This thrilling Criminal Mindesque novel had an unforgettable cast of quirky characters—a mix of bold, funny, brainy investigators that make up the SAR unit of the FBI.
This group must catch a serial killer leaving puzzling clues playing cat and mouse. How are these kills connected and will solving it save the unit from eradication?
I thoroughly immersed myself in John McMahon’s to-the-point writing style and loved getting to know these characters as they struggled both personally and professionally. I look forward to reading their next case.

I received an ARC of the audiobook and I really enjoyed the narrator. I really wanted to love this story, especially the idea “a serial killer killing serial killers,” sounded so freaking fascinating!! I’m also not the biggest fan of “crime mysteries” like this one, but it just sounded so good I had to give it a chance, because I have come across some like this that surprised me and I ended up loving them! Sadly, this one I just didn’t love. It started off so promising, but around the 40-60% it became a bit slow and lost my attention a little bit. If you love “crime mysteries” then you definitely need to listen to this one, it was good it just didn’t have enough going on for me and became a bit slow. I would recommend this to others who like crime mysteries or mysteries that aren’t super twisty and fast paced!

I would like to try some of these authors other books in the future to see if it was just this one that I just liked or maybe it’s just the writing style in general I’m not a huge fan of, either way I will give his other books a try!

Head Cases is leading a great new crime thriller series.
Criminal Minds fans, this is for you.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for ARC for review!
Meet the five agents of the FBI Patterns And Recognition (PAR) unit - Cassie Pardo, Joanne "Shooter" Harris, newcomer Richie Brancato, boss Frank Roberts, and the story told from POV of special agent Gardner Camden.
The team brings new theories and leads on cases where investigations have grown stale.
They are all specialized in their own rights, with Gardner being a genius with puzzles and not so much with human interaction.
The case that opens Head Cases is of a recently-deceased body found. But the man was on record of having died seven years prior.
The "world building" here is great, Camden being the central character and we know we will learn more of the others as the series progresses.
I'm looking forward to the next book, expected in 2026.
Released on Jan. 28.

Head Cases is a police procedural novel that follows Gardner Camden and his team at the FBI. Camdenis part of the Patterns and Recognition Unit, a team that is brought in on cases no one else can solve. The team gets called in to a murder where the victim has been identified as someone who was believed to already be dead, and it soon becomes clear they are hunting a killer who kills other serial killers. This killer decides to make it personal by targeting Camden, and the people he loves.

I had pretty high hopes for this novel, but it did fall a little flat for me. I thought the concept of this book was very interesting, it was very fast paced, and the resolution of what was actually going on was really well done, and took me by surprise. However, I found that all the other characters besides Camden felt very flat and two dimensional. It was hard to tell other characters apart, as they all felt the same. I also felt like the actual FBI unit itself wasn't really mentioned much; Camden is supposed to be part of a special unit, but they never really are seen doing anything that isn't routine investigative work. This was just fine, I enjoyed it well enough but I'm not sure I would continue on with the series.

Agents in the PAR division of the FBI all have one thing in common: they messed up in some way in their work with the bureau. When asked to review cases that involve the deaths of serial killers, they learn there are some deep connections to the FBI.

I enjoyed this book. While I thought there was going to be more of a connection to past serial killers, the book quickly turned when the motive of the killer became increasingly connected to individuals within the FBI itself. I found the main character interesting and liked the view from his brain. I appreciated that he was different and while this ultimately got him "in trouble" with the bureau, he was able to stay true to himself and open up the case. There were some things that were not explained, but without understanding the realities of an agent, I'm sure that these thin, but meaningful connections are made in real-life cases. The pace of the book felt good and I'm looking forward to the next installment!

I requested this book after reading an excerpt of it a little bit ago. There is always a special section of the FBI that does what no other department can do. Do you think they all feel like that? I bet they do. I can't imagine being in that one FBI office that just KNEW you were the worst of the best. You were the ones that didn't quite rise to expectations. The ones that the other agents felt bad for. It seems like there isn't much reason for you to be "special" but you were already there and you had your clearance and badge, so....

But this isn't that group. This is the one that is good at their job. This is the one with the odd and brilliant member that holds them all together. And it was a good story. Lot's of action. No easy answers or completely out there twist endings. This is just my way of saying that this was familiar in that way that basically all books about elite groups in already elite crime fighting agencies. I feel like it is just short of making itself distinct. Most first book in a series are. They want to feel familiar. Then you see the distinctions. I will read the second book that is sure to come. There is the hint of relationships in need of being explored and backstories to learn.

The plot was ok however I was not a huge fan of the writing style. Characters read very one sided especially the two females, I couldn't tell them apart at times.
Our main character read a tad pretentious at times so I couldn't vibe with him much.
I did enjoy the factual research parts we got thrown in about certain places and weapon types.
I'm on the fence about picking up a sequel if there is one.
Sorry for being incredibly vague but I don't wanna end up spoiling any plot points.

Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Finished Reading

Pre-Read notes

I *just* started reading this one and I already don't think I'm going to make it. So far, it's obnoxiously ableist. Also, for only being on the second page, I'm shocked at the logic issues. They're nothing but lazy writing, like the fmc snapping on neoprene gloves *before* tying her hair up. I really hope this gets better. *edit It doesn't.

Final Review (partial):

Five Quibbles:

This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.

1. Omg we get it, the mmc knows everything, inexplicably. I feel like someone is splaining this book to me.

2. The format this author uses to denote text messages is difficult to follow.

3. This one contains a huge cast of characters, which I often have trouble following and am doing so here.

4. Every inch of Head Cases screams types and tropes, from the neurodivergent detective with the dizzying intellect and social awkwardness, to the Dexter-style killer of killers, to the female side-kick who's literally described as a "ball-buster." Oh, but her friends call her that too, so it's not misogynistic at all. I just don't think my worldview is compatible with the author's.

5. DNF @ p103 So many books, not enough time to read ones I don't like.

Rating: DNF
Recommend? mine is an outlier opinion, so don't let me stop you
Finished: Jan 31 '25
Format: digital arc, NetGalley

Thank you to the author John McMahon, publishers St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of HEAD CASES. All views are mine.
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This book was well written and reminded me of Criminal minds or CSI. If you love a police procedural book, then this is the book for you. The characters were well developed, and the story line was easy to follow. It's fast paced, with a good balance of action and suspense. I really hope this is the start to a series, because there are so many different directions and storylines this group of agents can pursue.

Thank you Netgalley for the advance reader copy of Head Cases by John McMahon in exchange for an honest review. This was a new spin on a story like Criminal Minds, but instead of the BAU, it's a group of specialized people who usually work at their desks and are thrown into the field. It's for a special case that could make or break the team. I really liked the characters and the storyline. I would recommend this book.

A book about FBI agents hunting down a murderer of serial killers, count me in. On the surface, Head Cases checked all my boxes, but for some reason just didn't quite make the mark. The plot was intriguing but never totally pulled me in or lived up to its potential, and I found it difficult to follow and keep track of everything going on at times. The characters could have been more fully developed. It almost felt like this book was a set up for a series and further character development might come in later books. Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy of this book.

John McMahon has created a thriller peppered with puzzles that will keep your mind searching for the next clue and action that keeps the reader ready for more. Patterns and Recognition Unit is an FBI unit normally assigned to cold cases. Camden Gardner is a genius who solves puzzles. His eidetic memory helps him catch the killers, but he lacks social skills. He and a group of uniquely talented agents are assigned to a new case when a serial killer who supposedly died in a fire seven years ago, has just been murdered. The plot is full of twists and the characters are interesting, making for a compelling story. I can't wait to read the planned sequel. I received access to both the ebook and the audiobook from the publisher, but this review is voluntary. I can honestly say that no matter which format you prefer, this is a new series to watch out for.

This book was so clever, dark and addictive with some pretty unexpected twists along the way. I loved Gardner and his quirkiness along with the other characters and their uniqueness. This entire book felt like a puzzle that had to be pieced together and with only little bits revealed at a time, it kept me on my toes! This is the first book in a new series and I will definitely continue to follow it to the end!

Thank you to Minotaur for the gifted copy!

Head Cases by John McMahon is a mystery about a group of FBI agents that are searching for a serial killer. Each member of this FBI unit has his or her own special talent, and the way they work together makes for a really entertaining story. This is the first book in a new series, and I will definitely be looking for the next books as they are released. Thanks to NetGalley for the free digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

🟣serial killers
🟣cat and mouse
🟣reminds me of criminal minds
🟣team of misfits
🟣shocking
🟣well thought out

I definitely recommend this book!

I didn't know what to expect from this book, but I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The story starts off a little slow, there's a lot of character introductions and whatnot, but once the action picks up it's pretty non-stop.

I really like the idea that this group of 'misfits', who the FBI put together because they didn't fit in elsewhere, were able to show the top brass they're more than their quirks or personality traits.

I look forward to more of this series.

A serial killer hunting serial killers? Yes, please, I love a good police procedural. I knocked this book out in a day. It was interesting but I didn't love it. I'm not sure why. I struggled with some of the characters. And part of the end made no sense to me. I did enjoy the writing. I just wanted a bit more.

Head Cases by John McMahon is a captivating and fast-paced debut that introduces readers to an exceptional FBI unit tasked with solving the unsolvable. The story follows Gardner Camden, a brilliant yet socially awkward agent in the Patterns and Recognition (PAR) unit, a team of FBI specialists who tackle the most perplexing cold cases. When DNA links a recent murder to a long-dead serial killer, Camden and his team are thrust into a high-stakes investigation that quickly spirals into a deadly game of cat and mouse.

What sets Head Cases apart is its unique cast of characters, each with their own set of quirks and specialties. From a mathematician to a weapons expert, the diverse team works in tandem, using their collective expertise to crack the case, while Gardner’s personal blind spots add an intriguing layer of complexity to the investigation. The killer, however, is always one step ahead, leaving behind a trail of puzzles designed specifically for Gardner. As the investigation unfolds, the tension rises, and it becomes clear that the team is not just hunting down a murderer—they are also racing against time to protect their own families from the killer’s growing obsession with them.

With its sharp writing, intricate plot, and engaging ensemble cast, Head Cases keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. McMahon masterfully balances thrilling action with psychological depth, offering a story that’s as intellectually stimulating as it is suspenseful. For fans of twisty crime thrillers with a touch of genius, Head Cases is a must-read.

This book starts out with an exciting and unique premise. However, it quickly devolves into a pretty standard procedural and an extremely slow-burning one. Much of the time, it feels like nothing is really happening. Plus, none of the characters are really likable enough to care about. It feels like watching an episode of Criminal Minds with the most exciting parts of the story left off the screen.

If you’re looking for a thrilling read involving a unique serial killer, look no further than Head Cases.

This novel follows the FBI’s Pattern and Recognition (PAR) Team, a group of brilliant outcasts tasked with solving a case involving a serial killer targeting other serial killers. Intriguing, right? I was immediately drawn in!

What I loved about this book is its perfect blend of police procedural and character study. The PAR Team is not just a bunch of agents; they’re a fantastic ensemble of well-developed characters that you can’t help but root for. Each member brings something unique to the table.

The mystery itself is complex and keeps you guessing until the very end. Wanting to know how Gardener and the PAR Team would unravel the threads of this case kept me turning the pages!

If you’re a fan of shows like Criminal Minds or Dexter, you’ll definitely enjoy this read.