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

A quick and compelling read. Gardner Camden is very direct with his co-workers and himself. This sometimes made it difficult to understand the dynamics of his relationship with his ex-wife and his daughter. This book has the making of a series, with each character deserving of further development and backstory. The serial killer is not obvious, and takes the role of a side character at times. I would readily recommend this to fans of Steve Cavanagh and Jeffrey Deaver.

Review: Overall, I really enjoyed this. It made me think of an adult version of Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, one of my favorite series. I really appreciated how we got to know Gardner throughout the book, and honestly how it felt like he got to know himself too. I thought the mystery part of it was incredibly well done and there were multiple times that I thought I knew who had done what and I did not. I found myself really at about 80% in really hoping that this would be a series because I liked the relationships and dynamics between the PAR team members so much and I'm really excited to see that the author is contracted for at least one more book. Definitely worth picking this one up!

Synopsis: Gardner Camden is a walking analytical brain with an affinity for riddles, puzzles, and codes. It makes him the perfect fit for the Patterns and Recognition (PAR) unit of the FBI, a team of five brilliant but misfit agents tasked with solving cold cases. Gardner's smart, but he's all business--except for his seven-year-old daughter and occasional visits to his elderly mother, he prioritizes his work and justice over everything else, no matter the cost. With rumors of PAR about to be disbanded, the team can’t afford to make any mistakes.

A serial killer from one of Gardner’s solved cases, presumed to be dead for over a decade, is found murdered, and then soon after, another body with a similar story. The mastermind murderer has left clues and riddles for Gardner and his team--a mathematician, a sniper and weapons expert, a computer analytics specialist, and their leader, a career agent--as they track him across the country. With the threat of PAR dissolving, Gardner must work to solve the riddles before it’s too late.

Head Cases is a must read for fans of crime thrillers! This was a very exciting book, with no filler or slow parts. I was engaged the whole way through. Camden was a great main character, and I liked the whole PAR team of misfits. I definitely got Criminal Minds vibes, so I think fans of the show will love this book. The case is interesting, and I enjoyed the clues and the twists and turns. I was thrilled to see that there will at least be a second book, and I hope that it becomes a series. I would love to get to know the rest of the team better and see them use their skill sets more in the next book. I have never read anything by John McMahon before and I can't wait to see what else he has written. I highly recommend this book!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!

I couldn’t put Head Cases by John McMahon down at all and finished this wonderful book in one day. Head Cases is a fast paced cat and mouse story about a group of misfit FBI agents that work on cold cases. All three of them were sent to this department known as PAR after they’d made mistakes in their careers. Gardner Camden is the lead agent on the newest case involving serial killers that are being murdered. These agents are working against the clock to solve this case and it may be the last case for the team. I can’t wait for the next book that John McMahon has up his sleeve to follow up Head Cases. I would like to thank both NetGalley and Minotaur Publishing for letting me read an advanced copy of the novel.

I didn’t expect this review to be so hard to write - such mixed feelings about Head Cases. There were parts I liked and would recommend it to those who like criminal mysteries. I wish there was more suspense and angst. Most questions were answered almost immediately and didn’t leave the reader must time to draw their own conclusions.
I did enjoy getting to know the FBI agents in the Patterns and Recognition (PAR) unit. Each agent brought quirky personality traits to the group, and these traits helped solve cases. While this wasn’t my favorite mystery, I would recommend it and I plan to read the next book in the series to see how this group of misfits continue to meld. This book can be read as a standalone, as the primary case to solved.

5 stars. Given the state of my Netgalley queue, I had no business reading Head Cases in October, when it releases in January. But there was just something about that blurb that called to me. And as soon as I received the widget in my email, I hit download. And then, Head Cases jumped to the top of my queue and became my next read book. Now having read Head Cases, I can say with 100% certainty that bumping this baby to the top of my TBR was categorically the right decision. Because damn, this book was SO GOOD.

Head Cases is kind of like a combination of the Criminal Minds TV show and The Suicide Squad movie. Which turns out to really work for me, because now I want to read this combo again and again. At the FBI, the four members of the PAR unit are jokingly (but not really jokingly) called the Head Cases, and probably not just because they have a good head for solving difficult cases. But, that also is true. And while they're not the villains (as is the case with the Suicide Squad movies), they ARE all misfits. All of the members of the team come with their own tale of woe involving a political screw up that finds them assigned to the PAR unit. PAR are "the little guys." They don't have the same resources that the rest of the FBI have, are located in a satellite office, and are never... NEVER given any field assignments. But the thing about this Head Cases division is that they close cases, including those that no one else can close. But things at PAR are changing. Just as rumors start to circulate that PAR is being shut down, the FBI's top academy recruit gets added to their team AND they get assigned a case with actual field work. And oh yeah, one of the members of the team gets bumped to the position of lead. The book is told entirely from Gardner Camden's POV and character-wise, he's like a combination between Hotch and Spencer from Criminal Minds. He's got the pattern recognition abilities of Spencer, with the sterile/ monastic/ by the book personality of Hotch. And this case he and PAR are assigned to turns out to be a serial killer hunting serial killers. Each member of the PAR team has their own "super power, " and without a doubt, my favorite part of this book were the members of PAR. I loved how their skill sets complemented one another, I loved how they found clues no one else could, and I loved how they were all unapologetically themselves... for good or for bad.

If you check out the acknowledgements, you'll see that Head Cases is part of a 2 book deal, which means that we are 100% getting a sequel. This is something I'm VERY excited about. When I tell you, I binged the HELL out of this book. I could not put it down and stayed up late to read it. And I cannot remember the last time I've done that with a book.

Thank you so much to McMahon, Minotaur, and netgalley for the ARC in exchange for the honest review. I'm going to need everyone to read this book, that way Minotaur decides to turn this into a multi-book series, and not just a duology.

𝙱𝚕𝚞𝚛𝚋:

•ꜰʙɪ ᴀɢᴇɴᴛ ɢᴀʀᴅɴᴇʀ ᴄᴀᴍᴅᴇɴ, ᴀ ᴘᴜᴢᴢʟᴇ-ʟᴏᴠɪɴɢ ᴀɴᴀʟʏᴛɪᴄᴀʟ ɢᴇɴɪᴜs, sᴛʀᴜɢɢʟᴇs ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴜᴍᴀɴ sɪᴅᴇ ᴏꜰ ɪɴᴠᴇsᴛɪɢᴀᴛɪᴏɴs, ɪɴᴄʟᴜᴅɪɴɢ ʜɪs ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴsʜɪᴘ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʜɪs ᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀ, ᴄᴀᴍɪʟᴀ. ʜᴇ ʟᴇᴀᴅs ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀᴛᴛᴇʀɴs ᴀɴᴅ ʀᴇᴄᴏɢɴɪᴛɪᴏɴ (ᴘᴀʀ) ᴜɴɪᴛ, ᴀ ᴛᴇᴀᴍ ᴏꜰ ǫᴜɪʀᴋʏ ᴇxᴘᴇʀᴛs sᴏʟᴠɪɴɢ ᴜɴsᴏʟᴠᴀʙʟᴇ ᴄᴀsᴇs.

•ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴅɴᴀ ᴛɪᴇs ᴀ ɴᴇᴡ ᴍᴜʀᴅᴇʀ ᴛᴏ ᴀ ʟᴏɴɢ-ᴅᴇᴀᴅ sᴇʀɪᴀʟ ᴋɪʟʟᴇʀ, ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀʀ ᴛᴇᴀᴍ sᴘʀɪɴɢs ɪɴᴛᴏ ᴀᴄᴛɪᴏɴ. ᴀs ᴛʜᴇ ᴋɪʟʟᴇʀ ᴛᴀᴜɴᴛs ɢᴀʀᴅɴᴇʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʀɪᴅᴅʟᴇs, ᴛʜᴇ ᴛᴇᴀᴍ—ᴄᴏᴍᴘᴏsᴇᴅ ᴏꜰ ᴀ ᴍᴀᴛʜᴇᴍᴀᴛɪᴄɪᴀɴ, ᴡᴇᴀᴘᴏɴs ᴇxᴘᴇʀᴛ, ᴄᴏᴍᴘᴜᴛᴇʀ ᴀɴᴀʟʏsᴛ, ᴀɴᴅ sᴇᴀsᴏɴᴇᴅ ʟᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ—ᴍᴜsᴛ ᴜsᴇ ᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ sᴋɪʟʟs ᴛᴏ ᴄᴀᴛᴄʜ ʜɪᴍ. ʙᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄʟᴏsᴇʀ ᴛʜᴇʏ ɢᴇᴛ, ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴅᴀɴɢᴇʀ ʟᴏᴏᴍs ᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ʟɪᴠᴇs ᴀɴᴅ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟɪᴇs.

💬 I felt that this was a uniquely written crime novel. It definitely kept me engaged and trying to figure out the case right along these characters. Highly recommend for true crime lovers.

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this ARC.

This was so engaging! I didnt know what to expect. I think I expected it to be more scientific and boring but the puzzles in this book really kept me guessing. I am not the best at puzzles so this took a lot of thinking to follow but overall I like it! I would love a follow up to this book!

“Head Cases" by John McMahon is a chilling dive into the psyche of serial killers that really gripped me from the start. McMahon does an incredible job of giving readers a front-row seat to the twisted logic and emotions that drive the killer.

What I loved most was how he doesn’t just present the facts; he immersed me in the thoughts, fears, and the often dark motivations behind the killers actions. McMahon’s writing is sharp and engaging, making it hard to put down, even when the subject matter is greatly disturbing.

Head Cases by John McMahon

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Head Cases" by John McMahon offers a thrilling look into the mind of Gardner Camden, an FBI agent in the Puzzles and Recognition Unit. From the start, I was captivated by Camden’s unique approach to solving crimes that intertwine psychological insight with investigative rigor.

Gardner’s character is complex and relatable, dealing with the weight of his profession while navigating personal challenges. One standout moment for me was when he uses his understanding of behavioral psychology to profile a particularly elusive suspect. McMahon’s detailed depiction of Camden’s thought process not only highlights his skills but also reveals the toll that such a job takes on him emotionally.

The case at the heart of the story—a series of bizarre murders linked to a puzzling pattern—keeps the tension high. I was on the edge of my seat as Camden pieced together clues that others overlooked. McMahon does an excellent job of weaving in twists that kept me guessing. Just when I thought I had figured it out, a new layer of complexity emerged, showing Camden's determination to see the truth, no matter how dark.

Additionally, the relationships Camden has with his team added depth to the narrative. His interactions with colleagues reveal the camaraderie and tension that often exist in high-stakes environments. A moment where Camden must confront a fellow agent over differing methods was particularly striking, emphasizing the ethical dilemmas faced by those in law enforcement.

The pacing is relentless, and McMahon expertly balances action with character development, making each revelation feel significant. As one Goodreads reviewer noted, "The tension builds masterfully, leaving readers breathless," which perfectly captures my experience.

In conclusion, "Head Cases" is a compelling read that combines psychological depth with a riveting mystery. McMahon has created a story that not only entertains but also prompts reflection on the nature of justice and the human mind. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted thriller!

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this complimentary review copy.

Head Cases follows Gardner Camden as he leads his first case within his PAR (Patterns and Recognition) team. He and his 4 other teammates possess unique skills to crack each case and are known as the “Head Cases” by other departments. Gardner knows he’s different but his mom taught him early on to use his unique abilities to the best he could. And now he’s been assigned a case with a deceased convict, only this person had already been thought to be deceased. Slowly the PAR group uncovers more dead serial killers and they’re in a race to catch the vigilante.
I really enjoyed this book! It was so easy to imagine this as a tv show. It definitely gave me Criminal Minds vibes. Gardner was a unique character and I really love how his quirks shaped the book.

Head Cases by John McMahon is an intriguing mystery/thriller with some fun twists along the way making for an entertaining read.

The FBI’s Patterns and Recognition (PAR) team is comprised of five brilliant agents tasked with solving cold cases. Each with a specific skill set needed to solve the clues and close the case. Their latest case is far from cold and involves a vengeance seeking vigilante who thinks they are helping the FBI with their misdeeds. PAR sets out to show just how wrong the killer is and put an end to the case.

The characters could use a bit more development but were very likable and you will find yourself rooting for the team to bring down the “bad guy.” I would love to see this become a series so I can follow the PAR gang on their next case.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

Wow.
One of the best crime, murder mystery thrillers I have ever read! Serial killers, autopsies, hidden clues, gore, misdirection! This book has it all! Every time I went to put this book down I was met with cliffhangers, new information, jaw dropping moments that had me continuing to turn the page!
So much information: criminal, law geographical, biographical, botanical, mythological. And yet I was never lost or confused! Great writing and an even greater plot!
I absolutely will be buying the physical copy of this book to promote and share!

Thank you NetGallery and St. Martin's Press for the eARC for my honest review!

True crime fiction junkies, listen up! This is a MUST READ! The “Patterns and Recognition Unit,” led by Agent Gardner Camden, are a group of misfit FBI agents who are tasked with solving cold cases. Racing against the clock to track a serial killer, this thriller is nonstop action and totally bingeworthy. Clear an evening and dig in!

Thanks for the opportunity to read in advance. This one is going to be big!

“Head Cases” by John McMahon is about a search for a serial killer who is out to killing other serial killers in a grizzly fashion. DNA has shown that the killer who was presumed dead a long time ago, is alive and leaving a trail of riddles and clues. To find the killer a specialized agent from the FBI’s PAR (Patterns and Recognition) unit is tasked to solve the case. He is a unique person and has the ability to see strange patterns and numbers unlike anyone else. Along with other quirky agents on his team we follow them across country as the victims add up and they try to piece the many puzzling clues together.

The beginning of the book was interesting but the second half was a slow burn. I also had a hard time liking the characters so I never got fully invested in their success. I do think if you were a fan of the TV show Criminal Minds, this mystery/thriller will really appeal to you.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Wow! I didn’t know what to expect with this book, and I was blown away. I truly enjoyed this, and it needs to be a book series (or TV series!!) ASAP. I love the characters and their quirks. The pacing was perfect - it kept me intrigued to continue reading and I didn’t think there was unnecessary “fluff”. I will be recommending this to others!

Head Cases opens with a series of grisly murders that appear to be an act of vigilantism. Someone is killing murderers in ways that appear connected to their crimes. Enter PAR, a team of puzzle solvers and brilliant outcasts tied together not only by their intellect, but by their blemished careers. Central to the cast is Gardner Camden—Gardy—in a new leadership role.

Gardy is as brilliant as he is awkward; a good father and connected to his mother who suffers from dementia. He quickly begins to piece together clues with the help of his team, kicking off a race to identify and locate the killer who might be one of their own.

An overall well written novel, Head Cases hooked me with its intelligence but lost me in its deep procedural delivery. I don’t read strict procedurals so perhaps this is one of those “it’s me, not you” things, but I needed a subplot that wasn’t Gardy-centric. I didn’t identify with him nor did I come to like him despite his love for his mother and daughter, which were his most redeeming qualities for me. Procedurals can become dry without something else going on. Once the victims were identified, the pacing failed to hold my attention. The mystery became muddied by the bureaucracy of PAR. Gardner never emerged as someone I wanted to root for. That doesn’t mean this isn’t a good novel. It just wasn’t great for me. I would recommended it for fans of awkward main characters and police procedurals.

Head Cases was an enjoyable read that I think will resonate with any fans of Criminal Minds. I enjoyed as the team put the clue together to track down a serial killer or serial killers. Overall, I give this book 3 stars. The premise was interesting but the ending fell flat. I also had difficulty keeping up with how many characters there were.

Thank you St. Martin's Press, John McMahon, and Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC.

"Head Cases" by John McMahon is a thriller mystery novel, featuring a team of FBI agents who are very talented, but screwed up big in some way or another, so they have been relegated to the PAR (Patterns and Recognition Unit). When a former serial killer is found dead (and was already declared dead in a fire years ago), the PAR team is enlisted. Agent Gardner is put in charge of this case and is coded as neurodivergent, Sherlock Holmesian in his deductions. This novel is like reading a "Criminal Minds" episode, only better. Lots of twists and the action moves quickly. A recommended purchase for all fiction collections.