"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.

The beginning of this book felt a bit too cliche. I kind of feel like the FBI agent with a touch of autism, OCD, ADHD, overly analytical, lacking social cues, etc. 'thing' is overdone. I don't personally love that portrayal and feel like it's out of some textbook that is outdated, inaccurate, and negatively stereotypical. That is pretty much how the descriptions started out and I felt myself brace for not enjoying the book and getting hung up...

HOWEVER, I'm so glad that I continued on to give it a shot to see how the book developed. Because, it rounded out really well. It didn't feel rushed, there weren't plot holes, or loose ends. It was really well written and thought out. There were interesting pieces that really felt like John McMahon did research to back up his information throughout, which I found clever and something I appreciated. I liked the slight political undertones that often happen in FBI/crime shows. The twists weren't predictable and I found myself very intrigued as the mystery developed. All around, 'Head Cases' was on par with what it said it would be and for lovers of Criminal Minds or any FBI drama show, this will be a well enjoyed book!

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
If you like watching the show Criminal Minds, you’ll love this. It flows very similarly to the show and features similar character personalities (in my opinion).

What to expect: a special group of the FBI is looking for a serial killer who kills serial killers. Is he a vigilante? Is he a civilian? A police officer? An FBI agent? Who is killing all of these horrible murderers??

I actually could have handled the story being a little longer, honestly. It was an enjoyable audiobook for sure.

The narrator also did a great job with the voice and inflection of the character.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and MacMillan Audio for the preview of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

(4.5) Wow!! This was such a good page turner. I got an email promoting this book with a link to download and was sold immediately. It's like criminal minds in written form with a character that reminded me a lot of Reid, which is just amazing. I absolutely loved this and I am so glad to see it's going to be a series. Agent Camden is such a fresh, unique character in a world with lots of fictional cop and agent main characters. He is wicked smart, with an insane amount of knowledge with so many different challenges and things to balance. Because we read from his POV, it made for a really interesting written voice. I can’t wait to get to know more about him and read more about the PAR team.

Thank you so much Minotaur for the early access.

Head Cases - John McMahon
352 pages
Pub Date - Jan. 28, 2025
Audiobook
Setting - Texas
Rating - 4/5

Summary - The story centers around Gardner Camden, an FBI Agent with a knack for analytics and puzzles, who works in the PAR (Patterns and Recognition (PAR) unit. A serial killer from one of Gardner’s solved cases, presumed to be dead for over a decade, is found murdered and soon another is found with the same pattern. The killer leaves behind clues for Gardner and his team to find and has them circling multiple cities to find him.

Thoughts - Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. I really enjoyed this book! The narration was very well done. I was completely immersed in the story and finished the book in two days! I loved the plot, the story, and especially the writing. Also, the setting being in Texas was really fun since I knew a ton of the places the main character visited. I hope that this becomes a series -- I'm a big fan of Detective/FBI stories, so definitely can't wait for the next one!

I loved the premise but didn't think the dialogue and characters flowed the best. Good concept though! I think fans of the shows Dexter or Criminal Minds may enjoy this. The narrator was good!

The best crime fiction debut I have read this year. Excellent character work in the mind of an autistic FBI agent trying his best to fit even with some extreme behavioral tendencies. Great backstory that I am eager to learn more about. The book ends with a clear setup for a book two. Highly recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for sending me an audiobook arc for this title.

4/5
The perfect book for fans of criminals minds and similar crime tv shows. Fast paced.
Narration was great.