The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes has garnered positive praise for its intriguing plot and clever blend of mystery and psychological elements. Readers appreciate the fast-paced narrative and engaging characters. However, criticisms include some predictable twists and occasional underdeveloped character dynamics. Overall, it is an engaging read for young adult audiences.

Thrill-seeking teens and YA readers who enjoy fast-paced mystery and crime-solving narratives will be hooked by The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. Fans of Pretty Little Liars and One of Us Is Lying will appreciate the blend of high-stakes drama, clever plot twists, and relatable teen characters.

The Naturals follows Cassie, a teen with a talent for profiling, who joins an FBI program for gifted teenagers to solve cold cases while grappling with the mystery of her mother's disappearance. Cassie forms bonds and tensions with fellow "Naturals" and faces dangers tied to her mother's past. The plot involves discussions of parental loss, violence, and psychological trauma.

Suspenseful / Mysterious / Dark / Emotional / Challenging

- The Naturals series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes was inspired by the author's background in psychology and her fascination with understanding what drives human behavior.
- Jennifer Lynn Barnes, the author of The Naturals, holds several degrees in psychology, including a Ph.D., which influences her writing, particularly in how she develops her characters' profiling skills.
- The The Naturals was highly praised for its engaging thriller elements and was compared to popular TV series like Criminal Minds, attracting fans who enjoy psychological suspense.

**Cassie Hobbes**  
A 17-year-old girl with a talent for reading behavior, personality, and environment, who joins the Naturals program to help solve crimes. She struggles with the trauma of her mother's unsolved murder and the challenge of fitting in with her extended family.

**Dean Redding**  
A talented profiler in the Naturals program who shares a deep connection with Cassie due to their similar skills. He is marked by his troubled past involving a notorious serial killer father, which shapes his cautious demeanor.

**Michael Townsend**  
An emotion reader in the Naturals program known for his confident and flirtatious nature. He hides his true feelings behind layers of masks and has a complex relationship with both Cassie and Lia.

**Lia**  
A human lie detector and expert liar, Lia is one of the early members of the Naturals program. Protective of Dean, she often uses her skills to create tension and conceal her vulnerabilities.

**Sloane**  
A member of the Naturals program with a genius for analyzing statistics and patterns. She is neurodivergent and has difficulty with social cues but expresses her affection through unique gestures like reciting facts.

Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Novel

The Naturals

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The Naturals Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Knowing”

Part 1, Chapters 1-6

The Naturals Part 1, Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Learning”

Part 2, Chapters 7-16

The Naturals Part 2, Chapters 7-16 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 17-25

The Naturals Part 2, Chapters 17-25 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Hunting”

Part 3, Chapters 26-35

The Naturals Part 3, Chapters 26-35 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Seeing” - Part 5: “Deciding”

Parts 4, Chapters 36-37 and Part 5, Chapter 38

The Naturals Parts 4, Chapters 36-37 and Part 5, Chapter 38 Summary & Analysis

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The Naturals Character Analysis

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The Naturals Important Quotes

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The Naturals

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