... a very personal, touching narrative in which Holes shares some of his biggest successes while also exploring his vulnerability, exposing his shortcomings as a husband and father, and laying bare his insecurities and struggles to understand himself outside the context of his work ... Fans of true crime will love every page of “Unmasked.” It is a wildly engaging and painfully honest read that will appeal to anyone curious about the lives of those who pursue justice for voiceless victims. The amount of fear, murder, rape and occasional descriptions of gore make this an uncomfortable read, but Holes is always there with the reader — 'What kind of God allows such cruelty?' — and makes sure humanity isn’t lost in the sea of brutality he shows.
This is a fascinating read not just in the steps it takes to catch a killer, but in how it can affect the lives of so many different people in so many different ways. It is disturbing, but compelling and even if it isn’t something you would normally pick up, it was an amazing read.
... has plenty to fascinate aficionados ... Readers who enjoyed I’ll Be Gone in the Dark will find his portrayal of the late Michelle McNamara touching. As a true crime writer, I particularly appreciated that he showcased all she added to the investigation. Folks in law enforcement are often reluctant to acknowledge the contributions of journalists and lay investigators, but Holes commends McNamara for collecting and sharing evidence ... is reminiscent at times of John Douglas’s Mindhunter ... may not be for those with queasy stomachs. Crime scenes are described in gory detail ... what sets this book apart is that it’s as much memoir as true crime.
True-crime superstar Holes takes readers on a gripping journey into the mind of a cold-case detective. Best known for unmasking the Golden State Killer, Holes provides a realistic look at the painstaking process of solving the unsolvable and the emotional toll it takes on everyone involved, from the victims and their families to the detectives themselves. Holes’ passion for his profession leaps from each page, but that passion and unfettered focus on the job adversely affected his personal life. He does not shy away from exposing the unglamorous side of detective work ... Holes also bestows readers with an inside glimpse at famous cases like the murder of Laci Peterson and the kidnapping of Jaycee Duggard while elucidating lesser-known investigations like the mysterious murder of wealthy recluse Emmon Bodfish. Holes presents a thoughtful yet fast-paced and absorbing amalgamation of personal memoir and true-crime novel. Crime junkies and nonfiction fans will be eager to get their hands on this book.
... exceptional ... unflinching ... Holes’s lifelong struggles with panic attacks only make his professional achievements more impressive. This is an essential companion to Michelle McNamara’s I’ll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman’s Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer.
Occasionally overwrought but absorbing tale of criminal investigation long after the crime has been committed ... occasionally gruesome ... Holes is sometimes a little too worked up and a little too focused on himself, but the stories he tells—and the solutions to the crimes—are fascinating ... Grisly, matter-of-fact, and just the thing for aspiring detectives.
