Thriller Pick: Killer Instinct (A Naturals novel)

Killer Instinct
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Hyperion
2014
384 pages
ISBN: 9781423105122

Available November 4, 2014
(Cover shown is book one; image of Killer Instinct not yet available on May 21, 2014)


The Naturals is group of teens that possess the uncanny ability to figure out criminal behaviors and patterns. Their presence is a secret and they are kept at a sort of "safe" house by the FBI. The kids have different gifts but work together to solve cold cases. When a new serial killer appears on the scene, the kids are dying (I know, put intended) to get their hands on the case file. Their new "house mother" has no intention of letting the kids in on the case; if it were up to her, their group would be disbanded immediately.

Dean, in particular, has the most interest in the new case. The killer is copying what Dean's own father did to his victims. Cassis and the others vow to help Dean overcome the memory of his father and find the killer. With Lia, Cassie and Michael in his corner, will Dean ever hope for a future and forget the past?

Agent Sterling has secrets of her own, and Cassie makes it her business to find out what they are. Working with the methodical precision of Sherlock Holmes, Cassie begins profiling the agent to understand what makes her tick and why she arrives at their house. Surely the FBI has better things to do other than babysit a few teenagers. What is the real motivation behind Sterling's appearance?

The dynamic between the teens who share a house is at times argumentative but mostly is a tightly woven bond  between explosive personalities who share the common goal of getting the bad guy (or girl).

Barnes manages to keep the banter quick and light even when characters are discussing the MO of a serial killer. Killer Instinct is a cross between "CSI," "Veronica Mars," and "Dexter." Fans of mystery and crime thrillers will love this novel.

Recommended grade 9-up. Mature subject matter.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received the arc from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

This review has been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

Action Adventure Pick: The Sultan's Tigers

The Sultan's Tigers
by Josh Lacey
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
2013
298 pages

Fast-paced, high octane, perilous action will thrill teen readers who love an action adventure story with a gritty young hero. The plot rollicks on at a breakneck pace. VOYA says, "Non-stop action...This is a fine choice to add to a 'Guys Read' list."

Tom Trelawney's family tree is not impressive, in fact, he states, "...I come from a long line of liars, cheats, crooks, bandits, thieves, and smugglers." From the opening line, this book draws you in, hook, line and sinker. When Tom is held captive and threatened, he decides to find the secret hidden somewhere in his grandfather's house. He remembers a visit when his grandfather showed him a hiding place. Sure enough, Tom finds a secret cache of letters.

He realizes that one of his ancestors hid a great treasure in India and left clues how to find it. Tom enlists the help of his slightly unbalanced Uncle Harvey and off they jet to India. They are looking for the last of the "Sultan's tigers," a statue encrusted with jewels that will make them both rich. That's the trouble with treasure, the more it's worth, the more people are willing to kill for it.

The Sultan's Tigers is a great book for reluctant readers. It will keep them entertained and reading, wondering what will happen next. When they're up against a vicious mercenary who will stop at nothing and an ego-maniac billionaire who plans to horde all the tigers, Tom comes up with a plan to steal the tiger and help others.

Don't worry though. Tom doesn't become a "goody two shoes," soon he's sneaking out of the house and looking for trouble.

Highly recommended for anyone who loves a fast-paced adventure with globe-trotting appeal. For grade 7-up.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

This review has been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)