A review by brennacumming
The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule

5.0

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.