Unmasked: My Life Solving America's Cold Cases

GREAT! Glad I requested this and was able to finish it. It’s been a tough time for me to focus on reading lately.

Just another fascinating true crime book, my guilty pleasure. I'd read Michelle McNamara's book and watch the doc on the Golden State Killer, and who didn't fall in love with Paul Holes who watched that doc?

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.

Very interesting book! Most people have no idea how much work it takes to catch a criminal. This book gives you a view of what goes on to bring justice for the victims.

I read this book in two sittings. I couldn't put it down. I'm now in love with Paul Holes and want to run away with him to a deserted island. Read this book!!!! He is the one who cracked the GSK case.