Book ~ "The Beatle Bandit" (2021) Nate Hendley

From Goodreads ~ On July 24, 1964, twenty-four-year-old Matthew Kerry Smith disguised himself with a mask and a Beatle wig, hoisted a semi-automatic rifle, then held up a bank in North York, Ontario.

The intelligent but troubled son of a businessman and mentally ill mother, Smith was a navy veteran with a young Indigenous wife and a hazy plan for violent revolution.

Outside the bank, Smith was confronted by Jack Blanc, a former member of the Canadian and Israeli armies, who brandished a revolver. During a wild shootout, Blanc was killed, and Smith escaped - only to become the object of the largest manhunt in the history of the Metropolitan Toronto Police Force.

Dubbed “The Beatle Bandit,” Smith was eventually captured, tried and sentenced to hang. His murderous rampage had tragic consequences for multiple families and fuelled a national debate about the death penalty, gun control, and the insanity defense.

I like reading true stories, especially Canadian, and this one is about the life and crimes of Matthew Kerry Smith, a Canadian bank robber whose actions became the focus of national attention in the 1960s. 

The book centres on Smith's July 24, 1964, robbery of a bank in North York, Ontario, where he disguised himself with a mask and a Beatle-style wig. The robbery ended in a street gunfight with Jack Blanc, a military veteran who confronted Smith after obtaining a firearm from the bank. Blanc was killed and Smith escaped, prompting what became one of the largest manhunts in the history of the Metropolitan Toronto Police Force. 

Hendley traces Smith's background, including his family life, military service, personal relationships and earlier criminal activity, drawing on court transcripts, police records, newspaper accounts, interviews and other historical documents. It follows Smith's capture, trial and conviction, with attention to the arguments surrounding his mental health and criminal responsibility. The book also explores the broader impact of the case, describing how it contributed to public and political discussions in Canada about gun control, the insanity defence, capital punishment and the use of firearms in banks. At the end of the book, the author tells what happened to everyone, including Smith's family. 

I thought this was an interesting story, especially since it happened here in Toronto.  It was obvious the author did a lot of research.  I liked the writing style ... there was just enough information provided without being too detailed. 

Book ~ "The Boy on the Bicycle" (2018) Nate Hendley

From Goodreads ~ On the night of September 15, 1956, seven-year-old Wayne Mallette, was brutally murdered on the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto. The chief suspect was a “boy on a bicycle” seen pedalling away from the CNE.

Investigators zeroed on 14-year-old Ronald Moffatt, a former CNE employee who had the poor timing to run away from home shortly after the murder.

Moffatt was located, arrested and interrogated. He eventually confessed and was convicted.

The problem was, Moffatt couldn’t ride a bike and didn’t commit the crime. The real killer abused and murdered two more children, using his bike as a lure.

A shocking true story about a coerced confession, fumbled police investigation, a miscarriage of justice, and the star lawyer who fought to free Moffatt from custody.

"The Boy on the Bicycle" is based on police files, interviews, original newspaper coverage, reports, books and documentaries.

Seven-year-old Wayne Mallette and his family were visiting his grandmother in Toronto in September 1956.  He was bored and wandered towards the CNE grounds.  On the way he met a teenager on a bicycle, who beat him up and suffocated him with his face in the dirt there.  Moments later a teenager on a bicycle stopped a watchman at the CNE grounds and asked strange questions before pedalling off.

Ron Moffatt was 14 at the time and had spent that evening at a movie theatre.  He had a troubled home life and when he skipped school one day, he thought he would get in trouble so hid.  The police were looking for the "boy on the bicycle" so when they found Ron, who kind of fit the description, he assumed they were truant officers and went with them.  They were, in fact, Toronto police officers.   So sure were they that Ron was the teenager who had killed Wayne, they disregarded all the evidence and pressured Ron into admitting he did it.  He was sentence and sent to a juvenile facility.

In the meantime, teenager Peter Woodcock had a history of abusing young children and killed two while Ron was in custody.  He had no friends and his prize possession was his bicycle.  When he was caught, he admitted to killing Wayne and that's what got Ron released.  

At the end of the book, the author tells what happened to everyone, including the police officers, lawyers, etc.  Ron had depression issues and eventually sought help.  He got married a couple times and had children.  Peter spent the rest of his life in a psychiatric institution north of Toronto.

I thought this was an interesting story, especially since it happened not far from where I live.  It was obvious the author did a lot of research.  I liked the writing style ... there was just enough information provided without being too details.  The editing could have been better, though, as there were typos and grammatically errors.

Book ~ "Toronto Book of Everything" (2009) ~ Nate Hendley

From Amazon ~ From Hogtown to capital city and Leafs Nation, from cold wet winters to desperately humid summers, from Blackberry-addicted Bay Street financiers to profiles of Ed Mirvish, Glenn Gould, David Cronenberg and Rush, no book is more comprehensive than the Toronto Book of Everything. No book is more fun! Well-known Torontonians weigh in on what they love about their city. Linda Leatherdale reveals her top five places to power lunch; Chef Jamie Kennedy shares five ways Toronto inspires his menus; Paul Godfrey tells us who the top Toronto powerbrokers are; John Sewell points out five Toronto buildings not to miss; and Kevin O'Leary shares his uniquely Toronto innovations. From Bay Street slang and the Great Toronto Fire to immigrant city and Pride Toronto, it’s all here! Whether you are a native Torontonian or visiting for the first time, there is simply no more complete book about Toronto. If you love Toronto (even just a little bit), you'll love the Toronto Book of Everything.

Quick fun read for anyone who lives in Toronto or is planning a visit.

You know you're from Toronto when ...

• Finding a great parking spot can move you tears.
• When the temperature rises to 5C, you yell, "Woohoo! Patio weather!"
• You know that Russell Oliver pays cold hard cash for your used gold and diamonds.
• You know what the PATH is and can find your way around it.
• You know where you were during the 2003 Northeast Blackout.