked to join.

It doesn't take long for Cassie to realise all isn't what it seems, when an active case strikes too close to home....it can only spell trouble!

The Naturals is an extremely edgy, graphic and exciting read that brought me on one hell of a journey. I feel like this is only the beginning and I know that there will be plenty more fantastic journeys to be had with this group of super talented teens!

4 / 5 Stars

*Special thanks to Quercus for the review copy*