Starvation Heights

The shocking true-crime story of two orphaned sisters who arrived at a health retreat as patients ­– but only one would ever make it out alive… An extraordinary and gripping account of the starvation doctor from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of If You Tell.

In 1911 two British heiresses, Claire and Dora Williamson, read a brochure about a revolutionary fasting treatment that promised a lifetime of good health. The sanatorium in the village of Olalla, west of Seattle, was surrounded by a beautiful forest, sparkling waters and fresh air. The sisters agreed it sounded perfect and exactly the restorative holiday they needed.

But within a month of arriving, under the supervision of Doctor Linda Burfield Hazzard, Claire and Dora began to realise the frightening truth – they were not patients but prisoners at the isolated sanitorium.

Starved and on the edge of death, the sisters made several desperate attempts to escape. But only one would ever make it out alive.

Chilling and harrowing, Starvation Heights is a story of two vulnerable sisters, and how they were manipulated by a cunning and dangerous doctor into believing that her monstrous treatments would ‘cure’ them. Will totally hook fans of The Five and The Devil in the White City.

What readers are saying about Starvation Heights:

“A fascinating turn-of-the-century story of medical malpractice and murder. If you liked The Alienist, you’ll find Starvation Heights all the more gripping because this story is true.” Michael Connelly

“An engrossing and compelling look at a shocking crime in another era. Olsen’s deft touch takes us back to the early 1900s so cleverly that reading Starvation Heights is akin to stepping into a time machine.” Ann Rule

“One of today’s true-crime masters.” Caitlin Rother, New York Times bestselling author

“Grab a glass of wine and buckle up… If you’re into dark true crime, this is the book for you!” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I couldn’t put it down.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“One of the best books I have read in a long time.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Fascinating… a must read for any true crime or history buff.”Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Mind blowing.” NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A blistering good tale… mind boggling… a definite winner for fans of true crime, mystery and thrillers and one I will be reflecting on for a long time.”Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A wonderful true crime read.”NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“In depth and well researched you will find yourself immersed… I found myself completely wound up in it and felt like I was in the courtroom. Terrific.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“True crime masterpiece… highly disturbing yet riveting and unusual.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I absolutely loved this!… so disturbing and fascinating.”Nicoles.novel.obsession, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Olsen has done it again… remarkably detailed… not a book I will soon forget.”Inky Book reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐