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

Starvation Heights: A True Story of Murder and Malice in the Woods of the Pacific Northwest is a gripping true story about Claire and Dora Williamson, and the sinister “doctor” Dr. Linda Burfield Hazzard (not a doctor) and her unorthodox fasting technique that she claimed could heal anything that ails you. She had disturbing techniques- fasting (starving), hours long enemas, and vigorous massages. The locals called it Starvation Heights, as they knew about the fasting and the emaciated ‘patients’ of Dr. Hazzard.

Gregg Olsen brings the horrors of this case of medical murder to life. A woman who is licensed by the state of Washington as a fasting specialist who preyed on the wealthy looking for cures for their illnesses. How she stole their belongings and in their weakened states signed everything over to her and her husband. Even when charged and during her court case, she stood proud, arrogant, and only showed anxiety when things looked dire for her.

Dora and Claire were not her first victims nor her last. This is a harrowing tale of one in power and how she mistreated and deceived those who trusted her. I found this true story to be fascinating. Dore and Claire were interested in/fans of alternative medicine. There were those who claimed Dr. Hazzard healed them, there were those she killed. I was fascinated by those who didn’t feel what she was doing was wrong and how others still came to her to be cured after what she was doing became known.

Fascinating and gripping, this was another riveting book by Olsen.

Thank you to Thread Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.