From the book’s cover: For twenty-five years, the trusted family doctor in a small Wyoming town had been raping and molesting the women and children who most relied on him. Mostly Mormons, the naive victims sometimes realized only on their wedding nights the truth about what had happened in Dr. Story’s office….
Doctor John Story was a strange, yet well-liked man in the Lovell, Wyoming community situated in the Big Horn Basin.
Considered a fine, upstanding Christian man, he treated many of the town’s residents; including those from the large Mormon population.
But there was a side he kept hidden. One that hated Germans, Mormons, and the indigent with such a passion that he believed he could lord over them, sexually violate them, and get away with it.
Or so the story goes.
Beloved true crime writer Jack Olsen takes readers into a town that lives a 1950s lifestyle in a 1983 world; where the free love of the hippies bypassed this deeply religious community.
Although in 2009 it appears that time has healed many wounds, the criminal conviction of John Story based on testimony alone – no physical evidence – almost created a war in the streets of this little town.
Even with 542 pages, Doc: The Rape of the Town of Lovell is a fast read. With an unbiased writing style and colorful details, Jack Olsen created a true crime masterpiece that won the 1990 Edgar Allen Poe award.
Unlike most true crime books, readers will disappointed to find there are no photographs contained within of those involved in this case. However, with intense descriptions, it’s not difficult to conjure up your own images.
Doc is a must read for true crime fans!
Updates on John Story: John Story was released from prison in 2001 at the age of 75.
Was John Story guilty? *The following is an editorial that may contain spoilers*
[spoiler]Throughout this book, I kept anticipating the arrival of physical evidence that would lead to an “Ah ha!” moment.
It never came.
Between several investigations, there was said to be at least 75 victims and as many as 121 who claimed to have been sexually violated by John Story.
Due to their religious beliefs and/or personal fears, many of the victims did not disclose such abuse until many, many years later.
The Mormon faith of a majority of the victims can make one ponder the accusation of a conspiracy. As most are well aware, the Mormon religion is notorious for standing behind their own.
So was he really guilty?
A jury believed that he was, as well as do I.
It’s obvious from the method by which he conducted his practice, his wife, and even religion that he has a controlling nature. And since rape is about power and control but not passion, his personality is the perfect breeding ground for a rapist.
In addition, it should be noted that a nurse from his practice prior to that established in Lovell claimed inpropriety with patience by Story. Said woman stood to gain nothing from her accusations and was sought out rather than coming forth with the information.
Lastly, many non-Mormon law enforcement officials essentially risked their jobs and life-long friendships to seek justice for Story’s victims. Many cops will tell you they follow their gut feelings when it comes to victims’ stories, so I believe that is why these men were willing to gamble it all – their gut told them these ladies weren’t lying.
By today’s standards, it would be difficult to get a jury to convict Story for these same crimes – assuming you could even get a warrant issued to begin with.
Fortunately, Story wasn’t tried today and one more sociopath was taken off the streets – if only for a while.[/spoiler]
