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.