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Victims: The Kari Swenson Story
In 1984, Kari Swenson, one of America's top performers in the biathlon, a competitive sport that combines skiing and target shooting, was kidnapped while jogging near Big Sky, Montana. The kidnappers were Don and Dan Nichols, a father and son who lived in the wilds of Montana, hunting, raising some food and stealing the rest; intending to found a "tribe," they were characterized as "mountain men" by the media. During her rescue, Swenson was badly wounded, and one of her liberators was shot to death.
This book, by her mother, focuses on the effects of the tragedy on the athlete and her family. Few books have done such a compelling job of assessing the consequences of violent crime on its victims. Swenson required long-term physical therapy and psychological counseling and her family was deeply hurt. And although she attempted a comeback, her days as a leading biathlete were over.
This book, by her mother, focuses on the effects of the tragedy on the athlete and her family. Few books have done such a compelling job of assessing the consequences of violent crime on its victims. Swenson required long-term physical therapy and psychological counseling and her family was deeply hurt. And although she attempted a comeback, her days as a leading biathlete were over.
- GenresTrue Crime
420 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 1989
94 people want to read
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February 1, 2012
Sorry folks, here is the completed version--I did not realize "Save" meant "Publish" here.
Some books are intended to sell and create fame and fortune for the authors, while others are written simply to tell a story. Victims... falls into the latter as it details one of Montana's most notorious crimes: the abduction and rescue of young Kari Swenson.
In the summer of 1984, Ms. Swenson went trail running on a break from her job at a local ranch. During her run, she encountered a father and son who had been living in the mountains. The two had been looking for a female to kidnap, and Swenson was overpowered, restrained, and then forced into the wilderness.
The author, Kari's mother, describes the pain experienced by her daughter and their entire family from the frantic search to the capture and convicition of both men.
The book would appeal to those with a specific interest in victimology, the Swenson case, or law enforcement response to missing persons as it offers numerous examples of challenges in coordinating such a large investigation--one that was complicated by the international media attention that it received.
For all other readers, one could read about 1/2 the book and be content.
Overall, a good book, and an important one for the Swenson family voices to be heard.
Some books are intended to sell and create fame and fortune for the authors, while others are written simply to tell a story. Victims... falls into the latter as it details one of Montana's most notorious crimes: the abduction and rescue of young Kari Swenson.
In the summer of 1984, Ms. Swenson went trail running on a break from her job at a local ranch. During her run, she encountered a father and son who had been living in the mountains. The two had been looking for a female to kidnap, and Swenson was overpowered, restrained, and then forced into the wilderness.
The author, Kari's mother, describes the pain experienced by her daughter and their entire family from the frantic search to the capture and convicition of both men.
The book would appeal to those with a specific interest in victimology, the Swenson case, or law enforcement response to missing persons as it offers numerous examples of challenges in coordinating such a large investigation--one that was complicated by the international media attention that it received.
For all other readers, one could read about 1/2 the book and be content.
Overall, a good book, and an important one for the Swenson family voices to be heard.
Displaying 1 of 1 review