The Christmas Mystery

In 'Unmasked: My Life Solving America's Cold Cases', Paul Holes recounts his career as a cold case investigator, highlighting his work on high-profile cases such as the Golden State Killer, Laci Peterson's murder, and Jaycee Dugard's kidnapping. The book delves into the personal and professional aspects of his life, including the emotional toll of his work and the sacrifices he made to bring justice to victims and their families. Holes also discusses his innovative use of genealogy websites in solving crimes and his ongoing involvement in true crime media through TV shows and podcasts.

The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, is set in 17th-century Boston and revolves around Hester Prynne, a young woman who is publicly shamed for committing adultery. She is forced to wear a scarlet letter 'A' on her clothing as a symbol of her sin. The novel delves into themes of guilt, sin, redemption, and the strict moral codes of the Puritan community. Hester's husband, Roger Chillingworth, seeks revenge against her lover, Arthur Dimmesdale, a local minister who is wracked with guilt over his secret sin. The story explores the psychological and emotional suffering of the characters, ultimately leading to a dramatic public confession by Dimmesdale and the subsequent consequences for all involved. The novel is a classic moral study and a masterpiece of American literature, critiquing the hypocrisy and rigid moral standards of the Puritan society.