Utterly unique in its astonishing intimacy, as jarringly frightening as when it first appeared, Ann Rule’s The Stranger Beside Me defies our expectation that we would surely know if a monster lived among us, worked alongside of us, appeared as one of us. With a slow chill that intensifies with each heart-pounding page, Rule describes her dawning awareness that Ted Bundy, her sensitive coworker on … on a crisis hotline, was one of the most prolific serial killers in America. He would confess to killing at least thirty-six young women from coast to coast, and was eventually executed for three of those cases. Drawing from their correspondence that endured until shortly before Bundy’s death, and striking a seamless balance between her deeply personal perspective and her role as a crime reporter on the hunt for a savage serial killer — the brilliant and charismatic Bundy, the man she thought she knew — Rule changed the course of true-crime literature with this unforgettable chronicle.
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Imagine being a true crime writer… who discovers that someone you work with is one of the most notorious serial killers of all time! Anyone interested in true crime needs to pick up this definitive work on Ted Bundy by one of the best authors in the murder business
After reading literally dozens of books about Ted Bundy,” The Stranger Beside Me” is still the least dramatic most informative book about what Bundy was like when not on “the hunt”. I believe that my favorite statement by Ms. Rule concerning her work on the helpline was how scary the old home where she and Bundy volunteered was, and how safe she felt because of Bundy’s presence there with her. This book is a “must read” for any true crime enthusiast.
My obsession with serial killers was fueled by this Ann Rule book. You can’t go wrong with anything she wrote, but her personal connection to Ted Bundy made this a compelling “must read” for true crime fans.
From Ann Rule’s time as a law officer to crime rag reporter to volunteer at a hotline, this book details the before, during and after of a dangerous and diabolical killer in a way no one else could do. This may be a far better way to learn the story of this animal rather than the new TV series about the woman who was smitten with him. Ann Rule does this story justice without glorifying a murderer.
Ann Rule writes from the point of view of one who worked closely with Ted Bundy at a crisis hotline call center. She said Ted was such an intelligent, charming and upstanding gentleman, he would be the type she would want her daughter to marry. That is until she found out about his dark side and the many murders he committed. She gives great insight into his family life and background and what he was like as a colleague and friend.
I absolutely loved this book, so much I have read it twice. Always feel like I am right there when I read Ann Rules books. Her writing style with this book and her other books shows so much realism, and this one specially shows her friendship with Ted Bundy, and the life the two’s friendship entwined together. I highly recommend anyone looking for an excellent read, to read this book.
Ann Rule is the Queen of this genre. I could read this book over and over again!
Wow!
Ann Rule’s experience working alongside Ted Bundy in Seattle.
The best of all the Ted Bundy books. Rule was in a unique position. She knew him before he began his killing spree and stayed in contact with him through the first trial. The latest printing also has the updates she wrote every few years as more things developed.
This was the first book I read about Ted Bundy. His crimes were so disturbing.
It was interesting to see how the police in multiple locations finally figured out they were looking for the same killer.
Terrible man, but the story is told well.
I love anything by Ann Rule. I was sorry to hear that she had passed away. I like to read true crime and she was my favorite.
I read this book a long time ago–but it has stayed with me. I can actually still recall specific details and exact passages I read. It is that clear and poignant. A must read for all true crimes readers.
Scary page-turner. Unbelievable coincidences revealed.
One of Ann Rule’s best. Easy to follow the exploits of Ted Bundy. If this wasn’t true crime, it would be hard to believe.
This book was good, it gave me more insight on Ted bundy.. but i was like hoping i could read about how he committed each murder and stuff like that, other wise i got some good information
Very scary, but a true story. Good to know that there are people among us who are so dangerous and to be aware of that, never hurts.
Ann Rule is one of the best, if not the best true crime author
I love Ann Rule’s books. She was such an excellent true crime writer. This one terrified me. I was in my mid to late teens while he was on his killing spree, and looked similar to his victums (same hair style, very trusting, etc)
And it was chilling to think even I could have been one of his victims, had I been in the right spot.