Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of 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
eadieburke avatar reviewed on + 1639 more book reviews


In 1911 two wealthy British heiresses, Claire and Dora Williamson, came to a sanatorium in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, known as Starvation Heights, to undergo the revolutionary fasting treatment of Dr. Linda Burfield Hazzard. But within a month the women were emaciated and waiting for death. Linda Hazzard, a quack doctor of extraordinary evil and greed, stole their jewelry and forged bank drafts transferring their wealth to Hazzard's accounts. It is a true story and one of the most unusual and disturbing criminal cases in American history. I was really surprised at how many people were victims of Linda Hazzard and how many praised her even though so many died from her treatment. The book is very interesting but could have been shorter as things were repeated many times. I still, however, enjoyed it very much and would highly recommend it. Reading it with a group on Litsy added enjoyment to the experience. I will also be reading more from Gregg Olsen as his books look very interesting.