FBI 'Head Cases' Team Investigates Missing Persons Cases in Florida

John McMahon's 'Inside Man' novel follows the Patterns and Recognition team as they search for an 'inside man' to help solve a string of disappearances.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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In John McMahon's suspenseful 'Inside Man' — the second book in his 'Head Cases' series — FBI agent Gardner Camden and his team of brilliant, analytical investigators known as the Patterns and Recognition (PAR) team are tasked with solving a string of unsolved missing persons cases in northern Florida. As they search for a new informant, or 'inside man,' to help them crack the case, they uncover a link to a militia group that has been skimming money from the state to buy weapons illegally.

Why it matters

The 'Head Cases' team represents a unique approach to law enforcement, drawing on the analytical strengths of its members to see patterns and puzzles that others miss. This story highlights how even the most intelligent investigators can make mistakes, and how they must balance their professional duties with their personal lives.

The details

The PAR team, based in Miami and Jacksonville, is led by FBI agent Gardner Camden. Each member of the team is brilliant but has been 'exiled' to the unit after making mistakes elsewhere in the FBI. When the body of their confidential informant, Freddie Pecos, is found in his remote Florida trailer surrounded by weapons and cash, the team must find a new 'inside man' to help them uncover the link between Pecos' death and the unsolved missing persons cases.

  • In February 2026, the body of confidential informant Freddie Pecos was discovered.
  • The events of 'Inside Man' take place in the months following Pecos' death.

The players

Gardner Camden

The leader of the FBI's Patterns and Recognition (PAR) team, also known as the 'Head Cases.' He is an intelligent and analytical investigator who sees patterns and puzzles where others see the ordinary.

Joanne 'Shooter' Harris

A member of the PAR team who, along with Gardner Camden, discovers the body of their confidential informant Freddie Pecos.

Freddie Pecos

The PAR team's confidential informant, whose body was found in his remote Florida trailer surrounded by weapons and cash.

Camila

Gardner Camden's 8-year-old daughter, who shows signs of being as intelligent as her father and often works on puzzles with him.

John McMahon

The author of the 'Head Cases' novel series, including 'Inside Man,' which combines cerebral crime-solving with solid action.

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What they’re saying

“Legal gun purchases, but from an illegal source of income.”

— Gardner Camden, FBI agent and leader of the PAR team

“We mostly live in our heads.”

— Gardner Camden, FBI agent and leader of the PAR team

What’s next

The PAR team will continue investigating the string of unsolved missing persons cases in northern Florida, searching for a new informant to help them uncover the connection to the militia group that was skimming money.

The takeaway

This story highlights the unique approach of the FBI's 'Head Cases' team, who use their exceptional analytical skills to see patterns and solve puzzles that others miss. It also shows that even the most intelligent investigators are not immune to mistakes, and must balance their professional duties with their personal lives.