Unmasked is a fascinating blend of memoir and true crime, from the man who solved some of the most well known cold cases, including the decades-long hunt for The Golden State Killer.
The writing is conversational, like we’re sitting down with Paul Holes as he tells us his story. While most of the crimes are brutal, the content isn’t especially graphic. The focus is mostly on the victims, their families, and the toll murder takes on everyone involved—including the cops.
Reading this made me think about the fine line between diligence and obsession. Holes chased cold cases at the expense of his family, neglecting two wives and all four of his children throughout his career. If you’re familiar with Michelle McNamara’s story, the true crime writer who died while obsessively chasing down leads regarding The Golden State Killer, then you’ll have insight into Paul Holes’ personality type. He and Michelle were friends of sorts, sharing information and an obsession.
This book left me feeling melancholy. While I have immense respect for Paul Holes’ determination to solve cold cases and stop killers, I can’t help but feel that these killers all claimed Holes as yet another of their victims, using emotional destruction instead of murder.
The writing is conversational, like we’re sitting down with Paul Holes as he tells us his story. While most of the crimes are brutal, the content isn’t especially graphic. The focus is mostly on the victims, their families, and the toll murder takes on everyone involved—including the cops.
Reading this made me think about the fine line between diligence and obsession. Holes chased cold cases at the expense of his family, neglecting two wives and all four of his children throughout his career. If you’re familiar with Michelle McNamara’s story, the true crime writer who died while obsessively chasing down leads regarding The Golden State Killer, then you’ll have insight into Paul Holes’ personality type. He and Michelle were friends of sorts, sharing information and an obsession.
This book left me feeling melancholy. While I have immense respect for Paul Holes’ determination to solve cold cases and stop killers, I can’t help but feel that these killers all claimed Holes as yet another of their victims, using emotional destruction instead of murder.