There’s a little-known unit of the FBI called PAR --- Patterns and Recognition. It’s made up of a small group of what other agents call “head cases” because of their unique intellectual talents.

In other words, these quirky folks are best kept out of the public spotlight and especially press conferences. Their skills don’t, shall we say, shine in that area. However, the PAR agents do possess rare mathematical and statistical powers, along with other genius sorts of leanings. They get quietly called in for the toughest puzzles that no one else can solve.

"INSIDE MAN presents a plot that is as unique as its protagonist. And it comes off beautifully. John McMahon, please keep satisfying readers with Head Cases novels for a long time."

At the top of the PAR “head cases” is the most brilliant among them, Gardner Camden, whom we first met in HEAD CASES. Right now, the team is working a critical case that threatens massive casualties in our nation’s capital. Intelligence reports that a militia is running guns and ammunition to a DC neighborhood. The FBI needs information, and quickly, if they’re going to stop a large-scale catastrophe.

Gardner and Agent Joanne Harris (nicknamed “Shooter”) head out to check in on their CI (Confidential Informant), Freddie Pecos. But when they get to his home, he’s dead. Now what? Gardner handles this disaster in a way that only he could conjure up and that seriously raises eyebrows throughout the Bureau. There’s no time to waste on that, though. They need a new CI immediately.

While Freddie’s replacement is being prepped, Gardner grabs rookie Richie, and they take off to northern Florida where they interview a man seen in a video with their dead CI. It’s during this follow-up investigation of what happened to Freddie that they uncover a string of murders. Women had been going missing in an area centered mostly on the small town of Shilo. Gardner kicks his calculating brain into gear but can find no connection between the victims.

Serial killers tend to choose a certain “type.” This makes FBI profilers so valuable, which is why PAR should be perfect for such a case. But not this one. This killer has no obvious pattern. The people he murdered show no similarities. When Gardner finally unravels his motive, it reveals one of the sickest serial killers to ever walk among us. But does he have any connection to their gun case? That still needs resolution, and the new CI might not work out as hoped. Gardner has a lot on his plate.

Gardner Camden is one of the freshest new characters to hit the thriller scene. Although he is quirky, a loner and socially uncomfortable, he faces situations head on. Gardner is pragmatic, yet emotions affect him in a different, honest sort of fashion. He must be a pleasure and a thorn to work with. The tough puzzles that PAR are called in to handle make for entertaining, mind-bending reading. They aren’t simple whodunits. These books really make you think.

INSIDE MAN presents a plot that is as unique as its protagonist. And it comes off beautifully. John McMahon, please keep satisfying readers with Head Cases novels for a long time.