Introduction
The Naturals kicked off Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ hugely popular YA thriller series when it was first published in 2013, before dark, psychology-leaning YA became the trend it is today. Barnes, who has a PHD in psychology, is known for blending sharp insight with her addictive pacing, crafted a series that feels fresh even a decade later. With its growing fanbase and a new installment on the way, it’s the perfect time to dive in.
A Summary
The Naturals follows Cassie, a teenager with an uncanny ability to read people but not in a supernatural way, just in a “your brain is terrifyingly observant” way. She’s recruited by a secret FBI program that trains gifted teens to help solve cold cases. Once she arrives at the house where the Naturals live and train, she’s thrown into a world of profiling, banter, rivalry, and a case that hits a little too close to home. It’s twisty without being confusing, dark without being overwhelming, and the kind of book you inhale in one sitting (at least I did).
Writing Style
Barnes writes in a way that feels effortless, with clean, quick chapters, sharp dialogue, and just enough detail to keep you grounded without slowing the pace. The profiling elements are explained clearly but never feel like info‑dumping. It’s YA that respects its audience: smart, emotional, and accessible. The tone balances tension with humour, which keeps the darker moments from feeling too heavy.
What I Loved
This is one of those books that dunks you into the world flawlessly. It feels like Criminal Minds with teenagers in the best way possible. This was the first novel I read of Jennifer Lynn Barnes, and I am now obsessed. The characters in this novel are, on the surface, loveable and interesting, but it is clear that each one has their secrets and are complex people, which I am so excited to read as I go through the series. The basis of how the characters interact is genius as well with the mix of each of them being able to read one another in a different way allows us to be told things that we wouldn’t have known otherwise.
There are parts of this book that feel cliche, but it has such a unique spin on it that it didn’t register at first that it was a cliche. For example, the love triangle isn’t a trope that I often enjoy - simply because it’s too obvious who the MC ends up with and there’s usually a right and a wrong choice. BUT, in The Naturals I genuinely felt torn between Michael and Dean, and the writing showed pros and cons of each boy. It felt honest and real and I loved that.
I also adored how they feel like teenagers, because I am so sick of books making a main character a 17 year old and then having them act like an adult. In this novel, they feel mature because of their trauma, but still mischievous, fun and innocent.
Series Order
The Natural series consists of 4 released novels, a novella and a 5th novel set to be released later this year.
1) The Naturals
2) Killer Instinct
3) All In
4) Bad Blood
4.5) Twelve (Novella)
5) Dangerous Impulse (Release Date - 05/11/26)
Recommendation
If you haven’t read this yet, go do it. It’s long overdue. It’s not explicit, and even the kissing scenes feel innocent and sweet. I’d recommend it for readers 13+ - just be aware that it does deal with serial killers and murder, so if you’re squeamish, maybe brace yourself. Otherwise, it’s the perfect binge‑read.
Songs
Songs that I find reminiscent of the book:
Bury A Friend by Billie Eilish
Team by Lorde
Everybody Wants To Rule The World by Lorde
Better Luck Next Life by Unlike Pluto
(P.S. We made them links so feel free to click on them and get teleported straight into the vibes.)
