From the detective who found The Golden State Killer, a memoir of investigating America's toughest cold cases and the rewards--and toll--of a life solving crime.
... 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.
