NetGalley: Headcases (Par Unit #1) by John McMahon
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Published: 1/28/2025
Pages: 352
Genre: Mystery/Thrillers
Review: ARC from NetGalley and Publisher
FBI Agent Gardner Camden is an analytical genius with an affinity for puzzles. He also has a blind spot on the human side of investigations, a blindness that sometimes even includes people in his own life, like his beloved seven-year-old daughter Camila. 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. A second victim establishes a pattern, and the murderer begins leaving a trail of clues and riddles especially for Gardner. And while the PAR team is usually relegated to working cold cases from behind a desk, the investigation puts them on the road and into the public eye, following in the footsteps of a killer.
Along with Gardner, PAR consists of a mathematician, a weapons expert, a computer analyst, and their leader, a career agent. Each of them must use every skill they have to solve the riddle of the killer’s identity. But with the perpetrator somehow learning more and more about the team at PAR, can they protect themselves and their families…before it’s too late?
When DNA links a murder victim to a serial killer long presumed dead, the team springs into action. A second victim establishes a pattern, and the murderer begins leaving a trail of clues and riddles especially for Gardner. And while the PAR team is usually relegated to working cold cases from behind a desk, the investigation puts them on the road and into the public eye, following in the footsteps of a killer.
Along with Gardner, PAR consists of a mathematician, a weapons expert, a computer analyst, and their leader, a career agent. Each of them must use every skill they have to solve the riddle of the killer’s identity. But with the perpetrator somehow learning more and more about the team at PAR, can they protect themselves and their families…before it’s too late?
This reminded me in a way of Criminal Minds with the really smart guy. I don't remember his name, but it just came across as that show.
Imagine a serial killer killing old serial killers. I mean I could get behind this in a way. However, it seems our Agents are not going to let him go. Each team member in the Par unit has their own special abilities and it will take them all working together to find who is behind the murders. Gardner is the one in charge and I think the author described him perfectly. He was relatable which as we know some characters are just hard to relate to.
DNA found on the scene is from someone who shouldn't be alive so how is this possible? Working around the clock and trying to keep those in their personal life safe we see how they all work together to bring him down.
Overall a fun story and I can't wait to read the next one. I want to know just how long this unit will be able to stay together and what other new cases come into play.
John McMahon is the author of THE GOOD DETECTIVE and THE EVIL MEN DO, both featuring Georgia detective P.T. Marsh.
The New York Times Book Review called McMahon “one of those rare writers who seems to have sprung out of nowhere” and whose debut novel is “pretty much perfect.”
In his role as an ad agency creative director, he has won a Gold Clio for his work on Fiat, and he’s written a Super Bowl spot for Alfa Romeo.
He currently lives in Southern California with his family and two rescue animals.
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