Hostage in the House: Most Horrific Gang Murder in Saskatchewan History

by Lisa G. Joy

235 pages, Paperback

Published July 15, 2024

Reviews

[Kelly P · Rating 3 out of 5]

The work of the author is admirable, however, it is in serious need of a strong editor.

There are spelling, syntax, or grammatical errors on nearly every page, including inconsistent spelling of people's names. The book reads more as a series of articles about this case, with many facts repeated in multiple chapters.

The "sources" are all articles written by the author.

I appreciated the sections on how the province and RCMP are tackling gang activity and the chapter about how folks can get support to leave a gang.

[Megg J · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very short, very easy to read and VERY repetitive. Props to the author for taking this story on and doing her best, being the only reporter allowed into the court room for multiple trials. This would of definitely been hard to witness first hand. What Tiki went though in her last days was a horrible horrendous act of gang violence.
★I was given this book to read by a close friend who said "crazy what they did to her" - im a sucker for a good true crime book and this one takes place in the small city of North Battleford Saskatchewan thats only about 30mins away from where I live!! I remember hearing all about this story on the news when the court sessions were going on. I also know a few people who know first hand one of the convicted. Small world.. I tell yah.
★Very detailed descriptions of the events, charges laid and the crazy high amount of crime that goes on in this small prairie city.

☆☆This book is very repetitive, easily skipped multiple pages about half way i totally skimmed and feel 100% confident i didnt miss any new facts. Its also in need of some serious editing, multiple spelling errors including names, grammar and punctuation missing!

[Shelby Harder · Rating 1 out of 5]

The shocking content definitely kept me turning the pages, clearly. I read it in one sitting. . But as I kept reading, I couldn't shake the feeling that I wasn’t reading a carefully crafted novel, it felt more like a collection of Facebook posts and tabloid headlines strung together. Not only that, the author repeated herself frequently. To the point I thought I had a misprint.

The author could have spent time diving into the gangs histories.

[Stacy]

Not my usual book type, but it gave a unique insight to a Saskatchewan problem - growing gang violence. The majority of the book was about one specific gang murder, but the end of the book talked about gang life and rehabilitation. The sad reality of the violence that exists within Saskatchewan is very obvious. Definitely not the most well written book with lots of repetition, but I guess the journalist was attempting to present multiple points of view.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a lot more than Lisa Joy had in her news stories. Way more information. She names more of those involved who witnessed the murder but weren't charged. She also puts in a lot of photos in the book that she didn't in her news stories.

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Needs a stronger editor. Essentially a compilation of her newspaper articles. A couple new things mainly relating to Tanisha, but not much about Tiki that wasn’t covered in the paper.

[Gail Kowblick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could have been a bit more background on the gang and its members.

[Melissa Leason · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is choppy and messy and repeats itself constantly. It could have been really good. However, the writing was terrible.