Reminiscent of TV series criminal minds and Temperance Brennon series by Kathy Reichs this is another intriguing book that could be great book series or TV show with a neurodivergent main character. It felt like it was written to become a TV series. I would invest my time into a series with this character FBI Agent Gardner Camden who is neurodivergent and good with analytics and puzzles.

The mystery is a complex one and I loved guessing what was going to happen next and what the various clues might mean. The story is also faced paced due to the character rapport and dialogue / banter. Looking forward to more about from this author and main character.



Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for this ARC . This is my honest review.

Wow this is going to rank near the top for my favorite audiobooks of the year! First time author, Will Damron narrating, great title, and catchy cover all made this book one to be a highly recommended when it releases in January 2025. The plot was complex and detailed with unique and quirky characters. While this story was a lot of cat-and-mouse, it wasn’t my perfect type of chase.

I didn’t read the synopsis so while I am tempted to say what it’s about, I suggest you just skip it and read or listen to this page turning thriller!

I started the ebook and then switched to the audio once I saw Will Damron was narrating!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity in exchange for an honest review.

*Thank you to Minitour Book, Josh McMahon and Netgalley for providing me with a E-ARC of "Head Cases" in exchange for an honest review.*

This was a very interesting mystery featuring a very paticular set of characters. I thought they they each had depth and I'm looking forward to reading more.

(4.25 stars)
Head Cases is the derogatory nickname other FBI folks give the members of a special unit called PAR: Patterns And Recognition. They are people who have messed up in some way in other FBI posts but they each are brilliant in their own way and seem to work really well together, usually working on cold cases.

This time, though, they are called in for a “hot” case. They are assigned to find a serial killer who is out there killing other serial killers! Gardner Camden leads the team for the first time, and he is grappling with this responsibility in addition to working the case. I loved his character; we get to know him professionally and personally. His love for his young daughter was palpable. The other members of the team were written as individuals so I had no trouble keeping track of who was who.

The mystery is a complex one and I loved guessing what was going to happen next and what the various clues might mean. The audiobook kept me and my husband entertained on a long road trip. The narrator did a fabulous job with all the voices. I’m going to look for more books narrated by Will Damron!

I sure hope there are going to be more books featuring these characters. The ending certainly hinted at it. In the meantime, I’m going to try to read his earlier books.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook and St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

4.25/5
Thank you @minotaur_books #partner for the gifted copy of this eARC!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…give me all the books that deal with puzzles, clues, codes, games and riddles! This one was such a blast to read! A unique and highly skilled team of people including a sniper, someone from the PAR (patterns and recognition) FBI group, a computer analyst and a mathematician all tracking a murder across the country! The best part is the crew hasn’t always made the best impression in their careers in the past but boy did they come out swinging with this task! Ahhh it was seriously such a great read! I think the author did a spectacular job creating every single character’s personality and skills! I literally did not want to put this book down until it was over. Plus it features a serial killer which is another favorite of thing of mine (of course only in books!) 😆 I really hope this becomes a series because I would love to follow this crew on another mission!

Read this if:

🧑‍🦱You like a unique cast of characters
🕵️‍♀️Like shows like criminal minds
🌪️Like when you can’t see the twists coming
🔪Enjoy tracking down serial killers

TLDR: perfect for fans of Patricia Cornwell and Kathy Reichs, for fans of Criminal Minds and CSI. A strong well paced mystery with good reveals that also introduces engaging characters for what is likely the start of a new book series.

Thank you MacMilllan audio for the review copy of Head Cases. I really love a good procedural/serial killer story that blends the science/crime scene and profiler analysis themes many of us love from Patricia Cornwell books and shows like Criminal Minds, Bones, and CSI. This book hits the right notes with those themes and introduces what I presume/hope is a fun new series that delves into the Patterns and Recognition (PAR) team and Gardner as the team leader. The story was well paced, nicely narrated, and I thought the clues and reveals were satisfying and the introduction of a cast of characters was well done without sacrificing the pace of the story

I really got into the character development for Gardner, I thought it was great to read a character who is neurodiverse but not have it come across as overly stereotypical, a character with an interesting background story that I want more of; here is where I thought the narration was powerful as Will Damron managed to capture a tone and style that I would expect for someone who is neurodiverse while still imbuing the performance with charisma and style.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Jan. 28, 2025
John McMahon, author of the P.T Marsh detective series of novels, brings an underestimated group of FBI agents to the forefront as they investigate a serial killer who is murdering other serial killers in his first stand-alone novel, “Head Cases”.
Gardner Camden and his team, the FBI’s PAR (Patterns and Recognition), are an overlooked group of agents who have an exceptional talent at recognizing patterns, completing puzzles and viewing things through a logical lens. Now, Camden and his team of rejects are called in to help investigate a series of gruesome murders and it seems the killer is targeting other killers. However, the first victim is a killer that Camden thought had died in a house fire over a decade ago so now he must go back and search his brain (and his files) to figure out where he went wrong before another victim turns up. But does anyone really care when the victims are serial killers?
Fans of “Criminal Minds” (especially Spencer Reed), will be all about McMahon’s PAR unit. A group of outcast agents who form a team of rejects and misfits, work together to solve a killer who is murdering other killers. It’s an absolute must read for fans of behavioural profiling and FBI procedurals.
Camden is a neurodivergent protagonist (similar to Criminal Minds’ Reed), whose genius overpowers his ability to engage and interact with other people. All of the members of his team have some record of misbehaviour with the FBI, but they are all too smart and talented to completely fire them, so now they come together and stick it to the higher-ups who called them incompetent by solving their case for them, in record time. There is not a character in the bunch that I did not absolutely love- and I was turning the pages at a rapid pace to uncover their outcomes.
There are some delicious twists in this novel and I was on board for every one. The why? And the why now? Are the two big questions posed throughout the story and when we get the answers, there are still more surprises to come. The ending is action-packed and tense, and McMahon leaves just enough to assume a sequel (or more) are on the way. All I can say to that is—YES PLEASE!

Head Cases is the debut novel introducing a special unit in the FBI that uses unique skills to make up the Patterns and Recognition unit. Headed up by FBI Agent Gardner Camden who has unique behavior and challenges to overcome though never specifically delved into the reader could be lead to believe that Gardner may be on the spectrum. A vigilante killer is hunting down killers while Gardner and his agents are playing catch-up and drawing Gardner’s family into the mix. The case keeps twisting as the unit stays one step behind a killer until the satisfying conclusion. The characters are interesting but I feel like I want to know more about them and how they work. I hope the author takes a deeper dive into the characters personalities and background in the next book that I will definitely be reading. The novel shows great potential to turn into a thrilling series. My voluntary, unbiased, and non-mandatory review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.

✨️Review 3/5 🌙's✨️
Head cases by: John McMahon


Overview: Pars is a special unit that has been called to untie the knots of a more complicated case. Gardner has a brilliant mind. One that can figure out things and make leaps and bounds. He enjoys puzzles and feels called to solve the one PARS has been assigned to.

Thoughts: This book was a really good read in the sense that I flew through this novel, really enjoying some of the plot points and surprises. There were plenty of shocks and twists and turns. However, the main problem fell mostly on our main character. Although he was extremely smart and definitely fit the part of a strange minds agent, the connection to the reader is missed. I didn't feel much of a connection to the main character. I feel like if I cared more about Gardner, then some of the plot twists and effects of Gardners chase on other people in his life would have moved me. Instead, I had a bit of a disconnect and felt no emotional response.

I would definitely recommend this to lovers of cold cases, criminal minds, and other FBI/Police task force crime shows. It gave a lot of TV vibes, and I feel like this book would make a more incredible TV show.

Thanks for the ARC in extange for my honest review.
St. Martin's press/minotaur books

John McMahon's Head Case is a masterful blend of psychological intrigue, sharp wit, and high-stakes action, showcasing the brilliance of the FBI’s Patterns and Recognition (PAR) unit. Led by the analytical yet emotionally elusive Gardner Camden, this quirky team of specialists tackles a chilling case when DNA evidence ties a new murder to a long-dead serial killer. The plot unfolds with gripping intensity as the killer toys with Gardner, leaving cryptic riddles and dragging the team into a dangerous, public pursuit. McMahon’s ensemble cast is richly developed, each member contributing unique skills to the tense, fast-paced investigation. Head Case is an exhilarating read, perfect for fans of cerebral mysteries and nail-biting thrillers.

As a Criminal Minds fan, this book exceeded my expectations. I loved the fast-paced and quick wittiness of the case and its characters. I also enjoyed reading about the behavioral analysis point of view when it came to the case coming together.

I am excited that this book is getting a sequel and looking forward to 2026.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC.

I haven’t read a good police procedural in a while, so this was a refreshing one to read/listen to. I think eidetic memory is so fascinating, so I loved that the MMC had that. And the whole “PAR” team, made up of “quirky” agents was also fun. (I feel like that can be overdone, but as it’s been a while since I’ve read that, it felt fresh again to me.)

The case and plot of the story was interesting, and what I really like about crime novels and police procedurals is that it keeps me guessing. Which this one did just that. This one looks like it might be the start of a new series, so I will definitely be returning to this if a second book comes out!

I love reading books with the awkward, more intellectual main characters, and Head Cases matched that love with my love of mysteries. This was such an easy read that I flew through. The mystery of it kept you guessing, and the humanity of it kept you engaged. This would be a great book for fans of the show Numb3rs or The Maid series by Nita Prose.

"The Head Cases. We’d been called this moniker a lot, but rarely to our faces. Like most FBI nicknames, it was half insult, half compliment. After all, we did have good “heads for a case.” We had the ability to synthesize. To see things others couldn’t. To connect disparate elements into one unified story. But the name meant other things, too. That we were oddballs. Rejects. Nutsos. Not my words. But words I'd heard used to describe us."

Head Cases is a fantastic novel that delves into the mind of one of the smartest FBI agents there is, Gardner Camden. Gardner works for the PAR (Patterns and Recognitions) unit, along with other FBI "misfits". The author doesn't explicitly state it, but Gardner is neurodivergent. He has an amazing memory and an uncanny ability to make connections that others cannot, however, he is like a fish out of water in social situations. Poor Gardner stays true to his moral compass which causes him a lot of heartache (i.e. sending his wife to prison for money laundering).

Gardner has just been sent to the scene of a murder. The strange part? The man that was murdered was a serial killer Gardner has found many years ago... who died in a house fire with dental records to prove it. Not 48 hours later, Gardner is called to the murder of another serial killer who was just released from prison that same day. What is going on? Is there a connection or is it a strange coincidence? Gardner and his team of misfits must work together to find the killer who is targeting serial killers before time runs out- for the bad guys and for PAR themselves, who just discovered their unit is on the chopping block. There is a definite cat and mouse game at play and it's a race to see who comes out on top.

I absolutely loved this novel. I certainly hope that this becomes a series. 5 stars! Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for the ARC!

If you’ve ever found yourself fascinated by the twisted minds of serial killers and the agents tasked with tracking them down, Head Cases is right up your alley. As someone who’s spent a fair amount of time in the dark corners of true crime and fiction (thanks, Dexter), I was immediately drawn to the premise of Head Cases, which flips the usual serial killer formula on its head by introducing a killer who targets other killers—those who believe they are above the law. And let me tell you, this book delivers exactly what I was hoping for.

The story follows FBI agent Gardner Camden, a brilliant, neurodivergent investigator who’s tasked with hunting down a killer who’s targeting other serial killers. Camden’s intellect is undeniable, and while the portrayal of his neurodivergence might tread some familiar ground (we’ve seen the "genius with social challenges" character in countless procedurals like Criminal Minds), I still found myself rooting for him. There’s something compelling about Camden’s single-minded pursuit of justice, even as he grapples with his own emotional and social barriers. And while the depiction of his neurodivergence might feel a bit oversimplified at times, it didn’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the story—if anything, it gave his character a unique depth that kept me hooked.

As for the plot itself, it’s a high-octane chase with plenty of twists and turns to keep you on edge. The killer Camden is pursuing has a skewed sense of morality—very much in the vein of Dexter, but with a chilling twist. It’s a classic game of cat and mouse, where the stakes are high and the rules are murky. The pacing is sharp, and the tension builds as Camden gets closer to the truth, uncovering more layers of the killer’s motives and mind games with each turn. There were moments when I couldn't turn the pages fast enough, eager to see how it all unraveled.

Yes, the book does have some of the familiar cliches of the genre—the neurodivergent hero, the tortured genius, the mind games—but for fans of FBI procedural thrillers and serial killer hunts, it’s a formula that works. And lucky for me (and anyone else who enjoys a good chase), Camden will be back in the sequel, which I’m already looking forward to.

If you’ve spent hours watching Criminal Minds, Mindhunter, or Dexter, Head Cases will feel like a natural fit on your bookshelf. It offers all the thrills of a serial killer hunt with a protagonist who’s both relatable and intriguing in his own way. It's dark, twisted, and undeniably addictive. I’m in for the ride.

I don't read a lot of crime fiction so I was very happy when I venturing out of my comfort zone paid off. The stakes were high, the chapters were short and I was gripped very quickly. I blew through this book in a day I was so invested. The narrator was lovely to listen to and kept me even more engaged as the investigation took it's twists and turns. I loved getting to know everyone on the PAR team and I'm very excited to see where this series goes!

A perfectly fine police procedural. I had hoped the main character would be a bit quirkier based on the description. There were moments of tension and excitement, plus a few surprises along the way. Anyone who is a fan of this type of book would like enjoy the overall plot.

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, St Martin’s Press, and author John McMahon for the ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Head Cases is an aptly named mystery about an unusual group of FBI agents. A serial killer who was presumed dead seven years ago truly shows up dead this time. Soon after, another man who many would say deserved to be killed is found dead. The hunt is on to find who is exacting this sort of vigilante Justice.
I was drawn in by this group of misfits. They are all part of an analytical group (the PAR, patterns and recognition). Usually hidden behind their desks, this time they’re out in the field tracking down someone killing released serial killers. The story is told from the perspective of Gardner Camden, a true genius with what would seem is a photographic memory. He’s obviously neurodivergent, but with wonderful, strong relationships with his mom and daughter, And also his team.
Unlike my normal police procedurals, this story isn’t believable but it’s totally entertaining. It moves at a brisk pace with plenty of twists and turns. I found the ending to be extremely satisfactory. This looks to be the first in a series and it will be interesting to see where it goes next.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.

I'm not sure how I first came upon Head Cases, but I'm glad I requested an eARC. It's so damn good.

The Patterns and Recognition group (PAR for short) of the FBI is brought in "to identify peculiarities in cases that have stalled". The members are all highly specialized in their roles, but need a little help socially. It's why they're called Head Cases.

The team gets pulled out into the field and are forced into chasing a serial killer of serial killers. Gardiner, the lead on this investigation, is great to follow. The politics of a federal bureau felt fleshed out. The forensics and criminal psychology behind it all feels like it's written by a veteran of the field. It all makes for a gripping mystery. Head Cases is an addictive page-turner, paced like a movie. Any fan of forensic/thriller/criminology novels should add this to their TBR pile.

Thank you to Minotaur Books and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for feedback.

Many thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for this arc. I received this book in exchange for my honest review. My thoughts are entirely my own.

This book is the first in a two part series about Camden Gardner/PAR. Camden Gardner and the rest of the PAR team are sent to Texas after the body of a previously thought dead man that Camden was going to arrest is found with organs in tubes and a serial killer taunting the team to catch him. Camden and his team go looking in different states trying to piece together why the serial killer is doing this and the director of the FBI is in the middle of it because of his past decisions. This book reminded me of a season of Criminal Minds. They also mention Murder By The Book bookstore that’s based in Houston, Texas. Luckily the team is able to find the killer and keep their team together and not disbanded like it was planned before the serial killer. I enjoyed this book from start to finish. I can’t for the next book sometime in 2026. I will definitely be buying this book when it comes out.