Summary
The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a gripping young adult thriller that blends elements of crime fiction with fantasy and teenage drama. Published in 2013, the novel follows 17-year-old Cassie, a gifted profiler recruited by the FBI for a classified program using teens with exceptional abilities to solve cold cases. Praised by critics for its tightly paced, suspenseful plot and compelling characters, The Naturals has been described as “Criminal Minds for the YA world” (New York Times bestselling author Ally Carter). The novel’s success has led to multiple sequels, establishing Barnes as a major voice in YA literature.
Plot
Seventeen-year-old Cassie has an extraordinary ability to read people and deduce information from small details. Her talent catches the attention of the FBI, who recruit her for a classified program that uses gifted teenagers to solve cold cases. Intrigued by the opportunity, Cassie agrees to join the program and is sent to live with a group of other exceptional teens.
As Cassie settles into her new surroundings, she meets her fellow “Naturals,” each with their own unique abilities. Among them are Michael, who can read emotions, and Dean, who shares Cassie's gift for profiling. The group begins working on unsolved cases, using their talents to uncover new leads and piece together clues that have baffled investigators for years.
However, Cassie soon realizes that there's more to the program than she initially thought. The teens' gifts make them valuable assets, but they also put them at risk. When a new killer emerges, the stakes become even higher, and the Naturals find themselves caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
As the killer's attacks escalate, Cassie and her teammates must use all of their abilities to stay one step ahead. With danger looming closer than ever, they discover that no one in the Naturals program is quite what they seem. The teens are forced to confront not only the killer but also their own secrets and motivations as they race against time to solve the case and survive.
Themes
Nature of talent and prodigy
Psychological profiling and criminal investigation
Coming of age and self-discovery
Trust and deception in relationships
Power of teamwork and collaboration
Balancing personal life with professional responsibilities
Overcoming trauma and past experiences
Setting
Set in the contemporary United States, The Naturals is centered around a classified FBI program that recruits gifted teenagers to solve cold cases. The novel's backdrop shifts between urban and suburban environments, reflecting the dual nature of the characters' lives as both ordinary teens and extraordinary crime-solvers.
While specific locations are not extensively detailed, the narrative implies a mix of settings. These likely include FBI facilities where the teens receive training, safe houses where they reside during the program, and various crime scenes they investigate. The author creates a sense of isolation and intensity by focusing on the close-knit group of teenage prodigies and their interactions within these confined spaces.
The era is unmistakably modern, with references to current investigative techniques and technology. However, the cold cases the team tackles span different time periods, allowing the story to bridge past and present. This temporal flexibility adds depth to the setting, creating a rich tapestry of historical crimes set against a contemporary backdrop of advanced forensic science and behavioral analysis.
Characters
Cassie Hobday: The protagonist and narrator. Cassie, age 17, has a natural ability to read other people’s behavior and the motivations behind them. She joins the FBI's Naturals program to help solve cold cases. Cassie struggles with her past, including her mother's unsolved murder, and navigates complex relationships with her fellow Naturals. Her skills and determination make her a valuable asset to the team.
Michael Townsend: A Natural with the ability to read emotions. Michael comes from a wealthy family and uses sarcasm as a defense mechanism. He develops a close but complicated relationship with Cassie, often getting under her skin while also supporting her.
Dean Redding: Another Natural profiler. Dean has a troubled past and keeps others at a distance. He forms a connection with Cassie due to their similar abilities and experiences. Dean's brooding nature hides his vulnerabilities and struggles with his family history.
Lia Zhang: A Natural with a talent for detecting lies. Lia is confident and outspoken, often clashing with others in the group. She forms an unlikely friendship with Cassie as the story progresses.
Sloane Tavish: A Natural with an exceptional memory and ability to process statistics. Sloane is socially awkward but brilliant, providing crucial insights to the team's investigations.
Agent Lacey Locke: The FBI agent in charge of the Naturals program. She oversees the teenagers' training and investigations, balancing her role as a mentor with the need to protect them from danger.
Agent Briggs: Another FBI agent involved with the Naturals program. He works closely with Agent Locke and helps guide the young team members.
Quick facts
The Naturals is the first book in a series of five novels featuring teenage characters with exceptional abilities recruited by the FBI to help solve crimes.
Jennifer Lynn Barnes wrote the novel while pursuing her PhD in developmental psychology.
The story was inspired by Barnes's interest in both crime shows and young adult fiction.
The main character Cassie's profiling abilities were loosely based on real FBI profiling techniques.
The Naturals was a YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers.
The novel has been compared to TV shows like Criminal Minds and The Mentalist.
Barnes conducted extensive research on FBI procedures and serial killers to make the story more authentic.
The book spawned a dedicated fan base who call themselves “Naturals."
In 2014, The Naturals was nominated for an Anthony Award for Best Young Adult Novel.
About the Author
Jennifer Lynn Barnes (1984-) is an American author of more than a dozen critically acclaimed young adult novels. Her work often explores themes of mystery, crime, and the intricacies of the human mind. She launched her career in 2013 with The Naturals, the first book of five in a series following a group of teenagers with exceptional abilities recruited by the FBI to solve cold cases. Her most recent series is The Inheritance Games, consisting of four books focused on a teenage girl determined to uncover the truth behind a mysterious fortune.
Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Barnes has worn many hats throughout her life, from competitive cheerleader to primate cognition researcher. She began writing at a young age, completing her first novel while still in high school. She has advanced degrees in psychology, psychiatry, and cognitive science, including graduates from Cambridge University, where she was a Fulbright Scholar, and Yale University, where she received her PhD in 2012. As a writer, she draws on her background in psychology and brain science to craft intricate plots with psychological depth, drawing readers into the minds of her complex characters. In addition, she is one of the world’s leading experts on the psychology of fandom.
Beyond her novels, Barnes has written original pilot scripts for major television networks, including USA and MTV. She is an Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma, where she holds a dual appointment in Psychology and Professional Writing. With her unique combination of talents, she continues to create compelling narratives while also contributing to the understanding of how people engage with stories.
