Thank you to Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for the copies to review.

Yessss this book! I love procedurals and this was a new favorite, even better it is a series so I have a second book to look forward to! The PAR group within the FBI (Patterns and Recognition) is a quirky but brilliant group of agents led by Gardner Camden, who loves puzzles (as do I so this is worthy of a note), and his team is brought in for those cases that no one else can solve. This usually means there is a lack of empathy for others, as they are focused on completing a task, and that is the case here. This time the killer seems to be learning more about this unit, so it gets more and more dangerous for each of them and their families, as well as their existence as a unit itself.

Are you hooked yet? Because let me tell you I sure was. The audio was fan-freaking-tastic, I could not stop listening and flew through it, the case had me hooked and I had to know what was going to happen. Just when you think there can’t be a different type of procedural here comes this one, and now I have to wait on the second book. While I do that, go and pick this one up, it published yesterday, and you must read it! So good, all the stars!

Head Cases is a fast-paced, read into the world of serial killers—except these killers are targeting other serial killers. The FBI is trying to profile the person they were looking for and I thought this was fascinating! The concept is unique and engaging, making for an intense and thought-provoking read. While the story is full of twists, there are moments where it slows down, but overall, it’s a compelling thriller worth the read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

A clever crime procedural! Part Criminal Minds with a dash of Dexter. Though my first John McMahon novel, it won’t be my last. I loved the first PAR Unit book and look forward to sequels. The narration by Will Damron is excellent.

One of the many things I loved about this novel is how Camden recalls his mother’s sage wisdom in social situations, the likes of which he finds extremely challenging. Additionally, McMahon’s wit pervades the text.

The brilliant yet slightly off-kilter minds of the PAR Unit are what makes the agents successful due to their ability to think outside the box. Twists and turns galore.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing an advanced review copy of the audio version of this title for an honest review.

John McMahon's HEAD CASES is the first book in the FBI's Patterns and Recognition (PAR) Unit series. In it, an unusual group of highly skilled misfit agents hunts down a murderer seeking justice.

Special Agent Gardner Camden, with his love for riddles, puzzles, and codes, is just one of the unique characters in this book. The rest of the team, including a sniper and weapons expert, a mathematician, and a computer analytics specialist, each bring their own distinct skills and personalities to the table, making them a fascinating group to follow.

HEAD CASES is a rollercoaster of a read, with its fast-paced narrative, filled with tension and a constant sense of danger. The complex plot keeps you guessing, and the satisfying conclusion leaves you wanting more.

Will Damron, the audiobook's narrator, used his voice masterfully, delivering a delightful performance. He brought Agent Camden to life in a way that felt authentic and relatable and transported listeners to the heart of the action.

I sincerely thank Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I also thank John McMahon for the fantastic book; I look forward to the next book in the series!

What happens when you get a bunch of neuro-divergent FBI agents together? You get PAR - the Patterns and Recognition group. Head Cases by John McMahon gives us a group led by Cameron Gardner, put in charge of finding a vigilante serial killer out for justice.

"Cameron Garner works in the Patterns and Recognitions group for the FBI. He gets called to the murder scene of a victim he and the rest of the FBI thought was already dead - someone who was a serial killer. After another serial killer victim is found, Gardner and his team know they're after a different kind of killer."

This group of agents is different ... and often misunderstood. But they are agents out to solve whatever crime they're asked to solve. They're unique ways of looking at problems is an asset to catching the bad guys. Cameron knows that his filters are not always considered normal, but he works to keep his comments appropriate. It's fun being inside his thought processes.

Will Damron does a great job narrating this full cast of characters. He's perfect for the voice of Cameron.

Wild ending to this one - and proof that it's great to have someone called Shooter on your team.

4.5 Stars
FBI Agent Gardner Camden is part of the Patterns and Recognition unit, PAR that tackles challenging cold cases, finding clues others have missed. Each quirky member is gifted in their specialty: a mathematician, a firearms expert, and a computer analyst.

Gardner’s team is called out when DNA of a murder victim matches a serial killer thought to be dead. Soon there’s another murder that seems to be connected and the team is tasked with finding the killer. It quickly becomes apparent this killer knows of the PAR unit and is leaving them clues. With the mistaken identity of the first murder, the FBI wants the case solved quickly and quietly and they want PAR to do it. They hop from scene to scene, as more is revealed, an undercurrent of urgency threaded through the narrative, keeping me on the edge of my seat!

Gardner is an interesting and likeable hero; one I rooted for! His eidetic memory and knack for connecting random details/patterns make him excellent in solving cases, but the ins-and-outs of social interactions seem to escape him. Gardner’s backstory and how he ended up on the team is revealed, but the other’s backstories are only lightly touched on. Callie, a mathematician, Shooter, a firearms expert, Frank their supervisor, and the newbie, Richie. I look forward to getting to know more about them and seeing them settle in together as a team.

Head Cases was a thrilling mystery that had me hooked from the start! I can’t wait for the next one!

I alternately read and listened to Head Cases and can recommend either version. Will Damron is a new-to-me narrator, and he performed Gardner with a kind of matter-a-fact tone, something that fit with his character’s personality perfectly! I enjoyed his performance of all voices and I hope he continues to narrate the series!

Head Cases by John McMahon is perfect for people who love Criminal Minds! Seriously, the main character was giving me Spencer Reid vibes. He is part of a group within the FBI called PAR (Patterns and Recognition). They identify patterns, and in this case, its a serial killer they thought was gone.

This is a group, so you have other characters to learn about. They are all part of PAR for a reason-typically not a good one. But, they are fascinating people. It really did give me Criminal Mind vibes with how their unique talents all played a part. There is plenty of suspense with the serial killer angle, and eventually, the killer begins to leave clues that indicate he knows about the PAR team. The story is well paced and there are plenty of twists to keep you on your toes. Fans of police procedurals and murder suspense reads will love Head Cases!

I was lucky enough to have the audio and the narrator, Will Damron, was excellent! He did a wonderful job voices different characters and I found his narration to add to the story.

4.5 riveting stars

Will Damron's expert narration enthralled me, and I couldn’t listen fast enough to this one!

What a great set of characters! A subgroup of the FBI -- Patterns and Recognition (PAR) -- happens to be made up of some genius agents. Some of them have also been put in this group because they didn’t quite follow the rules at some point. The action mostly centers on Garnder Camden, a man who has solved cases no one else could. He sees patterns that others overlook and is an expert puzzle solver. He also has some quirks because of his genius. It was fascinating to see how his brain works to solve the puzzles.

Gardner and the PAR team are called in on a gruesome case. The identity of the victim is puzzling because he was declared dead many years ago. He was a serial killer. Who killed him? Is this vigilante justice? How did he fool the FBI years ago? And who really died all those years ago?

Another victim turns up as Gardner is put in charge of the case. A cat-and-mouse ensues with Gardner and the killer. Will Gardner be able to solve this puzzle before the killer hits close to home? Gardner’s team has primarily been working in the office, so heading out into the field is new for many of them. I enjoyed seeing how different team members can interact on a case.

I really enjoyed the hunt in this one, as well as the insider look into the FBI and politics. I have never read this author before, and I’m excited that this is labeled PAR #1. Eagerly looking forward to #2!

I absolutely LOVED this book, and I look forward to reading more in this series!

While the mix of characters seems odd at the first, they meld together really well, and bring a roundness to the book that was needed. The case was interesting, and I could not put this one down. The narrator was fantastic.

I highly recommend reading this one soon!

I absolutely loved Head Cases! John McMahon has crafted a gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller with a unique and dynamic special team at its core. The way each member of the team contributes their own strengths makes the story feel authentic and layered. Camden, in particular, is a standout—his brilliance at puzzling through head cases is captivating, and following his thought process was a highlight of the book.

The characters and setting felt so real, as if I were right there in the middle of the action. The narrator added another layer to the experience, skillfully enhancing the suspense and keeping the pace perfectly balanced. Each moment felt urgent, drawing me deeper into the twists and turns of the story.

This book is a perfect blend of sharp writing, immersive storytelling, and nail-biting tension. I’m already looking forward to the next installment in this series. If you’re a fan of thrillers that keep you guessing until the end, Head Cases is a must-read!

He will be an author that I add to my list. Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an early copy of this book! I absolutely enjoyed it.

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart


Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I love police procedurals and mysteries and mathematics and puzzles. In Head Cases, we get a special FBI team which has odd skills who are particularly skilled at puzzles and pattern recognition. The team is normally lead by Frank but now Gardner is having a chance to run the show since the case is very related to his prior case.

A serial killer is killing serial killers. It's not exactly a vigilante, it's more like they are finding those the FBI didn't or that the killer feels weren't punished sufficiently. In a way, the killer is also challenging them to be as smart as he is. Unfortunately, they also threaten Gardner's family and he has worries for them.

The pacing is good with lots of action. The team is smart and fast with strategies and knowledge. I really enjoyed the science and technology. They also have access to tools, and experts beyond the usual. There's also tricky politics as to whether the team will continue, who will run the team and where they will go if they are not on the PAR team.

I enjoyed the unique characters on the team and their skill sets. I definitely will want to read more as this becomes the PAR Unit series.

Narration:
I'm sure I've heard this narrator previously. The story is primarily in Gardner's head so it sounded realistic to me. When it wasn't, the voices were comfortable and distinct. I enjoyed the performance. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.

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 do like crime fiction - a lot! So, I'm always on the lookout for a new series. I found that in Head Cases - the first in John McMahon's new series.

Did you see the tape on the cover? "Attention Sealed FBI". I was intrigued....

FBI Agent Gardner Camden is our lead character. He's described as a an "analytical genius with an affinity for puzzles." He's not so good with people though. The supporting cast each have a talent. They make up the Patterns and Recognition (PAR), brought in for cases that no one else can solve. But what drives them all, is catching their quarry - a serial killer who is back after many year

The plotting is wonderful! The case is very different and I appreciated the fresh take on solving such a case. McMahon gives Camden a great back story, building the character(s) for the next time the unit is needed. I will be waiting for the next entry in this new series.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Sometimes I often feel more immersed in a story when I listen to it. That was absolutely the case with Head Games. The narrator was Will Damron and he did a fantastic job. His voice has a perfect gravelly tone that matched the images and characters I had created in my head. He speaks clearly and is easy to understand. He easily captures the tone, emotions and danger of McMahon's tale with his voice. He created different voices for all of the players that were easily identified.

An easy five star listen! 9 hours and 36 minutes

More than just the same old whodunit, Head Cases follows a trail of breadcrumbs with an exceptional investigator. Readers will enjoy getting to know Gardner and the other agents of PAR—and will be eager to follow them on more cases.

Full review published on NightsAndWeekends.com and aired on Shelf Discovery.

This was my second audiobook recommendation, and I’m so glad I listened to it! The story had an eerie, suspenseful tone that made it perfect for an audiobook, with the narrator capturing the tension perfectly throughout.

The detective crew was essential to the investigation, each bringing their own strengths to the table. Their teamwork was key in tracking down the serial killer, and I was completely invested in watching them piece together the clues. Their efforts, as they worked through each new lead, created a constant sense of anticipation.

The plot was packed with twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. Every new clue added depth to the investigation, and the suspense built up perfectly as they got closer to uncovering the killer’s identity. The ending was a satisfying conclusion, tying up all the loose ends in a way that felt just right. This audiobook was an intense, thrilling experience,

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. Will Damron did a great job at narrating the audiobook really bringing the characters to life. 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 ALC.
4 stars!

This was my first book by the author and I loved the concept of this book. The audio was super well done as well.

FBI Agent Gardner Camden is a genius with puzzles and he’s on a special FBI unit called PAR - Patterns and Recognition. He gets called into a case of a serial killer being killed that he thought was dead 7 years ago. It makes him rethink everything he’s known in the past. When more serial killers start to show up, he had to figure out who is killing them.

There’s a lot of puzzles in this book and I loved following the team and trying to figure out who you could trust. Can’t wait for book 2!

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 by John McMahon
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Releases tomorrow, 1.28.2025!

A serial killer… killing serial killers. Was this book made for me? 😱

Come join Special Agent Gardner Camden and the PAR (Patterns and Recognition) FBI team as they hunt down this killer of killers! In this cat-and-mouse, there are puns, bagged organs, clues, and riddles, and of course your classic crime scene analysis. The storyline is complex, but captivating, and keeps your interest. I listened to this on audio, and the narrator perfectly captures Agent Camden’s dry, confident, and all business persona. Each member of the team has their own expertise, so all contribute in their own ways to solve the case. If you’re a #CriminalMinds lover like me, this book is totally up your alley!

Thank you @netgalley, @johnmcmahonbooks, and @macmillan.audio for an early copy of this book for an honest review!

I enjoyed this thriller. The novel followed Gardner Camden and the PAR unit of the FBI. They were chasing a vigilante who was killing serial killers. The story included Gardner's background and the creation of PAR. The story kept me thinking about all the clues. If you enjoy true crime, i would highly recommend this novel. I look forward to reading more of this series.

I enjoyed the narration. The flow of the narration worked well for me. Will Damron narrated the novel.