WOW this was perfect! It was unique, it was a bit old school, it was realistic and it was impossible to guess.

Head Cases follows a group of Slow Horses types -- FBI agents that were churned out of the FBI machine because they couldn't keep up with the politics. Their punishment is to deal with cold cases via a program called PAR (Patterns and Recognition). FBI Agent Gardner Camden is an analytical genius with a remarkable memory. His recall rivals google and most of his colleagues dislike his abilities and his inability to fit in. But at PAR he has almost a family and the group has been successful until now.

Gardner learns early on that a man he had filed as dead just recently was murdered. This mistake sends him spinning and he and the team are called in to a live case. It's not long before they learn that they are just as much part of the case and there is a serial killer at large!

I just loved this book. I felt Gardner was very well written and believable - not the over-the-top spectrum or confused with social skills writing that some authors employ for entertainment value. We really know him and root for him! I cannot wait for the next book and am going through MCMahon's past books now! #StMartins #headcases #johnmcmahon

🚔 BOOK / REVIEW 🚔

I have been in a book rut 😭 I recently started crocheting, and that has taken up my time and interest over the past few months, so this one got pushed to the back burner for a bit.

That being said, this was an EXCELLENT #policeprocedural novel - McMahon wrote the plot, characters and twists / turns perfectly. I loved that this one focused on a unique group in the FBI - called PAR - comprised of genius minds and a ragtag group of friends. The fact that I learned so much while reading this makes it a very easy book to recommend for folks who like this genre. Despite my lack of time, this is actually a very quick read.

All of the early reviews for this are incredible, so be sure to add this to your queue! #headcases by John McMahon publishes January, 2025 by @stmartinspress. Thank you so much for my #gifted copy @netgalley.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

My series loving heart wants every book I enjoy to become a series, and that is true here. I loved Gardner and his crew, and the story was good! I actually emailed the author I enjoyed it so much. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes January 28, 2025

> 4.5 stars <
Police procedural stories can often be dry and have very hard/predictable/vanilla characters. I’m happy to report that this is not one of those books! I loved this story from beginning to end. It had everything you could want in this genre: lovable characters, twists and turns, interesting crimes, and some good old fashioned mystery solving. Really hoping this will be a series!
Thank you to St. Martins Press for the digital ARC!

Head Cases held my attention right out of the gate, it was fast paced, suspenseful and extremely detailed.
For those who enjoy crime thrillers I really think you'd enjoy this.

Thank you, NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the advanced reader copy for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this novel - it gave me mind hunter vibes and was very suspenseful and kept me guessing. It was a bit slow in some parts but the twists kept me engaged!

Head Cases is the start of a new procedural thriller series. FBI agent Gardner Camden leads a group known as PAR, specialized agents adept with patterns and recognition. They are pulled into a murder investigation where DNA connects the victim to a serial killer previously considered dead. But soon a second victim is identified and they are searching for a serial killer intent on getting revenge. The killer is leaving clues for the team, especially for Gardner. This is a fantastic series start. I liked the group of people who are part of PAR. Their unique set of skills allows them to do investigations intellectually. I liked the complexities and twists that were part of the plot and found it to be a great procedural. I am definitely looking forward to reading more of this group's investigations.

Thank you, NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

If you're in the mood for a gripping FBI procedural with a touch of Criminal Minds, this book is a must-read. It's packed with fascinating characters, especially the main character, Gardner, whose neurodiversity adds a refreshing layer of depth. I loved the dynamic of the investigative team, a quirky motley crew of characters that has me wanting more stories with them.

The "killing killers" aspect also brings a bit of a Dexter vibe, which makes for some interesting moral questions. While the story doesn’t break any new ground, it's a solid serial killer tale that's both entertaining and addictive. Just a heads up, it gets a bit gory in places, so if you're squeamish, proceed with caution.

Overall, it's perfect for fans of police procedurals who enjoy piecing together details and being kept guessing until the end. If you're looking for a read that will entertain and keep you thinking, this one delivers.

It's a solid 4.5 for me, but I have to round down because Netgalley doesn't allow fractions.

This was a really good story. I love police procedurals and this was a great one. Special Agent Gardner Camden is such a good character. I love that he was neurodivergent and we get to be in his head and hear his inner thoughts. I did find Cassie a bit annoying, she talks like my teenager. Overall, this was a great read, and would recommend.

This was absolutely perfect. Every time I read a crime novel I walk away feeling smarter. This one was no exception.