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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
This book is not only an in-depth look at the crimes of an elusive serial killer that stained American history, but also an intrusive, uncomfortable insight to recognition of inhumane people that are much closer to us than we’d like to believe. Ann’s journey of recognition of Ted Bundy and his gross, terrifying acts really made me face a dark part of my past that I’ve been ignoring for a long time- I think it was important for me to recognize and own, as well as all readers, that uncomfortable feeling... Everyone, no matter how smart, or cognizant of such evil behaviors, or no matter how close we think we are to someone, can miss or fail to see a much darker, terrifying version of someone we know and care about. This book, despite it’s age, is important not only for it’s exhaustive retelling of the “Ted” murders, but also for the stark reality that very few of us really know what our loved ones are capable of, and the atrocities that they can commit on others. Definitely a recommended read.
The most chilling true crime book I have ever read. Exceptional in its detail. You can really sense Rule's struggle to make sense of her friend not being who she thought he was. By any means. Rule's truly unique perspective adds another dimension to this book. This is a book everyone should read, true crime fan or not.
dark
informative
sad
slow-paced
Macabre.. Boring.. I never would have thought to read this but for book club
Great book. Easy to read. I learned alot more about Ted Bundy for sure. Very detailed.
dark
informative
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
This was a fascinating read! It is hard to believe this is a true story, but it is too far-fetched to be fiction. The book got a little repetitive with all of the updated chapters from Ann Rule added at the end, but the writing is clean. Seeing Rule's journey in the investigation is just as interesting as the investigation itself. A great read for true crime fans!
There were times when I could not stop reading this book (think: reading until 2.30am on a weeknight), but there were also times when I could not bring myself back to reading it. I lost some of my intial interest on the last ~150 pages, due to the story becoming repetitive at times.
Also, this book is kind of old and some of the wording and framing does not hold up today. For instance, Ann writes that some of the victims worked with "retards" and that one of the victims was "not raped" (but "only" brutally sexually assaulted, causing her to die? You really lost me here, Ann). These things could have easily been redacted in the 2008 update, and imo definetly should have for the book to stay accesible.
Despite these critical points, Ann Rule creates an immersive reading experience, which at times creeped me the fuck out and definetly left me wanting more.
P.S. the biggest take-aways from this book: never ever sleep in a basement, and run away as far as you can from guys with leg casts/arm slings asking you to help them with their boat/briefcases.
Also, this book is kind of old and some of the wording and framing does not hold up today. For instance, Ann writes that some of the victims worked with "retards" and that one of the victims was "not raped" (but "only" brutally sexually assaulted, causing her to die? You really lost me here, Ann). These things could have easily been redacted in the 2008 update, and imo definetly should have for the book to stay accesible.
Despite these critical points, Ann Rule creates an immersive reading experience, which at times creeped me the fuck out and definetly left me wanting more.
P.S. the biggest take-aways from this book: never ever sleep in a basement, and run away as far as you can from guys with leg casts/arm slings asking you to help them with their boat/briefcases.