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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
dark
informative
dark
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Unmasked - Paul Holes
This is a riveting blend of memoir and true crime, written by a man who has spent his life staring into humanity’s darkest corners. Part personal journey, part meticulous case study, Holes takes readers through some of the most haunting investigations of his career, including, of course, his role in catching the Golden State Killer.
This is a riveting blend of memoir and true crime, written by a man who has spent his life staring into humanity’s darkest corners. Part personal journey, part meticulous case study, Holes takes readers through some of the most haunting investigations of his career, including, of course, his role in catching the Golden State Killer.
This is not an easy read, but not because it’s poorly written. Quite the opposite. Holes writes with precision, clarity, and unflinching honesty and sensitivity, and he never shies away from the gruesome realities of violent crime. Yet, he refuses to be exploitative. The victims are never reduced to spectacle, and the horrors are never relished; instead, they are presented with the gravity and humanity they deserve.
What makes “Unmasked” especially compelling is how deeply it shows the toll such work takes on the person doing it. Holes doesn’t romanticize the job, he lays bare the sleepless nights, the fraying relationships, and the mental exhaustion that come from years of chasing killers who often seem untouchable. You also feel the frustration of navigating bureaucratic roadblocks: the maddening struggle to get different departments to share crucial information, and how those delays can mean years (or decades) without justice.
By the final page, “Unmasked” leaves you with an appreciation for both the dedication and the humanity it takes to work in this field. Holes’ writing makes you understand that while solving cases is about evidence and logic, it’s also about relentless persistence and the willingness to confront evil, no matter the personal cost.
(Definitely recommend the audiobook!)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Gun violence, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Death of parent, Murder
dark
informative
medium-paced
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
I didn’t enjoy this as much as Michelle McNamara’s book but I’m not rating it lower because it’s not a fair comparison. Paul is an incredible investigator and he too made mistakes that he talks about openly and I loved his humility. It was infuriating to hear about how horrible some departments/ jurisdictions were about sharing info on Golden State Killer and so many players were ego-driven and selfish! Paul didn’t shy away from talking about it and I so appreciated it. Some may need to skip this book given the content. I am so glad I finally read it! Audiobook is narrated by the author and he makes it so easy to listen to, even though the subject is DARK. Paul was not gratuitous in describing the attacks but it’s still graphic, just by sticking to the facts.
I just learned that the co-writer Gaby Robin Fisher is a Pullitzer winner! No wonder it was so well done.
I just learned that the co-writer Gaby Robin Fisher is a Pullitzer winner! No wonder it was so well done.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Murder
Moderate: Pedophilia
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
fast-paced
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
dark
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
informative
reflective
medium-paced
I had heard of Michelle McNamara’s book about the Golden State Killer, but I didn’t know that Paul Holes knew and worked with her, and that this was what this book was about. I don’t even remember where I found this book to add to my TBR, and a random wheel chose this as my next read, which I am glad about. It was interesting to find out more about the science side of investigation through an actual persons point of view. I didn’t know much about the GSK case, and the amount of background to the case and investigation, so I did like reading about it all. It was interesting reading about cold cases, and how it all progressed and developed over such a long period of time.