A review by claudianeureads
The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule

5.0

This was my first ever book by Ann Rule, but I know it won’t be my last because of how incredibly detailed she writes while also making it personal so it does not read like nonfiction but a story. I read this book with some of my closest friends as a book club choice this summer because we all have become more interested in true crime and with the Ted Bundy Tapes and the movie having come out recently, we decided to give this highly regarded book a try. We took a deep dive into this 500+ page read and split it up into sections to read over the past two months. I felt this book was a really well written nonfiction novel because although the events are true and horrendous, Ann wrote from a perspective of compassion and empathy for the victims and their families, while also recognizing her place as one of Bundy’s past friends. I will admit, this book was really tough to read because of the horrific details and events so I do not recommend reading it too late at night or if you do not enjoy dark and serious books.