I’ve always held a fascination for true crime novels — from Helter Skelter to I’ll Be Gone in the Dark. So when I received Unmasked, I was so excited to start reading this novel, especially since I read Michelle McNamara’s novel about the Golden State Killer.
Unmasked is a true crime novel that delves into the nitty gritty of cold case investigations. Of particular focus is investigator and author, Paul Holes’ decades long search for the Golden State Killer.
In this novel, authors Holes and Robin Gaby Fisher outline Holes’ humble beginnings as a forensic toxicologist (drug analyst) and his rise to a CSI (crime scene investigator) and later, the chief of forensics. But the novel is more than just his career and his quest to solve cold cases. It is also about Holes’ struggles with his personal demons and how his career and obsession with cold cases wreaked havoc in his personal relationships.
Unmasked isn’t a read for everyone since it reveals some gory details about the crime scenes from actual case files. Which is one of the primary reasons why I enjoyed this novel so much. But it isn’t all dark and grim material since the authors also include some light humor with the introduction of a two man homicide squad from the Pittsburgh Police Department. That introduction tempered the otherwise grim and heinous crime narrative.
While Unmasked may not be a novel for everyone, it will certainly be a must read for true crime fans who don’t mind the graphic details of crime scene investigations. Five outstanding stars.
I received a physical ARC from Celadon Books. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
Unmasked is a true crime novel that delves into the nitty gritty of cold case investigations. Of particular focus is investigator and author, Paul Holes’ decades long search for the Golden State Killer.
In this novel, authors Holes and Robin Gaby Fisher outline Holes’ humble beginnings as a forensic toxicologist (drug analyst) and his rise to a CSI (crime scene investigator) and later, the chief of forensics. But the novel is more than just his career and his quest to solve cold cases. It is also about Holes’ struggles with his personal demons and how his career and obsession with cold cases wreaked havoc in his personal relationships.
Unmasked isn’t a read for everyone since it reveals some gory details about the crime scenes from actual case files. Which is one of the primary reasons why I enjoyed this novel so much. But it isn’t all dark and grim material since the authors also include some light humor with the introduction of a two man homicide squad from the Pittsburgh Police Department. That introduction tempered the otherwise grim and heinous crime narrative.
While Unmasked may not be a novel for everyone, it will certainly be a must read for true crime fans who don’t mind the graphic details of crime scene investigations. Five outstanding stars.
I received a physical ARC from Celadon Books. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.