Customer Reviews
Exciting reading, but something missing. - By: , 30 Jan 1999 
Dr. Linda Laura Berfield Hazzard was my second great aunt. I truly enjoyed the book & the way Gregg created his scenes, but I felt the whole time I was reading it that there was something missing. I don't know quite what yet, but something is missing. The descriptions of the Pacific Northwest are great. I am my family's genealogist, & I was given Dr. Hazzard's name about the time Gregg's book came out. I have been to Ollala & could go right to the spot where Wilderness Heights was located. I do higly recommend this book for reading if you like true crime stories. (Would the person from Ferndale, WA get in touch with me, please? Thanks)
Thrilling Read! - By: , 19 Oct 1998 
This book is a tremendous mix of true crime & history. The story of Dr. Hazzard is surreal - it's hard to believe that the events in this book actuallly occurred. The book is well-written & fast-paced - I finished it in 2 days!
Atmospheric and entertaining - By: , 23 Jun 1998 
I found the book to be very atmospheric, especiallly in its descriptions of the Olallla area & the "sanitarium". The scenes of the crime are easy to envision & provoke a real chill. Not only is the book well written, it is very accurate. I'm a Pacific Northwest native, familiar with most of the settings, & in addition am familiar with some of the characters (personallly acquainted with some descendants). Olsen does a credible job in presenting the story of the "fasting specialist" murderess & makes the characters come alive. It was nice to read a true-crime book that did not rely on sensationalism to present such a macabre subject. Highly recommended!
A story that shows how truth is stranger than fiction. - By: , 24 Dec 1997 Starvation Heights is one of those stories that draws the reader in, & then does not let go! It tells of two wealthy sisters who are intrigued by a fasting cure in the country. The sisters become so interested they decide they must try it. The reader is led along with the sisters as they experience the cure. When the sisters are taken to the country near Port Orchard, Washington Gregg Olsen does a fantastic job of describing the surrounding area & making the reader feel a part of it. I found this book to be one that could not be put down until it was finished.
A story well told, but this reader hungered for more - By: , 29 Jul 1997 Starvation Heights tells the story of a British society woman who dies from the debilitating treatment prescribed by a crazed & determined "fasting specialist." The work is interesting in many ways. The author vivedly depicts metropolitan Seattle in the early twentieth century, describes medical standards during that time period, & illustrates the extent to which the nationality of a victim can affect a criminal prosecution. Unfortunately, the book begins slowly & ends with a whimper. Much more should have been added regarding post-trial events. Nevertheless, sandwiched between these rather mediocre end-pieces is a rather fascinating story which is well worth reading.
