Nonfiction – Crime
Released September, 2000
512 Pages
Bottom Line: Read it.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
Source: Purchased
Plot Summary of The Stranger Beside Me:
Bestselling true crime writer Ann Rule recounts her real life experience working alongside serial killer Ted Bundy at a suicide crisis hotline and her slow realization that he was not who he appeared to be.
My Thoughts on The Stranger Beside Me:
If you’re at all interested in Ted Bundy and/or serial killers in general, The Stranger Beside Me is a must read. It covers the facts of Bundy’s crimes, the investigation, and his capture.
But, Rule’s personal perspective from her time working with him and their correspondence while he was in prison are the real fascinating parts. They paint a terrifying portrait of how sociopathic he was and how easily he tricked people into trusting him.
I truly do not recommend this as bedtime reading…I didn’t sleep for the first couple of nights and was positive that a vicious killer had broken into my house. Things went much better when I read this one during daylight hours only! And, if those eyes on the cover don’t creep you out, then I don’t know what will!
The Stranger Beside Me is on my Page Turners List.
hmmm, I think this one would keep me awake too. There is such a fascination with Ted Bundy, that I would think this one will do well
I’d never read one of her books until a couple of years ago, based on a friend’s recommendation; Ann Rule is fascinating, right? The cases she’s worked on and researched are very interesting and, for me, it’s kind of like a real-life version of Criminal Minds – ha! Thanks for sharing; I haven’t read this one.
Wow, Sarah. This mini book review has me hooked! I can’t say that I was particularly interested in this subject matter before but this book sounds fascinating. I am a huge baby though so will definitely have to read during the day. When my husband is home. And the doors are locked. 😉 Thanks for the review!
my book club just met this Tuesday to discuss Too Late to Say Goodbye by Ann Rule and everyone recommended I read The Stranger Beside Me. Too Late was my first introduction to Ann Rule – as much as I love thrillers and mysteries I’ve never been a big fan of true crime – brings it too close to home for me! But I did enjoy Too Late – especially since it was a local crime that I distinctly recall. I will definitely take your advice and read The Stranger Beside Me during the day!
How interesting to read one of Rule’s books about a local crime that you were familiar with! I’m glad you enjoyed it – she’s very good at what she does. Yes – Stranger is absolutely terrifying!