HNS Book Review: All In (The Naturals #3) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

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Title: All In (The Naturals #3)
Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery Thriller
Pages: 378
Year: 2015
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Source: Purchased
Amazon l B & N  l Book Depository l Goodreads

Summary:

Three casinos. Three bodies. Three days.

After a string of brutal murders in Las Vegas, Cassie Hobbes and the Naturals are called in to investigate. But even with the team’s unique profiling talents, these murders seem baffling: unlike many serial killers, this one uses different methods every time. All of the victims were killed in public, yet the killer does not show up on any tape. And each victim has a string of numbers tattooed on their wrist. Hidden in the numbers is a code—and the closer the Naturals come to unraveling the mystery, the more perilous the case becomes.

Meanwhile, Cassie is dealing with an equally dangerous and much more painful mystery. For the first time in years, there’s been a break in her mother’s case. As personal issues and tensions between the team mount, Cassie and the Naturals will be faced with impossible odds—and impossible choices.

Reviewer’s Thoughts:

Jennifer Lynn Barnes has outdone herself once again.

All in is clever, precisely calculated, and cunning. Perfect for readers like me, who seek books that have a band of misfits, finding love and camaraderie with each other. To spice things up, I am throwing mystery thriller and crime in the equation as well. Obviously, this is the finest selling points.

Everything but true infinity has its end. All mortal men must die. But you were never meant to be mortal. You were born for things such as these.

 Tomorrow is the day, and the day will be perfect.

“So it has been decided,” you murmur, “and so it shall be.”

All In opens up where Killer Instinct left it off. The Naturals crew is embarking on a new tour, one that has nothing to do with cold cases.

No more restrictions.

They are headed to Las Vegas to probe an ongoing investigation about a string of murders.

Three casinos. Three bodies. Three days.

While Cassie, on the other hand, discovers new jarring information about her mother’s disappearance.

In comparison to All In’s predecessors, this latest installment is far superior in terms of length and complexity. All In added new variables to the table. The stakes are much higher. The characters are out of their comfort zone. They are solving a new crime that is completely mundane, yet foreign to them. Everything is much convoluted that the FBI predicted it to be.

The Naturals and Killer Instinct are merely an introduction of the series. It was the characters norming and performing stage. Meanwhile, All In let us have a greater look of the group’s respective background, their hidden desires, fears, their childhood history and more.

Barnes’ explored the in depth relationship and individual arc of our key players. This is the phase where we see them resolve their conflict. They are truly moving forward to become a one coordinated group.

Family.

Home isn’t a place, Cassie. The memory crept up on me. Home is the people who love you most, the people who will always love, forever and ever, no matter what.

As I have always iterate, I tend to have a weakness for series that feature a band of family or friends. This book is not an exception, but a perfect example of my favorite trope. I completely love the gang’s unique love and loyalty for each other. This is by far the series’ most character driven installment.

Similarly, Barnes’ drew a glaring parallel with The Naturals’ characters and the UNSUBs. Their resemblance with the criminals contrasted with their own. That is such an important message to send. Regardless of our history and our driving force, that should never be a legitimate excuse to commit something heinous. That is an astute execution of exploring humanity.

All In is an impressing sequel. This series warrants a strong following. I am highly encouraging everyone to pick it up.

About the Author

7dVr3HIhKerly Sue is a self-proclaimed book reviewer and contributing writer at Hollywood News Source, formerly known as Young Adult Hollywood. In addition to being a full time book junkie, Sue also runs the first fansite for Vampire Academy’s Lucy Fry. When she’s not tucked between the pages of her books, you can find her screaming like a banshee on her personal blog. You can also follow Kerly Sue on her instagram and goodreads.

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