FOLLOW-UP TO THE #1 NATIONAL BESTSELLER 22 MURDERS
The truth about the deadliest criminal incident in Canadian history has remained untold—until now.
Investigative journalist Paul Palango’s 22 Murders examined the April 2020 shooting spree committed by Gabriel Wortman that began in Portapique, Nova Scotia, and ended thirteen and a half hours later when Wortman was shot dead by RCMP officers. The episode left numerous serious questions in its wake—most especially why was the killer able to evade police in such limited geography for so long?
Since then, the government called a public inquiry into the massacres—the Mass Casualty Commission. Though Palango unearthed a treasure trove of evidence pointing to the possibility that Wortman or someone close to him was acting as a police agent, the commission evaded all the big questions and let the RCMP off with a slap on the wrist. To this day, no one has been held accountable.
In this new book, Palango continues to crack the case, delving deeper into the evidence and testimonies of the witnesses who have been ignored. Drawing on his vast experience as an investigative reporter, he has mined the thousands of pages of commission documents to reveal the wall of secrecy and deceptions constructed by the RCMP and the criminal justice system, exposing new facts that may alter the public’s perception of what really happened.
A tour-de-force of reportage, Anatomy of a Cover-Up accomplishes what the commission set out to do—uncover the truth about the Nova Scotia massacres and bring long overdue justice to its victims.
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Anatomy of a Cover-Up: The Truth about the RCMP and the Nova Scotia Massacres
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Anatomy of a Cover-Up: The Truth about the RCMP and the Nova Scotia Massacres
“A gripping and deeply unsettling exposé. Palango’s writing is urgent, raw and unflinching. For readers interested in true crime, public accountability or Canadian politics, Anatomy of a Cover-Up is essential reading.” —Ottawa Life Magazine
Overall rating: 4.1666665 / 5 from 12 reviews.
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Reviews
The last investigative journalist we have?
"Shocking revelations of bungling and cover-up in the 22-murder massacre in Nova Scotia. And still, not the whole truth. Yet another truth: Palango is perhaps the last investigative journalist in Canada, refusing to let go."
— Elizabeth J. (4/5)
Absolutely mind blowing
"This book makes you rethink everything. . . a must read if you want to know the truth!!"
— Emily (5/5)
Anatomy of a Cover-up …
"Gifted the book but the recipient was excited to receive. They were from the east coast and had heard of the story."
— Cynthia (5/5)
Paul Palango tells us what the MCC and mainstream press should have!!!!
"Excellent! This book should never of HAD to be written but I am glad someone as knowledgeable and as dogged had the guts to do so! The public needed the answers this book provided, unfortunately there are still so many more that will likely remain hidden!"
— L. N. (5/5)
Devote some time to this read
"I came to this book with high expectations, as it is authored by an accomplished journalist and this sort of subject matter is a particular interest of mine. Unfortunately, however, I found that the message of the book was bogged down by filler text. Of course, I come to this book not to observe through the lens of academia, but rather as a critical citizen and that could easily explain away my reading experience. The book catered heavily to those wishing to break down every little detail and then some. I also found it a tad self-serving, which was interesting given the context in which the book exists within. Overall, I learned a lot over the course of this book and I don’t regret reading it, it’s just a very dense essay that required time and effort to parse out the important bits."
— Clara (4/5)
GOOD TITLE
"AN GREAT INSIGHT WAS TO WHAT HAPPENED THAT HORRIBLE NIGHT"
— Linda (3/5)
Do not read
"This book is not impartial. This author clearly has an agenda and a hate-on for the RCMP. If you are looking for an unbiased, fair, evidence based examination about the tragedy, then this is not it. I read 30 pages and I could not handle anymore. Will not finish. What I found humorous is that he even admits that he didn’t sit through any of the commission hearings and that many family members of the victims will not speak with him. This is not a sign of credible investigative journalist that is respected."
— Mark22 (1/5)
The Cover Up Continues
"Excellent book, with many documented details unknown to many residents and families. Nova Scotia was changed and damaged forever with this horrific massacre. It has gripped the people of Nova Scotia and kept us wondering why so many questions were unanswered. This book is actually the 2nd of hopefully another. This is a small province, and too many people know more than our government disclosed. Thank you to this brilliant writer, for documenting his research. My husband even called the author to discuss his research. First time for everything!"
— Sally (5/5)
Slow read
"Interesting theories. I found it hard to stay focused."
— Four L. (3/5)
Terrible cover up in Nova Scotia
"Amazing book certainly makes you reconsider some of your thoughts and answers a lot of questions"
— Joyce (5/5)
Q&A
Published date: Jun 10, 2025
Language: English
No. of Pages: 480
Publisher: Random House Of Canada
ISBN: 9781039010123
Dimensions:
6.0" W x
1.3" L x
9.0" H
PAUL PALANGO is a veteran investigative journalist. He started his career at the Hamilton Spectator, his hometown newspaper. In 1977, he joined the Globe and Mail as a reporter, and between 1983 and his resignation in 1990, he served successively as its sports editor, Metro editor, and, eventually, national editor. During his tenure at the Globe, Palango’s reporters swept the Centre for Investigative Reporting Awards in five consecutive years. In 1989, he accepted the Michener Award on behalf of the Globe.
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