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Head Cases #2
Inside Man
Not yet published
Expected 13 Jan 26In this sequel to McMahon's electrifying series debut, Head Cases, Gardner Camden and the PAR team return to investigate potentially connected cases.
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?
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?
400 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication January 13, 2026
15029 people want to read
About the author
John McMahon
5 books720 followersJohn 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
December 9, 2025
If you enjoy puzzles and crime thrillers, then look no further than this series. John McMahon continues his winning Head Cases series with its second book,
Inside Man.
The FBI’s Patterns and Recognition (PAR) unit has relocated to Miami, Florida. The squad has been working on a case involving a militia group stockpiling weapons. When their confidential informant in the case is killed, it seems the militia didn’t murder him.
They find an unidentified man caught on camera with their informant. Is he the killer? He is also connected to an FBI unsolved case involving a series of murdered woman found buried in north Florida. Are the cases connected? If so, how? Can they find a new informant for the original case? Can they handle both cases? Should they attempt to do that with only four agents, including their leader?
FBI Agent Gardner Camden is the team leader. Gardner is intelligent, confident, all business, and has an eidetic memory. He thinks in terms of layers and patterns, avoids friendships with most, and can come across as arrogant. He has an affinity for riddles, puzzles, and codes. I enjoyed how the author brought to life both the personal and professional lives of Gardner. As readers learn his background, it provides insight into his thoughts, behaviors, and actions. It was fascinating to see how Gardner’s mind worked to solve the various puzzles. Joanne “Shooter” Harris is his current partner. She has an offbeat humor, can track, and shoot, and was part of an Olympic shooting team before she joined the FBI. Richie Brancato joined the team straight out to the academy. He’s the rookie and he’s also the grandson of a former FBI director. Cassie Pardo is Gardner’s former partner. She is a mathematician, energetic, uses slang, and is mentoring Richie. A couple of other characters from the first book show up along with several new ones.
The author is a superb storyteller who kept me rapidly turning the pages with a fabulous plot and gripping scenes. I was immediately intrigued by the storyline and the complexities in the plot. Full of suspense, this thriller mainly looks at the case through the eyes of Gardner. It was also intriguing to see Gardner realize he should be doing certain things as a manager, but couldn’t seem to pull it off smoothly.
The well-developed characters were brimming with personality. The story grips readers from beginning to end, keeping them on their toes trying to see the connections between the two cases. There was always something new going on, whether it was a change in location, a personal moment, an investigative task, or an action scene. There’s never a dull moment with the PAR unit.
Overall, this was a compelling and dynamic story with excellent characterization, good pacing, and a great plot that includes solid procedural details. I’m a huge fan of the series and can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Those who enjoy crime thrillers and FBI investigations with extraordinary and unusual characters, as well as those who enjoy solving puzzles, will likely enjoy this novel.
St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and John McMahon provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for January 13, 2026.
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My 4.58 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.
They find an unidentified man caught on camera with their informant. Is he the killer? He is also connected to an FBI unsolved case involving a series of murdered woman found buried in north Florida. Are the cases connected? If so, how? Can they find a new informant for the original case? Can they handle both cases? Should they attempt to do that with only four agents, including their leader?
FBI Agent Gardner Camden is the team leader. Gardner is intelligent, confident, all business, and has an eidetic memory. He thinks in terms of layers and patterns, avoids friendships with most, and can come across as arrogant. He has an affinity for riddles, puzzles, and codes. I enjoyed how the author brought to life both the personal and professional lives of Gardner. As readers learn his background, it provides insight into his thoughts, behaviors, and actions. It was fascinating to see how Gardner’s mind worked to solve the various puzzles. Joanne “Shooter” Harris is his current partner. She has an offbeat humor, can track, and shoot, and was part of an Olympic shooting team before she joined the FBI. Richie Brancato joined the team straight out to the academy. He’s the rookie and he’s also the grandson of a former FBI director. Cassie Pardo is Gardner’s former partner. She is a mathematician, energetic, uses slang, and is mentoring Richie. A couple of other characters from the first book show up along with several new ones.
The author is a superb storyteller who kept me rapidly turning the pages with a fabulous plot and gripping scenes. I was immediately intrigued by the storyline and the complexities in the plot. Full of suspense, this thriller mainly looks at the case through the eyes of Gardner. It was also intriguing to see Gardner realize he should be doing certain things as a manager, but couldn’t seem to pull it off smoothly.
The well-developed characters were brimming with personality. The story grips readers from beginning to end, keeping them on their toes trying to see the connections between the two cases. There was always something new going on, whether it was a change in location, a personal moment, an investigative task, or an action scene. There’s never a dull moment with the PAR unit.
Overall, this was a compelling and dynamic story with excellent characterization, good pacing, and a great plot that includes solid procedural details. I’m a huge fan of the series and can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Those who enjoy crime thrillers and FBI investigations with extraordinary and unusual characters, as well as those who enjoy solving puzzles, will likely enjoy this novel.
St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and John McMahon provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for January 13, 2026.
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My 4.58 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.
December 3, 2025
4 stars for a mystery thriller set in the US. This is book 2 in the series, and I have read book 1. However, this would work as a stand alone. Both books are about an FBI unit called PARS(Patterns and Recognition).
The blurb: "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."
This book has two plots:
1: The team are on the trail of some right wing militia folks stockpiling weapons for an unknown purpose. As they investigate, they realize that there are more serious issues involved.
2. They find a pattern of murders across multiple jurisdictions and decide that there is a serial killer murdering women.
They do solve both cases. I liked the well paced plot, believable characters and the buildup of clues leading to resolution of both cases. All of the team members have had issues with their ability to get along in a normal FBI unit and appreciate the latitude that they have in this unusual unit.
There is no graphic violence or sex. There are some curse words.
Thank You Stephen Erickson at St. Martin's Publishing Group for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
Pub Date Jan 13 2026
The blurb: "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."
This book has two plots:
1: The team are on the trail of some right wing militia folks stockpiling weapons for an unknown purpose. As they investigate, they realize that there are more serious issues involved.
2. They find a pattern of murders across multiple jurisdictions and decide that there is a serial killer murdering women.
They do solve both cases. I liked the well paced plot, believable characters and the buildup of clues leading to resolution of both cases. All of the team members have had issues with their ability to get along in a normal FBI unit and appreciate the latitude that they have in this unusual unit.
There is no graphic violence or sex. There are some curse words.
Thank You Stephen Erickson at St. Martin's Publishing Group for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
Pub Date Jan 13 2026
December 8, 2025
Raising the PAR on FBI thrillers.
4.5 stars rounded up.
FBI Agent Gardner Camden and his team of incredibly talented "misfits" in the Patterns and Recognition (PAR) unit are back, this time juggling two very different - and possibly connected - investigations. When a confidential informant tied to a local militia is murdered, the team suspects something far more sinister is at play. An unidentified man captured on camera with the informant soon links to another FBI file: a string of murdered women buried across North Florida. As the PAR team races to untangle the connection between a possible serial killer and an emerging terrorist threat, the danger escalates.
"Inside Man" is a sharp, fast-paced follow-up to "Head Cases" that's grittier, higher-stakes, but every every bit as clever. I loved the first book, but this second installment in the series is even stronger. The stakes feel higher, the tension more palpable, and the plot more intricate. It’s a grittier, more emotionally charged read, though the team’s trademark quirks and intellectual brilliance occasionally take a back seat to the sheer pace of the casework. And while the murder investigation is the more compelling of the two threads, both deliver satisfying twists and John McMahon’s signature mix of intellect and heart.
While book two can be read as a standalone, there are a few spoilers for "Head Cases", so starting from book one is ideal. I received copies of both the ebook and the audiobook of "Inside Man" from the publisher for a truly immersive experience, and can highly recommend both. The audiobook, narrated by Will Damron, was a pleasure to listen to, with perfect pacing.
Smart, layered, and relentlessly engaging, "Inside Man" cements John McMahon as a must-read voice in modern FBI thrillers.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for providing me with ARCs of both the ebook and the audiobook via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"Inside Man" is slated to be published on January 13, 2026.
4.5 stars rounded up.
FBI Agent Gardner Camden and his team of incredibly talented "misfits" in the Patterns and Recognition (PAR) unit are back, this time juggling two very different - and possibly connected - investigations. When a confidential informant tied to a local militia is murdered, the team suspects something far more sinister is at play. An unidentified man captured on camera with the informant soon links to another FBI file: a string of murdered women buried across North Florida. As the PAR team races to untangle the connection between a possible serial killer and an emerging terrorist threat, the danger escalates.
"Inside Man" is a sharp, fast-paced follow-up to "Head Cases" that's grittier, higher-stakes, but every every bit as clever. I loved the first book, but this second installment in the series is even stronger. The stakes feel higher, the tension more palpable, and the plot more intricate. It’s a grittier, more emotionally charged read, though the team’s trademark quirks and intellectual brilliance occasionally take a back seat to the sheer pace of the casework. And while the murder investigation is the more compelling of the two threads, both deliver satisfying twists and John McMahon’s signature mix of intellect and heart.
While book two can be read as a standalone, there are a few spoilers for "Head Cases", so starting from book one is ideal. I received copies of both the ebook and the audiobook of "Inside Man" from the publisher for a truly immersive experience, and can highly recommend both. The audiobook, narrated by Will Damron, was a pleasure to listen to, with perfect pacing.
Smart, layered, and relentlessly engaging, "Inside Man" cements John McMahon as a must-read voice in modern FBI thrillers.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for providing me with ARCs of both the ebook and the audiobook via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"Inside Man" is slated to be published on January 13, 2026.
November 5, 2025
Inside Man is the second book in the Head Cases series, which follows a team of FBI agents in the Patterns and Recognition (PAR) unit, who solve complex cases that no one else can.
No sophomore slump for Mr. McMahon! I enjoyed Inside Man even more than I enjoyed the first book in the series, Head Cases. (FYI: Head Cases was the subject of a bidding war in Hollywood and is in development as a TV series at HBO Max!)
This time around, the PAR team (of four) is investigating the murder of a confidential informant, uncovering a connection to an unsolved series of murders in Florida, and a possible tie-in to another case, two thousand ghost guns. My only complaint about Inside Man was one of my pet peeves: Overuse of the word "hustling." I always think they're about to start disco dancing!
I absolutely love the relationship between Camden and his daughter, Camila, and the improving relationship between Camden and his former mother-in-law, Rosa. Hands down, though, my favorite part of the book pertained to magnesium powder. Fascinating! Also, very interesting were the author's notes at the end of the book. (Four spine surgeries in four months??😕) "Progress moves in only one direction" is the author's mantra.
All I can say is that I cannot WAIT for book three!!
HUGE thanks to #MinotaurBooks, for providing this book for review and consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Inside Man has an expected publication date of January 13, 2026.
#JohnMcMahon #Crime #Mystery #Suspense #FBI #PatternsAndRecognition #Family
No sophomore slump for Mr. McMahon! I enjoyed Inside Man even more than I enjoyed the first book in the series, Head Cases. (FYI: Head Cases was the subject of a bidding war in Hollywood and is in development as a TV series at HBO Max!)
This time around, the PAR team (of four) is investigating the murder of a confidential informant, uncovering a connection to an unsolved series of murders in Florida, and a possible tie-in to another case, two thousand ghost guns. My only complaint about Inside Man was one of my pet peeves: Overuse of the word "hustling." I always think they're about to start disco dancing!
I absolutely love the relationship between Camden and his daughter, Camila, and the improving relationship between Camden and his former mother-in-law, Rosa. Hands down, though, my favorite part of the book pertained to magnesium powder. Fascinating! Also, very interesting were the author's notes at the end of the book. (Four spine surgeries in four months??😕) "Progress moves in only one direction" is the author's mantra.
All I can say is that I cannot WAIT for book three!!
HUGE thanks to #MinotaurBooks, for providing this book for review and consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Inside Man has an expected publication date of January 13, 2026.
#JohnMcMahon #Crime #Mystery #Suspense #FBI #PatternsAndRecognition #Family
December 8, 2025
Another great Camden Gardner book, along with his team of 'misfits.' It's amazing how the PAR team works together with all their strengths, and of course their intelligence. Two complicated cases, with places where they cross over, made for a great suspense!!
Thank you to Net Galley and St Martin's Press for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Net Galley and St Martin's Press for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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December 7, 2025Kindled. Thank you for the arc, NetGalley.
To be clear: I adored Head Cases, the first book in this series.
A tempest in a teapot this book was. A whole lot of swirl and storm and to-ing and fro-ing. So much so that I got a bit tuckered out. I wondered how it was, given how large the state of Florida is, that the characters just happened to be a few miles from where they were suddenly needed. Like ALL THE TIME. And why did we need to know how tall everyone was?
Nitpicking much, Lisa?
Aw, I'm sorry, but my brain didn't quite adhere to this story as much as I'd wanted/expected. And, after all that investigating and digging and discussing; after all those miles logged, the ending/wrapping up/reveal was just so unsatisfying.
Darn.
I'm still a fan of McMahon's, though, and am about to start The Good Detective.
To be clear: I adored Head Cases, the first book in this series.
A tempest in a teapot this book was. A whole lot of swirl and storm and to-ing and fro-ing. So much so that I got a bit tuckered out. I wondered how it was, given how large the state of Florida is, that the characters just happened to be a few miles from where they were suddenly needed. Like ALL THE TIME. And why did we need to know how tall everyone was?
Nitpicking much, Lisa?
Aw, I'm sorry, but my brain didn't quite adhere to this story as much as I'd wanted/expected. And, after all that investigating and digging and discussing; after all those miles logged, the ending/wrapping up/reveal was just so unsatisfying.
Darn.
I'm still a fan of McMahon's, though, and am about to start The Good Detective.
November 9, 2025
FIVE STAR ALERT!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Patterns and Recognition (PAR) unit of the FBI is back and this time they're diving into not ONE, but TWO cases simultaneously! One case involves the militia, a dead confidential informant (CI) and a stockpile of g*uns. When the team begins to look into who killed their CI, they stumble across another case involving a probable serial killer. Are the two cases connected? If so, how?
This starts off INTENSE! The action begins from chapter one and doesn't let up the entire time. Each case is complex with several moving pieces at any given moment. Gardner, the team leader, is neurodivergent and though he may think differently than most people, his uniqueness is NOT a flaw, it's a gift. He actively works at his social skills and interpersonal relationships which only serves to make him a beloved character for me. His relationships with his mother, daughter and one of his teammates (who may be something more), are a highlight and oftentimes funny, offering a respite from the seriousness of the investigations. John McMahon excels in writing endearing, complex and believable characters as well as detailed and layered criminal cases.
This is the second book in the series and CAN be read as a stand alone, though I highly recommend reading both books in order because you won't want to miss a single minute with this team and there WILL be a few slight spoilers.
INSIDE MAN is fast paced, gripping and action packed with an edge-of-your seat climax and tons of heart. The PAR Unit series is one of my FAVORITES and it’s a MUST READ for crime fiction fans who love quirky characters, team dynamics, clever mysteries, and intense moments!
____
Expected publication date January 13, 2026
Massive thank you to Minotaur Books for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Patterns and Recognition (PAR) unit of the FBI is back and this time they're diving into not ONE, but TWO cases simultaneously! One case involves the militia, a dead confidential informant (CI) and a stockpile of g*uns. When the team begins to look into who killed their CI, they stumble across another case involving a probable serial killer. Are the two cases connected? If so, how?
This starts off INTENSE! The action begins from chapter one and doesn't let up the entire time. Each case is complex with several moving pieces at any given moment. Gardner, the team leader, is neurodivergent and though he may think differently than most people, his uniqueness is NOT a flaw, it's a gift. He actively works at his social skills and interpersonal relationships which only serves to make him a beloved character for me. His relationships with his mother, daughter and one of his teammates (who may be something more), are a highlight and oftentimes funny, offering a respite from the seriousness of the investigations. John McMahon excels in writing endearing, complex and believable characters as well as detailed and layered criminal cases.
This is the second book in the series and CAN be read as a stand alone, though I highly recommend reading both books in order because you won't want to miss a single minute with this team and there WILL be a few slight spoilers.
INSIDE MAN is fast paced, gripping and action packed with an edge-of-your seat climax and tons of heart. The PAR Unit series is one of my FAVORITES and it’s a MUST READ for crime fiction fans who love quirky characters, team dynamics, clever mysteries, and intense moments!
____
Expected publication date January 13, 2026
Massive thank you to Minotaur Books for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
November 15, 2025
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, John McMahon, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Eager to return for this second novel in this collection by John McMahon, I gladly accepted this ARC to explore more about the Patterns and Recognition (PAR) Unit. FBI Agent Gardner Camden is back to test his skills against some of the most obscure puzzles crime has to offer. Agent Camden and the PAR Unit have an affinity for solving cases that no one else can crack, bringing their unique skills to the job. Working the case of a group stockpiling weapons, the confidential informant feeding PAR intel is killed. While it looks straightforward, it soon becomes clear that this militia group had nothing to do with it. Working every angle, a potential suspect is caught on camera with the CI. His identity is tied to another unsolved FBI case, which leaves Agent Camden and the unit juggling the pressure of two cases in opposite parts of the country. A number of women have turned up murdered and buried around northern Florida. hinting that a serial killer could be on the loose. None of this makes sense regarding the murdered CI, but no one is ready to toss in the towel just yet. A new CI is procured to help solve the gunrunning case, though things soon heat up anew and PAR is left scrambling as they seek to put all the pieces together. Two cases, no leads, and a group who thrive on puzzle solving. John McMahon impresses again with this piece!
The story works well as a thriller, as the reader remains wondering and flipping pages as they beg for answers. McMahon develops a great piece that keeps adding a strong foundation to this series. The narrative reminds the reader of the PAR Unit, pushing pieces together and providing strong pathways to guide things in a forward direction once again. With increased momentum, the reader is able to assemble things and keep the intensity, all while the story gets more twisted. I am eager to see how John McMahon will keep things going at this intensity as the series progresses.
Key characters provide some backstories as well as develop throughout the reading experience, never revealing too much at one time. This leaves the option open for more series
development, with Gardner Camden and others who surround him. I was eager to see him shed more light on his personal situation, as well as a professional advancement that could work well in future novels. Secondary characters complement the story well, allowing the reader to connect with many who play a role and develop affinities with ease.
There are constant plot twists in a thriller that leave things in an ongoing mystery. The reader can connect the dots, though they are sure to be surprised once again with McMahon's great writing style. Things are slowly exposed to keep the reader connected as truths surface in unexpected ways. I can hope that John McMahon will return with yet another novel, as there is much about him that remains opaque and in need of exploration.
Kudos, Mr. McMahon, for a wonderful follow-up piece.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Eager to return for this second novel in this collection by John McMahon, I gladly accepted this ARC to explore more about the Patterns and Recognition (PAR) Unit. FBI Agent Gardner Camden is back to test his skills against some of the most obscure puzzles crime has to offer. Agent Camden and the PAR Unit have an affinity for solving cases that no one else can crack, bringing their unique skills to the job. Working the case of a group stockpiling weapons, the confidential informant feeding PAR intel is killed. While it looks straightforward, it soon becomes clear that this militia group had nothing to do with it. Working every angle, a potential suspect is caught on camera with the CI. His identity is tied to another unsolved FBI case, which leaves Agent Camden and the unit juggling the pressure of two cases in opposite parts of the country. A number of women have turned up murdered and buried around northern Florida. hinting that a serial killer could be on the loose. None of this makes sense regarding the murdered CI, but no one is ready to toss in the towel just yet. A new CI is procured to help solve the gunrunning case, though things soon heat up anew and PAR is left scrambling as they seek to put all the pieces together. Two cases, no leads, and a group who thrive on puzzle solving. John McMahon impresses again with this piece!
The story works well as a thriller, as the reader remains wondering and flipping pages as they beg for answers. McMahon develops a great piece that keeps adding a strong foundation to this series. The narrative reminds the reader of the PAR Unit, pushing pieces together and providing strong pathways to guide things in a forward direction once again. With increased momentum, the reader is able to assemble things and keep the intensity, all while the story gets more twisted. I am eager to see how John McMahon will keep things going at this intensity as the series progresses.
Key characters provide some backstories as well as develop throughout the reading experience, never revealing too much at one time. This leaves the option open for more series
development, with Gardner Camden and others who surround him. I was eager to see him shed more light on his personal situation, as well as a professional advancement that could work well in future novels. Secondary characters complement the story well, allowing the reader to connect with many who play a role and develop affinities with ease.
There are constant plot twists in a thriller that leave things in an ongoing mystery. The reader can connect the dots, though they are sure to be surprised once again with McMahon's great writing style. Things are slowly exposed to keep the reader connected as truths surface in unexpected ways. I can hope that John McMahon will return with yet another novel, as there is much about him that remains opaque and in need of exploration.
Kudos, Mr. McMahon, for a wonderful follow-up piece.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
December 12, 2025
John McMahon’s “Inside Man” is pure suspense magic. This is book two in the Head Cases series, and McMahon just keeps serving up characters I’d love to grab coffee with, or maybe just follow around while they solve crimes. At a safe distance!
Thanks to the author and Minotaur/Macmillan Audio for these gifted ARCs provided via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I started with the book, but I’m an audiobook addict, so I switched as soon as I got the chance. The narrator absolutely nails it, especially when it comes to Garner Camden. Picture a socially awkward FBI agent with a brain wired for puzzles and a rare, quirky sense of humor. On the page, he’s interesting, but in your ears, he’s unforgettable. I found myself grinning at his odd logic and rooting for his unique, wonderful brain. His mother is another memorable character!
The PAR Unit starts out chasing a militia with way too many weapons, but you know how thrillers love a twisty detour. Suddenly, we’re knee-deep in serial killer clues and whispers of something even bigger. McMahon keeps the tension cranked, but it’s Garner’s offbeat genius that steals the show.
Garner’s personality is captured perfectly. He’s officially on my list of fictional folks I’d invite to dinner. All his quirks and brainy brilliance come wrapped in so much charm, you can’t help but love him.
Read it or listen to it. “Inside Man” is a standout thriller. Garner Camden’s voice is worth hearing.
#InsideMan #JohnMcMahon #MinotaurBooks #MacmillanAudio #StMartinsPress
Book Series - Head Cases - Serial Killer - Cold Cases - NetGalley - CapCut - Canva - Audiobook Review
Thanks to the author and Minotaur/Macmillan Audio for these gifted ARCs provided via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I started with the book, but I’m an audiobook addict, so I switched as soon as I got the chance. The narrator absolutely nails it, especially when it comes to Garner Camden. Picture a socially awkward FBI agent with a brain wired for puzzles and a rare, quirky sense of humor. On the page, he’s interesting, but in your ears, he’s unforgettable. I found myself grinning at his odd logic and rooting for his unique, wonderful brain. His mother is another memorable character!
The PAR Unit starts out chasing a militia with way too many weapons, but you know how thrillers love a twisty detour. Suddenly, we’re knee-deep in serial killer clues and whispers of something even bigger. McMahon keeps the tension cranked, but it’s Garner’s offbeat genius that steals the show.
Garner’s personality is captured perfectly. He’s officially on my list of fictional folks I’d invite to dinner. All his quirks and brainy brilliance come wrapped in so much charm, you can’t help but love him.
Read it or listen to it. “Inside Man” is a standout thriller. Garner Camden’s voice is worth hearing.
#InsideMan #JohnMcMahon #MinotaurBooks #MacmillanAudio #StMartinsPress
Book Series - Head Cases - Serial Killer - Cold Cases - NetGalley - CapCut - Canva - Audiobook Review
December 9, 2025
The sequel to the brilliant Head Cases is finally here! I absolutely loved the first book and was so excited to get my hands on both the digital and audio versions of the follow up Inside Man. This series is so smart, so dark and so unpredictable, it is a joy to read.
Gardner Camden is now leading PAR - the puzzles and recognition team at the FBI. They have been incredibly successful in solving cases but this one will test them all. Whilst on the trail of a group of weapons smugglers, they find themselves hunting a serial killer . Their confidential informant has been murdered, and it by the gun guys! It is a dangerous case, one that will require everything the team has to put the puzzle pieces together.
The audiobook is narrated by the fabulous Will Damron, on of my favourite narrators. He is amazing at telling the story and keeping all the characters interesting and separated. I will listen to anything he reads.
Camden is such a great character, whip smart but struggles with emotions and personal relationships. His bond with his daughter is so strong and I love reading the chapters where they interact.
This is a fast paced adrenaline filled story that would make a great movie.i already can’t wait for the next book.
Thank you St Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copies to read. Out on January 13th, a, must read for crime readers.
Gardner Camden is now leading PAR - the puzzles and recognition team at the FBI. They have been incredibly successful in solving cases but this one will test them all. Whilst on the trail of a group of weapons smugglers, they find themselves hunting a serial killer . Their confidential informant has been murdered, and it by the gun guys! It is a dangerous case, one that will require everything the team has to put the puzzle pieces together.
The audiobook is narrated by the fabulous Will Damron, on of my favourite narrators. He is amazing at telling the story and keeping all the characters interesting and separated. I will listen to anything he reads.
Camden is such a great character, whip smart but struggles with emotions and personal relationships. His bond with his daughter is so strong and I love reading the chapters where they interact.
This is a fast paced adrenaline filled story that would make a great movie.i already can’t wait for the next book.
Thank you St Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copies to read. Out on January 13th, a, must read for crime readers.
September 14, 2025
upgraded to 2.5⭐️
the case in the second book did not keep me intrigued as the first one did. i was so sad bc i was so excited about the characters and unfortunately this one fell short.
there was a lot going on, and the first book was more “criminal minds” feel which i loved. this book felt more “bones” themed.
hopefully the next book is better☺️
thank you NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for the digital ARC.
the case in the second book did not keep me intrigued as the first one did. i was so sad bc i was so excited about the characters and unfortunately this one fell short.
there was a lot going on, and the first book was more “criminal minds” feel which i loved. this book felt more “bones” themed.
hopefully the next book is better☺️
thank you NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for the digital ARC.
December 6, 2025
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Jan. 13, 2026
“Inside Man” is the second novel in the “Head Cases” series by John McMahon. The PAR (Patterns and Recognition) Unit of the FBI investigates two connected cases in this new instalment, with missing guns possibly targeting the U.S government, and a long-cold case from Florida where women disappeared.
Gardner Cameron and his team are masters at puzzles, patterns and other mathematical mysteries, called in to assist when cases confound other units. What starts as the team investigating a militia group and disappearing weapons turns into an investigation into a group of missing women in Florida. Initially, there doesn’t seem to be any connection but Gardner and his team dedicate themselves to finding out the truth.
I was a huge fan of “Head Cases”, novel number one in this series. I loved the patterns and recognition aspect of the FBI unit and all of the quirky and unique personalities that made up the team. In “Inside Man”, the same characters are still there, with a few new faces and some interesting new facets of old relationships develop. This novel, however, had a lot of moving parts, with two cases for the price of one, and it was challenging to keep up with all of the people and lettered agencies that were involved.
Gardner is neurodivergent, which is obvious, as are most members of his team in one form or another, so he struggles to read a lot of social cues, which is sort of endearing, especially as he tries to figure out his relationship with his PAR partner, Cassie. His daughter, Camila, is now in his life more or less full-time and his mother, suffering from Alzheimer’s, has come out of her months-long coma. So, on top of all of the emotional stressors Cameron faces, he has the stress and pressure of solving the two cases at the risk of PAR being shut down. Needless to say, Gardner comes out on top. He’s brilliant and charming and he brings a Spencer Reid component to the plot.
McMahon’s writing is creative and the plot flows well, especially considering the simultaneous investigations. McMahon connects the two plots seamlessly, in a way that makes sense, and by the end I was left satisfied with the turn of events.
“Head Cases” should be read before “Inside Man” but it isn’t imperative, as both novels have different plots. Characters remain the same so some relationship details may be missed, and there are some aspects of the previous novel that were resolved in this one, but reading this as a stand-alone should still be enjoyable. I look forward to any future novels in this series, and to reading more about the awkward misfits that make up the PAR team.
Expected publication date: Jan. 13, 2026
“Inside Man” is the second novel in the “Head Cases” series by John McMahon. The PAR (Patterns and Recognition) Unit of the FBI investigates two connected cases in this new instalment, with missing guns possibly targeting the U.S government, and a long-cold case from Florida where women disappeared.
Gardner Cameron and his team are masters at puzzles, patterns and other mathematical mysteries, called in to assist when cases confound other units. What starts as the team investigating a militia group and disappearing weapons turns into an investigation into a group of missing women in Florida. Initially, there doesn’t seem to be any connection but Gardner and his team dedicate themselves to finding out the truth.
I was a huge fan of “Head Cases”, novel number one in this series. I loved the patterns and recognition aspect of the FBI unit and all of the quirky and unique personalities that made up the team. In “Inside Man”, the same characters are still there, with a few new faces and some interesting new facets of old relationships develop. This novel, however, had a lot of moving parts, with two cases for the price of one, and it was challenging to keep up with all of the people and lettered agencies that were involved.
Gardner is neurodivergent, which is obvious, as are most members of his team in one form or another, so he struggles to read a lot of social cues, which is sort of endearing, especially as he tries to figure out his relationship with his PAR partner, Cassie. His daughter, Camila, is now in his life more or less full-time and his mother, suffering from Alzheimer’s, has come out of her months-long coma. So, on top of all of the emotional stressors Cameron faces, he has the stress and pressure of solving the two cases at the risk of PAR being shut down. Needless to say, Gardner comes out on top. He’s brilliant and charming and he brings a Spencer Reid component to the plot.
McMahon’s writing is creative and the plot flows well, especially considering the simultaneous investigations. McMahon connects the two plots seamlessly, in a way that makes sense, and by the end I was left satisfied with the turn of events.
“Head Cases” should be read before “Inside Man” but it isn’t imperative, as both novels have different plots. Characters remain the same so some relationship details may be missed, and there are some aspects of the previous novel that were resolved in this one, but reading this as a stand-alone should still be enjoyable. I look forward to any future novels in this series, and to reading more about the awkward misfits that make up the PAR team.
September 5, 2025
Review: This one was just as good as the first, I absolutely loved it. I love Gardner's characters and how he tries his best to be the best agent, parent, friend, person he can be. I loved the way the story wove around and how the pieces fell into place. I'll read any and all books in this series.
Synopsis: In this sequel to McMahon's electrifying series debut, Head Cases, Gardner Camden and the PAR team return to investigate potentially connected cases.
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?
Synopsis: In this sequel to McMahon's electrifying series debut, Head Cases, Gardner Camden and the PAR team return to investigate potentially connected cases.
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?
December 19, 2025
A long time fan of Criminal Minds, I was immediately hooked by Head Cases when it was published last year. I found Gardner Camden and the entire PAR unit to be brilliant puzzle solvers. This unusually talented team returns in INSIDE MAN, the second book in the Head Cases series and it’s wonderful to be reunited with this group of uniquely talented agents.
This time Camden is in charge of PAR as the unit is investigating a case involving a string of ATM thefts. Their work quickly points to something far more sinister and that leads them to a string of unsolved disappearances of young women in Florida. Camden and his team of cerebral agents see connections linking the two cases and it’s a race against time to catch the bad guys.
John McMahon does an outstanding job laying out the backstory of Camden and the PAR, so it’s possible to read this as a stand-alone, but the experience is so much better starting with the first book.
INSIDE MAN is a fast paced and intricate cat-and-mouse game, but it is easy to follow as the reader is privy to Camden’s thought process and inner monologue. The police procedural elements of this book are extremely well written, but I’m particularly invested in the relationships between the characters. They are adept at capitalizing on the unique talents of each member of the team and begin to form a cohesive unit the longer they work together.
Will Damron reprises his narration in this second book and continues to be brilliant as he takes us into Camden’s inner thoughts. This is a pulse quickening audio production that enhances the story. Highly recommend consuming this book via audio.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for the advance copies. All opinions are my own.
This time Camden is in charge of PAR as the unit is investigating a case involving a string of ATM thefts. Their work quickly points to something far more sinister and that leads them to a string of unsolved disappearances of young women in Florida. Camden and his team of cerebral agents see connections linking the two cases and it’s a race against time to catch the bad guys.
John McMahon does an outstanding job laying out the backstory of Camden and the PAR, so it’s possible to read this as a stand-alone, but the experience is so much better starting with the first book.
INSIDE MAN is a fast paced and intricate cat-and-mouse game, but it is easy to follow as the reader is privy to Camden’s thought process and inner monologue. The police procedural elements of this book are extremely well written, but I’m particularly invested in the relationships between the characters. They are adept at capitalizing on the unique talents of each member of the team and begin to form a cohesive unit the longer they work together.
Will Damron reprises his narration in this second book and continues to be brilliant as he takes us into Camden’s inner thoughts. This is a pulse quickening audio production that enhances the story. Highly recommend consuming this book via audio.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for the advance copies. All opinions are my own.
November 23, 2025
**Thanks NetGalley for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.**
Earlier this year I read Head Cases, the first of the series, and thought it was a fast-paced police procedural akin to Criminal Minds. My biggest gripes were the lack of character depth and some uneven pacing that wanted to shed more light but didn't have enough time to do so. Inside Man really worked on those minor issues to create an even more action-packed novel with ample character progression.
Our loveable FBI agents work on two high-stakes cases in this one with palpable tension, amazing detective work, and a plot filled with many twists, turns, cliffhangers, and breath-taking moments. I said at the end of my review of Head Cases that I would probably forget a lot of what happened because it read like a very run-of-the-mill police procedural we're used to seeing on our television screens (and I did). Book 2 definitely has many more memorable scenes and a lot more to chew on when it comes to the stories of Gardy, Cassie, Shooter, and Richie. The relation between the two cases felt a little rushed and overly complicated but I don't know if it's just that I couldn't follow it or it wasn't explained thoroughly enough, but I'll let it slide.
This was a fun read with some great police work, dangerous stakes, a lot of action, and successful character progression especially for Gardner and his role as a team lead, son, boyfriend, and father.
Earlier this year I read Head Cases, the first of the series, and thought it was a fast-paced police procedural akin to Criminal Minds. My biggest gripes were the lack of character depth and some uneven pacing that wanted to shed more light but didn't have enough time to do so. Inside Man really worked on those minor issues to create an even more action-packed novel with ample character progression.
Our loveable FBI agents work on two high-stakes cases in this one with palpable tension, amazing detective work, and a plot filled with many twists, turns, cliffhangers, and breath-taking moments. I said at the end of my review of Head Cases that I would probably forget a lot of what happened because it read like a very run-of-the-mill police procedural we're used to seeing on our television screens (and I did). Book 2 definitely has many more memorable scenes and a lot more to chew on when it comes to the stories of Gardy, Cassie, Shooter, and Richie. The relation between the two cases felt a little rushed and overly complicated but I don't know if it's just that I couldn't follow it or it wasn't explained thoroughly enough, but I'll let it slide.
This was a fun read with some great police work, dangerous stakes, a lot of action, and successful character progression especially for Gardner and his role as a team lead, son, boyfriend, and father.
November 22, 2025
4.5 🚔
I just finished Inside Man and I ended up reading it in under 24 hours because I didn’t want to set it down for long. The pacing is tight, the story is absorbing, and the tension builds in a way that kept me fully on board from start to finish.
This is a strong follow up to Head Cases, and I am grateful to have received an ARC from NetGalley and St Martin’s Press Minotaur Books.
I’m already looking forward to whatever comes next by John McMahon.
I just finished Inside Man and I ended up reading it in under 24 hours because I didn’t want to set it down for long. The pacing is tight, the story is absorbing, and the tension builds in a way that kept me fully on board from start to finish.
This is a strong follow up to Head Cases, and I am grateful to have received an ARC from NetGalley and St Martin’s Press Minotaur Books.
I’m already looking forward to whatever comes next by John McMahon.
December 10, 2025
Thank you SO much to @minotaur_books for my advanced copy! I absolutely adored Head Cases and Inside Man is just as good. You never know with a sequel. Sometimes they slump but we do not have that here, I also love that it isn’t necessary to read Head Cases to read this, but you should because it’s great.
Camden is becoming one of my favorite characters. He is beyond intelligent (think Reed from Criminal Minds) but he’s got tons of heart. The novel is fast paced, cinematic and gritty. The details are perfection; all the characters have vivid personalities and a sprinkling of future romance…maybe?! I loved the way McMahon weaved the “two cases” together. This was a great puzzle with an intricate plot, but I don’t want to give spoilers just know there are some Ed Gein vibes…
Also – don’t miss the Authors Note. McMahon shares a lot about his personal life, future projects (hell yes, lucky us) and his tribulations with writing. It was heartfelt and I am in awe of his courage.
Camden is becoming one of my favorite characters. He is beyond intelligent (think Reed from Criminal Minds) but he’s got tons of heart. The novel is fast paced, cinematic and gritty. The details are perfection; all the characters have vivid personalities and a sprinkling of future romance…maybe?! I loved the way McMahon weaved the “two cases” together. This was a great puzzle with an intricate plot, but I don’t want to give spoilers just know there are some Ed Gein vibes…
Also – don’t miss the Authors Note. McMahon shares a lot about his personal life, future projects (hell yes, lucky us) and his tribulations with writing. It was heartfelt and I am in awe of his courage.
September 14, 2025
This was a solid book two in the Head Cases/PAR team series. I was pleased to be selected for an ARC of "Inside Man". This book takes place a year and a half after the events of "Head Cases" and our hero, Gardner Camden, is the reluctant leader of the FBI's (fictional) Patterns and Recognition (PAR) team. An investigation into a militia group's gathering of bootleg weapons leads the team to a possible connection to a series of murders of missing women. The more they learn, the more they fear a potential attack of the nation's capital. Gardner and his team race against the clock to find the weapons as well as the group's ringleader.
While I prefer more of a profiling theme, the idea of using patterns and recognition techniques seems similar. I like the characters and feel they are pretty well developed.
A big thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
While I prefer more of a profiling theme, the idea of using patterns and recognition techniques seems similar. I like the characters and feel they are pretty well developed.
A big thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2025
When I read the first book in the “PAR” series last year (the fictional Patterns and Recognition Unit of the FBI), I found it to be pretty much the absolutely perfect police procedural, with a team of unusual agents (“head cases” as the first novel was titled), all uniquely brilliant (but not supermen or women). Once again, we have an intelligent story with literary, scientific and mathematical references — with normally unseen connections if not for a team trained to spot such patterns.
The original crew has returned: Gardner Camden, chief puzzle-solver and savant, knowingly neuro-divergent, and self-proclaimed as the oddest of his squad. The other brilliant misfits include Cassie Pardo, mathematician; Jo “Shooter” Harris, a weapons expert and former ATF agent; Richie Brancato, a relative newbie data analyst; and Frank Roberts, longtime FBI guy, the boss who was transferred to Texas, but is available as a consultant. The existence of PAR team is fraught with political shenanigans — Frank was their fairy godfather but the Director of the FBI, Craig Paulson, seemingly has a love/hate relationship with the continued support of the group.
Gardner is now at the top of the team, but he’s uncomfortable with being the leader (bureaucracy is not his thing). He purposefully removed himself from partnering directly with Cassie (he realized a possible spark between them fifteen months ago) and assigned her to mentor Richie (grandson of some legendary law enforcement biggie). He’s working more closely with Shooter in this installment, but everyone has a definite role.
We find them initially investigating one case, involving ghost guns and cartels, but maybe way bigger in scope, when a CI is murdered. And suddenly they have two cases when they realize an unrelated suspect might be a serial killer of local young women in a rural Florida town. The two cases actually remain separate, but the Director wants them on the bigger splashier weapons case and gives them a deadline to solve or give up the tangential murder investigation. If they don’t pursue the serial killer angle, it’s likely that multiple victims will remain as cold cases without justice and a killer will continue to strike.
The plot is smart and twisty, and the character development brings each crew member to life. This thriller can easily be read as a standalone, but reading “Head Cases” first is worth it. McMahon, not a former law enforcement person, brings in new tech like stingray surveillance and specific knowledge of diagenesis, bone decomposition. I love books that challenge my mind and keep me engaged until the very last page. The author acknowledges that he has a finished draft of another book, but I want to beg him to keep this series going! 5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES I know from the first book that Shooter has green eyes, but we’ve added a red haired teenage girl to that category.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO How very true that the golden ratio is seen in the patterns of flowers. And McMahon has some very specific research on how buried dead bodies enrich the soil and plant life that I’m amazed by.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
The original crew has returned: Gardner Camden, chief puzzle-solver and savant, knowingly neuro-divergent, and self-proclaimed as the oddest of his squad. The other brilliant misfits include Cassie Pardo, mathematician; Jo “Shooter” Harris, a weapons expert and former ATF agent; Richie Brancato, a relative newbie data analyst; and Frank Roberts, longtime FBI guy, the boss who was transferred to Texas, but is available as a consultant. The existence of PAR team is fraught with political shenanigans — Frank was their fairy godfather but the Director of the FBI, Craig Paulson, seemingly has a love/hate relationship with the continued support of the group.
Gardner is now at the top of the team, but he’s uncomfortable with being the leader (bureaucracy is not his thing). He purposefully removed himself from partnering directly with Cassie (he realized a possible spark between them fifteen months ago) and assigned her to mentor Richie (grandson of some legendary law enforcement biggie). He’s working more closely with Shooter in this installment, but everyone has a definite role.
We find them initially investigating one case, involving ghost guns and cartels, but maybe way bigger in scope, when a CI is murdered. And suddenly they have two cases when they realize an unrelated suspect might be a serial killer of local young women in a rural Florida town. The two cases actually remain separate, but the Director wants them on the bigger splashier weapons case and gives them a deadline to solve or give up the tangential murder investigation. If they don’t pursue the serial killer angle, it’s likely that multiple victims will remain as cold cases without justice and a killer will continue to strike.
The plot is smart and twisty, and the character development brings each crew member to life. This thriller can easily be read as a standalone, but reading “Head Cases” first is worth it. McMahon, not a former law enforcement person, brings in new tech like stingray surveillance and specific knowledge of diagenesis, bone decomposition. I love books that challenge my mind and keep me engaged until the very last page. The author acknowledges that he has a finished draft of another book, but I want to beg him to keep this series going! 5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES I know from the first book that Shooter has green eyes, but we’ve added a red haired teenage girl to that category.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO How very true that the golden ratio is seen in the patterns of flowers. And McMahon has some very specific research on how buried dead bodies enrich the soil and plant life that I’m amazed by.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
October 29, 2025
This review may contain spoilers
Thank you for the opportunity to preview Inside Man. Great sequel for our protagonist Camden Gardener.
This could be a series on Netflix. Filled with a lot of action, bad (and good) guys battle it out in an arms race showdown.
Very good!
4 stars!
Thank you for the opportunity to preview Inside Man. Great sequel for our protagonist Camden Gardener.
This could be a series on Netflix. Filled with a lot of action, bad (and good) guys battle it out in an arms race showdown.
Very good!
4 stars!
November 27, 2025
Sharp analytic scenes blend with fast-paced action for an FBI adventure likely to please fans of police procedurals and cerebral mysteries.
A calculating criminal hoards untraceable “ghost-guns” in a Washington D.C. location mere blocks from the White House and Capitol. In Florida, graves of women with surgical nicks on their facial bones are uncovered. A small team of brilliant FBI agents, especially gifted at detecting patterns, must solve two seemingly unrelated cases. As the stakes are raised their time to solve shrinks.
This is to the point storytelling with few superfluous pages or divergences. Scenes are paced rapidly and full of character movement. With such a busy plot, a strength of Inside Man is that as agents buzz in and out of the spotlight, the protagonist summarizes what has occurred since their last communication. It serves as a valuable reminder to the reader where to focus and fills in any blanks. Our lead character is a data processing machine, humanized by his mother and daughter. He affect works well to keep the overarching plot on track, but on occasion feels robotic/superhuman.
Where many books have a sagging middle, after a strong set-up, the second act of Inside Man soars. A white-knuckled set piece dripping with tension is filled with high-tech surveillance and old-fashioned tracking. Some scenes are a bit mechanical and the love interest is an afterthought, but we are served up far more good than imperfect. Only a skilled author can juggle so many balls at once without dropping any. Come for the mystery and puzzles, stay for the intrigue.
Recommended to those looking for a fast-paced, crime-solving adventure.
Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for a review copy.
A calculating criminal hoards untraceable “ghost-guns” in a Washington D.C. location mere blocks from the White House and Capitol. In Florida, graves of women with surgical nicks on their facial bones are uncovered. A small team of brilliant FBI agents, especially gifted at detecting patterns, must solve two seemingly unrelated cases. As the stakes are raised their time to solve shrinks.
This is to the point storytelling with few superfluous pages or divergences. Scenes are paced rapidly and full of character movement. With such a busy plot, a strength of Inside Man is that as agents buzz in and out of the spotlight, the protagonist summarizes what has occurred since their last communication. It serves as a valuable reminder to the reader where to focus and fills in any blanks. Our lead character is a data processing machine, humanized by his mother and daughter. He affect works well to keep the overarching plot on track, but on occasion feels robotic/superhuman.
Where many books have a sagging middle, after a strong set-up, the second act of Inside Man soars. A white-knuckled set piece dripping with tension is filled with high-tech surveillance and old-fashioned tracking. Some scenes are a bit mechanical and the love interest is an afterthought, but we are served up far more good than imperfect. Only a skilled author can juggle so many balls at once without dropping any. Come for the mystery and puzzles, stay for the intrigue.
Recommended to those looking for a fast-paced, crime-solving adventure.
Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for a review copy.
November 19, 2025
If you’ve ever wondered what the FBI is doing to keep us safe, here’s a story that may give you chills. Who knows how much truth there is in it.
The first book “Head Cases” was exciting and quick. Now this follows with the same central characters as Gardner Camden is once again leading up the PAR (Patterns and Recognition) FBI team. They now have two huge cases to solve: a brutal serial killer of women and a domestic militia group stockpiling unmarked weapons and semiautomatics. It takes place mostly in Florida and DC.
The first few chapters outlined the details of the team and direction for the two investigations. After that, it was full speed ahead trying to keep up with Gardner and his FBI partners’ constant chase on the path of the merciless killers. Parts made me cringe with the brutality. (I fear that a lot of what the FBI sees up close keeps hidden from our eyes).
The characters were well described which often noted the height, muscle build, eye and even hair color of each person. You knew right away who was likable and who you wished would be locked away for life in a dark prison cell. At the end of each chapter, there was a bit of suspense that made you want to keep reading. The last page wasn’t a complete ending as there’s obviously more to come.
I enjoyed the first book a tad more as it was a new concept and sharply defined with one strong case. It’s been my experience that first books and movies are almost always the most dynamic and memorable. I highly recommend reading the Acknowledgements with John McMahon’s personal thoughts about his health and his inspiration for the stories. I can’t wait to see what the third book brings.
My thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of January 13, 2026. This is my personal viewpoint.
The first book “Head Cases” was exciting and quick. Now this follows with the same central characters as Gardner Camden is once again leading up the PAR (Patterns and Recognition) FBI team. They now have two huge cases to solve: a brutal serial killer of women and a domestic militia group stockpiling unmarked weapons and semiautomatics. It takes place mostly in Florida and DC.
The first few chapters outlined the details of the team and direction for the two investigations. After that, it was full speed ahead trying to keep up with Gardner and his FBI partners’ constant chase on the path of the merciless killers. Parts made me cringe with the brutality. (I fear that a lot of what the FBI sees up close keeps hidden from our eyes).
The characters were well described which often noted the height, muscle build, eye and even hair color of each person. You knew right away who was likable and who you wished would be locked away for life in a dark prison cell. At the end of each chapter, there was a bit of suspense that made you want to keep reading. The last page wasn’t a complete ending as there’s obviously more to come.
I enjoyed the first book a tad more as it was a new concept and sharply defined with one strong case. It’s been my experience that first books and movies are almost always the most dynamic and memorable. I highly recommend reading the Acknowledgements with John McMahon’s personal thoughts about his health and his inspiration for the stories. I can’t wait to see what the third book brings.
My thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of January 13, 2026. This is my personal viewpoint.
November 25, 2025
Thank you @minotaur_books partner for the gifted copy of this book!
This is the second book in the Head Cases series and once again John McMahon delivers an unputdownable, creatively written crime thriller. I’ve officially discovered this year that crime thrillers are my jam and at this point I’m just happily adding more and more authors to my autobuy list. John has officially earned his spot after this one because wow...this book was addicting!
The opening scene had me holding my breath. It was intense, fast, and so cleverly written. These characters had to be quick footed and smart to get out of the pickle they were in—they were fire…literally. :) I am absolutely obsessed with our neurodivergent main character. There’s just something about him that makes it impossible to look away. He’s such a one of a kind character and my favorite part of him is spending time in his mind.
John consistently writes a complex and layered plot that is both intricate and intense. I love to watch this team piece clues together and solve the case just in the nick of time! If you enjoyed Head Cases and the team dynamic then I feel confident you’ll love this installment too. The FBI unit they’re part of PAR (Patterns and Recognition) is actually what I love most about this series. It adds such a unique angle to the investigation, keeps the story fresh and like none other that I’ve read before.
If you love books that make you think and keep you puzzling over what’s coming next you will not want to miss this one. It truly does deliver a fast paced and edge of your seat sort of intensity which I flew through! I recommend starting with book one (Head Cases) to get to know the characters before this one because they are just that fun! One thing I know for sure is that I’ll be continuing this series for sure!
This is the second book in the Head Cases series and once again John McMahon delivers an unputdownable, creatively written crime thriller. I’ve officially discovered this year that crime thrillers are my jam and at this point I’m just happily adding more and more authors to my autobuy list. John has officially earned his spot after this one because wow...this book was addicting!
The opening scene had me holding my breath. It was intense, fast, and so cleverly written. These characters had to be quick footed and smart to get out of the pickle they were in—they were fire…literally. :) I am absolutely obsessed with our neurodivergent main character. There’s just something about him that makes it impossible to look away. He’s such a one of a kind character and my favorite part of him is spending time in his mind.
John consistently writes a complex and layered plot that is both intricate and intense. I love to watch this team piece clues together and solve the case just in the nick of time! If you enjoyed Head Cases and the team dynamic then I feel confident you’ll love this installment too. The FBI unit they’re part of PAR (Patterns and Recognition) is actually what I love most about this series. It adds such a unique angle to the investigation, keeps the story fresh and like none other that I’ve read before.
If you love books that make you think and keep you puzzling over what’s coming next you will not want to miss this one. It truly does deliver a fast paced and edge of your seat sort of intensity which I flew through! I recommend starting with book one (Head Cases) to get to know the characters before this one because they are just that fun! One thing I know for sure is that I’ll be continuing this series for sure!
November 16, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this novel. All my thoughts and opinions are my own.
Real rating: 2.75
It was an oversight on my part for not realizing this was the second book in a series. That accounts for a lot of the confusion I felt while reading.
The plot was action-packed and simultaneously mundane. It took incredible amounts of strength to keep reading most times. Strength I did not have much of in the tank seeing as I kept stopping and, thus, took well over a month to actually finish the novel.
Maybe if I had the added context of the first book, this one wouldn’t have been so uneventful. But that’s where I am right now.
Real rating: 2.75
It was an oversight on my part for not realizing this was the second book in a series. That accounts for a lot of the confusion I felt while reading.
The plot was action-packed and simultaneously mundane. It took incredible amounts of strength to keep reading most times. Strength I did not have much of in the tank seeing as I kept stopping and, thus, took well over a month to actually finish the novel.
Maybe if I had the added context of the first book, this one wouldn’t have been so uneventful. But that’s where I am right now.
December 6, 2025
3.75/5 stars. Inside man is the sequel to head cases, both of which follow FBI agent Gardner Camden and the PAR team. In this book the team tackles two large cases, the first is an investigation into who is responsible for stockpiling guns and the second follows a string of murders. I listened to the audiobook for Inside Man and it felt like watching (or in my case listening) to an episode of criminal minds. It was exciting, fast paced, and I felt like I was in Gardner’s mind as he solved complex problems and picked up on the most obscure details. The ops the team ran really came to life and upped the drama through listening. I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a crime drama, thriller, or mystery because this is everything wrapped into one. Thank you to the publishing team and NetGalley for this ARC!
September 1, 2025
Inside Man is a strong follow-up, though for me it didn’t quite reach the same level as Head Cases. I was really excited to see where the Patterns and Recognition (PAR) Unit would go next after the first book, and this installment definitely delivered on action and suspense. There is a lot happening in this story- multiple threads, twists, and layers- which sometimes felt a little overwhelming, but it also kept the pace moving and made it hard to put down.
The standout for me in both books is the voice of the main character, Gardner Camden. Distinct and compelling, it grounded the story and gave the book a style all its own. Even when the plot felt busy, that perspective kept me engaged and made the read worthwhile.
Overall, this is a fast-paced and entertaining story with plenty of surprises. While Head Cases remains my favorite, Inside Man is a solid installment and worth picking up if you enjoy twisty, character-driven crime thrillers.
📅 Publication Date: January 13, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The standout for me in both books is the voice of the main character, Gardner Camden. Distinct and compelling, it grounded the story and gave the book a style all its own. Even when the plot felt busy, that perspective kept me engaged and made the read worthwhile.
Overall, this is a fast-paced and entertaining story with plenty of surprises. While Head Cases remains my favorite, Inside Man is a solid installment and worth picking up if you enjoy twisty, character-driven crime thrillers.
📅 Publication Date: January 13, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2025
Inside Man is book 2 in the Head Case series, which follows the PAR Unit of the FBI as they use their unique skills to help solve cases and win us all over one story at a time. Head Cases was one of my top thriller reads maybe EVER, and I was champing at the bit to read the second installment as quickly as possible. Luckily my supplier, St. Martin’s Press, came through with an early ARC, and I jumped in and inhaled the latest story about Gardner Camden and his band of “misfits” as they saved the day once again.
It’s really hard to follow a near perfect book 1, and while nothing could EVER live up to Head Cases for me, I was so so impressed with Inside Man and thought it was a really great sophomore novel in this series. The details and facts we need from book 1 are not just laid out in a couple of boring entry chapters, but rather are given to us slowly as the book begins and settles in so we aren’t bombarded with a rehash from the entire first book. It feels very natural and would enable someone to easily pop in at book 2 if they wanted (but WHY WOULD YOU, DON’T DO THAT). Camden, Shooter, Cassie, and Richie are back and better than ever, and I fell back into their group in such a natural way that I felt like I actually knew them.
This one made me feel a little smarter than book 1, and I actually was ahead of Camden a couple of times, which really inflated my ego. It felt like getting a math problem before Pythagoras or something. This book weaves together two cases, and while initially it felt a little overwhelming, it does eventually settle into solving one case at a time, and then intertwining the two, and then I was able to be fully immersed and not pulled in too many directions.
While the cases were so interesting and suspenseful, it is the relationships that really carry these books over the top for me from good to great. From Camden to his team to his daughter, mother, and ex-mother in law, there is not only great suspense and mystery, but also a whole lot of heart in these books. I am so ready for book 3!
Haven’t read Head Cases yet? GET ON IT HAVEN’T I TOLD YOU THIS ALREADY?! Then you can be ready when this one comes out in January 2026!
It’s really hard to follow a near perfect book 1, and while nothing could EVER live up to Head Cases for me, I was so so impressed with Inside Man and thought it was a really great sophomore novel in this series. The details and facts we need from book 1 are not just laid out in a couple of boring entry chapters, but rather are given to us slowly as the book begins and settles in so we aren’t bombarded with a rehash from the entire first book. It feels very natural and would enable someone to easily pop in at book 2 if they wanted (but WHY WOULD YOU, DON’T DO THAT). Camden, Shooter, Cassie, and Richie are back and better than ever, and I fell back into their group in such a natural way that I felt like I actually knew them.
This one made me feel a little smarter than book 1, and I actually was ahead of Camden a couple of times, which really inflated my ego. It felt like getting a math problem before Pythagoras or something. This book weaves together two cases, and while initially it felt a little overwhelming, it does eventually settle into solving one case at a time, and then intertwining the two, and then I was able to be fully immersed and not pulled in too many directions.
While the cases were so interesting and suspenseful, it is the relationships that really carry these books over the top for me from good to great. From Camden to his team to his daughter, mother, and ex-mother in law, there is not only great suspense and mystery, but also a whole lot of heart in these books. I am so ready for book 3!
Haven’t read Head Cases yet? GET ON IT HAVEN’T I TOLD YOU THIS ALREADY?! Then you can be ready when this one comes out in January 2026!
December 5, 2025
Inside the PAR unit: suspense, tension, and characters you can’t help but root for 👏🏼Thank you, Minotaur Books, for the gifted copy of Inside Man {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 1.13.2026
Pages: 400
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5
“You cannot negotiate with the past.”
This is the second book in the Head Cases series following the PAR unit, and I loved every page! Normally, sophomore novels can have a few bumps, but this felt like the perfect follow-up to Head Cases. It even tied up a few items from the first book 🤩
The characters are incredibly well-developed, and I loved getting to see new sides of the team we met in the first book. Their personalities, relationships, and growth made the story feel alive and personal.
The two cases they tackle are fascinating, balancing gripping suspense with just enough real-life detail to make them hit harder and feel authentic. I was hooked from the first page, and the tension never let up—the kind of story that keeps you thinking long after you finish.
Read if you enjoy:
📖 Action packed stories
👏🏼 Well-developed characters
🔍 Intriguing cases
✨ Perfectly built tension
If you love a mix of character-driven storytelling, intense cases, and suspense that keeps you on edge, this series is a must-read! And yes, it is a series so make sure you read the first book!
______
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Genre: Mystery
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 1.13.2026
Pages: 400
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5
“You cannot negotiate with the past.”
This is the second book in the Head Cases series following the PAR unit, and I loved every page! Normally, sophomore novels can have a few bumps, but this felt like the perfect follow-up to Head Cases. It even tied up a few items from the first book 🤩
The characters are incredibly well-developed, and I loved getting to see new sides of the team we met in the first book. Their personalities, relationships, and growth made the story feel alive and personal.
The two cases they tackle are fascinating, balancing gripping suspense with just enough real-life detail to make them hit harder and feel authentic. I was hooked from the first page, and the tension never let up—the kind of story that keeps you thinking long after you finish.
Read if you enjoy:
📖 Action packed stories
👏🏼 Well-developed characters
🔍 Intriguing cases
✨ Perfectly built tension
If you love a mix of character-driven storytelling, intense cases, and suspense that keeps you on edge, this series is a must-read! And yes, it is a series so make sure you read the first book!
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaptersofc...
Follow me on Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/chaptersofc...
Follow me on StoryGraph:https://www.instagram.com/chaptersofc...
October 25, 2025
Inside Man by John McMahon is a follow up book to Head Cases. Centered around the PAR group in the FBI, Gardner and his three coworkers work to solve unsolvable cases using patterns and recognitions. They are still considered the outcasts of the FBI, due to their unique ways of thinking and personalities. With a rapidly increasing solve rate, they are proving their worth.
In Inside Man, the PAR group is working two cases simultaneously, one being an illegal gun smuggling ring and the other a serial killer. In the end, the two cases overlap and are solved in quick succession.
What I enjoy about this series is there is a lot more deep thinking and less crazy action than in some crime fiction. PAR uses their heads, and as a reader, I like being immersed in their deep thoughts. Inside Man seems like an authentic representation of what FBI work is, and I appreciate that the story isn’t filled with an overwhelming amount of flashbangs and car chases and what one would typical find in a crime novel.
Meanwhile, we also continue to learn about Gardner’s personal life, his mother who has woken from a coma, his precocious daughter who lives part time with grandma, and his potential love life with a coworker. I personally like Gardner Camden’s character a whole lot and look forward to reading more in this series. Thanks to Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for my ARC.
In Inside Man, the PAR group is working two cases simultaneously, one being an illegal gun smuggling ring and the other a serial killer. In the end, the two cases overlap and are solved in quick succession.
What I enjoy about this series is there is a lot more deep thinking and less crazy action than in some crime fiction. PAR uses their heads, and as a reader, I like being immersed in their deep thoughts. Inside Man seems like an authentic representation of what FBI work is, and I appreciate that the story isn’t filled with an overwhelming amount of flashbangs and car chases and what one would typical find in a crime novel.
Meanwhile, we also continue to learn about Gardner’s personal life, his mother who has woken from a coma, his precocious daughter who lives part time with grandma, and his potential love life with a coworker. I personally like Gardner Camden’s character a whole lot and look forward to reading more in this series. Thanks to Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for my ARC.
December 8, 2025
If you know me, you know I love my police procedurals and I’ve been craving a strong detective/police procedural lately. I’ve been looking for something to tie me over until the next Karin Slaughter book comes out, and John McHahon’s upcoming release Inside Man was just what I wanted.
In this sequel to Head Cases, John McMahon once again brings FBI Agent Gardner Camden and the PAR (Patterns and Recognition) unit into the center of a complex, puzzle-driven investigation. Gardner, a brilliant analyst with a mind wired for patterns, takes on a case involving a militia group suspected of stockpiling weapons. When their confidential informant turns up murdered, surveillance footage links an unidentified man to the scene and leads the team to someone who also appears tied to a series of murdered women buried in north Florida. As Gardner and his team juggle these overlapping cases, they’re forced to confront the possibility of a serial killer, a looming terrorist plot, or both.
I was once again completely engaged in this book. McMahon’s writing has a way of pulling me in from the start. That said, this one held slightly less of a grip on me than Head Cases. The dual-case structure is compelling, and I appreciated how each storyline was broken up, but the climaxes didn’t feel as tidy or satisfying as I was hoping for. And one particular event (avoiding spoilers!) felt a bit out there for me. Still, the overall story is excellent and absolutely worth reading, especially for fans of police procedurals.
Gardner Camden remains a fascinating lead, though I felt he had a bit less personal growth in this installment. The narrative also doesn’t dive quite as deeply into the team’s lives, and we actually see less of his quirky, brilliant squad this time around. If McMahon weren’t such a strong storyteller, I might have assumed this was simply a bridge book setting us up for an even bigger, more explosive third installment because it definitely feels like groundwork is being laid for something huge to come.
Even with a few small critiques, Inside Man is a smart, engaging, and thoughtfully crafted thriller. I definitely recommend it to fans of FBI-centered mysteries and procedural storytellingand I’ll be picking up copies for my dad this year, because this series feels tailor-made for readers who love investigations and high-stakes tension and the likes of Harlan Coben.
Bonuse Headcases is available on Kindle Unlimited!
Inside Man comes out January 13, 2026. Huge thank you to Minotaur Books for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. If you liked this review, please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my Instagram @speakingof.books.
Tiktok @speakingof.books
In this sequel to Head Cases, John McMahon once again brings FBI Agent Gardner Camden and the PAR (Patterns and Recognition) unit into the center of a complex, puzzle-driven investigation. Gardner, a brilliant analyst with a mind wired for patterns, takes on a case involving a militia group suspected of stockpiling weapons. When their confidential informant turns up murdered, surveillance footage links an unidentified man to the scene and leads the team to someone who also appears tied to a series of murdered women buried in north Florida. As Gardner and his team juggle these overlapping cases, they’re forced to confront the possibility of a serial killer, a looming terrorist plot, or both.
I was once again completely engaged in this book. McMahon’s writing has a way of pulling me in from the start. That said, this one held slightly less of a grip on me than Head Cases. The dual-case structure is compelling, and I appreciated how each storyline was broken up, but the climaxes didn’t feel as tidy or satisfying as I was hoping for. And one particular event (avoiding spoilers!) felt a bit out there for me. Still, the overall story is excellent and absolutely worth reading, especially for fans of police procedurals.
Gardner Camden remains a fascinating lead, though I felt he had a bit less personal growth in this installment. The narrative also doesn’t dive quite as deeply into the team’s lives, and we actually see less of his quirky, brilliant squad this time around. If McMahon weren’t such a strong storyteller, I might have assumed this was simply a bridge book setting us up for an even bigger, more explosive third installment because it definitely feels like groundwork is being laid for something huge to come.
Even with a few small critiques, Inside Man is a smart, engaging, and thoughtfully crafted thriller. I definitely recommend it to fans of FBI-centered mysteries and procedural storytellingand I’ll be picking up copies for my dad this year, because this series feels tailor-made for readers who love investigations and high-stakes tension and the likes of Harlan Coben.
Bonuse Headcases is available on Kindle Unlimited!
Inside Man comes out January 13, 2026. Huge thank you to Minotaur Books for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. If you liked this review, please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my Instagram @speakingof.books.
Tiktok @speakingof.books
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