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Unmasked

Crime Scenes, Cold Cases and My Hunt for the Golden State Killer

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Unmasked

By: Paul Holes
Narrated by: Paul Holes
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About this listen

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

For a decade, from 1973, The Golden State Killer stalked and murdered Californians in the dead of night, leaving entire communities afraid to turn off the lights. Then he vanished, and the case remained unsolved.

In 1994, when cold-case investigator Paul Holes came across the old file, he swore he would unmask GSK and finally give these families closure. Twenty-four years later, Holes fulfilled that promise, identifying 73-year-old Joseph J. DeAngelo. Headlines blasted around the world: one of America's most prolific serial killers had been caught.

That case launched Paul's career into the stratosphere, turning him into an icon in the true-crime world. But while many know the story of the capture of GSK, until now, no one has truly known the man behind it all.

In UNMASKED, Paul takes us through his memories of a storied career and provides an insider account of some of the most notorious cases in contemporary American history, including Laci Peterson's murder and Jaycee Dugard's kidnapping. But this is also a revelatory profile of a complex man and what makes him tick: the drive to find closure for victims and their loved ones; the inability to walk away from a challenge - even at the expense of his own happiness. This is a story about the gritty truth of crime solving when there are no 'case closed' headlines. It is the story of a man and his commitment to his cases, and to the people who might have otherwise been forgotten.

(P) 2022 Macmillan Audio©2022 Paul Holes Crime Murder True Crime Cold Case Exciting Inspiring Scary Thought-Provoking

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All stars
Most relevant
I've listened to previous Paul Holes & Jim Clemente podcasts but this one was far more personalised. It details Holes personal life alongside his hunt for the Golden State Killer. With that in mind it IS very moving and at times upsetting but Holes manages to show respect to the victims and families and is never sensationalist about the cases he discusses. Holes shows weaknesses and strengths and it really is an interesting read. The narration is a little awkward at first but he soon gets into the swing of things. One needs to remember that narration was never his job. Thank goodness he was a better investigator!

Couldn't stop listening.

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I always feel somewhat shameful enjoying true stories of horrendous cruelty and suffering. I think what I get is relief when killers are caught, and perhaps some education on avoiding becoming a victim? idk

Well written and read

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An incredibly interesting book read by Paul Holes himself in his gorgeous, soporific voice. A hero of mine due to his intelligence, utter determination and self-effacing humanity - the book is a detailed account of his life hunting down some hideous criminals. The GSK story itself is one of the most fascinating serial killer cases I’ve studied - groundbreaking methods used to catch him. I hope Paul Holes’ life will be made into a film one day soon. Inspiring and brilliant - this book is everything I’d hoped it would be and more.

Amazing man, fascinating book.

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I love true crime and I've been fascinated by Paul Holes since first hearing about GSK around 2016/2017. I've followed a lot of his work. He's written a brilliant book here, and even better to hear him read it. However, descriptions can be graphic!! I had to intersperse my listening to this, with some comedy podcasts. Really enjoyed it though and I image there will be a sequel.

Brilliant, but not for the faint hearted!

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I came to this book after having listened to the Podcast Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson. She and Paul dissect historical cold cases together and they are both such likeable characters! Paul’s insights are always fascinating and it’s been sonInteresting to learn more about his career; the science and the personal cost. It takes a very unique person to take on this kind of work and this book may not be suitable for everyone as much of this is very traumatic and Paul displays real compassion for the the victims and families.

Fascinating Career

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