Inside Man reminded me why this series has become one of my absolute favorites. John McMahon delivers a narrative that is both tightly constructed and richly layered, but it is the PAR unit that truly defines the experience. If Sheldon Cooper and Dr. Spencer Reid somehow produced a child, the result would be FBI Agent Gardner Camden, a neurodivergent analytical prodigy whose mind catalogs every tree along the interstate and every stray serial number with equal intensity. He is brilliant in a way that feels both extraordinary and deeply human, and he occupies an essential place in the intricate puzzle of personalities that make up the PAR team. His ongoing attempts to interpret Cassie speak provide some of the book’s most satisfying and surprisingly tender moments, illustrating how intelligence and social intuition often collide and then, slowly, find a rhythm.
McMahon brings together multiple story lines that could easily feel unwieldy but instead unfold with admirable clarity and momentum. The investigation into a militia’s growing weapons stockpile and the disturbing pattern of missing women create a dual-track tension that builds steadily until the connections snap into focus. The pacing is deliberate without ever losing its urgency, and the escalating suspense feels earned because every detail, no matter how small, is placed with intention. By the conclusion, every thread has been addressed, every question has been given its due, yet the door remains open just wide enough to make the anticipation for the next installment almost immediate.
I feel like the second book in a series can make or break it. This book will stand out for the character depth it adds to the PAR team. Each of them has always been compelling, but this installment allows them to exist with more nuance and emotional complexity. Gardner’s evolving relationship with his daughter Camilla and the difficult dynamics with his mother reveal sides of him that extend well beyond the role of gifted investigator. Likewise, the rest of the team is presented with a fullness that makes their humor, loyalty, and occasional operational disruption resonate on a more personal level. The result is a cast of characters that stands apart in the crime fiction landscape.
Inside Man delivers a rare blend of sharp suspense and unforgettable characters, proving this series has only begun to reveal its full force. The PAR unit is the kind of team you follow anywhere, and the next case feels impossible to wait for – and yes – I am a card carrying member of The Head Cases Fan Club.
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Barrington Books
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