Vanished: Cold-Blooded Murder in Steeltown

by Jon Wells

It is Easter weekend, 1999. A rookie uniformed cop responds to a call of "suspicious circumstances" in a working class neighbourhood inn Hamilton, Ontario. The cop meets a woman who is afraid to go near bags left for garbage outside the house of a man named Sam Pirrera. The cop confirms the woman’s worst the bags contain pieces of human tissue. The call for backup goes out and a homicide investigation begins. But who is the victim? Where is the rest of the body? The prime suspect is Pirrera, a steelworker whose inner demons and capacity for violence are inflamed by his addiction to crack cocaine. He cannot tolerate women leaving him, but several have tried to do so, including his first wife, his current estranged wife, and two women who have recently visited his house on dates. How far is he willing to go to stop them? Led by driven investigator Peter Abi-Rashed, who once chased teenage Sam Pirrera on the streets of Hamilton’s east end, police ultimately learn the unspeakable truth, uncovering a case that shocks even veteran homicide and forensic investigators. Award-winning journalist and author Jon Wells takes readers into the heart of a real-life crime scene investigation and into the chaotic mind of a murderous control freak. Wells, Canada’s top true mystery writer, crafts a novelistic story that is true in every detail, at once darkly disturbing and deeply moving.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Mystery

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Jane Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

True Crime

Jon Wells writes a good book. In this one he tells the story of Alan who killed his wife and another woman. The story is long and sad, especially considering the children involved.

[Bill reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vanished is a creepy but well told story of Sam Pirrera, a crack addict who killed a fellow coke head and sliced and diced the unfortunate young woman into little pieces. It is not a whodunit, but more of a why did he do it. Wells keeps it rolling smoothly with a good eye for detail. I was taken in from the first page and remained so to the final page. Many of my fellow Catholics are involved here and our practices and beliefs are well covered. Canada turns out not to be as laid back as we believe here in America, the serial murder capital of the world. I highly recommend Vanished.

[Clued-in With A Book (Elvina Ulrich) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Case: On an Easter weekend 1999, Rookie Hamilton Police Constable Kathy Stewart responded to a call about suspicious circumstances at 12 Burns Place, Hamilton, Ontario. When she arrives, the woman who made the call led Kathy to a green garbage bag left at the side of the house belongs to a man named Sam Pirrera. What Kathy discovers in the bag confirms everyone's worst fear - human body parts. Hence, a homicide investigation begins.

My thoughts: This is the second book I've read by Jon Wells, and oh boy, his writing got me deeply immersed into the story. It was written in a novelistic style without sensationalizing the crime. I really liked how he presents the facts and complex content in an engaging and concise way. I appreciate how the voices of the victims and their families were heard in this story.

The forensic investigation by police forensic detectives Ross Wood and Gary Zwicker was incredible! The commendable police work by Detective Peter Abi-Rashed would later uncover more disturbing details related to this case.

Overall, this was an excellent read. It was a disturbing case that shocked even veteran investigators since it happened just six years after the infamous Ontario case of Bernardo and Homolka - The Ken & Barbie Killers.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I finished my original October read ahead of schedule, I started my November read a little early, and it was so good, I finished it within a week making it my 2nd book read for October. 🙌🏼 I picked “Vanished: Cold-Blooded Murder in Steeltown” by Jon Wells; I had never read anything by this author before, but I enjoy true crime a lot, and since it was a crime in the city I reside (Hamilton, Ontario, Canada), I thought I’d give his writing a try. 🙂 I was absolutely riveted by this book, from the 1st page to the last page, I had a tough time putting it down. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Wells has a true understanding of his genre & provides the material in a creative in-depth style that is very enjoyable & easy to read. He makes the reader feel as though you know the people involved, from the victims to the perpetrator, to the detectives on the case & even the family of the victims. 🤯 Almost from the start, we know who the killer is, but the author takes such detail in laying out the crime as well as the after-math to give the reader an understanding and insight into the people involved (it’s not so much a whodunit as it is a whydunit). 🤔 I can definitely seeing myself reading more books by Jon Wells. 📚 I recommend this book, even if you are not a fan of true crime stories, because this one will have you hooked on the entire genre! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Beth Shuler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beyond pleased

I must admit I didn't know what to think about this author or the book. I had never read anything by him. I tend to stick to authors I know. But I am so pleased with this author. I am actually beyond pleased and somewhat speechless! I did not want to put this book down! I found myself almost feeling like I knew the people and the event, that is how good he writes. He makes you feel like you are involved in some way or you know the people and story! I will definitely be looking forward to reading more books from Mr. Wells.... If you are looking for a good book that is also well written then look no further!!

[Dwayne MM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book at a local book store and remembered following this case in the newspapers and on television here in the GTA (greater Toronto area). Jon Wells is reminiscent of another great local Canadian true crime writer, Max Haines, whose columns I read when they were featured in the Toronto Sun newspaper every Sunday . Such a horribly sad story for the families involved, especially the Davidson family.

[Lorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty interesting

story. Not necessarily in chronological order, which worked okay, but not my favorite style of writing. I think of writers like Ann Rule, M. William Phelps as preferable writing styles. However, this is the first time I've read anything from this author, so would like to have given it 3.5 stars, but not an option here. Definitely worth the read though.

[Deanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from the beginning to the end. It was detailed and let us glimpse into the lives of a murderer and his victims. It is heartbreaking to read about the victims, but it also shows how an ordinary person can turn into a monster, when using drugs. Would highly recommend this book.

[Ronnie Cramer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really weird murder case from Hamilton, Ontario. I found it sad, not for the usual 'true crime reasons,' but because of the way events affected the innocent children in the families involved.

[Shannon Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written. Love this author.

[Megh Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book reads like an editorial for The Hamilton Spectator, most definitely falls short in investigative true crime reporting.

[April Plourde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found it interesting! I had a hard time putting it down.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-4 stars

[Kristen Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love true stories, you NEED to read this book! It did take a little to get in to at first with the back and forth of different times, but it was a book I couldn’t put down!!! Quick read too

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty dry. Very sad.

[Dexter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Backstory: I got this book by mistake.

I ordered a manga, and got this instead. They refunded my money, told me to keep the book, but still wouldn't give me my manga. I pitched a hissy fit and then read the book, hoping it would be terrible so I could continue throwing a fit.

I don't normally read a lot of true crime, but I'm not sure why. I'm a big fan of forensic mysteries, and the more realistic they are the better (I can't stand dramatized portrayals of forensic science). As I read the first few chapters of Vanished, I found myself getting irritated because it wasn't much of a mystery. The killer was caught almost immediately and there was no doubt that he did it. So what was the rest of the book supposed to be about?

A lot. I really like that Jon Wells actually told the story in the order that it was discovered. It really was like I was sitting in the passenger seat of the police car, learning at the same pace as the task force.

I like true crime because of its obvious realism (and perhaps I have a morbid fascination with real life horrors), but I wish, probably along with everyone else, that I could see the inner thoughts of all of the people. Not just the murderer, but everyone. I trust the physical evidence, but I'm always doubting witness accounts. Sure Danielle said this, but was it true? Why should I trust her? But I can't fault Wells with this, as there's just no way to know.

Anyway. It was good.

[Meaghan Paulionis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read, kept me interested. Nothing spectacular but not all books need to be.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book to read. Well written! Reading this book and knowing that these murders occurred in a city not far from home made it all the more interesting. Unfortunately for the victims and their families such acts of violence do occur and happen close to home. I look forward to reading other Jon Wells books.

[Erika Nerdypants · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little book about an interesting murder case, made all the more interesting because it happened here in my hometown of Hamilton, and so all the haunts are familiar. The writing was clear, just what you want in True Crime, and the only complaint I would voice, is that it isn't long enough.

[Lenore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book years ago under this old title. Today it is called To The Grave. This chilling murder happened only blocks from where I live. Jon Wells' books read like newspaper features and are concise and to the point. I've read all of them for the local history interest.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

It certainly is neat reading about a true story in your own town. Reading about all the streets and venues you have frequented yourself!

[Krys · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent crime novel

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

True story, just too close to home... good read