Gardner Camden leads an elite FBI task force that finds themselves hunting down a serial killer.

A classic FBI procedural thriller! Here's what I liked:

The characters: You can tell this is a potential start to a series. There are some really interesting and layered characters that are introduced. Gardner is of course at the center of the story and he is a fascinating character. I loved his backstory and really how his brain works. He's not an approachable guy, but he is brilliant at what he does.

The mystery: This has a lot of different layers to it. There are so many twists, but it all connects really well. I love that this is an FBI story. It reminded me of Silence of the Lambs and other books from the 90's.

The narration: Will Damron is amazing in this. I love him as a narrator and he really embodies Gardner.

All in all, this was a great FBI thriller!

Thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted copy!

Head Cases-John McMahon-Publishing on January 28th, 2025, by Minotaur Books.
“Head Cases follows an enigmatic group of FBI agents as they hunt down a murderer seeking his own justice in this electrifying—and commercial—series debut. FBI Agent Gardner Camden is an analytical genius with an affinity for puzzles. Gardner and his squad of brilliant yet quirky agents make up the Patterns and Recognition (PAR) unit, the FBI’s hidden edge, brought in for cases that no one else can solve. When DNA links a murder victim to a serial killer long presumed dead, the team springs into action.” (Blurb).
This book was lit! I listened to an advanced audiobook of this thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio. The description doesn’t do the book justice. This was a well-researched book and written with the sharpness of a Michael Connolly novel. Hard to believe this is a debut novel. There are some graphic/blood description for the faint of heart. But if you love thrillers, add this to your TBR list. Mark it on your calendar!

[alc review]
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing an advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Head Cases releases January 28, 2025

2.5

This new series from McMahon features an FBI unit that specializes in patterns and recognition, who’ve just been assigned to a case involving a serial killer murdering other serial killers.

The premise and character archetypes presented are reminiscent of some of my favourite police procedural and crime tv shows, so it’s no surprise why this appealed to me. However, the characters themselves weren’t compelling enough to stand out from the many other series I love that are of a similar nature.

Most notably was the fact that Camden had a young daughter, which threw me off as it was an unconventional addition and didn’t really fit the ideal characterizations of someone in his professional position.

I tried very hard to get my hands on this book because it knew this would be something I would love, and I was right! This book reminds me of my favorite show, The Mentalist. This is one of my favorite tropes: Serial killer killing serial killers AND quirky consult group that can solve cases that no one else can. I enjoyed getting to know FBI Agent Gardner Camden and what makes him tick. I really enjoyed his relationship with his mom, which showed more of his humanity and would love to learn more about her in the future. The PAR team did a great job going out into the field after being stuck behind their desks for most of their careers. I liked how the author showed us the mind of the killer and the agent as they played a game of cat and mouse. The method of each kill was very interesting. I liked everyone on the PAR team: a mathematician, a weapons expert, a computer analyst, and their leader, a career agent. This book kept me entertained and I am hoping we will be seeing a lot more cases with the PAR team in the future. This is the FBI book of the season.

Thank you, Net Galley, the author, and the publisher, for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have always been fascinated with and love shows like criminal minds and mind hunter. This book gave off those feels. The twists and turns were enjoyable. Thank you, Netgalley, for the advanced listeners copy.

Gardner Camden was once a promising FBI recruit- now he is with the PAR unit. The FBI's Patterns and Recognition unit is where the misfits go. They stay in their office and do not do field work. Until a case from Gardner's past puts him back in the game. A long dead serial killer is found... dead. Again. Soon, another serial killer ends up dead. There is a serial killer killing serial killers. The person is toying with Gardner and he fears his family isn't safe. He rushes to find the culprit before more damage is done.

I love a good police procedural. This one had serial killers and very quirky characters. The first 2/3 is especially fast paced and interesting. The ending third was a bit slow and drawn out compared to the beginning. Overall, a unique thriller with elements that are fresh.

Will Damron narrates the audiobook. I always enjoy his narrations.

I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. Will Damron narrates this and does a fabulous job! I highly recommend the audio version!

The PAR (patterns and recognitions) group within the FBI is a collection of eccentrically analytical agents (think borderline neuro diverse) that have all screwed up somewhere in the bureau and found themselves in PAR. The group normally works on cold cases. But when Gardner Camden and team discover that a serial killer from one of his solved cases, presumed to be dead for over a decade, is just found murdered, their normal case load takes a turn. The team soon finds another body with a similar story. So now, they are hunting a serial murderer who is killing other serial murders.

I really enjoyed this fast paced story with very different and interesting characters. I really wanted to find out why each team member was relegated to PAR and the author did eventually work that in. I liked the twist of the complexity of the cases. This reminded me a bit of Slow Horses but was different enough not to cause me to compare the two too much. Definitely a solid FBI procedural story with well developed characters.

Highly recommend!!!

"Head Cases" is a thrilling debut novel following a team of FBI agents, led by Gardner Camden, as they track down a serial killer seeking his own brand of justice. With the team on the verge of disbandment, Gardner and his group must solve riddles and clues left by the killer before more victims fall prey. The novel explores themes of justice and vengeance as the team races against time to stop the killer's twisted plot.

I thoroughly enjoyed many aspects of this book. It's hard to believe that this is a debut novel, as the writing is incredibly well-crafted, and the style is spot-on. The writing style reminded me of the 4MK series, which I found to be similarly clever and engaging.

From the very first chapter, I was completely captivated and found it impossible to put the book down. I was fortunate enough to have access to both the digital and audio versions, and I highly recommend borrowing the audiobook as well. The narrators were expertly chosen and truly brought the story to life. I struggled to pause the story whenever I had to attend to my daily responsibilities.

The main character was portrayed as intelligent and complex, with personal struggles that added depth to the story. I appreciated the insight into his thoughts and personality that was revealed throughout the pages.

The book had a realistic feel that made it seem like a genuine case. I admired how all the small details seamlessly came together to form a larger picture. There were plenty of twists and turns, with the serial killer always seeming to be one step ahead, but the intelligent agents were able to keep up and ultimately solve the case.

If you enjoy thrilling crime novels featuring sharp-witted agents and unpredictable endings, then this book is must-read. I can't help but wonder if we'll be treated to a sequel in the near future - I certainly wouldn't mind!

Thank you, Macmillan Audio and Minotaur Books for digital ARC copies. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

If you are a fan of Criminal Minds, this is definitely a book you should check out as this novel centers on a special unit of the FBI called PAR (Patterns and Recognition). Gardner Camden has an eidetic memory and analytical personality which makes him an asset to this unit, however, rumors are out that the group may be disbanded and he will no longer be able to work with the other brilliant and skillful agents that has become like family to him. While Gardner has a softer side seen by his mother (diagnosed with dementia) and his seven year-old daughter, he generally prioritizes work over everything else. The book opens up to an unusual murder scene, where the victim has already been declared dead. The next grisly case continues to boggle as PAR discovers clues and work as a team all over the United States to try and get ahead of the next death. The race is on and will have the reader deciding what justice really is and is it worth losing everything to accomplish it. The fast-paced writing and riddles were an ideal match for me. All of the characters were interesting and had personality quirks I absolutely loved. If time would have allowed, I would have easily read this in one sitting. The plot may require some suspension of disbelief, but I find that is expected with many mystery thrillers - I was totally hooked and along for this ride! I would love if this was made into a series, as I want more of these characters and puzzles. Will Damron was a fantastic narrator and I encourage readers to pick up the audiobook for this one! 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley for a prerelease of Head Cases by John McMahon.

Wow! I listened to this novel as an audiobook. It was such a great book, loaded with so much suspense, that I bing listened the whole novel in two days. If you love the Criminal Minds tv show, you will absolutely love this book!

I really enjoyed this and think it's the beginning of something like the Dublin Murder Squad but less depressing. I definitely got The Silence of the Lambs vibes with this police procedural. Also if you liked the young adult novel None Shall Sleep.

TW: Meltdown, family in danger.

This book was unique for me in that it's one of the best depictions of someone who is Autistic coded I've seen in a while. You get to see inner dialogue as well as external in a way that can be hard for an author to capture. The writing of one scene in particular is so well done to the experience of what meltdowns can feel like that I felt seen for the first time in a book describing this experience.

The mystery in this was also super interesting, I don't want to downplay how well written that was too.

I love every character, I want to work on their team.

I'd recommend this for people who like a good police procedural book with an inner dialogue similar to Miss Marple. Think Elementary but you get to read Sherlock's journal.

Thank you so much for this ARC!

Head Cases (audio)

This is a fast paced, smartly written, Criminal Minds-esque thriller. It’s written in 1st POV from FBI agent Gardner Camden’s perspective. He is placed as the lead on a case that intertwines cases from past and present, all over the country. Agent Gardner has an incredible mind for details, puzzles, and patterns. As he takes the lead on this current case he is constantly being taunted by the serial killer who always seems to be 1-2 steps ahead.

This was a great listen. I enjoyed the narration. The writing was very well done and the quick witty lines made me chuckle out loud. This is a must read if you’re a fan of police procedural thrillers.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio
Media for this audio ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley, Goodreads, and Barnes and Noble.

Audio Pub Date Pub Date Jan 28 2025

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.

I really hope this is going to become a series.
I did the audio - and LOVED IT.
What a plot! Loved the characters - and of course the fallible main character who has made errors. Great twists and plot building.
Just a great read!

As soon as this book ended, I thought, “This better be a series…” because now I’m fully invested in these people & this plot line. This was like a pilot episode to a new Criminal Minds type show, & it’s safe to say - I’m hooked! Luckily for me (& you, cause you should read it) this IS the first book in a series!

Some of my favorite mystery / thrillers are ones with a law enforcement main character - & this one was no exception! I loved being fed clues throughout the book & felt like I was right there with them trying to piece it all together & solve the crime.

John McMahon (a new-to-me Author) has created a great character in FBI agent Gardner Camden. Although it’s not clearly stated, it's pretty obvious that he’s neurodivergent with a high IQ & a difficulty in social situations. He’s part of a team of misfits called PAR (Patterns & Recognition) who get assigned a case to find the killer who is murdering serial killers.

The plot was both fast paced & full of unexpected twists, making it difficult to take breaks while listening to it. The narration was also really well done! The ONLY reason that I felt like I couldn’t give this one 5 Stars is because it starts out SO strong, & then it felt like there was a lull in the middle. Thankfully, the book ended with a satisfying conclusion & a clear setup for the series.

(This Audiobook ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This novel is released on January 28th, 2025.)

If you're a lover of Criminal Minds - especially Spencer Reed, then this is the book for you. While I felt a few similarities here, I thought the author created a unique and original character in Gardner Camden. I loved this character who cared so deeply and used his abilities to see crimes in way others don't. I think the author did a great job of making him complex and full of depth. There was a great balance with the dark serial killer they're investigating with figuring out how to balance a personal life. I also liked the behind the scenes look at the different task forces of the FBI. This book was engaging from beginning to end, and I'll definitely be picking this author up again in the future.
Macmillan Audio ALC

Fast paced thriller with the added element that it is populated by a quirky gang of experts, misfits that are called upon when a case proves too knotty for the usual team of FBI investigators. In this, I saw a certain resemblance to Mick Herron's Slow Horses series. However, it lacked that Herron's expertise in plotting, characterization and humor, still it is an interesting introduction to what promises to be an involving series.

What happens when a long deceased serial killer turns up deceased again? This is a head spinning fast paced crime novel.  Gardner Camden is the leader of a recently created FBI group called Patterns and Recognition (PAR). He is a walking and talk computer. He isn't just a nerd, he also has a soul. The story focuses mainly on Camden but the supporting cast are each phenomenal in their own right. When the team begins to think they have a serial killer searching out and killing other serial killers, they go on a cross country search for answers. I truly hope this is the beginning of a series. Twists and turns abound as the team closes in on the killer. This book is perfect for fans of Criminal Minds.

5 stars

The narrator, Will Damron, is most excellent. He delivers a power performance, way beyond simply reading. He made the listening experience very enjoyable.

I hope this is the start of a new series, because this had my attention the whole read. I listened to this and really enjoyed the narration. This book has a great cast of characters. I also really liked the investigation and law enforcement focus in searching for a serial killer.