The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
The Naturals Series Book 1
4 / 5 Stars
308 Pages
Originally Published in 2013
Finished Reading on November 13, 2024
It’s been a while since I devoured a YA mystery this fast, but The Naturals hooked me right away. Maybe it’s the Criminal Minds vibes or the fact that the teens are basically gifted FBI recruits, but this was such a fun and surprisingly dark read. I flew through the pages like I was trying to solve the case myself (with a cup of coffee in hand, of course).
“Some people are born with a mind for solving crimes.”
What I Loved
This book wastes no time getting to the action. I appreciated how quickly the story pulled me in. The setup is so intriguing! Teenagers with natural abilities in profiling, emotions, statistics, and lies working together to solve cold cases. The dynamic between the characters was a highlight. Each of them has a unique edge, and the tension (romantic and otherwise) was well done. The pacing is sharp, and the twists kept coming.
“Lie, lie, lie. The truth is only dangerous if it can be found.”
What I Didn’t Love
There were a few moments where the characters fell into classic YA tropes. The love triangle, the mysterious brooding boys, and the main character trying to prove herself. But even then, it didn’t take away too much from the overall enjoyment. Some parts of the mystery felt rushed or too convenient, but I still found it compelling.
“The killer doesn’t care how smart you are.”
Final Thoughts
This one leans into nature vs. nurture, the ethics of profiling, and what it means to be gifted with something that isolates you. It’s also about trust, trauma, and learning to work as a team when your instincts tell you to run solo. If you enjoy psychological thrillers that keep you guessing while also giving you a great group dynamic, this checks all the boxes.
Who Will Love This Book?
- Readers who love YA thrillers with a criminal psychology twist
- Fans of Criminal Minds or One of Us is Lying
- Anyone looking for a fast-paced mystery with teen drama and found family vibes
The Naturals is a bingeable YA mystery with strong characters and a premise that totally delivers. It balances high stakes danger with emotional depth, and I can see why this series has such a loyal following. I’m definitely continuing this series!
4.0 / 5 stars!
Would you trust a teenager to help solve a real-life murder investigation?