Reviews - The Stranger Beside Me

2.33k reviews for:

i've read several true crime books by this point, and i think the key to a good one is bringing a unique approach and perspective to the story, especially when it's one like ted bundy's, where the details and recollections of his crimes are quite prominent at this point (especially in the 40 years since this book was written). all of the true crime novels i've really found myself coming back to have that extra layer to them, and this one, revered as a true crime classic, definitely possesses that as well, since ms. rule was an acquaintance and even, at times, a friend of bundy's. i get why it's so revered. and even though i already knew quite a bit about the subject matter, i still had so much more to learn from this book.

it took me months to get through this (mainly because, if you've been following my reviews at all, you'll know it's not something i can really focus on as much these days as i would like!) but i think the pacing actually made me process the book more. i'll definitely be keeping this one to potentially revisit in the future.

julespeare's review against another edition

4.5

dark informative medium-paced

emily_rivera's review against another edition

4.25

challenging dark informative sad tense slow-paced

mrs_murphtzer's review against another edition

4.0

dark informative medium-paced

bookswithbails's review against another edition

this version says the book is like 500 pages but the audio was like 2 hours total, not sure why there’s such a huge difference? but I could have listened to 5x as much on Ted Bundy!!!!! true crime is so disturbing but fascinating

ashbres's review against another edition

5.0

A necessary read for any true crime fan. The best true crime book of all time.

stephanies_reading's review against another edition

4.0

As someone who is interested in true crime, I'm surprised I haven't read any of Ann Rule's books, especially this one. She has an evocative way of writing that made me feel connected to each woman. This book is also a product of its time, meaning there is some terminology is outdated. But I've never encountered such careful, thoughtful handling of victims and survivors' stories.