Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Head Cases by John McMahon Narrator: Will Damron
Series: PAR Unit #1
Published by MacMillan Audio on January 28, 2025
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Length: 9 hours, 36 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: NetGalley
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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.
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.
Listen to a clip:Â HERE
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 25-Audio
- 25-COYER
Not reading this yet because I’m still listening to it! Should be finished later today. Glad you enjoyed, Anne💜
oh I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
I think I will add this to my reading list.
I enjoyed it and will definitely read more of the series when released.
We are review twins! I loved this one as well! I’m looking forward to the next one!
You know I don’t normally read/enjoy thrillers or police procedurals, but this sounds really good. I like the puzzle solving aspect – like Sherlock!