Head Cases is a great series debut. The story of the PAR unit is compelling and smartly written. This book seems to be well researched and the unit is a great of intelligent characters. I can not wait to read the next book in the series. These will be a great series to follow.

Head Cases reminded me of all the crime shows I watch and love. I hope this series goes on for many more books. I'll be there for everyone. Perfect thriller for new the genre as well as seasoned crime readers ( and show watchers)

Wow—that was such an amazing read! This book is an electrifying blend of high-stakes mystery, mind-bending puzzles, and unforgettable characters. I couldn’t put it down and devoured the entire book in one sitting!

FBI Agent Gardner Camden is an incredibly unique protagonist—his neurodivergence adds such an intriguing layer to the story, allowing us to experience his brilliant mind at work while also navigating the challenges of human connection. The whole Patterns and Recognition team is a fantastic mix of personalities, each bringing their own expertise to the table, making for an absolutely compelling dynamic.

The case itself was absolutely gripping! A long-dead serial killer should stay dead… but when bodies start piling up and clues are left specifically for Gardner, the tension skyrockets. The twists and turns kept me guessing, and just when I thought I had it figured out I was shocked by another revelation!

I got major Criminal Minds vibes from this book, but it also had its own fresh, exciting edge. Whether you're a die-hard thriller fan or just dipping into the genre, this is a binge-worthy read that will keep you hooked from the first page to the jaw-dropping finale. Highly, HIGHLY recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Head Cases starts with a murder of a serial killer that was thought to have died years previously. More dead bodies begin appearing around the country and the story continues at a fast pace. The FBI's PAR (patterns and recognition) unit is on the case. PAR consists of brilliant and quirky detectives that have failed in other areas of the FBI but work well together. The story was fast-moving and kept me guessing with multiple twists and turns. I liked learning about Camden Gardner's backstory and personal life. I really enjoyed all the agents in PAR and hoping with the subtitle "PAR Unit 1", I will get to hear from them again. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an early e-copy.

The so-called "Head Cases" unit investigates the most heinous crimes, especially the psychological aspects. When a serial killer who was thought to have died years ago turns up verifiably dead (again), the unit goes into action. Agent Camden, who perhaps has Asperger's, is put in charge of the case. Soon, there is another dead serial killer and Camden and the entire unit are in danger. Black humor, great action, and suspense make this a good bet for fans of procedurals.

4.25⭐
Engrossing and entertaining, Head Cases is a winner. A tiny group of 5 intellectually gifted agents within the FBI, called PAR, for Patterns and Recognition, unravels puzzles and finds out of the box answers. Assigned a case of a recently murdered serial killer who was believed to have died five years prior, they amass clues and theories at lightning speed. Well-written andfast-paced, it captured my complete attention. I barely lifted my head from the book once I hit the halfway point. Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Oh absolutely. This is like the best of Criminal Minds, but with Spencer Ried as the main character. He and his genius/weirdo colleagues chase down a serial killer killer with a god complex and way too much information about our protagonist -- and of course, things get hairy.

These characters are fantastic and waste no time delivering nightmares and cracking clues. If you're as familiar with this particular genre as I am, don't dismiss this as been-there TBR fodder. It's what you want, yes, but it feels fresh and genuinely thrilling.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for a sneak peek. These thoughts are my own.

WOW! THIS BOOK IS AWESOME! I am so glad to see that HEAD CASES by John McMahon is the beginning of a great new series. Move over Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sacks, Agent Gardner Camden and his Patterns and Recognition (PAR) Squad will surely give you a run for your title.

The PAR team usually works behind the scenes and below the radar on cold cases, but when DNA links a murder to a presumably long dead killer, they are thrust into the spotlight as they race against time to find the elusive killer as the bodies start to pile up. Gardner, an analytical genius, has always loved puzzles and he and the team, including a mathematician, a ‘shooter’, a coroner and a newby drag others along as they will need to combine all of their skills to piece this one together. But can they connect the whole picture while Gardner protects his seven year old daughter in Florida and his mother suffering dementia in S. Carolina?

I love when the clues seem so insignificant at the time but are later the piece that can only be placed in one position. This one just carried me right along with it an I was hunting down the clues and running the streets with them. And boy! Did they run the streets. But clear your calendar because once you get started on THIS one you just need to hold on because you are not going to be able to get off this ride until it’s over! My pulse was racing, my heart was in my throat and I was on the edge of my seat. I am SO excited to see where/what the PAR SQUAD gets tangled up with next. This is my first John McMahon novel and I have already purchased the first in two of his other series. I can’t wait to get to them. I cannot say enough just how much I enjoyed this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.

In his acknowledgments, John McMahon lets you know that this is the first book of a two book deal. I can not wait to see FBI Agent Gardner Camden and his group return. McMahon sets a fast pace for his thriller with twists around every corner. Gardner works with PAR, Patterns and Recognition, a group of talented agents who each have a black mark on their records. They have been confined to working in an office until a puzzling murder is discovered. The victim is identified as a serial killer who supposedly died years ago in a fire. A second victim soon follows. This one had recently been paroled after serving his sentence. The murders are brutal and cryptic clues are left on the bodies. Gardner has a brilliant mind and specializes in puzzles and patterns. He is put in charge of the investigation to find a murderer that they have dubbed Mad Dog. He has an insider’s knowledge about the victim’s histories, making Gardner believe that he has a tie to the FBI. When Mad Dog contacts Gardner directly it becomes a game of cat and mouse. PAR is under threat of being disbanded and this case could be the one that saves them. Mad Dog is a trained hunter who rattles Gardner with threats against his family. Gardner is more determined than ever to catch him and it is a race to find him before he kills again. With wonderful characters and an edge of your seat story, Head Cases will have you hoping that Gardner and PAR are around for a long time. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press - Minotaur for providing this book.

This book was wild and kept me on the edge of my seat! Very thrilling and full of suspense!!

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy

so thankful to the st. martin's press, minotaur books, netgalley, and the author for this e-galley.

i could not put this book down, it felt like i was reading an episode of criminal minds unfold. Agent Camden and the rest of PAR were so engaging to read about. i especially loved the idea of a team comprised of bureau problem children that are incredibly skilled. their banter, and backstories were really interesting and they all felt very fleshed out. i loved all the side characters that were introduced and cannot wait to see where book two goes.

i loved how it felt like we part of the team. we got information at the same time as the agents and it was oh so fun to try and solve the mystery. there were twists and turns but none of them felt unexpected and i enjoyed going back and seeing if i missed any clues. if you love criminal minds, you will adore this. if you want to get into the thriller/crime genre, look no further. i can't recommend this book enough.

This book would be perfect for anyone who is a fan of the Criminal Minds tv series. Exciting mystery, the narrator was an interesting character, the relationship among the team of agents was great. I can't wait for other books in this series and I'm going back to read this author's previous books.

The book was good, but a little far fetched in some of the themes. I did enjoy the characters and the writing style.

John McMahon’s Head Cases is exactly the book I’ve been searching for! It’s packed with mystery, suspense, FBI cases, and tons of murder. If you're a Criminal Minds fan, this book will definitely hit the spot. The story follows a group of talented agents who are experts at solving puzzles. Each agent has made career mistakes along the way, which landed them in a department called Patterns and Recognition (PAR). PAR is a team that’s pretty much looked down on within the Bureau. They’re only weeks away from being shut down when a shocking case drops in their laps: a murderer is murdering murderers!

The main character, Gardner Camden, is a single father and caretaker for his mother who has Alzheimer’s, which instantly gave me Spencer Reid vibes. He’s different from others, and his brain picks up on every little detail, making him an excellent detective. The level of detail in the book is impressive, but it never feels overwhelming.

The murderer is playing a twisted game with Gardner, leaving clues and pushing him to solve the mystery. They are even targeting his family. It reminded me of those Criminal Minds episodes where a main character is targeted, so we get a deep dive into their life. Gardner starts suspecting that the killer might actually be someone within the FBI itself, which I found absolutely thrilling!!

I blew through this book. The story kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. One of my favorite parts was the character Freddie Fanda, the bookstore employee. He felt like a nod to all of us internet sleuths who can’t get enough of true crime, thrillers, and solving cases haha!

Head Cases was a solid 5/5 for me, and I’m already excited to dive into McMahon’s other books. Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read it!

The title and subject matter definitely was an immediate draw for me!
The story is well paced and entertaining! It definitely keeps you on your toes! It gives Dexter vibes and has you kind of cheering on the suspect / killer but the team / Head Case people are so likable you ultimately want them to succeed!
I would say if you like mind hunter , Will Trent , and or Dexter you will likely enjoy this book!
I cant wait to see where the series goes, off to a great start!

As a member of the Pattern and Recognition Unit (PAR) FBI Agent Camden has a gift for finding complex clues & solving difficult cases. But when one of his previously solved cases pops back up in an unexpected way things start to unravel both personally and professionally.

Head Cases is a twisty journey to solve a case of the hunters being hunted. This novel was well paced and held my interest throughout. I enjoyed the cast of characters & the background they brought to the team. The plot kept me guessing until the very end. The interplay of agency politics into how the case was impacted was an interesting addition to the storyline.

This book would be great for fans of Criminal Minds or The Naturals series. I look forward to reading more about these characters in future installments of the series.

If CBS is looking for the next CSI, they should snap up Head Cases ASAP. This book is incredibly cinematic, packed with smart, socially awkward investigators who might struggle with small talk but can crack cases at lightning speed. Their nickname? The "Head Cases"—and their latest challenge is a serial killer who hunts other serial killers. Talk about high stakes!

John McMahon delivers a tight, gripping plot with well-developed characters that make it refreshing to see nerds taking center stage. If you're into fast-paced thrillers with brains and bite, Head Cases is a must-read. Here’s hoping Hollywood is paying attention!

A special FBI agency named Patterns and Recognition (PAR) are given cases that other units have been unable to solve. These agents, though brilliant in their unconventional ways of thinking and their sometimes difficult personalities, have all screwed up their careers and made mistakes landing them at PAR. They are known internally as the Head Cases. Gardner (Gardy) Camden is assigned lead investigator on the latest case assigned to the team. The case is to find a killer that has dismembered his victim. The victim was previously believed to be dead in a fire ten years prior. When a second victim is found it becomes apparent that the victims are not random, they are serial killers being targeted for their crimes against others. When the victims bodies are found there are clues left intentionally to outwit the FBI investigators. This is quite a ride with twists and turns that will make you think. If you love a good murder mystery and quirky misunderstood characters this one’s for you.
Garden Camden will be back in book #2.
This ARC was provided by St Martin’s Press publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Head Cases is the type of addictive mystery that is perfect for those who love a good detective thriller.
Gardner Camden is a brilliant agent with an eidetic memory. Gardner and his team are brought onto cases that no one else can solve. When their latest case becomes personal, the pressure is on to solve the identity of the killer.
With a quirky team of investigators and a captivating storyline, I was pulled into the plot right away. The writing was so well done and realistic that I almost felt as though I was watching a movie. Excellent novel that I hope has a part 2.

What an intriguing first-in-series! The focus of this novel is the work of the Patterns and Recognition Unit (PAR of the FBI), a quirky, nerdy band of misfits, all of whom have messed up in one way or another in the past and have been relegated as a group of outcasts to work on cold cases. Although other FBI agents refer to the group as “Head Cases,” each member is brilliant in one way or another. For example, Gardner Camden, the protagonist of the group, is a brilliant analytical thinker and master of puzzles who is able to decipher many things the average person would never be able to. As the story begins, this group is given a rather “hot” case and assigned to investigate the fact that an apparent serial killer is killing other serial killers. This novel is a well-written, well-plotted one with interesting characters and plenty of surprises. And, even though some of the happenings in it stretch credibility, it definitely kept me turning pages, and I look forward to the next in the series.