What was Taken: an untold story

by Carol Haack

A disturbing story of a devious serial despite his low IQ, David James Torgerson continually outwitted the mental health and justice system with tragic consequences for his eleven known victims. Set in the 1960's and 70's, this true crime novel begins with evocative coming-of-age stories that occurred in the author's life after being viciously attacked at the age of ten by a stranger to her. What was Taken then catapults readers into Torgerson's twisted and tragic murders including those of his wife, children and teen-age babysitter. Killing those close to him was his fatal mistake.

259 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2018

Reviews

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve known Carol Haack personally for many years and even got a mention in the book. Her twin brother, Curtis, and her lived across the alley from us in Austin. Her parents were wonderful, especially her Mom and yes, she was Daddy’s little girl. I always thought of Carol as a strong woman who was never afraid to speak her mind. She is a very talented writer who can clearly convey her story, as painful as it is. I knew about it but never all the details. I can’t imagine what she went through and has carried her whole life. This could happen to anybody and I hope more people take the time to read this great book.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

True and Straight Forward

First, I need to disclose that Carol Haack is a recent friend. She was introduced by a mutual friend. We are all from Austin, Minnesota, where the story of David Torgeson has its roots.

Carol has managed to take a trauma from her childhood and treat it in a detached and unbiased method making this book a fast and compelling read. I have such admiration for her ability to do this. The psychological aspects of the story are complicated. She doesn't attempt to solve all those mysteries. She does offer a concise telling of a horrifying narrative. Truth like this is the stuff of nightmares.

I would love to see this made into a movie. Fortunately, it is available to be read. Anyone interested in true crime, the inadequacies of our court system, or the effects of trauma on a small community should read this book. I highly recommend it.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was privileged to meet this author recently, and liked her instantly. I had not read the book at the time I met her, but rushed to add it to my kindle. This is a true crime story and she was a victim, she escaped death where others did not, and it is both her story, the killer’s, and the other, less fortunate victims. The impact this type of occurrence has on a life is astounding and we cannot even imagine what her life has been like . She is very accomplished, but she will always be THAT girl. My hat is off to her for her bravery in living her life AND for telling her story - reliving it for our benefit. (Not that she probably doesn’t relive it every day). This book is powerful and she is familiar to us - it could have been any of us. Think about that, and read this book!

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone with ties to southeastern MN in the 50s-70s will be interested to read this story. Great research into the facts about these cases and a very thought-provoking look at the way justice was (or was not) served by the plea-bargaining and work-release processes in the prison system as well as the mental health system. My family's from Austin, and my mother is nearly the same age as the author; she also lived in Rochester for several years at the same time Torgerson and his family lived there, so it was quite a distressing read in a number of ways. How might things have turned out differently if people had reported Torgerson to law enforcement for some of his activities around Austin (window peeping, etc) instead of calling his parents? We'll never know.

[Walter · Rating 4 out of 5]

First hand account told by a victim who survived, struggled and tells story of justice delayed. This is Minnesota tale told in Austin, Rochester and twin cities. Familiar sites of the Rochester State Hospital, Mayo Clinic and Olmsted county courthouse was where it took place. Even named people I had heard of back in 50, 60, 70’s. The author details each victim story, including her own. She knew “Sybil” Anderson whose mother would not let her play with the author in 7th grade. From the book Sybil. The psychiatrist that treated her was a guest speaker in one of my college classes.
Small world, huh!

[Heather Darby · Rating 5 out of 5]

My best friend while growing up was David torgerson's niece. The murders happened prior to her birth and I only remember it vaguely until I heard about it again as an adult. I knew the basics of the story and that her aunt and two cousins and their live in babysitter had been murdered by David. I was always curious to know the details surrounding it and it is very surreal to hear the names of people and businesses from your community. Carol brings the story to life and exposes huge lapses in our mental institutions and court system. I am so thankful she survived her ordeal and was able to tell the story!

[DeAnne · Rating 3 out of 5]

True crime story set in Minnesota (Austin, Rochester, the Cities) during the 60s and 70s. Story about a psychopath that strangled several women. A girl he strangled when she was ten, survived, and wrote this book later in her life. The writing isn't great - but, researching and writing the book was a catalyst to her healing. Hopefully, the criminal justice system has dramatically improved since this case.

[Kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disturbing true account of a mentally ill boy/man who gets away with murder far far too long. And the aftermath of the lives he left in his wake. This is one book that is available on Kindle Unlimited. Well written and worth a look into and kudos to the author who wrote an amazing and chilling look into her life as well as others.

[Constance Fournier · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been a while

I had to go back to the book and skim through it because its been a while since I read it. It kept my interest and was a pretty good book but it wasn’t something that really stuck with me. It was entertaining and easy read.

[Joaquin Larriba · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the heart of a rescued soul comes this true-life story; a miracle. Well written and thoughtfully crafted, "What Was Taken" propels you through events that are unthinkable, yet she survived. Worth reading. I highly recommend this wonderful book.

[Brigitte Bednar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the historical accounts and memories shared! I also found it fascinating to bear witness to the various facets of a sociopath. I was a bit distracted by numerous punctuation and grammatical errors, but otherwise flew through this page turner.

[Angela Barta · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the writing was a bit amateur, I enjoyed the store told in the book. It was about the unknown serial murderer from Rochester MN. If you like reading non-fiction and local history, I’d recommend this book.

[Sheryl Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! Our criminal justice system is broken and has been for years! Amazing tale of resilience by the author. Read it in one sitting (hard to put down).

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sad story about how the system failed for the victims of a serial killer, told by someone who was almost a victim.

[Debbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Poorly written. And there is no Zumbrota Falls. It is Zumbro Falls.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quitting early. Just doesn’t keep my interest. Some parts are way too detailed.