Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Inside Man by John McMahon Narrator: Will Damron
Series: PAR Unit #2
Published by MacMillan Audio, Minotaur Books on January 13, 2026
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Pages: 400
Length: 10 hours, 16 minutes
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: NetGalley
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FBI Agent Gardner Camden is an analytical genius with an affinity for puzzles. He 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.
PAR’s latest case involves a militia group stockpiling weapons. When their confidential informant in the case is killed, it quickly becomes clear that the militia did not kill him.
As the squad looks into the evidence surrounding his murder, an unidentified man is caught on camera with their informant. This mystery man’s picture is connected to another case at the FBI, an unsolved series of murdered women, buried in the ground in north Florida. Could they have uncovered a serial killer? And if so, what is his connection to their C.I.?
As PAR juggles an investigation into both the dead women and the militia, they enroll a new informant, only to find the case escalating in dangerous ways. How will PAR handle a case that increasingly looks like a terrorist plot? And in the serial case, with no puzzles or witnesses, and few leads, how will a group set up to decode riddles be successful?
Everything I said in my review for Head Cases remains true. I love police procedurals and mysteries and mathematics and puzzles. PAR is a special FBI team which has odd skills who are particularly capable with puzzles and pattern recognition. Frank left the team after the last case so Gardner has been leading the team with a very successful close rate the past 15 months.
Now one of their CIs has been murdered. Was it because of his information to them? It doesn’t seem like it. The scam Freddie has been on for awhile is with benefit cards. The killer didn’t take the cards. He also had mentioned some weapons for a militia and ghost guns.
When they track Freddie’s recent movements, and talk to witnesses, it leads them to another case of unsolved murders, of mostly women. There are several sketches of the suspect but there is something odd a little different about each sketch.
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. The team finds its small team torn between trying to line up a new CI quickly, find the weapons, track down a potential serial killer of women and then what about ghost guns?
Personally, Gardner struggles with his mother’s health, his own rental home being sold, his limited personal skills for management. Then there’s his lack of personal skills for dating and wondering about Cassie, since she is a co-worker. His efforts to do and say the right thing are a little heartbreaking.
Considering all their irons in the fire, the team comes out well. Some very dangerous situations made them close to big losses though. Frank comes back to help since they have multiple big issue cases. Due to success, the PAR unit will continue. I loved the unique characters on the team and their skill sets. I definitely can’t wait to read more in the PAR Unit series.
Narration:
Will Damron continued as the series narrator. Since mostly we are in Gardner’s head , he has become Gardner for 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: 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
I’m glad this was another great book in the series. I love the idea of a patterns and recognition department!
I really like this series. The characters all have a bit of the neurodivergent to them. I love their unique talents.
I can’t wait to start this one. Had to take care of my January 6 release dates first. Wonderful to see all these stars, Anne💜
Thanks Jonetta. I thought it was awesome. I really like these characters.
I’ll have to come back to read your review as I’ll be starting this one soon! I’m excited to listen to it!
I really enjoy these. Hope you do!
I’m SO excited for this one. I loved Head Cases. 😀
I hope you love it!
This does sound interesting. I don’t read these types of books, but love shows like Will Trent. I wonder if I would like it in audiobook format.
Probably. That’s not a bad comparison. But this whole team is non typical instead of just Will.
This series looks good. Like you, I love police procedural stories and like the sound of the special unit.
These characters are awesome.
I’m glad you enjoyed this, it sounds like a good series. I like police procedurals too. This one sounds like it has some unique characters.
I love the unique characters.
I like Will Damron!
He’s really good in this.