Gripping, fascinating and terrifying

In Unmasked, Paul Holes reflects on his life and distinguished career in criminology, from high school until retirement. Although known best for his identification of the Golden State Killer, Mr. Holes was instrumental in the conviction of many violent criminals, and the closure of a variety of cold cases. He describes his commitment to protect the public and find justice and closure for victims and their families. His near-obsessive dedication, unbreakable determination, thirst for knowledge, and gift for investigation and analytical thinking were instrumental in his work. The forensic science is fascinating, especially the evolution of the use of DNA evidence. Those considering a career in forensics and criminology should read this book, as the author reveals the grisly reality of these violent crimes and the hard work it takes to solve them. He also describes his frustration with how interdepartmental politics often created barriers to cooperation and investigation.
Mr. Holes is honest about the toll his career and calling took on his personal life and mental health. Not everyone can handle intense proximity to darkness and evil for such a prolonged time. His work shines light on the support needed for those who work to apprehend and convict violent killers. Unmasked is not for the faint of heart. There are graphic descriptions of the crimes; reading about those committed against children is especially disturbing. Thank you to BookishFirst and Celadon Books for an advance reader copy of this gripping, fascinating and terrifying book. #unmaskedbook #celadonreads #bookishfirst