I was definitely excited to receive a review copy of THE NATURALS by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, both because I tend to enjoy titles from the Disney-Hyperion label and also because I genuinely enjoyed EVERY OTHER DAY, the first work I read from this author. And, I mean, just look at the cover art -- it is FABULOUS, is it not? (You KNOW you judge a book by it's cover ... don't deny it!) 
 In THE NATURALS we get the opportunity to meet seventeen year old Cassie, the daughter of a self-proclaimed psychic who was brutally murdered, although her body was actually never uncovered. Inspired by her perspective mother, Cassie seems to have an innate ability to read and analyze those around her, usually with an eerie accuracy that one would not expect from a teenage girl. So, when the FBI approaches Cassie in order to gain her assistance on a series of cold cases, Cassie knows that she can't miss out on the opportunity to work as a criminal profiler. 
 Thrust into a frightening world of adult crime that is populated by a group of other gifted teenagers, Cassie soon finds herself in the midst of a series of murders that seems somehow centered around the death of her own mother. As the killings get closer to home, Cassie soon wonders if her natural talents in profiling will be enough to identity the murderer before he can claim her the ultimate prize -- or will Cassie fail and find herself following the same path that tragically befell her dear mother? 
 THE NATURALS was an exciting, intriguing novel that combined familiar aspects of young adult literature with that of the murder mystery genre, mostly done in a way that will likely appeal to both teenagers and adults -- young and old alike. Propelled by the mystery of the crime scene investigations, THE NATURALS was an enjoyable read, despite its tendency to cave to the YA stereotypes of insta-love and awkwardly disjointed love triangles. 
 The story line felt vaguely familiar, although the author's engaging writing style kept the story fresh and interesting despite the semi-predictable turns of events near the end. Additionally, the novel was left just open-ended enough to feel fulfilling to the reader by the last page while leaving the door open wide enough to invite a sequel in the future if the need arises. 
 I thank the publisher for allowing me the chance to read THE NATURALS and I will definitely read more by this author in the future. I recommend this novel to anyone who loves contemporary young adult fiction, especially of the crime persuasion, and expect this to be a nice turn of events for those who may be burnt out on the paranormal trend.