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John McMahon tells a good story
Book Review
By Derryll White
McMahon, John (2024). Head Cases.
John McMahon is a newer voice in the mystery/thriller field. He has three previous novels with good ratings, but ‘Head Cases’ is the first novel in what he plans as a series.
Gardner Camden is an FBI agent with special talents, an analytical genius who thrives on puzzles. The fact that he is different, perhaps autistic although that is never spelled out, makes him a perfect candidate for the Patterns and Recognition (PAR) unit.
Camden leads the search for a serial killer who is killing other serial killers. McMahon has a distinctive style, keeping exchanges crisp and focused and relationships within the PAR unit businesslike but effective.
Gardner Camden is gifted with a mother who is exceptional, and who encourages him to use his character differences as strengths. She is a model for every parent who has a child different from the norm. Gardner channels his gifts into relentless pursuit of a very clever murderer.
There is a lot of turmoil within the FBI, perhaps reflecting the current problems Director Kash Patel and Assistant Director Dan Bongino are having. The PAR unit perseveres through the politics and intrigue to solve the complex murder case.
John McMahon tells a good story and his lead character, Garder Camden, is particularly noteworthy in the way he uses what some might think as the challenges and quirks of a ‘head case’ to negotiate a topsy-turvy world that stymies others.
The second volume of the PAR series is to be anticipated.
– Derryll White once wrote books but now chooses to read and write about them. When not reading he writes history for the web at www.basininstitute.org.
