Robert Hoshowsky

I read this book via an Amazon-US KINDLE Unlimited download.

If you check my Amazon profile you’ll find I’m listed as being a TOP CONTRIBUTOR for True Crime books, signifying a true devotee of this genre of books. But, none of the murders or series of murders have been so sickening gruesome as the one written about in this book. This book covers the murder of Emanuel Jacques, a 12-year old shoeshine boy working the streets of Toronto, Canada, along with his older brother and a friend.

The infamy of this particular murder wound up changing the City of Toronto in 1977 with its sheer viciousness of the torture, and ultimate murder this innocent child had to endure. This murder had taken place in the Yonge Street strip in this city, an area much like the Times Square area had been during this same period, an area fraught with movie houses showing XXX-rated films, massage parlors, multiple bookstores selling the same merchandise; and of course, the high number of prostitutes cruising the streets vying for their next customer.

Egregiousness of this murder had its citizens not asking for, but demanding that something be done immediately to this otherwise beautiful city of Toronto.

While there has been a myriad of other endeavors to bring this story to light, like: fictional novels, songs, essays and even a book for children regarding the dangers of how young Emanuel got taken by his abductors, it has taken four decades to bring this true crime story into print.

Being, as I’ve already said, a devotee of this genre of books, I love the excruciating detail and research the author, Robert J. Hoshowsky, has done to bring this particular story to the public to read about. Mr. Hoshowky’s book diligently takes its readers from the recreation of the ruthless murder, through the astonishing press coverage and trial, and since there’s was no death penalty available for this crime, the author brings the story up to the present. Also covered in the book is the scandalous nature of the rehabilitation of area of Toronto.

For giving everyone who reads this book, the complete story of what is one of the most extraordinary cases in Canadian history of a sensational actual murder, I’ve given Mr. Hoshowsky and this book 5 STARS.… (mere)

Spanning the years from 1967 to the present, Robert J. Hoshowsky has selected sixteen cold cases either happened in Canada or happened elsewhere to Canadians, many very cold, of murders and disappearances, most still unsolved but remaining active. The oldest cases (1967) were solved during the writing of the book after 40 years. This book is not sensationalist, it is investigative reporting based on facts. Where facts aren't known theories and speculation are sometimes presented but are clearly defined as such. This book is for understanding, learning how to be vigilant, how to be aware of all around you. It is hoped to bring closure to families of victims who in turn are victims themselves.

I found this book to be interesting, factual, and often triggering memories of the times these events happened. It is well-written, respectful to the families and to the victim. At the same time it takes us through the changes of forensic capabilities through the years, such as solving a forty year cold case with DNA. There are also a few photos showing original and aged photos some of the missing. People tend to think that these cases get forgotten through the years. This book will prove otherwise.

I mentioned that the author has selected sixteen cold cases, two of which are now solved. There is also a mystery as the final selection. This one is not believed to be a case of foul play, although that has yet to be proven. This is the infamous case from British Columbia of the floating sneakers with socks and decaying feet in them. Beginning in 2007 to the present a total of eight floating shoes have turned up in various locations and at various times on the Pacific Coast of British Columbia, one found on a beach at Pysht, Washington. All are athletic shoes but different colours and brands, several were different sizes, some were men's, some were women's, some for right foot, some for left foot and all but one contained a decaying human foot. This one, the sixth foot found, was proven to be a hoax and contained a decaying (possibly animal) foot, not human.

A well-organized book that has been thoroughly research with the best of intentions, I was glad I had decided to read it.… (mere)