As someone who loves a good true crime podcast, I’ve found that books in the same genre often aren’t quite as engaging. One clear exception, however, is Paul Holes’ memoir, Unmasked.

Holes had an extraordinarily successful career in forensic investigation, most notably as one of the key figures behind the identification of the Golden State Killer. But what does a career like that truly cost? Bringing answers and closure to victims and their families is an incredible calling, yet years spent working high-stakes murder investigations can take a profound toll on a person’s mental health and family life. This memoir explores both sides of that reality – the triumphs of solving cases, the frustration of investigations going cold, and the personal sacrifices that came with dedicating his life to the pursuit of justice.

Reading Unmasked gave me a deep appreciation for the sacrifices Holes made in service of others. Time and again, he put victims and the pursuit of justice ahead of his own comfort, knowing the emotional burden that work would carry. It’s a noble profession that very few people could endure.

With vivid descriptions of some of the most memorable crime scenes he investigated, this book may be difficult to stomach for some readers. But if you regularly listen to podcasts like Crime Junkie or binge the latest Netflix true crime documentaries, this memoir is well worth your time. The chapters are also structured in a way that makes it easy to read a little at a time before picking it back up later.

Overall, I’d say this is my favorite true crime–adjacent book I’ve ever read. Paul Holes is a remarkable person with an incredible story that deserves to be heard.