Paul Holes

Paul Holes is a retired cold case investigator known for his pivotal role in identifying the Golden State Killer through innovative genetic genealogy techniques. During his 27-year career as an investigator in California's Contra Costa County, he worked on numerous high-profile cold cases and helped pioneer the use of DNA technology in criminal investigations. Holes gained widespread recognition for his involvement in identifying Joseph James DeAngelo as the Golden State Killer in 2018, bringing closure to a series of rapes, murders, and burglaries that terrorized California in the 1970s and 1980s. The breakthrough came after decades of investigation and the application of advanced DNA analysis combined with genealogical research. His book "Unmasked: My Life Solving America's Cold Cases" was published in 2022, detailing his career and the psychological toll of investigating violent crimes. Holes has since become a prominent voice in true crime media, appearing in documentaries and co-hosting the true crime podcast "Murder Squad." Holes continues to consult on cold cases and advocates for the use of genetic genealogy in law enforcement. His work has influenced modern investigative techniques and contributed to solving numerous cold cases beyond the Golden State Killer investigation.

Readers connect deeply with Paul Holes' raw honesty about the psychological impact of investigating violent crimes. Reviews highlight his straightforward writing style and ability to balance technical details with emotional depth. What readers liked: - Personal insights into high-profile investigations - Clear explanations of forensic techniques - Candid discussion of work-life balance and mental health impacts - Respect shown for victims and families What readers disliked: - Some found the chronological jumping confusing - Technical sections too detailed for casual readers - Wanted more details about specific cases - A few noted redundant passages Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (31,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (8,000+ ratings) Audible: 4.7/5 (6,000+ ratings) Sample reader comment: "His vulnerability about the toll this work took on his marriage and mental health sets this book apart from typical true crime memoirs." - Goodreads reviewer Another notes: "The DNA analysis sections read like a textbook at times, but his personal story makes up for it."

Unmasked: My Life Solving America's Cold Cases (2022) Memoir detailing Holes' 27-year career as an investigator, focusing on his work solving cold cases including the Golden State Killer investigation.

Evil Has a Name: The Untold Story of the Golden State Killer Investigation (2019) Co-authored audio book chronicling the investigation and capture of Joseph DeAngelo, the Golden State Killer, through interviews and firsthand accounts.

John Douglas - Former FBI profiler who wrote about hunting serial killers and developing criminal profiling techniques. His books include detailed case studies and investigative methods from his time leading the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit.

Ann Rule - True crime writer who focused on Pacific Northwest cases and wrote about Ted Bundy, whom she knew personally. Her work combines investigative reporting with first-hand accounts of criminal investigations.

Michelle McNamara - Investigative journalist who wrote about cold cases and helped popularize the term "Golden State Killer." Her book "I'll Be Gone in the Dark" chronicles her investigation into a serial rapist and murderer in California.

Bill James - Baseball statistician who applied his analytical methods to unsolved crimes and cold cases. His book "Popular Crime" examines historical cases through a data-driven lens and questions traditional investigation methods.

Kate Winkler Dawson - Historical true crime writer who focuses on forensic science developments and their impact on investigations. Her work examines how advances in scientific methods changed criminal investigations in the early 20th century.