A review by pbraue13
Unmasked: My Life Solving America's Cold Cases by Paul Holes

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4.0

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 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!)
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