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2.31k reviews for:

The Stranger Beside Me

Ann Rule

4.01 AVERAGE


Best true crime fiction I've read.
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The different approach from the outside as someone who interacted with the murder was not something I expected. It added a lot of value to the book. I am grateful for the stories of the women, rather than just making them facts in his story. Sometimes, it seemed to carry on a bit, but there was definitely a lot of research and detail put into the book. I agree that there are more victims out there who may never find the release of their stories being told. 
dark emotional informative sad tense slow-paced
dark informative tense fast-paced
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challenging dark sad medium-paced

Fascinating, gripping, and horrifying in equal measure. Voice actor started out a bit annoying to me but she grew on me throughout. Some parts did not age well from the original in 1980, understandably. So much time spent on Ted and so little on victims 

The epitome of true crime books. This is such an interesting look at the charismatic facade that murderous psychopaths show to those around them. Anne Rule tells the story of Ted Bundy through her own eyes. Her crime reporting background produces a story that is straight forward and fact driven rather than salacious. If you’re looking for the gory details that Bundy confessed to, look elsewhere, this book focuses on the story how it unfolded for the author, with the facts of the horrible crimes alongside Anne Rule’s own fallible narration of who Bundy appeared to be. Perhaps most interesting is her internal struggle with the fact that her dear friend, Ted, is actually a ruthless killer. She seems to know him as well as anyone can know a manipulative liar, but is left to speculate as to who Bundy truly was and why. You get to see the person that this psychopath presented to those around him, how easily he had them fooled, and the dichotomy of his hopelessly dark true self. Easy and enjoyable to read.

[a:Ann Rule|9678|Ann Rule|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1645061184p2/9678.jpg] worked on a crisis hotline with Ted Bundy. She thought he was kind, smart, and a little mysterious—but mostly just a nice guy. Then she found out he was a serial killer. One of the worst in history.

This book tells the story of how she slowly realized the truth, while also reporting on the case as a true crime writer. It’s part biography, part crime report, and part emotional gut-punch.

What makes it so good is how personal it feels. Rule doesn’t just tell you what happened—she shares what it felt like to learn someone she trusted was hiding a terrifying secret. She keeps things honest, clear, and respectful, even when it gets hard to read.

It’s a powerful, unforgettable look at a killer—and the people who never saw him coming.