From #1 New York Times bestselling author Ann Rule, “America’s best true-crime writer” (Kirkus Reviews), her unforgettable classic account of the horrifying murders in the Pacific Northwest and her shock when she discovered her friend—Ted Bundy—was not only a suspect but also one of the most prolific serial killers in American history.
Meeting in 1971 at a Seattle crisis clinic, Ann Rule and Ted Bundy developed a friendship and correspondence that would span the rest of his life. Rule had no idea that when they went their separate ways, their paths would cross again under shocking circumstances.
The Stranger Beside Me is Rule’s compelling firsthand account of not just her relationship with Bundy, but also his life—from his complicated childhood to the media circus of his trials. Astonishing in its intimacy and with Rule’s clear-eyed prose, you can’t help but share in her growing horror at discovering that her friend was one of the most notorious American serial killers.
An unforgettable and haunting work of research, journalism, and personal memories, The Stranger Beside Me is “as dramatic and chilling as a bedroom window shattering at midnight” (The New York Times).
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"I heard Ann Rule speak back in the 1980s. It was a most enjoyable time for me. THis is likely one of her best books. That makes sense because Ted Bundy was a coworker and a friend of hers. Ms. Rule is a meticulous research. She gets to her point, makes it, and moves on taking me with her. Bundy was a nasty, evil person. Ms. Rule is the opposite. I can only imagine her sense of betrayal."
— Paul (4 out of 5 stars)
“As dramatic and chilling as a bedroom window shattering at midnight.”
— New York Times“A shattering story...carefully investigated, written with compassion but also with professional objectivity.”
— Seattle Times“Overwhelming.”
— Houston Post" While I love this book and Ann Rule as a writer; I actually wish that The Only Living Witness by Hugh Aynesworth on Ted Bundy was available. I've never been able to find it as an audio book, so I guess it's never been made into one. "
— Teri, 4/10/2017" I was single and living in my own home alone when I read this book. Let's just say I had a hard time sleeping at night, especially when I didn't even own a bat under my bed for protection (in case it was needed). "
— Lachelle, 2/17/2014" A classic of the true-crime genre. This book fascinated me and is responsible for my love of true crime books. It's genuinely creepy to think that any one of us could be sitting beside a serial killer and not have a clue! It taught me that you can never really know someone - you only think you do. "
— Pattie, 2/12/2014" I really like the book, thought Ted Bundy was smart and crazy all at the same time. "
— Miguelina, 2/4/2014" Ann Rule worked at a sucide hotline, of all places, with serial killer Ted Bundy before he began to kill women. She remained friends with him as a mysterious "Ted" began to abduct women in the Seattle area, and here she chronicles the Bundy persona all the way up through his execution. Gripping account of a unique perspective and definately worth a read. "
— Andrew, 2/2/2014" I have been interested in the Ted Bundy murders since taking a Criminology course about the Psychology of Deviant Behavior which included a section on Psychopaths. The book didn't really give me the analytical perspective I was looking for and I found that Ann Rule talked too much about how much integrity she had throughout the case. I guess I would have liked the story to include very little detail about her life outside Ted Bundy and instead focus on his life - that's not to say there was much in there about her but even the small amount was something I wasn't interested in. "
— Maya, 2/1/2014" Someone take away Ann Rule's computer - puhlease. Her characters lack dimension and the victims are always beautiful. She actually makes you glad the victim get whacked - how is that possible? Oh, bad writing makes anything possible - Ann have you met Stephen King? you two should get together and birth one big bad book - instead of the several bad ones you create individually. "
— Joyce, 1/29/2014" Really chilling. This book haunted me for a week after I read it. Needless to say, I made sure all the windows were shut tight at night. "
— Chelsea, 1/28/2014" You can read my thoughts here. (4.25/5) "
— Joy, 1/18/2014" One of the best true crime books I have ever read. It is kind of spooky that the author knew Ted Bundy and worked along side him before he went on his killing spree. It is a fast read. "
— Ken, 1/14/2014" I love true crime and Ann Rule does it best. This is about Ted Bundy...I know, I am demented, but I really enjoyed this book! "
— Amandakgraves, 12/27/2013Cassandra Campbell has won multiple Audie Awards, Earphones Awards, and the prestigious Odyssey Award for narration. She was been named a “Best Voice” by AudioFile magazine and in 2018 was inducted in Audible’s inaugural Narrator Hall of Fame.
Lorelei King is an award-winning narrator and an actress of stage, film, and television. She also works extensively in radio, including award-winning voiceover work. She has narrated more than eighty audiobooks, earning eleven AudioFile Earphones Awards and twice winning the prestigious Audie Award for Best Narration.