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34014652

Thanks to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Release Date: Available Now

344 Pages

Synopsis: They’re the kids that no one knows—or no one wants to know. The rich depressive, the OCD chick, the hypochondriac, the drug abuser, the athlete with anger management issues. All chosen for intensive group therapy because they’re out of other options. They’re lost causes, the therapist tells them. She promises them this support group will help them heal.

There’s only one problem. She’s not a therapist. And that water she offers? It contains a dangerous serum that gives each of the kids a psychic power.

Suddenly, they can think clearly, speak to ghosts, see the past, even move objects with their mind. Their earlier problems have vanished, but their new freedom comes with a price. Sabrina, Gabby, Z, Justin and Andrew are to help the FBI solve the grisly murder that has rocked their small town. Their new powers will help them uncover clues and follow leads that have eluded the authorities. Their outsider status gives them the perfect cover.

But the same traits that make them top investigators also make them vulnerable. As they close in on the murderer, they expose a much larger conspiracy that puts them directly in harm’s way and makes them wonder who—if anyone—they can trust.

The Lost Causes has a slight problem with believability, but it’s an enjoyable twisty mystery nonetheless.

I absolutely loved the way the kids were portrayed! They all suffer from various psychological problems which for the most part, turns them into pariahs not only with their classmates, but their families as well. These kids are all sympathetic and relatable, even Justin, the jock with anger management issues. Their home lives play a big part in what ails them, which brings me to one of the reasons why I didn’t give this 5 stars. Once again, not one single adult was a positive role model. The parents are nightmares who never should have had kids. The teachers and school psychologist aren’t much better with their apathetic attitudes toward anyone who isn’t a perfect student. And the FBI agents have absolutely no issues in using teens for their own agenda. I’ve mentioned in previous reviews that for some reason it seems like the majority of YA fiction lately seems to have one-dimensional, unlikable adults. Has anyone else noticed this, or is it just me? It’s extremely annoying and it’s becoming one of my biggest pet peeves along with: love triangles/squares, and insta-love. 

Moving on from my tangent, I loved the the way “the Lost Causes” come together and work as a team despite not being friends at the onset. The psychic powers each teen develops is unique to them, and what makes things even more interesting, as their psychic powers develop, the psychological maladies each suffered from disappear.

The story itself may not be entirely believable, but it’s still a lot of fun. The mystery is intriguing and there are plenty twists and turns which helped keep the story moving. 

Overall, The Lost Causes was a fun and enjoyable read, and it’s one that I think will appeal to a lot of teens. The ending leaves open the possibility of a sequel, and because I liked this group of teenage outcasts so much, I’d definitely be interested in reading another book featuring them.