Customer Reviews

Starvation Heights: A True Story of Murder and Malice in the Woods of the Pacific Northwest

5 star:		(46)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This true crime is not your usual blood and gore but the detailed lives of two sisters caught in a web of lies, deceit and murder. The author makes all of the principal characters interesting and compelling and I felt that I was there rooting for the good guys to win. Absolutely wonderful, terrific read, can't put it down. Totally compelling. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to be quiet for a few days.

This well-crafted book is a fine example of investigative reporting at its best. Taking events from nearly a hundred years ago, the author makes the story come alive for readers of today. Those who like the true crime genre will especially enjoy this book about a bizarre murder.

In Olalla, Washington, in 1911, Claire and Dora Williamson, two wealthy British sisters on holiday in the United States, were bamboozled by a Dr. Linda Burfield Hazzard, who sold them on the idea of fasting as a cure for their minor ailments. The two sisters enthusiastically adopted the doctor's solution, and therein the groundwork was laid for the tragic events that were to unfold. Although Claire was more gung-ho than Dora on the idea of fasting as a way to better health, where one sister led, the other was sure to follow, as they were so close.

The sisters underwent the doctor's restrictive dietary regimen, becoming wraiths of their former selves in the process, and the treatments that they received at the hands of the doctor were brutal. Trapped and isolated in the doctor's sanitarium, which was located in the woods of the Pacific Northwest, the sisters were at the mercy of the doctor. Although a secret cry for help was sent to a faithful family retainer, for one of the sisters help would arrive too late.

The author describes the efforts that were made to bring this so-called doctor to justice. It was interesting to discover that the doctor had no medical training but was licensed by the state of Washington to practice as an osteopath. Moreover, so skeletal would her patients become that the local yokels would refer to the doctor's sanitarium as "Starvation Heights". It is little wonder that a number of the patients died, usually the wealthy ones. So, the sisters were not the only victims of this "doctor's" hubris, chutzpah, and greed. It would be the surviving sister, however, who would ensure that this did not happen to anyone else, ever again.

The book is certainly well-researched, and the author paints a compelling picture of a bygone era and the pure quackery that passed as medical know-how. He also paints vivid portraits of those who were to play a part in the rise and fall of Linda Burfield Hazzard. Those readers who are interested in the true crime genre will find themselves compulsively turning the pages of this well-written book.

This book is a tremendous mix of true crime and history. The story of Dr. Hazzard is surreal - it's hard to believe that the events in this book actually occurred. The book is well-written and fast-paced - I finished it in 2 days!

Dr. Linda Burfield Hazzard is a name one will never forget after reading this unique true crime story. Set in the early 1900's, the so called Dr. takes advantage of the sick and wealthy by providing a new "fasting treatment" that eventually leads to their deaths.

However, through one woman's courageous battle for life and to avenge her sister's death because of the starvation cure, Dr. Hazzard is brought to justice.

As an avid reader of true crime, I was amazed at this story. It is truly hard to imagine the likes of Linda Hazzard and the fact that something so sinister occurred at the turn of the century. Linda is a cold hearted woman who stops at nothing, not even murder, to attain notoriety, wealth and fame.

Although Linda is found guilty of her crimes, it is ironic that she only serves a few years in the penitentiary and comes away with writing books about her cure and begins to practice her starvation cure once again.

This is a book one cannot not put down as it is well written and researched, and the reader begins to empathize for those who lost their precious lives because true medicine had failed in the quest to become healthy.

I am an avid reader of true crime books. This is one of the best I've read. Even though I live not far from Fergus Falls, MN, I had never heard of Mrs. Burfield Hazzard (NOT *Doctor* Hazzard - the woman was a sharlatan!) A fascinating saga - I recommend to all./TundraVision, Amazon Reviewer

This book is utterly fascinating. And while I think this phrase is often overused, I simply could not put this book down. When I was away from it, I was constantly thinking about when I would have time to read it again, and at the same time, not wanting it to end.
The journalistic detail in this book is second to none. The reader is completely transported back in time--and into the heart of a dark story. It is hard to believe this story is true, but it makes reading it all the more exciting and fascinating.
While some purists shy away from "true crime", I enjoy it--but I am extremely selective in what I read. The writing must be as good as the story. "Starvation Heights" does not dissapoint in this area. This is investigative reporting and writing at it's best. Fans of true crime will be thrilled to read such a well written account, and those who don't typically read true crime will find this story reads like a novel.
I cannot recommend this book enough, and I guarantee that for whatever reason you decide to read it, you will NOT be disappointed.

Gregg Olsen's suburb writing style is very well protrayed in this riviting true crime story set in the rural town of Olalla, Washington in the early 20th century. A must read for anyone!

I'm a bit of a historical true crime buff (even have my own blog on the subject), and this is leaps and bounds the best historical true crime book I have read. It is top notch in research and telling, and as other readers have mentioned-you will NOT forget this book and the horrors the sisters endured.

As good as a good fiction novel, Starvation Heights is not to be missed.

Misery and death at a 1911 sanitorium. It sounds like the "Road to Wellville" takes a dark turn. Again, diet or lack of in this case seems to be the cure for everything. Starvation Heights has all the workings of a great fiction novel. The Williamson sisters are easily led, Dr Linda Hazzard is manaical/well meaning, her husband is weak. These characters are well fleshed out by The author, The backdrop is well laid out. The only problem with this story is it is not fiction at all. These bizarre people actucally exsisted and this bizarre story actually happened. I have been waiting for someone to come along with the good sense to make this book into a movie. Gregg Olson proves that Fact is truly stranger than fiction!

I devoured this book in one day. It was a simply irresistable read, due in no small part to Olsen's lyrical prose. His writing is delicious in its depth and descriptive detail.

Not since Capote's "In Cold Blood" has the art of the nonfiction novel been so well served.

This is a "must read" for the nonfiction enthusiast as well as those seeking a delightfully sinister read.