Author combines crime and news in his latest novel

Author combines crime and news in his latest novel. Leslieville author Robert Hoshowsky recently released his latest book, 'Unsolved: True Canadian Cold Cases'. Photo/COURTESY

"There's so much more to reality. I've always had an interest in seeing things get solved." said the 10-year Queen East and Coxwell Avenue area resident.

"I want to dig deeper and tell stories about real people, not just blood and gore."

Passionate about true crime, Hoshowsky spent the last two years penning a 272-page book about 12 unresolved cases of individuals who were either murdered or vanished.

Published in June, Unsolved: True Canadian Cold Cases looks at cases within the last 40 years, the majority of which didn't receive widespread media coverage or have since been forgotten.

"The thing that has always intrigued me and disturbed me is what happened to the families after these crimes," the former Maclean's writer/researcher shared during a recent interview.

"It's unfortunately how humanity can be battered by some unfortunate circumstances. The suffering continues to this day."

One of the most intriguing stories in Hoshowsky's book is that of Nicole Louise Morin of Etobicoke who disappeared July 31, 1985 and hasn't been seen or heard from since.

"It's literally as if she was transported someplace else. It's unbelievable," Hoshowsky said, noting not one piece of physical evidence was ever found pertaining to this case.

Some of the other missing persons profiled in Unsolved: True Canadian Cold Cases are Richard "Dickie" Hovey and Eric Jones who went missing in 1967; Susan Tice, Erin Gilmour and nine-year-old Sharin' Morningstar Keenan who all disappeared in 1983; and Domenic and Nancy Ianiero, a well-known Woodbridge couple slain at a Mexican resort in 2006.

Hoshowsky said one of the most fascinating aspects of putting together Unsolved: True Canadian Cold Cases was researching each case to come up with the most up-to-date information.

"Fortunately, because of my training in research I know where to look," he said.

"It's almost like a spiritual experience. You have to be open to the possibilities. I'm still floored to this day where I find information."

In 2007, Hoshowsky penned his first book, The Last to Die, which tells the stories of Ronald Turpin and Arthur Lucas, the last two people executed by hanging in Canada, as well as the end of capital punishment in Canada. The Last to Die was shortlisted for the prestigious Arthur Ellis Award.

In both instances, Hoshowsky said he made extra efforts to approach those affected by or involved in the cases with honesty and fairness.

"It's about trying to get things right. You're dealing with first-hand grief in many cases," he shared.

Hoshowsky isn't one to shy away from sensitive, complex and controversial subjects in his writing having always had a passion for current events.

"I got a real addiction for news at an early age," he said.

"And with crime, there's just so many cases. It's addictive."

Hoshowsky said he can't remember a time when he wasn't reading and learning.

"I grew up in a household with a lot of literature in it," said the Yonge and Lawrence native.

"My late mother was a voracious reader of both news and magazines. She could have been a very good writer."

He also credited his 88-year-old father for his creative and curious spirit. Hoshowsky said his father is a talented upholsterer, carpenter and metal worker. He's also got several family members involved in the arts, printing and business.

A full-time freelance journalist since 1989, Hoshowsky's work has appeared in more than 100 magazines and newspapers. He's also worked as a researcher and interview transcriber/reviewer for several prominent authors and as a researcher for the Canadian version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

Among other things, Hoshowsky is also currently working on a ghost-writing project for a well-known author.

A launch party for Unsolved: True Canadian Cold Cases is set for this September.