Boook ~ "The High Road: Confessions of a Homicide Cop" (2026) Hank Idsinga

From Goodreads ~ From the age of ten, Hank Idsinga knew he wanted to become a homicide detective, when he learned that his grandfather had been murdered by the Nazis in the Second World War. He prepared to be a police officer his entire youth and soon found himself in ill-fitting suits training for the job. More than competent - smart, incisive, caring, respectful - Idsinga ingratiated himself to his fellow officers and to his superiors. He was as capable of tracking down a getaway man as he was informing a mother that her son, lost to crime, would never return home. Idsinga found himself at the center of some of the most notable crimes in recent Toronto history, from the Jane Creba shooting on Boxing Day to shootouts on Yonge Street to helping track down some of the most vicious serial criminals the city has ever seen.

But it was in homicide that Hank Idsinga would prove such a vital asset to the Toronto Police Services. Idsinga teamed up with his partners, including future chief of police Mark Saunders, on many murder calls - some one-offs, others more nefarious - taking in the scene with his excellent recall, finding the motive and the method faster and more insightfully than most. Idsinga and his team of seasoned detectives participated in taking down some of the worst Toronto has to offer, perhaps none more so than serial killer Bruce McArthur, who had terrorized the gay village for years. Idsinga became the public face for that investigation, and despite the criticism of the police force’s handling of the murders, Idsinga always appeared strong and compassionate in front of the media’s camera flashes.

I like reading memoirs and bios/autobios and also true crime. This memoir was especially interesting because it happened here in Toronto. 

Hank Idsing is a former Toronto homicide detective who spent three decades with the Toronto Police Service. This book traces his journey from a childhood decision to become a detective after learning that his grandfather was murdered during the Holocaust to eventually leading one of Canada's most prominent homicide units. Idsinga talks about his career investigating murders, gang violence, shootings and serial homicide cases in Toronto. He describes the realities of police work, the challenges of solving complex crimes and the emotional impact that violent deaths have on victims' families, investigators and communities.

This memoir also talks about several high-profile Toronto cases, including the investigations surrounding the murders committed by serial killer Bruce McArthur, for which Idsinga became a public spokesperson. I remember most of the cases he spoke about so it was interesting to get the inside scoop on them. He also mentions the racism and favouritism that exists within the police force. I liked the writing style. I found it to be honest and interesting. As a head's up, there is swearing.

“Primary Trust”, Crow's Theatre, Toronto

Gord and I saw Primary Trust at Crow's Theatre this afternoon. 

It was very good! The simple set was used well. The four actors were excellent, with 2 playing different characters convincingly. 

For years, Kenneth has found solace in the mundane routine of his daily life—days spent working at a local bookshop, evenings spent nursing a single mai tai at his favorite bar. 

But when the shop closes and he suddenly finds himself without a job, his carefully ordered world is upended. With nothing left to anchor him, Kenneth must step beyond the quiet life he’s built and confront the fears, dreams, and unspoken grief that have kept him at a standstill.

Happy Gotcha Day, Crumpet!

15 years ago today Gord and I adopted Crumpet, our feisty girl, from Annex Cat Rescue.