Finding the Lost Girls: The Hunt to Solve a Serial Killer's Cold Cases

by Paul Holes, Peter McDonnell

A serial killer's victims stayed unfound for decades. Now one of America's most celebrated detectives is reopening the cases — and this time, you'll hear the investigation unfolds in real time.

Finding the Lost Girls follows criminalist Paul Holes — the investigator who helped unmask the Golden State Killer — as he comes out of from retirement to finish the work that haunted him. Years ago, Holes helped put photographer Joe Naso on death row for six murders. But Naso kept a list of ten, and the other cases went cold. Now, with Naso nearing ninety and his health failing, this is Holes's last chance to give the remaining victims their names back.

Recorded, written, and produced as events actually happened, this is a rare real-time true-crime one of the country's best detectives against one of its most prolific killers, racing the clock can Paul solve these cold cases and bring relief and justice for these women and their families before Naso takes his monstrous secrets to the grave?

Contains mature themes; listener discretion advised.

Genres: Audiobook, True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime, Contemporary, Mystery, Biography

Audible Audio

Published March 19, 2026

About the author

Paul 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.

Reviews

[Renee Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

I seem to be listening to a lot of true crime lately, and I think this one was a freebie on Audible Audio. It's short, and the author was the main attraction. Paul Holes featured prominently in I Know Who You Are: How an Amateur DNA Sleuth Unmasked the Golden State Killer and Changed Crime Fighting Forever, by Barbara Rae-Venter, so I figured it would be an interesting investigation.

The thing that stands out about these serial killer chronicles is how utter monsters weave about in society living what seem to be normal lives and manage to fool all the rest of us. Joseph Naso worked as a photographer, raised two sons and coached their little league, yet raped and killed up to (possibly) 26 women over the years. His hook was getting them to pose for pictures, and they apparently felt like he wasn't a danger because he seemed like "a dad."

The book focuses on identifying victims in Naso's top ten list who were notated as things like "girl from Miami." Holes was starting with the list, finding women listed as missing persons in the area, and trying to connect the ends to a common middle point--Joe Naso. His arguments are sound and he includes many backstories and interviews with families and friends. It was an interesting book.

That said, he shouldn't have read it himself. His pronunciation is quite distracting, constantly enunciating the article "a" with such emphasis that it no longer sounds like normal speech. Likewise words with "t" in the middle. Why does he talk like that? And does he always, even sitting around with his friends? Or is it a reading issue? It sounds like he's trying to be excessively precise with enunciation so the Martians can understand him through the static, or make sure someone in the back of an audience will be able to read his lips. His voice is deep and gravelly, and combining it with his method of speaking gave me a mental image of a short, older man with black hair, squinty eyes and black glasses. He looks nothing like that. LOL

[Ursula Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Legendary lawman Paul Holes lends his considerable talents to an unlikely cold case series. A sharp probation officer spots irregularities at a convicts home, which leads to more than they bargained for. Several of these cases are still unsolved. A great true crime investigation.

[Tora Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devoured this in one day! Really interesting case and I can't believe this serial killer is not more widely known. Enjoyed hearing from different professionals throughout the chapters

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid true crime. And Paul Holes is good about respecting victims and families.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audible Originals are always a bit hit or miss for me since they often stray from traditional storytelling structure. This one was formatted more like a serialized podcast, which made it a quick and easy listen, but I definitely missed the traditional text structure.

It was genuinely shocking to learn about Joe Naso, the most prolific serial killer that you've never heard of, especially as someone who used to consume a lot of true crime (hello this book is by Paul Holes...IYKYK lol). The story focused heavily on the investigative process and work behind solving some of his cases, which was interesting, but I found myself wanting more about the victims and even the psychological background of Naso himself.

I still enjoyed it overall, but it just did not fully blow me away. I should also admit I'm not much of a cold case girl. I want answers!!

[Hannah Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Paul Holes and his passion for reuniting families.

[Laura-Jane Barber · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick listen included jn my Audible membership about a serial killer I had never heard of.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

rtc

[Ally Marov · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨2.75 stars✨
📖 FORMAT: 🎧 - available on Audible Plus

Not gonna lie, I solely picked this because it was available and needed something to help with my reading goal 😂

Although as someone who is an avid true crime junkie, I had never heard of this case before.

To summarise, in 2010 a Bay Area photographer named Joe Naso was on probation for petty theft. When his probation officer came for a routine visit, he found photos and a list of names of women who he had photographed and later murdered.
He was sentenced to death for 6 of the murders but the rest of them went cold.
A few years later, Paul Holes, a retired detective who was a part of the original investigative team decided to reopen the cases.

At the time of his arrest, Naso was in his 70s. Nearing his 90s and his health declining, Holes is trying to solve these cases before Naso dies. Will he be able to get justice for Naso’s victims before he takes his secrets to the grave?…

Personally, I didn’t really think anything was solved. It was more so a recount of the different victims and also a comparison piece to Rodney Alcala a.k.a ‘The Dating Game Killer’s crimes.

Overall, it was interesting to learn about a new case. But I found the actual format/story itself to be lacklustre ✨🌻

[Abby]

No rating for true crime!

I really loved this one! You could feel the care and respect Paul holes had to these cases and the attention he put into digging into these cold cases. He went to whatever lengths he could to find some sort of answers for these girls. He said something that stuck and it was along the lines of “justice cannot be found but answers can and those help” and that stuck because I agree In crimes justice may technically be found but the people that deserve them that were murdered will never know but having their story shared and knowing that people keep their names alive and fight for answers is powerful in its self.

Now onto the old fart who I hope is rotting in hell,what a disgusting vile horrid thing,I refuse to call him a person. Hearing him talk about how “helpful” he was to these girls that put their trust in him made me so mad. I love that Paul and so may other detectives never stopped till he was found guilty. And I hope at his big age of 93 he has the absolute worst bed sores😘

[Megan Costa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of Paul Holes since he first rose to fame in the true crime fandom with his assistance in the Golden State Killer case. This audiobook is very podcast–coded and reminds me of when I first listened to him on My Favorite Murder podcast and his later spinoff podcast The Murder Squad.

I thoroughly enjoyed this short audiobook. I appreciate the respect that Paul Holes strives to provide to the families, while discussing their most tragic stories. He never glorifies the killer or preys on the grief of the victims families.

I found this serial killer intriguing because, with such a high body count, I was surprised I had never heard of him before. Especially considering his crimes took place across the greater Bay Area and I am a native.

I got a chuckle out of the frequency that Paul Holes mentioned pouring himself a bourbon - neat- while muddling over the information he had received. Although he’s not a trained audiobook narrator, I enjoy his cadence and feel that his storytelling skills are on par with Keith Morrison and John Walsh.

[Kelly Mackey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love any work from Paul Holes. My aunt is also a lost girl, Sheryl Ann Tillinghast missing since 1973 at 17 years old. It's comforting to know there are people out there who still care. I wish I could find a Paul Holes to take on my Aunt's case as well. I felt especially affected by the story of "Sarah Dylan". I'll never understand how her family could just leave her to a burial in some random Potter's field after being found all that time later.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul Holes is a former cold case investigator for the Contra Costa County Sheriff's department. He is best known for his contributions to solving the Golden State Killer case using advanced methods of identifying the killer with DNA and genealogy technology. Since retiring in March 2018, Holes has contributed to books, television, and podcasts about the Golden State Killer and true crime, and this book is just one of those accounts.

For decades, a father in the Bay Area made his living taking people’s portraits, but he was keeping a secret. When one woman vanished in 1976, the only clue police had was that she’d gone to a restaurant to meet a photographer about a modelling job. Other women who’d gone to get their pictures taken were found murdered in the woods in Marin County. This disconnected series of homicides and disappearances remained stubbornly unsolved. But then in 2010, a probation officer caught a lucky break.

During a routine visit to the man’s home, the officer discovered a list of clues to what appeared to be ten murders. The photographer, Joe Naso, who was in his 70s and on probation for petty theft, argued that the list was meaningless. The investigation that followed exposed that Joe Naso had led a shocking and secret life of predation and violence. A judge sentenced Naso to death for six of the murders on his list, and sent him to San Quentin. But the other cases on Naso’s list went cold, perhaps permanently.

Enter retired celebrated detective Paul Holes who reopened them. Paul had been part of the original investigation team, and that work felt unfinished. At San Quentin, Naso was nearing ninety and his health was declining. If they were going to solve the other cases on his list it was now or never. The only problem was, Paul had been retired for six years. Could he still work the same magic?

This is the re-telling of Holes’ real-time investigation into four cold case homicides, pitting one of America’s best detectives against one of its most prolific and deranged serial killers. It was recorded, written, and produced as events unfolded. Written by Holes himself, along with Peter McDonnell, the account is so detailed, it allows the reader to feel as though they are shadowing Holes' investigation.

The question is, can he solve these cold cases and bring relief and justice for these women and their families before Naso dies and takes his secrets with him?

If, like me, your favourite past-time is anything to do with True Crime, you won't want to miss this tactfully written account of the investigation into several brutal cold-cases.

[I’m reading · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the story of serial killer and serial rapist Joe Naso who started killing as early as 1974- 1994 and wasn’t caught until 2011 his probation officer (he was arrested for stealing a bottle of liquor) found photos of dead women in his home.

Joe, living a full life was 96 when he was captured!!!!

He is accused of killing 10 women, suspected of killing more but only charged with 4 .

He presented himself as a professional photographer to get these women to trust him and to leave with him.


Summery from book;

For decades, a father in the Bay Area made his living taking people's portraits, but he harbored a monstrous secret. When one woman vanished in 1976, the only clue police had was that she'd gone to a restaurant to meet a photographer about a modeling job. Other women who'd gone to get their pictures taken were found murdered in the woods in Marin County. This disconnected series of homicides and disappearances remained stubbornly unsolved. But then in 2010, a probation officer caught a lucky break.
During a routine visit to the man's home, the officer discovered a list of clues to what appeared to be ten murders. The
photographer, Joe Naso, who was in his 70s and on probation for petty theft, argued that the list was meaningless. The disturbing pictures in his home said otherwise.
A statewide investigation exposed that Joe Naso had led a shocking and secret life of predation and violence. A judge sentenced Naso to death for six of the murders on his list, and sent him to San Quentin. But the other cases on Naso's list went cold, perhaps permanently.
Then, a few years ago, celebrated detective Paul Holes reopened them. Paul had been part of the original investigation team, and that work felt unfinished. At San Quentin, Naso was nearing ninety and his health was declining. If they were going to solve the other cases on his list it was now or never.
The only problem was, Paul had been retired for six years. Could he still work the same magic?
This is the gripping tale of Holes' real-time investigation into four cold case homicides, pitting one of America's best detectives against one of its most prolific and deranged serial killers. It was recorded, written, and produced as events unfolded.

[Reader]

For decades, a father in the Bay Area made his living taking people’s portraits, but he harbored a monstrous secret. When one woman vanished in 1976, the only clue police had was that she’d gone to a restaurant to meet a photographer about a modeling job. Other women who’d gone to get their pictures taken were found murdered in the woods in Marin County. This disconnected series of homicides and disappearances remained stubbornly unsolved. But then in 2010, a probation officer caught a lucky break.

During a routine visit to the man’s home, the officer discovered a list of clues to what appeared to be ten murders. The photographer, Joe Naso, who was in his 70s and on probation for petty theft, argued that the list was meaningless. The disturbing pictures in his home said otherwise.

A statewide investigation exposed that Joe Naso had led a shocking and secret life of predation and violence. A judge sentenced Naso to death for six of the murders on his list, and sent him to San Quentin. But the other cases on Naso’s list went cold, perhaps permanently.

Then, a few years ago, celebrated detective Paul Holes reopened them. Paul had been part of the original investigation team, and that work felt unfinished. At San Quentin, Naso was nearing ninety and his health was declining. If they were going to solve the other cases on his list it was now or never. The only problem was, Paul had been retired for six years. Could he still work the same magic?

This is the gripping tale of Holes’ real-time investigation into four cold case homicides, pitting one of America’s best detectives against one of its most prolific and deranged serial killers. It was recorded, written, and produced as events unfolded.

The question is, can Paul solve these cold cases and bring relief and justice for these women and their families before Naso dies and takes his monstrous secrets with him?

[AttackGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrible, to imagine those people are out there. Thankfully we have the men and women that will track them down. Why is their DNA not tested and then when babies are born we compare to make sure we do not have more victims.
As I cleaned the garage which I did not get to finish. I found myself standing there just thinking about those women and what they went through and how there is really no process to turn in Serial Killers. You cannot just call the police and say hey this guy is evil I felt it and know it. Because then the questions come to you... the minute you mention it people act strangely. You cannot just go to the Serial Killers house and get a DNA sample there has to be probable cause. You cannot just tell them not to come around any more because that is the thing that provokes them. Read about Jeffrey he didnt want anyone to leave him the very instant anyone said they were going to leave or wanted to go Son of Sam well I am not going to go into the details of the deep dive I did because of what happened but just know if you feel it, its probably true and if you need information to contact me and I will help you. The very first thing you must do is read every book every published about Serial Killers so you learn their personality traits and what to do and not do, what to say and not say. which maybe the only thing that will keep you alive. You cannot just tell the police or drive up to the FBI who as you see in this book already know and dont do anything. Their ego too big and so happy to think they were smarter than the killer they blow it.

[Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a free selection on Amazon Audible. The narrator, Paul Holz is a retired cold case investigator, notably credited for his work on finding the Golden State Killer. This book focuses on a serial killer that I vaguely remember seeing in the headlines due to his advanced age. He is Joe Naso, and he is 92 years old and still hasn’t told how many women he has raped and murdered. He was a professional photographer, and would use this as a ruse to lure women to pose for photos. He looked safe because he was an older guy and looked like a “dad”. His first murder happened in 1965, and he spanned to 1993. Like another photographer serial killer, Rodney Alcala, he had hundreds of photos of women, some who appeared drugged and posed, and some who appeared dead. He trolled the areas of Northern California and the Bay Area of Marin and Sonoma counties. He also kept lists of victims. He is still alive and at 92 years old, the author of this book is hoping to get some of these cold cases solved. Of note, the author/narrator liked to paint a “noir-esque” picture for the listener, repeatedly mentioning he was a retired cold case investigator, poring over these cold cases while drinking bourbon, “neat of course”. The repetition annoyed me some, but the victims and this Naso creep had me running to Google to dive down several rabbit holes. This is a quick listen. I give it 3.5 stars. I would give it 4 but I wasn’t impressed by the smarmy narration.

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not Forgotten Victims

Older cases, all sad, infuriating, but I like that the detectives still shine a light on those girls/women who have not been found. For that purpose, this format helps keep the victims from being 'lost girls' and, of course, I found myself googling the info....so it took me longer to finish the audio.

Killer is Joseph Naso, also known as Crazy Joe or the Double Initial Killer, is an American serial killer and serial rapist sentenced to death for the murders of at least four women. Still in prison, so maybe more bodies will come to light but Naso will probably die before he reveals anything from his "lists". Or they are found.
C1 - In the House of a Serial Killer
C2 - Girl from Berkeley
C3 - Joe Naso's Scam
C4 - The First Murder
C5 - Not Dark Yet
C6 - Girl on Mt Tam
C7 - The Coliseum
C8 - Lynn Connes
C9 - The Lost Girls

[daniel gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Currently reading, and it’s been a gripping and insightful read so far. Paul Holes’ firsthand perspective as a former investigator gives great insight into how he now has to rely on friends and former colleagues, and the challenges that come with continuing to help solve cases and bring closure to families.

The subject matter is heavy at times, but it’s handled with care and respect. It really highlights the complexity of these cases and the importance of the work behind them. You can truly see how much Paul Holes cares about the victims and their families, as well as the dedication of current officers.

Overall, I’d recommend it to anyone interested in true crime, especially fans of Paul Holes.

[Jackson Theofore Keys · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holes is a good narrator, but otherwise, this book was a bit boring. Holes tells the story of his investigation into Joe Naso, a serial killer in the Bay Area. However, what Holes describes is his failures, the FBI's successes, and a whole lot of bourbon drinking. This book, to me, felt like he was reminding people he was still trying to solve cases and to urge Naso to confess to his crimes before he dies. I'm sorry to say that few of the Lost Girls he covered were ever identified. I do hope that someone gets something out of Naso since he is holding onto a lot of needed information. But since Naso doesn't want to admit he's a killer, I have serious doubts about him confessing to more of his crimes. Thus, the book was rather depressing all around. 3 stars

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve had an old lady crush on Paul Holes for years! He is so intelligent, yet never overbearing or self important. I enjoyed the writing in this book. It was straight forward and he wears a bit of his heart on his sleeve. This guy has solved so many crimes by digging and digging into them. As a genealogist myself, I love how he searches for the missing pieces in the puzzle and uses the discoveries to bring peace to families. I don’t believe there is such a thing as closure, it’s a word bandied about, but I know that there must be a certain level of relief at least knowing. I couldn’t stand never finding my missing loved one. I listened to Paul’s podcast with Billy Jensen all the time and now I look forward to Buried Bones with Kate. Keep going, Paul. You’re a hero minus the cape.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting and fascinating listen. Opening up cold cases from decades ago and going through the details of trying to find out who murder these women as well finding their bodies, wow. Talking to the people involved in the case, the women's families, and hearing recordings of one of the murders waa gripping.
These may have been old cold cases, but this novel reminds us ladies; young and old,we always have to be aware of our surroundings. Don't meet random dudes alone and never go to a second location!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

True Crime from the retired voice of Paul Holes, following his journey of trying to solve all the cases that went cold. Serial Killer Joe Naso. Audible original. Quick listen. I want justice for all the women in the past and present who are missing and have had horrible experiences and mysterious deaths. Peace and comfort for the families that suffer, not knowing answers. It's amazing the minds and hearts of the investigators that spend countless hiurs trying to solve the cases. Prayers for all detectives.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's so weird for me to say I love true crime stories. But I do. And one of my favorite investigative storytellers is Paul Holes. Found him through a Podcast with Kate Winkler Dawson (another favorite storyteller!) and have been listening and reading his stories since. He's a retired investigator whose first hand experience makes the story that much more compelling. This one was too short! Haha but also very interesting to hear his process and how even in retirement he is still grinding away.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not generally into true crime, so i haven't got much to compare this too, but I really enjoyed this telling from Paul Holes. It was short, almost podcast-like and this kept me engaged, although sometime it felt over dramatised - this is an issue i have with a lot of true crime as it can feel a bit disrespectful to me. But i devoured this in just a couple of days and would read/listen to something similar as another break between long/heavy fantasy novels.

[Zoe Birt]

I heard about Paul Holes, a now retired cold case investigator, when the Golden State Killer was caught. I enjoyed this behind the scenes narrative of a (until relatively recently) cold case. It had an informal but detailed feel including interviews and recorded journal entries/monologues as the case unfolded. I found some parts repetitive, and of course, there are still some unknowns that are a bit unsatisfying, but all in all, it was a good read.

[Barbara Correa · Rating 4 out of 5]

True Crime da voz aposentada de Paul Holes, seguindo sua jornada de tentar resolver todos os casos que esfriaram.

Assassino em série Joe Naso. Quero justiça para todas as mulheres do passado e do presente que estão desaparecidas e tiveram experiências horríveis e mortes misteriosas. Paz e conforto para as famílias que sofrem, sem saber respostas. São incríveis as mentes e corações dos investigadores que passam inúmeras horas tentando resolver os casos. Orações por todos os detetives.

[Britt Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul is the best! He doesn’t have to work cold cases, but he does because he wants to bring people and answers home to their families. I didn’t know much about Nasso, so this was a very informative listen. I really enjoyed how conversational it was. I hope for a second part someday with more solves!

[Chrissy Rhodes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story and I appreciate Paul Holes's expertise in the area. The story arc left me with quite a bit to be desired. I still have a lot of questions about the MO and the stories of the women he was convicted of killing. This book maybe could have been better served as a podcast, where things could develop in real-time instead of having to be wrapped up at X date for publication.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This falls somewhere between a podcast and an audiobook, but it’s on Goodreads so I’m gonna count it as a book.

I thought this was an interesting view into an investigation unfolding and a reverse kind of whodunit. They know who did it but literally nothing else. And I enjoy listening to Paul Holes think aloud, so it was winner all around, even if there is not a deeply satisfying ending.