Critically acclaimed author John McMahon launches a new procedural series with the addictive Head Cases. Perfect for fans of crime fiction that is both meticulously plotted and populated by offbeat characters, Head Cases is a series debut that readers will be talking about all year long.

Head Cases features a squad of FBI agents assigned to a task force known as PAR. The Patterns and Recognition unit employs those folks whose minds work at a higher level than the majority of the population. Commonly referred to as neurodivergent, their unique skills manifest in a variety of different ways that allow them to approach investigations without regard for what is typically considered the “normal” manner. It also means they are exceptionally good at what they do.

For their current case, the lead position is given to FBI Agent Gardner Camden due to his history with one of the victims. It seems there is a new serial killer who is preying on other serial killers—using their own methods of murder against them. With the unit used to working cold cases, this active and accelerating crime spree creates some anxiety within the group. Working with Gardner are Frank, a career agent (who is used to being in charge), Cassie, (Gardner’s typical “partner” for cases), Shooter (a female weapons expert), and Richie (a new recruit on his first assignment with the team).

As more serial killers are discovered dead, it’s clear this is a killer aiming to extract some level of vigilante justice—succeeding where the authorities have failed. But why? It will take the combined skills of this diverse team to succeed—thereby validating the existence of the PAR unit.

John McMahon is a natural storyteller, able to quickly draw the reader in and skilled at keeping that interest piqued as the pages fly by. The procedural aspect of Head Cases is masterful. Every clue leads logically to the next avenue of investigation—even when it’s a dead end. The quirky agents notice things in early days of their search that only become relevant when later discoveries are made. This attention to detail makes the final, action-packed, section of the novel particularly addictive—as readers join the agents in placing the final puzzle pieces together to reveal the mind and motive of a fascinating criminal.

It probably goes without saying, but there is nothing cozy about this investigation. The descriptions of crime scenes and vicious manners of killing are never gratuitous, but are also never glossed over. Most readers will find them disturbing and for some readers it may be too much. But when the case involves serial murders of other serial killers, that’s probably a bit of a given.

Even with the perfectly executed plot, it’s the characters that really hold the most interest here. In particular, Gardner Camden is sure to become a fan favorite. His unusual outlook on the world is refreshing and as readers learn more about how his mind works, he only becomes more appealing. As this is the launch of a series, watching his evolution—not just as an FBI agent, but as a human being—will be the reason readers return for case after case. Jump in now at the beginning and pick up Head Cases by John McMahon today.

BUY LINKS: Head Cases by John McMahon


Disclaimer: A print galley of this title was provided to BOLO Books by the publisher. No promotion was promised and the above is an unbiased review of the novel.