I read a lot of books, so committing to a series can be surprisingly difficult. I’ve started countless series over the years, but it’s rare for me to follow through and read the second book. It’s not for lack of interest. There are just so many other options competing for my attention. In fact, I think James Patterson’s Alex Cross is the only series I’ve read completely from start to finish. Even longtime favorites like Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta and John Sandford’s Prey series have seen me dip in and out rather than stay the course.
So when I picked up John McMahon’s Head Cases last year—the first in a new series featuring FBI Agent Gardner Camden—I was genuinely surprised. Not only did I enjoy it, but I also finished the book eager for more. Now the sequel, Inside Man, is here, and I have a strong feeling this is going to be one of those rare series I actually keep up with.
McMahon drops us back in with the FBI’s Patterns and Recognition (PAR) unit, led by the brilliant but socially awkward Gardner Camden. The team is deep into an investigation of a militia group stockpiling weapons when their informant is suddenly killed. At first glance, the murder seems connected to the militia, but the evidence doesn’t quite add up. Someone else appears to be pulling the strings.
As the PAR unit digs deeper, they uncover the informant’s connection to another man, one suspected of murdering and burying women across Florida. Have they stumbled onto a serial killer? And if so, how does that trail intersect with the domestic terrorism case already on their plate? As Camden works to untangle both threads, he’s pushed to his breaking point. He’s built his career on recognizing patterns others miss, but this case may finally overwhelm even his remarkable instincts.
With Inside Man, John McMahon proves that there are not only more stories to tell featuring Garner Camden, but that each installment can stand apart from the last. While Inside Man lacks some of the breakneck urgency of the cat-and-mouse chase that drove the first book, I didn’t mind seeing these characters operate in a different kind of story. In fact, I appreciated getting a clearer sense of how this specialized unit is meant to deploy across a wide range of FBI cases.
McMahon also gives his characters room to grow, allowing Camden to grapple with the realities of his mother’s illness, his daughter growing up (and possibly sharing some of his own remarkable abilities), and even the tentative beginnings of a romance. That added emotional depth enriches our connection to the series and makes Inside Man feel like more than just a follow-up. It feels like a meaningful step forward. It’s a direction that has me fully invested in wherever this series goes next.
For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2026, 4)
I watched the Alex Cross show series and liked it. This sounds like a good book too.
ReplyDeleteI did too! Really enjoyed it
DeleteI was lucky enough to get a copy form the publisher! I'm sure you'll find it to be worth the wait!
ReplyDeleteYes, this is a series I'll have no problem keeping up with, too! I'm already eager for the next book! I hear there are talks of a TV production based on the books!
ReplyDeleteI'll read as many as he decides to write. I really dig this character!
Delete"I read a lot of books, so committing to a series can be surprisingly difficult."
ReplyDeleteTell me about it!! I think that's one of the reasons I don't pick up many thrillers, too, because so many of them involve long series that I don't have the time to get invested in even if I have the desire. Might need to take a look at this, though... I do *want* to read more thrillers this year.
These both are worth a read. I'm really enjoying the newer crop of thriller authors who are writing standalone books. Rachel Hawkins, CJ Tudor, Ashley Elston, SJ Cosby–all of them are fantastic.
DeleteThis is the second time I've seen this book today! Rachel (two comments above) also reviewed it recently. 😁 You've both made me want to pick this series up and give it a go.
ReplyDeletePS: In case you don't see my reply... I'm a Texas native! I was born and raised there and thought the world was going to end when we had that big ice storm, lol. We didn't have electricity for a week!
That was my first winter in our house, and I was terrified the house was going to be messed up. I've never been more thankful for a wood burning fireplace and gas stove!
DeleteThis sounds so good! It's hard for me to keep up with a lot of series, but there are a few that I try to.
ReplyDeleteThis one would be an easy one to start!
DeleteI feel you on the series thing, though if I was going to keep up, this is the type of series I enjoy. Where each book can stand alone. I am happy to see you were not let down by the follow up
ReplyDeleteI agree. I'm more likely to keep up with a series if I can hop in whenever I please. Strict continuity makes them even more difficult to keep up with.
DeleteI love series where the books, particularly in this genre, will hold on their own as a standalone. Great review!
ReplyDeleteAgreed!
DeleteI love a good series :D I also love when they know when to quit
ReplyDeleteGood point. There's a few that come to mind that have overstayed their welcome lol
DeleteI've got a couple 20+ installment series under my belt, but for the most part, I steer clear!
ReplyDelete