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Science fiction meets murder mystery in this edge-of-your-seat thriller. The Lost Causes are five teens with serious problems and only one thing in common: people have written them off. Now they're thrown together in group therapy, with vague promises of healing. Their problems do go away when they drink the water their therapist gives them. But that's because it's not just water ... Unknowingly, the teens have ingested a serum that gives them psychic powers, part of an FBI plan to find out who was behind 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, and 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.
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 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. Compulsively readable, The Lost Causes sweeps readers into the place where science fiction and mystery meet, ending on a drop-dead cliffhanger that will leave them longing for more. Jessica Koosed Etting and Alyssa Embree Schwartz have written extensively for TV and film. Their YA series Georgetown Academy was released in ebook format by interactive publisher Coliloquy (since sold to Vook) and has built a strong following on Wattpad, with over 1.3 million reads and over 12,000 followers.
... well-executed, fast-paced ...
- Kirkus Reviews
... a compelling page-turner ...
- Booklist
The ending begs for the inevitable sequel and will have teens anticipating the next book.
- School Library Journal
This book is true recreational reading and feels like the first installment of a new series.
- VOYA Magazine