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.

I don't often give five stars but this is so far my favorite book of the year! It keeps you on edge and I just absolutely love the fact that the main character is completely autistic! It's a cat and mouse mystery thrown in with a little bit of the Netflix show. Mindhunter... It is a definite must read!

Thank you to John McMahon, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was so good. It was hard to put down because I just wanted to keep reading to find everything out.

This book is perfect for my Criminal Minds girlies! I was beyond excited when I received this ARC because so many of my mutuals were raving about it. The story follows a specialized and highly skilled group of agents known as PAR. The main protagonist, Agent Gardner Camden, is an absolute genius who reminds me so much of Reid from Criminal Minds. His ability to deeply analyze situations and pick up on the smallest details of each case is truly fascinating.

The plot revolves around a serial killer who targets other serial killers—and honestly, any book about serial killers has me hooked from the start. What makes this story unique is how unpredictable it was for me. I suspected so many people throughout the book, yet I was still completely shocked when the killer’s identity was revealed. The twists kept me on edge, and I loved that it kept me guessing until the very end.

The only reason I didn’t give this a full five stars is because the pacing dragged a bit for me in certain parts. That said, it’s still a fantastic read, and I can’t wait to continue with the rest of the series! If you’re into crime thrillers with complex characters and mind-bending twists, this one’s for you.

As someone who is neurodivergent, I connected with the main character immediately. I loved the storyline because it kept me intrigued especially all the mystery. While I never knew such a department even existed in the FBI, it was interesting to learn about how it works vicariously through the story and these fantastic characters. This was an excellent read and I cannot wait to recommend this to anyone looking for crime/thriller/mystery books.

Thank you to the author and publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC!

I thought this was really well done. I loved the main character and found the way his mind works super intriguing. This reminded me a lot of Criminal Minds (which I watched obsessively for a good decade of my life) so I’d say if you like shows about profiling/getting in the minds of killers, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy this, too! I’m excited that it’s the first of a series and will definitely be picking up the next one whenever it comes out! I liked Gardy’s relationships with others and how he would think about his mother’s advice when interacting. I thought it was very heartwarming. I couldn’t put this down and read it all in one day (like 8 hours?) and went to bed far too late because I couldn’t stop reading!! The one thing it was missing (for me) was a high stakes moment. Yes there was drama and risk towards the end, but my heart was never in my throat/I was never really worried. I think perhaps with the POV being Gardy’s (he seems pretty even keeled and cool under pressure) it took away from some of the potential thrill of the action. If I had felt more breathlessly on the edge of my seat, this would’ve been a star read.!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

4.5/5

Thank you to SMP/Minotaur for the eARC! Unfortunately this book wasn't for me. I felt that taking over halfway to truly kick off the mystery and up the stakes caused the book to drag some. I found myself unengaged and at times bored. I couldn't connect with the main character or the procedural bits. Not even the family aspect kept me engaged. Ultimately this was disappointing as I highly anticipated this book. This was not for me.