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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Well written and enjoyable to read especially is you are a fan of true crime and/or Paul Holes. It reads exactly as if he were writing it word for word himself so big shout out to his co-author for her beautiful work in maintaining his voice and character in the writing.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Despite his podcast, I had somehow missed his scientific background, which made this a far more interesting read. I also was surprised that it was as well written as it was, but maybe my expectations were unfairly low.
dark
informative
tense
fast-paced
*Audiobook* I first was introduced to Paul Holes through Michelle McNamara’s book I’ll Be Gone in the Dark in which he assists Michelle in the Golden State Killer case. This books expands upon his role in solving the cold case as well as others that have haunted him throughout his career.
I think it was important to see the effects cold cases can have upon those who work them. I’m glad that there are people like Paul Holes who work tirelessly to close cold cases even when others try to convince them otherwise.
I think it was important to see the effects cold cases can have upon those who work them. I’m glad that there are people like Paul Holes who work tirelessly to close cold cases even when others try to convince them otherwise.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Murder
This is a great read into Paul Holes life and career and how the two blended into one another. Unfortunately, I found more interest in putting the book down and doing external research into each case he discussed. Majority of the cases discussed felt surface level, but with intense details. I wished each case was covered over a span of a few chapters, and not just one. That being said, I understand not doing so because then this book would be almost three times as long. There was an overarching theme to each case being brought up, each life moment that happened: it basically all came down to the Golden State Killer.
As a person with an interest in true crime, I’m shocked with how many cases I’ve heard of before and didn’t realize Paul was involved in some kind of way. There was only one case that I hadn’t had any previous knowledge of.
If you’re into true crime, I would pick this up. But I don’t think it’s a must read.
As a person with an interest in true crime, I’m shocked with how many cases I’ve heard of before and didn’t realize Paul was involved in some kind of way. There was only one case that I hadn’t had any previous knowledge of.
If you’re into true crime, I would pick this up. But I don’t think it’s a must read.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
dark
informative
medium-paced
I quite enjoyed this memoir by Paul Holes and delving into the cases that he had worked during his career. He really does not hold back from describing his experiences and frustrations, both in his job and his private life. He was also very honest about the effect that his job had on his personal and family life. There were definitely times when I became super frustrated with him and the way that he would ignore his family in favor of obsessing over cold cases. As he started doing that a bit with his second wife, I was just like "WTF DUDE??"
I've read Michelle's book before, so it was nice to see her research process from Paul's point of view (rip). I also enjoyed hearing about the dead ends and the fatigue that had set in. Paul provides a really good look at the realities of police work. And while the book focuses on the Golden State Killer, he sprinkles in other cases.
I think what frustrated me was trying to understand the genetics mostly. It sounded so complex and confusing, and science has never been my strong suit. But since genetics was a huge part in catching this killer, so it felt like I really needed to understand what was going on there. Also, following Paul's career trajectory was somewhat confusing; I constantly needed to refer back and remind myself where he had been before. Overall, I still enjoyed the book regardless! I think some of it just dragged a bit, which meant that it took me a whole month to finish since I wasn't always feeling it.
I've read Michelle's book before, so it was nice to see her research process from Paul's point of view (rip). I also enjoyed hearing about the dead ends and the fatigue that had set in. Paul provides a really good look at the realities of police work. And while the book focuses on the Golden State Killer, he sprinkles in other cases.
I think what frustrated me was trying to understand the genetics mostly. It sounded so complex and confusing, and science has never been my strong suit. But since genetics was a huge part in catching this killer, so it felt like I really needed to understand what was going on there. Also, following Paul's career trajectory was somewhat confusing; I constantly needed to refer back and remind myself where he had been before. Overall, I still enjoyed the book regardless! I think some of it just dragged a bit, which meant that it took me a whole month to finish since I wasn't always feeling it.