"𝑴𝒚 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒎𝒚 𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆."

Special thanks to @johnmcmahonbooks @minotaur_books & @negalley for the #gifted eARC.

👉🏼 swipe for synopsis ➡️

𝙈𝙔 𝙍𝙀𝙑𝙄𝙀𝙒:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Don't read this if you're quesy easily, especially with explained body parts are concerned.

This one had my mind engulfed with every page and case that appeared.

I love a good serial killer novel but this one is AMAZING. It's intense suspenseful and down right unputdownable. I'm so invested in the case and in Gardner's life.

Great police procedural and game of cat and mouse that leaves your reeling til the very end.

𝙋𝙐𝘽 𝘿𝘼𝙔:
January 28, 2025

ℚ𝕆𝕋𝔻❓️⁉️❓️
What's your thoughts on police procedurals?
Love them, hate them, havnt found the right one for you yet?

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#mysteryandthrills #thrillersandsuspense #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerlover #thrilleraddict #thrillerjunkie #thrillergirlie #bookbuzz #headcases #policeprocedural #fbi #johnmcmahon
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MY VERDICT:
Atmospheric thriller with a complex protagonist, but too convoluted for my taste.

Head Cases tells the story of a unique FBI team that tracks down killers.
The main character is Agent Gardner Camden, a brilliant puzzle-solver who is really good at connecting the dots.
He works with the fictional PAR (Patterns and Recognition) unit, a group that tackles the toughest unsolved cases. That’s where the book’s title comes from.
Gardner’s teammates include specialists in math, weapons, and computers, along with their experienced FBI boss.


The story kicks off when DNA from a murder victim matches a serial killer everyone thought was dead. When a second person is killed, the team spots a pattern. The murderer begins leaving special clues and puzzles meant only for Gardner.

Each team member must use their expertise to identify the killer. But there’s a problem – the killer is finding out more about the PAR team members. The big question becomes: can they protect themselves and their loved ones in time?

This was my first book by this author. I requested the book, because I enjoyed the idea of a special FBI team with super smart people having to solve cases nobody else was able to figure out.
For this, I enjoyed the character of Gardner. I thought it was particularly well developped. Besides his brilliant brain, he has issues to relate with others, and is very sensitive, which can lead him to violence when his loved ones are in danger.

And this case definitely needs the smartest team you can get. How can a murder victim be a serial killer who died some years ago? What connects the following victims? And how can the killer always be one step ahead of Gardner?

I liked the complexity and suspense of some scenes, for instance a special scene in marshes.
The environment is very well captured, especially in Florida and Texas. I felt there, with the creepiness, in the dark.

But as a whole, the book didn’t totally work for me.
I actually found it too complex, and with too many characters, too many back stories and layers, and sometimes last minute revelations that seemed awkward.
It takes a long time before things start really going somewhere. The book could have been shorter and more punchy.

McMahon crafts a compelling narrative that seamlessly blends intricate puzzle-solving with intense action sequences. The strength of the novel lies in its well-developed characters, each bringing unique skills and perspectives to the team. Gardner Camden, in particular, is portrayed as a complex protagonist—brilliant yet socially awkward, making him both relatable and intriguing. The dynamic between Gardner and his team members adds depth to the story, highlighting themes of collaboration and trust.

The plot is fast-paced and filled with twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. McMahon's writing is sharp and engaging, with a narrative that balances suspense with character development. While the premise of a serial killer targeting other killers is not entirely novel, McMahon's execution offers a fresh perspective, making the story feel both original and captivating.

Interesting plot and the book kept my interest. However the ending didn’t do it for me and sometimes that makes a whole book for me.

Rating: 4 stars

I love procedural/detective books, and this one felt like a deep dive on the detective / puzzle decoder profession. This book had a lot of twist and turns, and every character was so complex, it made for an interesting read! This is the first book in a series, and I look forward to picking up the next one!

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC of Head Cases by John McMahon. This was a fast-paced, exciting read. This story follows FBI agent Camden, who works in a dept. called Patterns and Recognition (PAR). When a serial who was thought to be dead turns up as a victim, Camden lands the case. This is definitely a story with some good twists. A little further character development, especially regarding dialogue could be better. Overall I do recommend this book, if you enjoy thrillers.

Such a great start to what promises to be a great series. I was totally riveted to this book. This new character is so interesting and how he figures it out is great! I need to read more by this author. I see book 2 already has a name. Bring it one!!

Couldn’t get into this book. I struggled staying interested and connecting with the characters. I loved the cover art for this book.

John McMahon has a winner with Head Cases, the first book in the PAR Unit series. Filled with unusual characters hunting down a murderer seeking his own brand of justice, the FBl's Patterns and Recognition (PAR) unit is generally tasked with solving cold cases.
The team consists of five misfit agents led by Frank Roberts, but the main character is Special Agent Gardner Camden.
A serial killer from one of Gardner's solved cases, thought to be dead for more than a decade, is found murdered. Soon, there's another similar case. The killer has left clues and riddles, but can the team solve them?
Gardner is intelligent, confident, all business, and has an eidetic memory. He thinks in terms of layers and patterns, avoids friendships with most, and can come across as arrogant. He has an affinity for riddles, puzzles, and codes. I enjoyed how the author brought to life both the personal and professional lives of Gardner.
As readers learn his background, it provides insight into his thoughts, behaviors, and actions. It was fascinating to see how Gardner's mind worked to solve the various puzzles.
Frank is a career agent and the other members include a mathematician, a sniper and weapons expert, and a computer analytics specialist. The secondary and tertiary characters are reasonably well-drawn for the first book in the series and I would expect the repeat characters to gain more depth as the series progresses.
It was also delightful to see how this team of supposed misfits worked so well together.
I was immediately intrigued by the storyline and the complexities in the plot. It kept me captivated throughout the novel. It was fascinating to see the story unfold.
Full of suspense, this thriller looks at justice through the eyes of Gardner, but readers also get a feel for the antagonist and the vengeance that is sought.
The conflicts move the story through some twists and turns as the story gradually builds momentum and finishes with some surprises and an action-packed finish. The novel also illuminated the politics that can go on behind the scene for agents that don't fit the traditional mold.
Overall, this was a compelling and dynamic story with excellent characterization, good pacing, and a great plot that includes solid procedural details. I can't wait to read the next book in the series which is expected in 2026. Those who enjoy crime thrillers and FBI investigations with extraordinary characters as well as those who enjoy solving puzzles will likely enjoy this novel.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and the author for providing me with an ARC for my honest opinion!

Head Cases by John McMahon is an in depth and fascinating FBI thriller that took me surprise by how it pulled me into the story.

I must say, this book took me a hot minute to get into because I wasn’t immediately sure how I felt about it and had to take a step back from it as a result. However, this said, once I gave it another chance, I was surprised by how deeply it grabbed my attention. I think initially I struggled with investment into Gardner as a character because he comes across as so clinical and removed from people and it was hard to connect with him as a result. Once I got passed this and used to his personality I became so enmeshed in the story and the cat and mouse chase between the FBI and a serial killer killing, well, serial killers, that I flew through the pages and was surprised I sat on this book for so long.

Gardner is an incredibly intelligent agent and seeing him use his intelligence becomes something of an entrancing experience as he puts together connections other people aren’t prone to seeing. He also reveals himself to be a somewhat flawed individual who still manages to care about the people who really matter to him. He possesses some social limitations as someone who doesn’t quite fully understand people and social interactions despite his incredible intelligence, and seeing his interactions with the people who are important in his life really humanizes his character.

The case itself is so interesting to watch unfold, and the intelligence of the clues that unravel it bit by bit were so fascinating. On top of this, there are the high stakes of trying to catch a killer before they kill again, and the threat to Gardner as he gets closer to finding out who the serial killer is.

I really ended up enjoying Head Cases in the end, and it left me curious to read more of the series as it comes out. I’m thoroughly invested now.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

This novel centers around a group of unusual agents in the FBI. They make up the PAR group - Patterns and Recognition. They use their skills to solve difficult cases. Generally working in the background, they are called into the field to investigate a series of murders.

I enjoyed following the techniques this group used to try to find the killers. This is listed as PAR Unit, #1 and I look forward to future episodes.

The book has a concept that I really enjoy, with interesting characters, action and an inside look into an investigation. I really liked, how the story didn't drag, it went right into what it was about. And I really look forward to reading more books with these characters!

I don’t know how I missed this but I could kick myself! What a book!

The PAR unit is such a unique team and a huge reason why I flew through this book – their extraordinary abilities to perceive indistinct patterns and puzzles is a thing of beauty but has unfortunately earned them the nickname ‘Head Cases’ and puts the unit in peril of being shut down. That is, until a case comes along that could put them at the top.

When a vigilante serial killer targets serial killers – I know, shocker! The team uses their particular set of skills to narrow down the suspect.
I co-read this while listening and Will Damron just slayed the narration! Bravo and well done, Will!

I’m looking forward to more in this series!

Wow, I absolutely loved this one. A somewhat misfit division of the FBI tracking down a serial killer who hunts killers. It’s a suspenseful page turner with enough depth in the characters to pull you in even deeper. Oh, and by the way, there are some serious Spencer Reid vibes at times, which brings me back to memories of my favorite show. IYKYK.

Yes, read this. Read it if you love suspense, twists, action, mystery, FBI stories, crime stories. So good.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the advanced copy

Head Cases by John McMahon is an intriguing first volume in a new series. Familiar set-up but with enough difference to keep the reader engaged.

I will say that I didn't expect it to be quite so much of a procedural story, I was expecting more thriller. Once I adjusted my expectations I enjoyed it. As a first book in a new series, there is going to be a certain amount of foundation being laid, so perhaps some of the extra procedural information is to establish how things will be done in future volumes. Along the same lines, I thought we got a nice bit of background about not just Gardy, the protagonist, but other members of the team so we can better understand them in the future. Not everyone is likeable but we have enough to understand them, even if we wouldn't want to visit them in real life.

The story moves along quite well though the procedures (there I go again about that) did sometimes slow it down. That said, I found most of those administrative and internal FBI details helpful in understanding the way the investigation unfolded.

If you like your protagonists to be flawed, a bit awkward in some settings, but generally upstanding, then you will probably find this book, and hopefully the future series, enjoyable. If you don't particularly care for procedurals you might not like this as much, though you should consider it in case other volumes become more thriller oriented. All in all, I would recommend this to readers who enjoy this genre.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.

Solid thriller with just enough twisted energy to keep me guessing. The pacing had me hooked like a true crime podcast I can’t turn off. It’s grounded, gritty, and just dark enough to make you double-check your locks. Fans of crime drama will eat this one up.

This author is new to me, but I will be keeping an eye out for anything else they publish. I loved the story and the characters. The pacing of the story was great and the characters were relatable.

I really really enjoyed Head Cases! It is a smart, gripping thriller that had me hooked from the first page. Gardner Camden (I absolutely love his first name) is a fascinating lead — brilliant but refreshingly imperfect when it comes to human emotions, specifically with his daughter, Camila. The PAR team reminds me a lot of the BAU from Criminal Minds. They are quirky, sharp, and easy to root for as they tackle a case that gets more and more personal by the page. Camden reminds me of Spencer Reed!

The plot is very fast-paced and full of riddles, with enough twists and turns, I never knew where the ending was going to take me. I loved the tension, the intricate patterns that the riddles gave, and the real heart that is given to the characters' relationships.

I’m very excited to see where the story goes next and can't wait for Book 2!

This book gave me all of the Criminal Minds vibes and I loved it! I love a good thriller that I can just get lit in and this one sucked me in and didn’t let go until I finished it.

I was gasping out loud so many times and some of the twists had me wanting to throw my phone as I was reading.

I am so excited that there will be another book in this series and I really hope there will be more than that coming because I want all of the PAR unit stories.

This was good - the main character was super smart, so some of the things he came up with seemed sort of far out there but it's probably realistic for someone with such a job. I found it to be a quick read because I was interested to see what happened. It ended up pretty much how I thought it would, but I do wish that he and Cassie got together at the end.