Page 10 - MAY2024

Page 10 NEWFOUNDLAKELIFE.COM May 2024
Community
Book of the Month:
The Naturals: Killer Instinct (Book 2) By Jennifer Lynn Barnes
BY BRITTANY AMALFI
Last month, I promised to con- tinue providing reviews on The Naturals series, and I’m here to deliver with the second book in the series, Killer Instinct. Jenni- fer Lynn Barnes did it once again with this riveting series. Killer Instinct takes place not too long after the terrifying events in book one. Cassie Hobbes is a natural profiler, being able to read people based on their habits and person- alities. After being recruited for an elite FBI program for teenagers, she is still reeling from everything that happened with her wild aunt.
Despite everything that hap- pened, Cassie is ready to continue working with The Naturals pro- gram with her newfound friends, who also possess exceptional abil- ities. But it’s not long before new victims of a brutal serial killer start turning up. Whereas the FBI is no stranger to these severe crimes, this particular one hits close to home for one of Cassie’s fellow Naturals. The way these new vic- tims are killed seems to mirror the kills of one of the Natural’s fathers. Dean, a fellow profiler, grew up with a maniacal serial killer father who is now behind bars. When these new victims turn up, Dean is forced to trudge up old memories of his father to help catch the person who seems to idolize the serial killer himself. And with Cassie and Dean’s bud- ding connection starting to grow stronger, Cassie learns that she might have to dive into the dark trenches of Dean’s past in order to
603-
keep him from staying there.
Like book one, this book was a fast-paced page-turner. As new victims are discovered, the Nat- urals are running out of time to find this copycat killer. Book two really focused on Dean's past and mysterious demeanor. I was ex- tremely curious about him in the first book, seeing as he was the only other profiler in the group, and his and Cassie’s connection drove the story to a different place. It was an interesting twist to see teenage romance but in a not- so-mundane setting. Cassie and Dean are not written to be nor- mal teenagers because they have exceptional gifts and spend their lives in a secret FBI program. But
we love an unconventional story! Of course, the found family trope ran deep in this story. As the story unfolded, the characters became more complex. Michael showed a softer side beneath his tough exterior, while Sloane's de-
termination contrasted with her inner struggles. Lia remained mys- terious, leaving me curious about her past. The plot kept me en- gaged, blurring the lines between right and wrong, and I was eager to see how the characters would navigate the challenges they faced. Michael's character development was particularly compelling. De- spite his initial humor, we grad- ually see him grapple with his
own demons and vulnerabilities, adding layers to his persona. His interactions with the rest of the team, especially Cassie, reveal a depth of emotion and loyalty that defies his tough exterior. As a character who had comedic-relief characteristics to him, I learned that he was so much more than that. He added a certain depth to the story that would not have been possible without him.
Killer Instinct delivers a grip- ping continuation of the series, diving deeper into the lives of its characters and the challenges they face. With a fast-paced plot and well-developed characters, the book keeps readers hooked until the very end. As the Naturals work to uncover the truth behind the copycat killer, the tension rises, making for a compelling read. With its mix of romance, suspense, and FBI intrigue, Killer Instinct is a book that no one should miss.
THE Traveler’s
Rest
NEWFOUND MAINTENANCE LLC
Excavation - Logging - Tree Work
Septic System Installation & Repair Foundations • Driveways
Lot Clearing • Retaining Walls
Located in Hebron Ben Hall 603-393-7097
Docks
Interior & Exterior Painting
Snow Removal
Property Maintenance
Fall & Spring Clean Ups
Lawn Maintenance
Hardscapes & Design
All Phases of Property Maintenance
nocab@metrocast.net Located in Hebron (603) 744-7846