Title: The Lost CausesAuthor: Jessica Koosed Etting, Alyssa Embree Schwartz
Publisher: KCP Loft
Genres: Mystery, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: September 5, 2017
Rating:
Misfits. Outcasts. And the only ones who can find a killer.
They’re the last people you’d ask to help with anything, much less a murder investigation. The rich girl, the obsessive, the hypochondriac, the addict and the hot-tempered athlete—people think they’re beyond help. Lost causes. But where the world sees losers, the FBI sees its only hope.
With the help of a dangerous serum, the FBI erases the teens’ past problems and unlocks a psychic ability within each of them. In return, all they have to do is help find the killer who’s turned their small town upside down.
But as they close in on a suspect, they expose a conspiracy that puts them directly in harm’s way and makes them wonder who—if anyone—they can really trust.
If anything happens to them, will anyone even care?
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
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Book Review: The Lost Causes by Jessica Etting
The Lost Causes by Jessica Koosed Etting is such a unique book! It tells the story of a group of outcasts who gain psychic powers to try and solve a mystery. The characters are all so developed, and watching them become friends is heartwarming. I found the book to be a bit unbelievable at times, but it is still a great thriller.
❀ Intriguing Concept
This book has such an intriguing concept. Basically, the FBI recruits a group of teens who everyone has given up on and gives them mysterious powers. The teens work together with the FBI to solve a murder with their new psychic abilities, and their existing issues disappear. I really enjoyed the many twists and turns throughout the novel and the uncertainty surrounding the FBI agents. This in an entertaining scientific thriller that is sure to leave the reader on the edge of their seat!
❀ Great Cast of Characters
There is such a great cast of characters in this story. All the Lost Causes have issues before their meeting with the FBI, such as addiction and anger issues, and I loved how developed each of them are. None of the Lost Causes are even friends before they are recruited, and it is so interesting watching them bond over the case. My favourite character was Gabby, who gets visions from the past when she touches an object. Her power really interested me, and it is not too common. I also enjoyed Andrew’s character, since he basically becomes a genius. His sense of humour is so entertaining, and he has some great comebacks to a nasty teacher.
❀ A Bit Unbelievable
The only issue I really had with the book is the believability. Just the way the FBI was depicted didn’t seem that logical. Them drugging a bunch of kids to solve a murder doesn’t seem like something that would occur in the first place. Also, Nash’s character doesn’t really behave like an FBI agent would. It’s a bit hard to describe without spoilers, but I definitely would have enjoyed the story more if it was more convincing.
❀ Hard to Enjoy
The Lost Causes by Jessica Koosed Etting is the story of a group of teens who try and solve a murder using psychic powers. I loved the mix of characters, especially Gabby and Andrew. However, the concept is a bit hard to believe, so I didn’t enjoy this one as much as I could have.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.
The start of your review already hooked me with ‘group of outcasts, psychic power and mystery.’ It sounds like a great and entertaining story aside from it being a bit unbelievable.
most of my faovoite books and movies have parts when you say no way that could happen but you still end up loving it– I think it sounds really interesting and I love a good thriller! Will read!
Good point! It definitely depends on the reader. 🙂
Sounds like an intresting premise but if it lacks a touch of believability than it completely takes away from the overall story.
I haven’t heard of this book but it sounds like an interesting read and that cover looks a bit spooky. I’m sorry you didn’t enjoyed it as much as you thought you would. Nice review!
For whatever reason, this one isn’t striking a cord with me just yet. I might still give it a shot!
I seen this one at the bookstore the other day. Haven’t heard much about it though. The premise sounds pretty cool though.
Great review!
I haven’t heard of this book before but it sounds great. I haven’t read a paranormal book for ages either so this is a good one to start. Thank you for sharing.
This is such a cool story! The plot i think is original, though I grant you, it will stretch believability in some respects. I like it though — great review!