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Evil Has a Name: The Untold Story of the Golden State Killer Investigation
The Golden State Killer. The East Area Rapist. The Original Night Stalker. The Visalia Ransacker.
The monster who preyed on Californians from 1976 to 1986 was known by many aliases. And while numerous police sketches tried to capture his often-masked visage, the Golden State Killer spent more than 40 years not only faceless, but nameless.
For his victims, for their families and for the investigators tasked with finding him, the senselessness and brutality of the Golden State Killer's acts were matched only by the powerlessness they felt at failing to uncover his identity. To be sure, the chances of obtaining closure—or any form of justice—after so many years were slim to none, at best.
Then, on April 24, 2018, authorities arrested 72-year-old Joseph James DeAngelo at his home in Citrus Heights, Calif., based on DNA evidence linked to the crimes. After a decades-long hunt, a suspect was behind bars. Could it be that evil finally had a name?
Delivering all-new details about the investigation and a stunning final act to the events of Michelle McNamara's haunting bestseller, I'll Be Gone in the Dark, this is the true story of how the suspected Golden State Killer was captured, as told, first-hand, by those closest to the case:
Paul Holes—the forensic criminologist and retired Costa County detective who spent 20 years trying to crack the Golden State Killer case, and finally did.
Jim Clemente (Host)—a retired FBI profiler and former New York City prosecutor who has investigated some of the highest profile criminal cases in U.S. history, including the Unabomber.
Please note: This work contains descriptions of violent crime and sexual assault and may not be suitable for all listeners.
The monster who preyed on Californians from 1976 to 1986 was known by many aliases. And while numerous police sketches tried to capture his often-masked visage, the Golden State Killer spent more than 40 years not only faceless, but nameless.
For his victims, for their families and for the investigators tasked with finding him, the senselessness and brutality of the Golden State Killer's acts were matched only by the powerlessness they felt at failing to uncover his identity. To be sure, the chances of obtaining closure—or any form of justice—after so many years were slim to none, at best.
Then, on April 24, 2018, authorities arrested 72-year-old Joseph James DeAngelo at his home in Citrus Heights, Calif., based on DNA evidence linked to the crimes. After a decades-long hunt, a suspect was behind bars. Could it be that evil finally had a name?
Delivering all-new details about the investigation and a stunning final act to the events of Michelle McNamara's haunting bestseller, I'll Be Gone in the Dark, this is the true story of how the suspected Golden State Killer was captured, as told, first-hand, by those closest to the case:
Paul Holes—the forensic criminologist and retired Costa County detective who spent 20 years trying to crack the Golden State Killer case, and finally did.
Jim Clemente (Host)—a retired FBI profiler and former New York City prosecutor who has investigated some of the highest profile criminal cases in U.S. history, including the Unabomber.
Please note: This work contains descriptions of violent crime and sexual assault and may not be suitable for all listeners.
6 pages, Audible Audio
First published November 15, 2018
71 people are currently reading
6720 people want to read
About the author
Paul Holes
5 books821 followersPaul Holes retired as a Cold Case Investigator after spending over 27 years working for the Sheriff and District Attorney’s Offices during his tenure in Contra Costa County located in the Bay Area, California. Having experience in both forensic and investigative assignments, Paul throughout his career specialized in cold case and serial predator crimes, developing and applying investigative, behavioral, and forensic expertise in notable cases such as Zodiac, Golden State Killer, and Jaycee Dugard. Paul is frequently sought out by investigators to consult on the most complex and high profile cases and has played a part in putting several serial predators on Death Row such as Darryl Kemp, Joseph Naso, and Joseph Cordova Jr.
As an FBI Task Force Officer while employed with the DA’s Office, Paul teamed with FBI and Sacramento DA personnel to apply innovative technology that identified Joseph DeAngelo as the Golden State Killer, the most prolific and cunning serial predator in U.S. history.
Since the arrest of DeAngelo, Paul has been very involved on the media side continuing to assist law enforcement and victim’s families with their unsolved cases, through the television show The DNA of Murder with Paul Holes and with the podcast Jensen & Holes: The Murder Squad.
As an FBI Task Force Officer while employed with the DA’s Office, Paul teamed with FBI and Sacramento DA personnel to apply innovative technology that identified Joseph DeAngelo as the Golden State Killer, the most prolific and cunning serial predator in U.S. history.
Since the arrest of DeAngelo, Paul has been very involved on the media side continuing to assist law enforcement and victim’s families with their unsolved cases, through the television show The DNA of Murder with Paul Holes and with the podcast Jensen & Holes: The Murder Squad.
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January 21, 2019
I have had this on my audible wish list since I saw it was being released months and months ago. I became a little bit obsessed with the case after listening to Ill Be Gone in the Dark last year. Quickly after listening to that I went a bit nuts, reading all the articles, listening to all the podcasts on it and informing all my friends and family (much to my husband's annoyance) of the case and the fact that the guy had NEVER BEEN CAUGHT!! Stuff of nightmares!
So imagine my surprise when two weeks after I listened to that book, I saw on the Australian news that they had just caught the killer! I was so excited!
So I was not expecting to learn anything that I didn’t know from this special audible original. I had spent a LOT of hours learning about this case, I was almost reluctant to listen to it, but decided to give it a go. So glad I did. Yes, there was a lot of information that I knew already, but WOW it really helped me understand SO MUCH MORE about HOW they actually caught him. There was a lot on the DNA technology which was easy to understand and comprehend.
There was also some amazing interviews with survivors and relatives, as well as neighbours and friends of the accused killer. It really gave you a snippet as to what he was like and I was surprised as to how much extra little bits of information it gave you.
I don’t know how the US legal system works compared to the Aussie one, but I would have thought that they wouldn’t have allowed something like this to come out before the trial. Just seemed strange to me, maybe someone could enlighten me as to how this could be allowed? Not that I am complaining. It totally sparked my re-interest in the details of this case.
Did I enjoy the narration?
Absolutely! It was partly narrated by the lead investigator in the case and to hear the first hand experiences that he had and how things led to that final arrest was amazing.
Would I recommend Evil Has a Name?
Yes! I thought it was great. It had a good tone and was fantastic for anyone who loves true crime and a good story!
*I purchased Evil Has a Name at my own expense at audible.com
If you are interested in getting more information on the Golden State Killer or EARONS, and don’t want the audible original, I highly recommend the Casefile Podcast. It is in 5 parts and contains the most comprehensive information I have found on this case in a highly entertaining format. And its free. You can’t beat that. Check it out HERE
For more reviews check out my:
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So imagine my surprise when two weeks after I listened to that book, I saw on the Australian news that they had just caught the killer! I was so excited!
So I was not expecting to learn anything that I didn’t know from this special audible original. I had spent a LOT of hours learning about this case, I was almost reluctant to listen to it, but decided to give it a go. So glad I did. Yes, there was a lot of information that I knew already, but WOW it really helped me understand SO MUCH MORE about HOW they actually caught him. There was a lot on the DNA technology which was easy to understand and comprehend.
There was also some amazing interviews with survivors and relatives, as well as neighbours and friends of the accused killer. It really gave you a snippet as to what he was like and I was surprised as to how much extra little bits of information it gave you.
I don’t know how the US legal system works compared to the Aussie one, but I would have thought that they wouldn’t have allowed something like this to come out before the trial. Just seemed strange to me, maybe someone could enlighten me as to how this could be allowed? Not that I am complaining. It totally sparked my re-interest in the details of this case.
Did I enjoy the narration?
Absolutely! It was partly narrated by the lead investigator in the case and to hear the first hand experiences that he had and how things led to that final arrest was amazing.
Would I recommend Evil Has a Name?
Yes! I thought it was great. It had a good tone and was fantastic for anyone who loves true crime and a good story!
*I purchased Evil Has a Name at my own expense at audible.com
If you are interested in getting more information on the Golden State Killer or EARONS, and don’t want the audible original, I highly recommend the Casefile Podcast. It is in 5 parts and contains the most comprehensive information I have found on this case in a highly entertaining format. And its free. You can’t beat that. Check it out HERE
For more reviews check out my:
Blog
August 22, 2019
This isn’t really a book. It’s a podcast.
I’m not saying that’s a good thing or a bad thing because I like podcasts. In fact, I’ve listened to several hours of them about the Golden State Killer already. The difference is that those I downloaded for free while I used one of my monthly credits for this Audible Original so I’m feeling a little cheated. Plus, I already had read or heard about 99% of the information in here already so calling it 'the untold story' isn't exactly true either.
In fairness, it’s pretty well done as far as giving an account of GSK, and the story of how cold case detective Paul Holes helped identify him by using genealogical DNA information which ultimately led to the arrest of Joseph James DeAngelo is fascinating. I could have lived without the spooky musical cues which reminded me of a trashy tabloid TV show, but with multiple interviews of victims, cops, and others involved in the case it does make for a good summary of the whole complicated story. If you don’t know much about it, and you have a spare Audible credit then you could do a lot worse.
However, if you’ve really want to do deeper dive into this terrifying story then I’d highly recommend starting with the late Michelle McNamara’s brilliant book I'll Be Gone in the Dark. (One of the parts I very much liked was Paul Holes emotionally talking about McNamara as he tells the story of how she came to feel like his investigative partner before her untimely death.) The true crime podcast Casefile also did an in-depth multi-part account of the history of GSK before he was caught that is very informative about his crimes. The HLN podcast Unmasking A Killer came out shortly before GSK was arrested, and then it added several episodes about the arrest and what we learned about DeAngelo after that. A lot of the info I heard there first is repeated here.
So again, this isn’t bad, but if you’ve already spent time following this whole case you won’t find out anything you haven’t read or heard before.
I’m not saying that’s a good thing or a bad thing because I like podcasts. In fact, I’ve listened to several hours of them about the Golden State Killer already. The difference is that those I downloaded for free while I used one of my monthly credits for this Audible Original so I’m feeling a little cheated. Plus, I already had read or heard about 99% of the information in here already so calling it 'the untold story' isn't exactly true either.
In fairness, it’s pretty well done as far as giving an account of GSK, and the story of how cold case detective Paul Holes helped identify him by using genealogical DNA information which ultimately led to the arrest of Joseph James DeAngelo is fascinating. I could have lived without the spooky musical cues which reminded me of a trashy tabloid TV show, but with multiple interviews of victims, cops, and others involved in the case it does make for a good summary of the whole complicated story. If you don’t know much about it, and you have a spare Audible credit then you could do a lot worse.
However, if you’ve really want to do deeper dive into this terrifying story then I’d highly recommend starting with the late Michelle McNamara’s brilliant book I'll Be Gone in the Dark. (One of the parts I very much liked was Paul Holes emotionally talking about McNamara as he tells the story of how she came to feel like his investigative partner before her untimely death.) The true crime podcast Casefile also did an in-depth multi-part account of the history of GSK before he was caught that is very informative about his crimes. The HLN podcast Unmasking A Killer came out shortly before GSK was arrested, and then it added several episodes about the arrest and what we learned about DeAngelo after that. A lot of the info I heard there first is repeated here.
So again, this isn’t bad, but if you’ve already spent time following this whole case you won’t find out anything you haven’t read or heard before.
November 19, 2018
Wow! This compels binge listening! This Audible Original is comprised of interviews with both investigators and victims. It feels very much like a true crime documentary; and is the perfect follow-up to Michelle McNamara’s book, I’ll Be Gone in the Dark.
Catching the Golden State Killer (also known as The East Area Rapist, The Original Night Stalker, and The Visalia Ransacker) involved the use of DNA evidence and genealogical research. This aspect was fascinating. Investigators used the DNA database of a genealogical company to narrow their search. The company found a match with a relative—but probably a 3rd cousin at best. So, the investigators had to develop family trees going back 4-6 generations. This led to some possible suspects, one of which was Joseph James DeAngelo. His DNA proved to be the perfect match to the perpetrator. He was finally arrested on April 24, 2018.
With that arrest Investigative DNA Research took a huge step forward. Highly recommend.
Catching the Golden State Killer (also known as The East Area Rapist, The Original Night Stalker, and The Visalia Ransacker) involved the use of DNA evidence and genealogical research. This aspect was fascinating. Investigators used the DNA database of a genealogical company to narrow their search. The company found a match with a relative—but probably a 3rd cousin at best. So, the investigators had to develop family trees going back 4-6 generations. This led to some possible suspects, one of which was Joseph James DeAngelo. His DNA proved to be the perfect match to the perpetrator. He was finally arrested on April 24, 2018.
With that arrest Investigative DNA Research took a huge step forward. Highly recommend.
December 15, 2018
Omg this was so good! If you liked I’ll Be Gone in the Dark you’ll love this. My full review will be up on my booktube channel at http://YouTube.com/peterlikesbooks
June 6, 2020
Starting in 1974 the Visalia Ransacker burglarized over a hundred homes and killed at least one person.
Between 1976 and 1979 the East Area Rapist broke into the homes of and raped at least 50 women and girls.
From 1979 to 1986 the Original Night Stalker commited 12 cases of homicide or attempted homicide. Usually breaking into the homes of couples and raping the women before he then either shot the couple or bludgeoned them to death.
All three crime sprees remained unsolved.
At some point in the mid-90's forensic criminologist Paul Holes found the case files of the East Area Rapist somewhere in a drawer and started to investigate on his own account.
In 2001 the crimes of the Original Night Stalker and the East Area Rapist could be linked to each other by DNA evidence. Both cases would ultimately be linked to the Visalia Ransacker by other investigative methods.
In 2013 true crime author Michelle McNamara coined the moniker The Golden State Killer for the person who had commited all of the crimes listed above.
On April 24, 2018, more than 20 years after Paul Holes started his investigation, 72-year-old Joseph James DeAngelo was arrested and later charged with 13 counts of murder and 13 counts of kidnapping.
Finally, evil had a name.
I read Michelle McNamara’s book I’ll Be Gone in the Dark in 2018, and this here is a nice companion piece to that book, but also happens to be great all on its own.
This audio book is split up in 14 episodes devoted to a handul of cases and crucial parts in Paul Holes‘ investigation. One chapter features Holes talking about Michelle McNamara and how she kept him going, when after years of wrong leads and continued disappointment he almost was about to give up. Retired FBI profiler Jim Clemente is functioning as the host and provides details that go beyond the cases that were selected for the respective episodes. In the early chapters the victims are telling the story of their respective cases themselves. Later on the book focuses on Holes‘ investigation (also told by himself), which took up more than two decades of his life. And lastly we hear about DeAngelo’s arrest and also from some of the people that knew him as a colleague or neighbor or maybe even a friend. About these last two points Michelle McNamara unfortunately couldn‘t write in her book, as she had died two years before DeAngelo was arrested.
This is a harrowing story with obvious trigger warnings for violence and sexual assault. The victims talking about how they had been raped by DeAngelo and also the aftermaths of those rapes, those were not easy chapters to listen to.
But ultimately it is a very satisfying story too, as thanks to advancements in DNA profiling and genealogy, but most of all because of some very determined people that kept working on the case, even though they were not officially assigned to it and in spite of all the setbacks they encountered along the way, the mystery of the Golden State Killer’s identity could finally be solved. At long last evil has a name.
Between 1976 and 1979 the East Area Rapist broke into the homes of and raped at least 50 women and girls.
From 1979 to 1986 the Original Night Stalker commited 12 cases of homicide or attempted homicide. Usually breaking into the homes of couples and raping the women before he then either shot the couple or bludgeoned them to death.
All three crime sprees remained unsolved.
At some point in the mid-90's forensic criminologist Paul Holes found the case files of the East Area Rapist somewhere in a drawer and started to investigate on his own account.
In 2001 the crimes of the Original Night Stalker and the East Area Rapist could be linked to each other by DNA evidence. Both cases would ultimately be linked to the Visalia Ransacker by other investigative methods.
In 2013 true crime author Michelle McNamara coined the moniker The Golden State Killer for the person who had commited all of the crimes listed above.
On April 24, 2018, more than 20 years after Paul Holes started his investigation, 72-year-old Joseph James DeAngelo was arrested and later charged with 13 counts of murder and 13 counts of kidnapping.
Finally, evil had a name.
I read Michelle McNamara’s book I’ll Be Gone in the Dark in 2018, and this here is a nice companion piece to that book, but also happens to be great all on its own.
This audio book is split up in 14 episodes devoted to a handul of cases and crucial parts in Paul Holes‘ investigation. One chapter features Holes talking about Michelle McNamara and how she kept him going, when after years of wrong leads and continued disappointment he almost was about to give up. Retired FBI profiler Jim Clemente is functioning as the host and provides details that go beyond the cases that were selected for the respective episodes. In the early chapters the victims are telling the story of their respective cases themselves. Later on the book focuses on Holes‘ investigation (also told by himself), which took up more than two decades of his life. And lastly we hear about DeAngelo’s arrest and also from some of the people that knew him as a colleague or neighbor or maybe even a friend. About these last two points Michelle McNamara unfortunately couldn‘t write in her book, as she had died two years before DeAngelo was arrested.
This is a harrowing story with obvious trigger warnings for violence and sexual assault. The victims talking about how they had been raped by DeAngelo and also the aftermaths of those rapes, those were not easy chapters to listen to.
But ultimately it is a very satisfying story too, as thanks to advancements in DNA profiling and genealogy, but most of all because of some very determined people that kept working on the case, even though they were not officially assigned to it and in spite of all the setbacks they encountered along the way, the mystery of the Golden State Killer’s identity could finally be solved. At long last evil has a name.
August 28, 2020
***Trigger Warning***
Joseph James DeAngelo, AKA the Visalia Ransacker, aka The East Area Rapist, AKA the Original Night Stalker, AKA the Golden State Killer stole from and raped over 50 women and murdered 13 people over the course of thirteen years.
From 1973 to 1986, DeAngelo progressed from burgling homes to binding and raping women and girls to murdering them and their significant others.
One of DeAngelo’s favorite “games” was to arrange plates on the backs of his rape victims’ parents and significant others, threatening to kill the victim upon the slightest sound of clinking.
As they lay helpless and terrified in a state of forced immobility, their daughters, girlfriends and/or wives were being brutalized just feet away.
Another “game” he liked was to pretend to be gone. As victims and their families began to relax, there he’d be to shock them back into a heightened state of terror.
Intent on extending his personal brand of torture, DeAngelo would go on to harass victims and their families via phone, making clear that he was still watching and listening and ensuring that they would never forget the night they “played.”
Over the course of decades, various teams of dedicated, if territorial, investigators labored tirelessly to bring him to justice, but it would ultimately be Paul Holes, a deputy and cold case detective with the Contra Costa County sheriff’s department, who would play an instrumental role in finally, finally putting this monster behind bars.
Over the course of 24 years, countless dead ends and periods of frustration and hopelessness, Holes would work across multiple law enforcement agencies, expertly and determinedly marshaling all available resources in an effort to provide victims and their loved ones with the closure and security they need
Comprised of Holes, Steve Cramer with the FBI, the Sacramento district attorneys’ office, and a forensic genealogist (Barbara Rae Venter), the “core team justice group” toiled around the clock constructing family trees in an effort to locate DeAngelo via DNA evidence from a decades old case.
Justice descended on Joseph James DeAngelo on April 24th, 2018, when he was arrested at his home and became a guest of the Sacramento sheriff’s department.
As news of his arrest spread, so did the triumph, joy and relief of his victims, their families and the investigators whose dreams he haunted.
“I was overjoyed. I couldn’t stop smiling. I couldn’t get to sleep that night.”
“And I was just so, so happy and excited and…oh my gosh I was just trying to process it all. That was it. I mean it was just such a good feeling.”
“I probably used a few words I shouldn’t have said.”
“My husband and I were in a hotel room and we screamed and we cried and oh my goodness we woke up all the guests in the hotel.”
“And everything inside me was just, just goooooooolly”!
"It was a very long journey, and a very quick ending.”
Evil Has a name is an audible original, an audio documentary complete with dramatic music, sound effects, gentle and frequent trigger and content warnings (you may need them), victim accounts and interviews with investigators and victims’ families.
It is a difficult and heartbreaking listen, both because of the detailed accounts of the rapes and murders and because of the palpable grief and devastation that pore from the speakers when survivors and families of the murder victims tell their stories.
As you listen, you get to know all of the people who played a part in bringing down one of the most atrocious criminals in California’s history.
You also get to meet some strong and courageous survivors whose voices rarely waver, even as they relive some of the most traumatic and tragic moments of their lives.
I highly recommend this one to all who enjoy the True Crime genre. Five stars.
Further Reading/Watching/Listening:
https://allthatsinteresting.com/paul-...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-fQX...
https://www.sister-survivors.com/
Joseph James DeAngelo, AKA the Visalia Ransacker, aka The East Area Rapist, AKA the Original Night Stalker, AKA the Golden State Killer stole from and raped over 50 women and murdered 13 people over the course of thirteen years.
From 1973 to 1986, DeAngelo progressed from burgling homes to binding and raping women and girls to murdering them and their significant others.
One of DeAngelo’s favorite “games” was to arrange plates on the backs of his rape victims’ parents and significant others, threatening to kill the victim upon the slightest sound of clinking.
As they lay helpless and terrified in a state of forced immobility, their daughters, girlfriends and/or wives were being brutalized just feet away.
Another “game” he liked was to pretend to be gone. As victims and their families began to relax, there he’d be to shock them back into a heightened state of terror.
Intent on extending his personal brand of torture, DeAngelo would go on to harass victims and their families via phone, making clear that he was still watching and listening and ensuring that they would never forget the night they “played.”
Over the course of decades, various teams of dedicated, if territorial, investigators labored tirelessly to bring him to justice, but it would ultimately be Paul Holes, a deputy and cold case detective with the Contra Costa County sheriff’s department, who would play an instrumental role in finally, finally putting this monster behind bars.
Over the course of 24 years, countless dead ends and periods of frustration and hopelessness, Holes would work across multiple law enforcement agencies, expertly and determinedly marshaling all available resources in an effort to provide victims and their loved ones with the closure and security they need
Comprised of Holes, Steve Cramer with the FBI, the Sacramento district attorneys’ office, and a forensic genealogist (Barbara Rae Venter), the “core team justice group” toiled around the clock constructing family trees in an effort to locate DeAngelo via DNA evidence from a decades old case.
Justice descended on Joseph James DeAngelo on April 24th, 2018, when he was arrested at his home and became a guest of the Sacramento sheriff’s department.
As news of his arrest spread, so did the triumph, joy and relief of his victims, their families and the investigators whose dreams he haunted.
“I was overjoyed. I couldn’t stop smiling. I couldn’t get to sleep that night.”
“And I was just so, so happy and excited and…oh my gosh I was just trying to process it all. That was it. I mean it was just such a good feeling.”
“I probably used a few words I shouldn’t have said.”
“My husband and I were in a hotel room and we screamed and we cried and oh my goodness we woke up all the guests in the hotel.”
“And everything inside me was just, just goooooooolly”!
"It was a very long journey, and a very quick ending.”
Evil Has a name is an audible original, an audio documentary complete with dramatic music, sound effects, gentle and frequent trigger and content warnings (you may need them), victim accounts and interviews with investigators and victims’ families.
It is a difficult and heartbreaking listen, both because of the detailed accounts of the rapes and murders and because of the palpable grief and devastation that pore from the speakers when survivors and families of the murder victims tell their stories.
As you listen, you get to know all of the people who played a part in bringing down one of the most atrocious criminals in California’s history.
You also get to meet some strong and courageous survivors whose voices rarely waver, even as they relive some of the most traumatic and tragic moments of their lives.
I highly recommend this one to all who enjoy the True Crime genre. Five stars.
Further Reading/Watching/Listening:
https://allthatsinteresting.com/paul-...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-fQX...
https://www.sister-survivors.com/
March 8, 2019
I loved this “book” but I can’t honestly review it without stating the obvious: This is clearly an Audible podcast series that they decided to change into a “book” so that they could charge for it knowing that most Murderinos and fans of I’ll Be Gone in the Dark will buy it because Paul Holes is a goddamn angel. He is essentially the Patron Saint of catching old creeps and Audible capitalized on the fact that we would, at this point, probably listen to him read a take out menu and pay for it.
But I digress...
This audiobook gives us some of what we have been waiting for in terms of information on how exactly they caught the Golden State Killer and all of the work that went into solving this case. Personally I would have liked to hear more about De’Angelo’s history but I suspect it’s too early to really know since I’m sure he is not offering anything. I’m sure that will come in time.
All of this aside, it was definitely a nice bookend to the story told in I’ll Be Gone in the Dark and I’m glad I read it.
But I digress...
This audiobook gives us some of what we have been waiting for in terms of information on how exactly they caught the Golden State Killer and all of the work that went into solving this case. Personally I would have liked to hear more about De’Angelo’s history but I suspect it’s too early to really know since I’m sure he is not offering anything. I’m sure that will come in time.
All of this aside, it was definitely a nice bookend to the story told in I’ll Be Gone in the Dark and I’m glad I read it.
June 13, 2019
Gimme all the Golden State Killer updates!
So my friend Heather told me about this very telling audiobook 🎧that covers the forensics 🧫 collected throughout the Golden State Killer’s case (from 1976 to 1986) which ultimately led to the arrest of De Angelo last year. And I had to give it a listen!
What’s unique about this GSK story is it ends! For the past 40 years, there’s been no ending to the Golden State Killer case and most people thought he’d be another Zodiac or Jack the Ripper and would just get away without ever being held accountable. ⚖️But that changed on April 24, 2018.
This book outlines the journey that both forensic science 🔬and curious minds (Paul Holes) took to keep fighting for the truth. You learn a shit ton about DNA 🧬(I’m basically a scientist 👩🏻🔬now) and communicative advancements between departments/counties/states - like having CODIS!!
If this seems of interest to you, give it a listen. It’s heavy and horrific, but justice does prevail.
So my friend Heather told me about this very telling audiobook 🎧that covers the forensics 🧫 collected throughout the Golden State Killer’s case (from 1976 to 1986) which ultimately led to the arrest of De Angelo last year. And I had to give it a listen!
What’s unique about this GSK story is it ends! For the past 40 years, there’s been no ending to the Golden State Killer case and most people thought he’d be another Zodiac or Jack the Ripper and would just get away without ever being held accountable. ⚖️But that changed on April 24, 2018.
This book outlines the journey that both forensic science 🔬and curious minds (Paul Holes) took to keep fighting for the truth. You learn a shit ton about DNA 🧬(I’m basically a scientist 👩🏻🔬now) and communicative advancements between departments/counties/states - like having CODIS!!
If this seems of interest to you, give it a listen. It’s heavy and horrific, but justice does prevail.
October 10, 2019
After just having read 'I'll Be Gone in the Dark' which tells the same story as this audible show, I found it perfect to lead straight into this. The book 'I'll Be Gone...' is written by a woman who investigated the crimes of this rapist and killer from the comfort of her home, this series is the in-depth analysis from the detectives who worked the case both when it first came to light and later as a cold case.
We have a whole load of people involved in the operation to find out who this killer is and to solve this. This guy was infamously awful and terrified the people of the Golden State area for many years in the night. This audio show tells the story from the eyes of those hunting him, and it's great because unlike 'I'll Be Gone...' where the author died before they caught this guy, this story goes right through to the end where the man behind it all is finally captured thanks to advancements in technology.
I really recommend this series if you have any interest in true crime or if you've read 'I'll Be Gone in the Dark' as that book was a natural lead-in to this. 4*s
We have a whole load of people involved in the operation to find out who this killer is and to solve this. This guy was infamously awful and terrified the people of the Golden State area for many years in the night. This audio show tells the story from the eyes of those hunting him, and it's great because unlike 'I'll Be Gone...' where the author died before they caught this guy, this story goes right through to the end where the man behind it all is finally captured thanks to advancements in technology.
I really recommend this series if you have any interest in true crime or if you've read 'I'll Be Gone in the Dark' as that book was a natural lead-in to this. 4*s
November 29, 2018
Chilling and the perfect companion to I'll Be Gone in the Dark
April 24, 2019
4.0 Stars
This is an excellent true crime audiobook that provided a comprehensive account of the investigation into the Golden State Killer. Produced as an Audible exclusive, this felt more like listening to a podcast than an audiobook. Compared to I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, the information was much better organized and edited in this book.
I appreciated that the narrative was victim-centered, giving voices to those affected by the crimes. I was most interested in the last few chapters that explained how the investigators were finally able to identify and capture this prolific killer. I highly recommend this production to anyone fascinated by this case.
This is an excellent true crime audiobook that provided a comprehensive account of the investigation into the Golden State Killer. Produced as an Audible exclusive, this felt more like listening to a podcast than an audiobook. Compared to I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, the information was much better organized and edited in this book.
I appreciated that the narrative was victim-centered, giving voices to those affected by the crimes. I was most interested in the last few chapters that explained how the investigators were finally able to identify and capture this prolific killer. I highly recommend this production to anyone fascinated by this case.
July 23, 2019
english review
audible audiobook/podcast
THIS IS EVERYTHING. SERIOUSLY!!!
This was intense, frustrating, heartbreaking and wonderful all at the same time. The story is all kinds of awful but it was so very well told and handled so very respectful. I had goosebumps, I had some tears in my eyes, towards the end of the book I may have cried a few tears of joy. What a rollercoaster ride.
Also, I could listen to Paul Holes reading the names and numbers of the telephone book (are they even still a thing?) and I would hang on every word he has to say. He is just THAT guy.
Man, this was powerful. I will totally listen to this one again.
audible audiobook/podcast
THIS IS EVERYTHING. SERIOUSLY!!!
This was intense, frustrating, heartbreaking and wonderful all at the same time. The story is all kinds of awful but it was so very well told and handled so very respectful. I had goosebumps, I had some tears in my eyes, towards the end of the book I may have cried a few tears of joy. What a rollercoaster ride.
Also, I could listen to Paul Holes reading the names and numbers of the telephone book (are they even still a thing?) and I would hang on every word he has to say. He is just THAT guy.
Man, this was powerful. I will totally listen to this one again.
September 4, 2019
If you’ve read I’ll Be Gone In The Dark by Michelle McNamara and you’re craving more, look no further..This is an Audible only book, you can’t even get you’re hands on an ebook or hardcover...you have to actually listen. This book is comprised of recordings from the investigators, witnesses, and victims/survivors. It’s chilling. You won’t find any fiction out there that’s more terrifying than reading this book. Especially when you’re listening alone at night, OUTSIDE with one candle on the deck. (I don’t recommend doing that btw) The author, Paul Holes spent 20+ years tracking down this killer and it was a roller-coaster of an investigation. To be there at the end when he catches the bastard feels soooo good. I loved everything about this book. It’s smart, scary, interesting, funny and devastating throughout. It’s not long either so there’s no excuse 😜
November 20, 2018
The first 5 of 6 hours of this is just a re-hash of what was already covered in Michelle McNamara's I'll Be Gone in the Dark, which was excellent, but that made this quite a disappointing read. It might just be that I had different expectations, but I thought this would be a sequel to that, with it focusing more on how they caught him, and maybe go more into detail about him/what he had to say after he was caught/did he give any interviews, etc. But that was only the last hour of this, and even then, we don't really hear much about him since he was caught.
I was so bored I started listening to this at 2.5x speed and then 3x, and even then I didn't feel like I was missing anything. It was a disappointing listen for me, but if you haven't read Michelle McNamara's book, then I would recommend this because you do get to hear from several of the people involved in the case: victims and police officers, including the police officer who fired Joseph back in 1979. My favorite part was when they caught him and how everyone in the room was celebrating. That almost made listening to this worth it.
I was so bored I started listening to this at 2.5x speed and then 3x, and even then I didn't feel like I was missing anything. It was a disappointing listen for me, but if you haven't read Michelle McNamara's book, then I would recommend this because you do get to hear from several of the people involved in the case: victims and police officers, including the police officer who fired Joseph back in 1979. My favorite part was when they caught him and how everyone in the room was celebrating. That almost made listening to this worth it.
January 1, 2020
Audible originals + Flying time are made for each other!
Closure of some sorts for the Golden State Killer, though you wonder if it is too little too late. This book made Michelle Mcnamara's book seem like book of theories and archive research with the last piece missing.
Coming to the production, the book traces the crimes of Golden State Killer's escapades by starting with the identification of Joseph James Deangelo as the identified suspect. Along the way, it discusses the various prime suspects who were dropped along the way - either due to DNA mismatch or Alibi.
Which brings us to the all important question - the reliability of the tests. For what confused me was the last but one chapter where none of the acquaintances/friends were able to believe he could be a serial rapist/killer. Not to forget he had not killed for 30+ years, has two daughters who are doctors and has a grand daughter. Yet these violent crimes perpetrated are pure evil.
Unsettling in parts the book still feels incomplete without the why. But we seldom get to understand the why of such "inhuman" acts.
Better read than "I'll be gone in the dark"
Closure of some sorts for the Golden State Killer, though you wonder if it is too little too late. This book made Michelle Mcnamara's book seem like book of theories and archive research with the last piece missing.
Coming to the production, the book traces the crimes of Golden State Killer's escapades by starting with the identification of Joseph James Deangelo as the identified suspect. Along the way, it discusses the various prime suspects who were dropped along the way - either due to DNA mismatch or Alibi.
Which brings us to the all important question - the reliability of the tests. For what confused me was the last but one chapter where none of the acquaintances/friends were able to believe he could be a serial rapist/killer. Not to forget he had not killed for 30+ years, has two daughters who are doctors and has a grand daughter. Yet these violent crimes perpetrated are pure evil.
Unsettling in parts the book still feels incomplete without the why. But we seldom get to understand the why of such "inhuman" acts.
Better read than "I'll be gone in the dark"
July 14, 2021
Paul Holes, oohh be still my true crime loving little heart!! His dogged drive to solve this case and bring this evil monster out into the light of day is nothing short of amazing. Hearing first hand accounts from some of these women who were attacked, as well as families of the victims, and some of the other pivotal team players who helped to solve this case makes this an unquestionably fascinating listen. I highly recommend this one to any fans of true crime, it is well told and is so in depth.
June 25, 2021
One of my favorite true crime stories to date!
I highly recommend this one.
I highly recommend this one.
July 21, 2022
I read about this case when the Golden State Killer was arrested but this one showed the victim's side of the story and fascinating details related to the investigation. The narration is 5+++ stars.
January 25, 2019
Absolutely amazing! It's a very well put together story of all the hard work that went into the capture of The Golden State Killer. I am so amazing at all the detail that was put into this Audible. I may have to go back and listen again to pick up any things I may have missed in my excitement!
October 26, 2019
I've gotten really into the true crime stuff recently, and this is about as recent as true crime stories get outside of the newspaper.
The case of the "Golden State Killer" — aka "the Original Nightstalker", aka "the East Area Rapist", aka "the Visalia Ransacker" — was only solved last year. This is hot off the press stuff, and it is fascinating.
That "Serial" podcast everyone was going bananas over a couple years back (booooring)? This is WAY better than that.
After committing like 50-something rapes and several murders over a 10-year period in the 1970s and 1980s, the Golden State Killer just stopped. He disappeared.
Did he die?
Did he move?
Did he get married?
WTF happened?
But no, this guy was still out there, living in a nice middle class neighborhood, until inspector his guy was only caught LAST YEAR, and only then thanks to the dedication of forensic criminologist Paul Holes and the people around him.
One of those other people who comes in for praise here is Michelle McNamara, author of I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer. McNamara sadly didn't live long enough to see the killer caught, but the assistance she gave appears to have helped bring the sick bastard to justice.
In my recent review of The Last Days of August I mentioned that I was canceling my Audible membership because Amazon owns Audible and, as we all know, Amazon sucks. Well, I didn't realize that I had ordered this before I canceled, so that's why I'm reviewing this "Audible Original" now. Just a disclaimer so you don't think I'm a hypocrite.
(Although maybe I am, because I read the other day that Goodreads is also operated by Amazon. Is that true? Can that be true?? NOOOOOOOOO!)
This is so worth listening to, though, because it actually features interviews with all the main people involved in the case (GSK and McNamara aside).
It's just a crime it's only available on Audible.
The case of the "Golden State Killer" — aka "the Original Nightstalker", aka "the East Area Rapist", aka "the Visalia Ransacker" — was only solved last year. This is hot off the press stuff, and it is fascinating.
That "Serial" podcast everyone was going bananas over a couple years back (booooring)? This is WAY better than that.
After committing like 50-something rapes and several murders over a 10-year period in the 1970s and 1980s, the Golden State Killer just stopped. He disappeared.
Did he die?
Did he move?
Did he get married?
WTF happened?
But no, this guy was still out there, living in a nice middle class neighborhood, until inspector his guy was only caught LAST YEAR, and only then thanks to the dedication of forensic criminologist Paul Holes and the people around him.
One of those other people who comes in for praise here is Michelle McNamara, author of I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer. McNamara sadly didn't live long enough to see the killer caught, but the assistance she gave appears to have helped bring the sick bastard to justice.
In my recent review of The Last Days of August I mentioned that I was canceling my Audible membership because Amazon owns Audible and, as we all know, Amazon sucks. Well, I didn't realize that I had ordered this before I canceled, so that's why I'm reviewing this "Audible Original" now. Just a disclaimer so you don't think I'm a hypocrite.
(Although maybe I am, because I read the other day that Goodreads is also operated by Amazon. Is that true? Can that be true?? NOOOOOOOOO!)
This is so worth listening to, though, because it actually features interviews with all the main people involved in the case (GSK and McNamara aside).
It's just a crime it's only available on Audible.
December 31, 2018
My View:
Listening to this audio book was like watching a well-made documentary. The cast is outstanding – investigators, police, criminologists, a genealogist, a journalist, a profiler and the poignant voices of some of the victims and family of the victims. The narration was perfectly delivered.
This is a narrative that will remind you that crime, violent crimes in particular, have a heavy impact not only on the victims but on the friends, family, the first responders, the investigators and the community the victim lives in. So many carry the pain, the hurt, the fear. So many repercussions.
Despite numerous warnings regarding the explicit nature of some of the content I was not offended or horrified by the said content; it was not gratuitously presented, it was not sensationalised, it was honest. It was, at times, difficult to listen to the pain the survivors and their families carry with them, but their voices were integral to the completeness of the story. The only person we did not hear from, and of that I am relived, is the voice of the perpetrator. There is no justification for his actions. I do not need to understand his motivations. I am glad he has finally be called to account for his actions.
This is a remarkable true story. I applauded at the ending.
Listening to this audio book was like watching a well-made documentary. The cast is outstanding – investigators, police, criminologists, a genealogist, a journalist, a profiler and the poignant voices of some of the victims and family of the victims. The narration was perfectly delivered.
This is a narrative that will remind you that crime, violent crimes in particular, have a heavy impact not only on the victims but on the friends, family, the first responders, the investigators and the community the victim lives in. So many carry the pain, the hurt, the fear. So many repercussions.
Despite numerous warnings regarding the explicit nature of some of the content I was not offended or horrified by the said content; it was not gratuitously presented, it was not sensationalised, it was honest. It was, at times, difficult to listen to the pain the survivors and their families carry with them, but their voices were integral to the completeness of the story. The only person we did not hear from, and of that I am relived, is the voice of the perpetrator. There is no justification for his actions. I do not need to understand his motivations. I am glad he has finally be called to account for his actions.
This is a remarkable true story. I applauded at the ending.
March 16, 2019
I know this isn't a book, but it's free for audible members and I would highly recommend listening to it if you have a membership. I listened to this podcast awhile ago, but I never got around to reviewing it because of its sensitive content. When it comes to true crime, I try to remember that these are real stories. They feature real people, emotions, and devastating outcomes.
Evil Has a Name is an engrossing listen. I started listening to it before I went to bed and ended up finishing it in a single night. As an audio production, it sounds like a professional documentary. They did a great job with the interviews, sound effects, music, and narration. It made it a captivating and gripping listen. Also, the interviews featuring the investigators, survivors, survivor's family and friends made me tear up.
Although this was difficult to listen to and many passages made me cry, this is such an important podcast. It shows you the devastating consequences of crime while helping listeners understand the progress we have made in forensic science. The advancements in genealogy DNA testing (think 23andMe) are what led to the eventual arrest of the Golden State Killer.
A gripping, moving, and captivating listen.
Evil Has a Name is an engrossing listen. I started listening to it before I went to bed and ended up finishing it in a single night. As an audio production, it sounds like a professional documentary. They did a great job with the interviews, sound effects, music, and narration. It made it a captivating and gripping listen. Also, the interviews featuring the investigators, survivors, survivor's family and friends made me tear up.
Although this was difficult to listen to and many passages made me cry, this is such an important podcast. It shows you the devastating consequences of crime while helping listeners understand the progress we have made in forensic science. The advancements in genealogy DNA testing (think 23andMe) are what led to the eventual arrest of the Golden State Killer.
A gripping, moving, and captivating listen.
April 22, 2021
This is another Audible exclusive PodCast – split into 14 fascinating and gripping chapters.
I’ve only just starting listening to PodCasts and this one is EXCEPTIONAL. I literally listened to it over the space of 24 hours and I am still reeling.
This is the terrifying story of The Golden State Killer and the 20+ years it took to finally catch him. Narrated by the forensic criminologist and retired FBI profiler and full of recordings and interviews with the witnesses, victims and survivors I really am struggling to put into words what an exceptional story this is.
I haven’t read Michelle McNamara’s book I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, which is mentioned in this series and have now downloaded it to listen to shortly, especially as she unfortunately passed away prior to the killer being caught.
There are moments of pure TERROR and EVIL in this series and it is NOT for those who are of a delicate nature or have triggers regarding rape, murder or violence.
This is an indepth look at the reign of terror The Golden State Killer had caused during his violent spree from 1973 and 1986, committing at least 13 murders, 50 rapes and 120 burglaries across California and the relentless and determined authorities who would NOT give up the search to catch this evil man.
I’ve only just starting listening to PodCasts and this one is EXCEPTIONAL. I literally listened to it over the space of 24 hours and I am still reeling.
This is the terrifying story of The Golden State Killer and the 20+ years it took to finally catch him. Narrated by the forensic criminologist and retired FBI profiler and full of recordings and interviews with the witnesses, victims and survivors I really am struggling to put into words what an exceptional story this is.
I haven’t read Michelle McNamara’s book I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, which is mentioned in this series and have now downloaded it to listen to shortly, especially as she unfortunately passed away prior to the killer being caught.
There are moments of pure TERROR and EVIL in this series and it is NOT for those who are of a delicate nature or have triggers regarding rape, murder or violence.
This is an indepth look at the reign of terror The Golden State Killer had caused during his violent spree from 1973 and 1986, committing at least 13 murders, 50 rapes and 120 burglaries across California and the relentless and determined authorities who would NOT give up the search to catch this evil man.
November 19, 2018
What's great about Evil Has a Name is that it's all about HOW they caught The Golden State Killer. The East Area Rapist. The Original Night Stalker. The Visalia Ransacker. The hideous man with many aliases.
Michelle McNamara's book, I'll Be Gone in the Dark, is about how she researched the case. Her book was published when Joseph James DeAngelo was still at large - Evil Has a Name was after his capture in April 2018.
I do recommend reading I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara first. It's the perfect companion novel and compliments Michelle's story nicely. Although it's a different side of the story, a lot of the events are mentioned in IBGITD. It's a fascinating 'other side of the story' with more people desperately trying to solve the Golden State Killer case... this time with the help of science and not the incredible sleuthing done by McNamara. I also loved when Paul Holes mentions McNamara in Evil Has Name. It was very touching and special as I have been interested in this case for a while now thanks to podcasts, Michelle's book and now this audio production.
Michelle McNamara's book, I'll Be Gone in the Dark, is about how she researched the case. Her book was published when Joseph James DeAngelo was still at large - Evil Has a Name was after his capture in April 2018.
I do recommend reading I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara first. It's the perfect companion novel and compliments Michelle's story nicely. Although it's a different side of the story, a lot of the events are mentioned in IBGITD. It's a fascinating 'other side of the story' with more people desperately trying to solve the Golden State Killer case... this time with the help of science and not the incredible sleuthing done by McNamara. I also loved when Paul Holes mentions McNamara in Evil Has Name. It was very touching and special as I have been interested in this case for a while now thanks to podcasts, Michelle's book and now this audio production.
April 13, 2019
I started listening to this as soon as I finish listening to I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer. So yes, some of it was repetitive of that but also not because this was the perspective of law enforcement and IBGITD was the perspective of a civilian and amateur sleuth. So both of these books are valuable and have interesting information. Plus this one has interviews with survivors and relatives of victims which amped up this book a notch. It was completely engrossing. I didn't Google Joe DeAngelo until after finishing this book so I could learn everything first-hand from those who worked on the case. This really is the thrilling conclusion to I'll Be Gone in the Dark!! And Paul Holes dedicates chapter to talking about Michelle McNamara and that was really touching. This book was utterly fascinating.
December 12, 2021
“Joe DeAngelo was not a police officer. He was a person masquerading as a police officer.”
- Nick Willick, Former Auburn Police Chief
Actually, he was a police officer, that is a huge part of why he was able to commit all these crimes without being caught in the first place. You don’t get to remove the label of “police officer” when somebody does something awful. In fact, you should take the reality that he worked for you and leveraged his authority to rape and murder countless people to… oh I don’t know… try to learn something? Jesus christ…
Other than the above section from Chapter 13, I thought this book was really fantastically done. Since it’s an Audible exclusive and not available in print as far as I’m aware, it’s basically a podcast. It was fascinating to learn more about the specifics of how EARONS was caught. I especially enjoyed hearing from the DNA analysts who are largely responsible for solving the case. Science is crazy!
- Nick Willick, Former Auburn Police Chief
Actually, he was a police officer, that is a huge part of why he was able to commit all these crimes without being caught in the first place. You don’t get to remove the label of “police officer” when somebody does something awful. In fact, you should take the reality that he worked for you and leveraged his authority to rape and murder countless people to… oh I don’t know… try to learn something? Jesus christ…
Other than the above section from Chapter 13, I thought this book was really fantastically done. Since it’s an Audible exclusive and not available in print as far as I’m aware, it’s basically a podcast. It was fascinating to learn more about the specifics of how EARONS was caught. I especially enjoyed hearing from the DNA analysts who are largely responsible for solving the case. Science is crazy!
February 4, 2020
Rating 4.5 stars.
This was a really well done, podcast-styled audiobook. It included interviews from investigators, victims and family members. Since this perpetrator was caught recently (2018) even though some of his crimes were from 40 years ago, there has been a lot about him in various forms. However, this podcast also included a more emotional side from the people involved, which made connecting to the material more meaningful.
This was a really well done, podcast-styled audiobook. It included interviews from investigators, victims and family members. Since this perpetrator was caught recently (2018) even though some of his crimes were from 40 years ago, there has been a lot about him in various forms. However, this podcast also included a more emotional side from the people involved, which made connecting to the material more meaningful.
January 18, 2022
I listened on Audible and it was amazing!
April 5, 2021
It makes perfect sense that Paul Holes would have written his version of events in the telling of this now rather famous story, but until I saw this "book" for sale on Audible I had no idea it existed. I say "book" because it's more like a podcast or series really, and is broken down into bitesized episodes. However, I loved every minute of it so please don't take this as a bad thing. It really wasn't in my eyes. I only mention it because I've seen other reviews where people were disappointed that they used one of their monthly Audible credits on what is essentially not a book. How anyone could be disappointed after listening to this is beyond me.
Not only is this written by Holes, it's narrated by him too. He's just such a cool dude. The way he talks about this case has you hooked in seconds. How he came to be on the case in the first place, which was already long cold by the time he took over, how much of his own time he dedicated to finding this guy, how important it became for him. It made me think of the line in Zodiac where Jake Gyllenhaal's Robert Graysmith says "I need to know who he is. I need to stand there, I need to look him in the eye and I need to know that it's him." This is how Paul Holes felt about the GSK. But unlike Graysmith, Holes actually got to do this, and not only this, he got to put the guy behind bars for the rest of his life.
If you have any interest in the Golden State Killer/East Area Rapist/Original Nightstalker/Vasalia Ransacker case, any at all, firstly I recommend you read or listen to I'll Be Gone In The Dark by Michelle McNamara (because holy wow what a book), but then I recommend you listen to this. You won't regret it.
Not only is this written by Holes, it's narrated by him too. He's just such a cool dude. The way he talks about this case has you hooked in seconds. How he came to be on the case in the first place, which was already long cold by the time he took over, how much of his own time he dedicated to finding this guy, how important it became for him. It made me think of the line in Zodiac where Jake Gyllenhaal's Robert Graysmith says "I need to know who he is. I need to stand there, I need to look him in the eye and I need to know that it's him." This is how Paul Holes felt about the GSK. But unlike Graysmith, Holes actually got to do this, and not only this, he got to put the guy behind bars for the rest of his life.
If you have any interest in the Golden State Killer/East Area Rapist/Original Nightstalker/Vasalia Ransacker case, any at all, firstly I recommend you read or listen to I'll Be Gone In The Dark by Michelle McNamara (because holy wow what a book), but then I recommend you listen to this. You won't regret it.
June 29, 2020
5 Stars ⭐️ SO GOOD!
I LOVE true crime and found this to be fascinating!! I understand there have been multiple podcasts already dedicated to the GSK case but I hadn’t listened to any of those so this was all new information to me. I did know the killer had finally been captured using ancestry DNA but I didn’t realize how it had actually come together. FASCINATING. I listened to the podcast Bearbrook a while ago which explains the first time DNA genetic testing actually helped solve a cold case, however in a round about way. Soooo incredible how they were able to find this guy!
In the book (or podcast really since it’s more podcast than book) it details step by step the leads that were explored and investigated. So many promising leads that were dead ends. Everything is narrated by the actual detectives, victims, friends, etc, which was awesome. I can’t imagine how disheartening it would be as a detective to keep running into dead ends over and over again. And then have to pick yourself back up and start all over again at the very beginning! I also found it eye opening and fascinating the red tape police agencies have to work through when solving a case! Crazy. This book explained many of those issues thoroughly and clearly.
I couldn’t put this down once I’d started it. It was done very, very well. A complicated story like this with so many twists and turns could be confusing and overwhelming, however it was edited and organized perfectly. So good! It really is a miracle that they were able to capture this evil guy!
I LOVE true crime and found this to be fascinating!! I understand there have been multiple podcasts already dedicated to the GSK case but I hadn’t listened to any of those so this was all new information to me. I did know the killer had finally been captured using ancestry DNA but I didn’t realize how it had actually come together. FASCINATING. I listened to the podcast Bearbrook a while ago which explains the first time DNA genetic testing actually helped solve a cold case, however in a round about way. Soooo incredible how they were able to find this guy!
In the book (or podcast really since it’s more podcast than book) it details step by step the leads that were explored and investigated. So many promising leads that were dead ends. Everything is narrated by the actual detectives, victims, friends, etc, which was awesome. I can’t imagine how disheartening it would be as a detective to keep running into dead ends over and over again. And then have to pick yourself back up and start all over again at the very beginning! I also found it eye opening and fascinating the red tape police agencies have to work through when solving a case! Crazy. This book explained many of those issues thoroughly and clearly.
I couldn’t put this down once I’d started it. It was done very, very well. A complicated story like this with so many twists and turns could be confusing and overwhelming, however it was edited and organized perfectly. So good! It really is a miracle that they were able to capture this evil guy!
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