If you like Criminal Minds, you'll like this. I can see where the inspiration for the characters and the killers came from, however, I felt that it wasn't that different than most books that already exist. I enjoyed it, and probably will buy a physical copy, but overall it's a normal FBI thriller novel.

A serial killer targeting other serial killers? When I read the synopsis, I knew I wanted to read Head Cases by John McMahon - and I am so glad that I did!

As part of the Patterns and Recognition unit in the FBI, Gardner Camden is an expert at solving cold cases. So when a serial killer who’s been dead for 7 years is found dead - again - Gardner and the PAR team are called in to help. It’s not long before another serial killer turns up dead and the team realizes that the person they are after is murdering serial killers. But as the team learns more and more about their target, their target is learning more about them.

Reading Head Cases felt like reading an episode of Criminal Minds, and I enjoyed trying to figure out who was behind the murders and what was going to happen next. Gardner and the PAR team have different skill sets and therefore work differently than other FBI units, and it was fun to see the way they built a profile to find the killer. I also liked the stakes that McMahon set up, although I won’t go into too many details here to avoid spoilers!

I will say that there were a few times where the writing took me out of the flow of the story. Descriptions of what people were wearing included mid-conversation or characters saying things ‘b-t-dubs’ didn’t quite feel like they fit with the flow of the rest of the story.

Overall, I really enjoyed going along for the ride as Gardner and the PAR team solved these murders! If you enjoy shows like Criminal Minds, Head Cases comes out today! Many thanks to Minotaur Books, Netgalley, and John McMahon for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a well written and engaging police procedural. I always love the hunt for a serial killer. The characters were strong and they each brought their individual talents to the team. Moving across the country was an added twist and I liked seeing how the killer planned in advance. I can’t wait to see where the PAR unit heads next!

i was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book by from st martin's press. this was one of my most anticipated reads of the year!

this cat and mouse novel is perfect for fans of criminal minds which is literally my comfort show. i loved this book so much and i can't wait to read the next installment!

thanks again to st martin's press!

I'm a huge crime, mystery, police procedural fan so was excited to get an advanced reader copy! This was my entrance to John McMahon as an author and wow. The book took me 25-50 pages to get into it but by the time I reached the half way point I couldn't put it down until I finished it. I enjoyed almost every single character that we spent time with but obviously the highlight was Agent Gardner Camden who almost reminded me of a Spencer Reid from the show Criminal Minds with his photographic memory and quirks that outside of his tight circle push others from the FBI away. However he was much different and the character arch we saw from a straight by the books agent to where he finishes was a fun ride.

The story excellently blended in learning the backstory of our protagonist along with an edge of the seat thriller of a serial killer, killing serial killers. The twist was great and although didn't completely shock me I was along for the ride. 4.5/5 stars, check this out when it release tomorrow!

I read this book in two days (which is really fast for me as I have a 9 month old and a toddler). I couldn’t put this down. This police procedural is so well done and so unique. I loved the main character, Gardner Camden, and loved the insight into his mind. The PAR unit was fantastic and I cannot wait to follow them around again in the next book. I’m sad that the book is over and will definitely plan a reread soon.

Head Cases follows FBI Agent Gardner Camden and his quirky, brilliant team in the Patterns and Recognition (PAR) unit as they hunt down a serial killer who’s resurfaced after years of being presumed dead. As the killer leaves cryptic clues for Gardner, the team is thrust into the public eye while trying to solve the case and protect their own lives. With each team member utilizing their unique skills, they race against time to uncover the killer’s identity before it’s too late.

This is a gripping law enforcement thriller hooks you from the start with its relentless suspense and a cat-and-mouse game between a cunning serial killer and determined agents. Packed with twists and turns, the story builds momentum as the agents counter every move, leading to an action-packed, surprise-filled finale. The authentic procedural details and exploration of behind-the-scenes politics add depth and realism, immersing you in the high-stakes world of crime-solving. Overall it was a compelling, dynamic read that kept me captivated until the very end. I will pick up the next book in this series.
Special thanks to netgalley and macmillan.audio for the ARC.
4 stars!

OOOOh, this was good! So engaging and addictive - hard to put down! It had a whole cast of characters who formed a unit called PAR in the FBI. I liked all of the characters and getting to know the story of how they ended up in the "misfits" unit. The storyline was also great. A serial killer who kills serial killers! There were some twists and turns that kept my mind turning trying to decide who I suspected! This was the first book in a new series. I am looking forward to the next one.

Thank you Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read this ARC!

This story follows FBI Agent Gardner Camden and his uniquely skilled team, known as the PAR unit (Patterns and Recognition), as they work to uncover the identity of a vigilante killer who has taken justice into their own hands. Agent Camden and his team have the ability to analyze and understand details of a crime scene or behaviors that might otherwise go unnoticed by others.
Trying to understand the killer's thought process, trying to find someone who is always somehow one step ahead made this super fun to read. There were many tense moments that had me glued to the pages.

This was such an exciting, fast-paced read that kept me on the edge of my seat and guessing, attempting to put the pieces together to uncover the killer's identity. As a fan of crime thrillers, this was an incredibly enjoyable read. For anyone who loves crime shows like Numbers, Criminal Minds, Bones, the list goes on and on, I think this will be a great read for you too. I'm looking forward to more adventures from the PAR unit!

In this series debut, a group of FBI agents hunt down a killer who is targeting killers from previous cases.

The group of agent work under Patterns and Recognition (PAR) and are exceptionally good at deciphering patterns and riddles, the cases that other agents can’t quite solve.

Agent Gardner Camden and his team are now in a cat and mouse game with the killer. Will the PAR team be able to figure out the identity of the killer before more bodies are left in his wake?

This was a great read. It was fast paced, edgy and had the staples of tv shows like FBI and Criminal Minds. I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen, not only to the unit but would there be more victims and would the killer outsmart the unit? I absolutely look forward to reading more from this series and author John McMahon.

Thank you to the author, John McMahon, publisher Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. I received an epub and am leaving my review voluntarily.

This was book was fast-paced and so fun to listen to. Part Dexter/part police procedural if you like suspenseful crime thrillers, you will love this book.

This book follows FBI Gardner Camden who is an analytical genius and an affinity for puzzles. He is a part of a small group of misfit FBI agents called PAR: Patterns and Recognitions. This group is filled with puzzle solvers and math geeks, expert profilers and other brilliant agents. PAR is also know as the "HEAD CASES". PAR is typically tasked to solve cold cases, but there is a serial killer on the loose. This serial killer just so happens to be hunting other serial killers and one of Gardner's previous cases ends up murdered.

I loved Gardner's character. He was extremely lovable. I also loved his mother who was always in his ear and was full of wisdom in helping him solve his cases. The other characters on the team were brilliant and I just loved their development.

I felt that Will Damron did an amazing job as narrator and captured Camden's neurodivergence perfectly.

If you love a good cat-and-mouse, police procedural crime thriller this book is for you!

This book is first in a series and I cannot wait to see what PAR does next!


Thank you @macmillan.audio for the #gifted ALC and @netgalley and minotaur_books and @stmartinspress for the #gifted eARC.

Head cases was an intense, gripping and hard to put down book. I thought it was a great read. I was hooked from the beginning and I can't wait to read another one of John's books. FBI Agent Gardner is a master at solving puzzles as are the other members on his team. They were called to investigate a murder victim to see if they were linked to a serial killer that they believed to have been dead for a while. They are focused on finding the killer and bringing him/her to justice. I loved reading his approach to the case. I found it fascinating and intriguing. I loved how the team worked together for the common goal of finding the killer. The book was full of constant revelations, surprises and plot twists as the mystery unfolds. This was such a great reading experience and it was my first time reading a book by this author. I would recommend this book to all of my friends.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the advanced copy of the book.

Gardner Camden is part of PAR (Patterns and Recognition), a special unit in the FBI, who is called to a case where the deceased is....a serial killer Camden chased years ago and was...pronounced dead! What a head scratcher!

I'm a sucker for FBI/Profiler/puzzle books and Head Cases hits all the right notes. Camden and the team are quirky outcasts (and geniuses), the camaraderie between them palpable, the respect the unit given by the rest of the FBI doled out reluctantly. The crimes appear to be unsolvable, and also personal.

This is my first John McMahon book. I was totally along for the ride, and would look forward to more from PAR should the FBI put the call out for their services in the future.

My thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the digital ARC.

O.m.g! My favorite trope is the investigators hunting serial Killers. This writing style made me feel like the characters were real people in real life. Heart pounding, couldn't put down, best book of the month for sure! I really hope this is the beginning of a series.

Gardner Camden is a brilliant FBI agent with a brain wired for highly developed puzzle solving abilities. Gardner and his colleagues make up the Pattern and Recognition (PAR) unit, comprised of talented agents who have somehow messed up in the past. This close-knit group is brought in to work on hard-to-solve cases.

When a murder victim turns out to be a serial killer thought to have perished in a fire years ago, the PAR unit is assigned to investigate. Then a second serial killer victim raises the question: is there a serial killer targeting serial killers? The murderer appears to be leaving taunting clues specifically for Gardner, including leads that point to somewhere within the FBI itself.

I was so engaged with this book; I love a neurodivergent but highly competent character, especially one who is analyzing himself and his own ethics. I loved Gardner's interactions with his mother, who was still offering wise advice even while battling memory loss. Each time I thought I could predict the story's direction, another twist popped up to reset my view of the clues. I'll definitely be reading the next book of this series!

Thank you so much to Minotaur Books for this ARC!

Head Cases by John McMahon is a gritty, hard-hitting crime thriller that dives deep into the complexities of mental illness, criminal justice, and the underworld of law enforcement. The novel follows the journey of Detective Sam “Ace” Acevedo, a tough and seasoned investigator in Atlanta, who is called to investigate a series of brutal murders that seem to have connections to a local psychiatric hospital. As Ace delves into the case, he uncovers a labyrinth of lies, corruption, and hidden agendas—leading him into dangerous territory where his own moral compass is tested.

McMahon does an excellent job creating a dark, atmospheric setting for the novel. The gritty, urban backdrop of Atlanta feels alive with tension, from the dingy hospital wards to the seedy underbelly of the criminal world. This sense of place plays a key role in setting the tone for the entire book, and it draws you into Ace’s increasingly complicated investigation.

The protagonist, Ace, is a compelling, multi-dimensional character. He’s haunted by his past and grappling with his own demons, which adds depth to his character and makes him both relatable and flawed. His moral ambiguity and personal struggles make him an engaging figure to follow, especially as he navigates the complex and morally gray world of crime and justice. His determination to uncover the truth, even when it puts him in danger, adds a layer of intensity to the story.

The writing is sharp and direct, with McMahon effectively building suspense through short, punchy chapters and alternating perspectives. The narrative unfolds at a brisk pace, constantly throwing new twists and revelations that keep you on your toes. As the investigation progresses, McMahon layers in plenty of red herrings, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The twists are clever without feeling contrived, and the final reveal ties everything together in a satisfying, though intense, way.

What sets Head Cases apart from other crime thrillers is its exploration of mental health and the ethical questions surrounding the treatment of those deemed “insane.” McMahon doesn’t shy away from tackling the darker aspects of the medical system, as well as the societal stigma associated with mental illness. This adds an emotional depth to the story that makes it more than just a typical detective novel.

In conclusion, Head Cases is a thrilling, emotionally complex novel that will appeal to fans of gritty crime fiction with a moral edge. McMahon delivers a fast-paced, suspenseful plot filled with rich character development and a haunting exploration of the human psyche. If you’re into dark mysteries that combine crime, psychology, and suspense, this is a book you’ll want to pick up.

I really liked this one and am excited to see that more titles are coming! McMahon has done a really solid job crafting a team that is compelling and human, full of "misfits" who are fascinating in their quirks and back stories. The concept of a team of behavioral analysts is certainly not a new one, but despite this being well-trod ground, I found the execution here to feel engaging and fresh and it held my attention from start to finish. It's a fast-moving story that hums along, and the characters add a depth to the experience that I enjoyed. I read and listened to this one, and enjoyed both experiences and cannot wait to see where things go next!

I'm stoked that Head Cases is the first book in a new series. I was hooked from the very first page and flew through the story from beginning to end.

The characters were great, it read like a criminal minds episode following around the PAR (

Patterns and Recognition) Unit. The main character is FBI Agent Gardner Camden and he's an awesome MC, he's intelligent and interesting. I love the dynamic he and Cassie, his partner have, she brings the much needed humor.

An incredible thriller, John McMahon knocked it out of the park, it was so well written and kept me on my toes the entire time. The murderer was playing games with the team mostly with Gardner which was a really cool aspect as the team got closer to solving the case.


I absolutely loved it.


4.5 Stars


Thank you to St.Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and Netgalley for this ARC!

I love a good FBI procedural book and this one did not disappoint!! I loved how the killer in this book tracked down other killers and how he killed them! The Chace to get him was so good!! Can't wait tobread more of this new series!

Bestselling author John McMahon returns following his popular P.T. Marsh novels with a fascinating new series, PAR #1 HEAD CASES—a group of misfits, brilliant freaks (known by some), FBI agents that leave their desks and hit the road to track down a serial killer who murders serial killers— seeking his own justice in this dazzling and compelling new crime thriller debut series.

About...

FBI Agent Gardner Camden is an analytical genius and enjoys solving puzzles. He also has a blind spot on the human side of investigations, which often includes his beloved seven-year-old daughter Camila, who lives in Miami while he works in Jacksonville.

Gardner and his squad of brilliantly talented yet quirky agents make up the Patterns and Recognition (PAR) unit. Each member possesses unique skills that make them the hidden secret of the FBI. They tackle cases no one else can solve, making them a team to watch and a group of characters you'll be eager to learn more about.


THE ACE: Specializing in puzzles, patterns, and decoding enigmas.
THE BOSS: Old School FBI—plays his card close to the vest.
THE ANALYST: Creates crime scenes in her head.
THE SHOOTER: A born and raised hunter.
THE ROOKIE: A prodigy just out of the academy.


The team is assigned to a case when DNA links a murder victim to a serial killer who was long presumed dead. Ross Tignon, a man he had hunted years ago, stopped because he turned up dead.

Seven years earlier, he was the primary suspect in Florida for three women's murders, and then a fire broke out in his home. If this man had been killed yesterday in Texas, whose body was in the Florida fire?

A second victim follows, creating a pattern, and the murderer starts leaving a trail of sinister clues and riddles for Gardner.

They hit the road following the killer with Gardner, and each of them uses every skill possible to solve this complex mystery. Their determination to protect themselves, the team, and their family, even when the killer seems to be one step ahead.

As the case unfolds, Gardner's professional detachment is tested. He's a seasoned professional tasked with profiling crimes that others can't solve. But this case is different. It's personal. With the killer seemingly always one step ahead, Gardner's worry for his mother and daughter's safety grows. He must find a way to warn them before it's too late, and you'll feel the intensity of his struggle.

Gardner's mom relocated to Texas from South Carolina. She was a psychiatrist for twenty years before she retired and moved west; she was on retainer with the Charleston Police Department and consulted on numerous investigations. But now she is in a home. Garnder sends money to his mom and daughter even though he can't always be around.

Two people could make Gardner's heart sink: His mother and his seven-and-a-half-year-old daughter, who lives with her grandmother in Miami. He visits on the weekends. He must keep them safe before the serial killer gets to them.

The dangerous game of cat-and-mouse begins with a sinister killer with an agenda and a revenge plot!

My thoughts...

HEAD CASES is:
Brilliant.
Original.
Electrifying.
Clever.
Edgy.
Enigmatic
Action-packed.
Suspenseful.
Mysterious.
Cat-and-Mouse Twisty.
A STUNNER!

Move over: My new favorite FBI team (PAR) and crime series are in town—prime for the big screen. I love these characters. Bring on #2! I can't wait to see what's next for the PAR team, and I'm sure fans will share my excitement for the next installment.

🎬 I'm thrilled to hear that this series has been optioned for HBO Max. The thought of seeing these characters and their thrilling adventures on screen is truly exciting.

This is the author's fourth book, and as with the past series (I also enjoyed and need to catch up with the last one in the P.T. Marsh series), a well-written procedural, gripping plot, razor-sharp, witty, intelligent, and fast-paced—keeping you on the edge of your seat. Like Michae Connelly's Bosch, Gardner is a fantastic character who loves and protects his family.

Fans, get ready for more! Another book is on the way, and you'll be on the edge of your seat, eagerly anticipating the next thrilling adventure of this fun group in Miami! I love books set in my backyard.

Audiobook...

I read the book and listened to the audiobook narrated by one of my all-time favorites, Will Damron. The award-winning performance captured these quirky, intelligent FBI characters and secondary character voices—impressive — elevating the novel and making this a captivating listening experience. The characters came alive on the page, and I became hooked from beginning to end. His performance was superb. I highly recommend the audiobook and this series. I hope he will be narrating the next in the series!

Recs...

This book is a must-read for fans of the author and those who enjoy Criminal Minds, The Mentalist (my favorite- I love Patrick Jane), and Karin Slaughter's Will Trent series. It's a perfect blend of the best elements from all these works.

Thanks to Minotaur Books, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for an ALC and ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Jan 28, 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars
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