The Stranger Beside Me
The Stranger Beside Me
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1980
Book Brief
480
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
United States • 1970s
1980
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule is a 1980 biographical true crime book about the infamous serial killer, Ted Bundy. It chronicles Rule’s unwitting friendship with Bundy, whom she met in 1971 at a Crisis Clinic in Seattle, and her struggle to reconcile this with evidence of his heinous crimes. The book offers a unique perspective on Bundy’s double life, providing an unsettling glimpse into the mind of a serial killer. The narrative includes descriptions of criminal activities, including sexual violence and murder.
Informative
Mysterious
Unnerving
Dark
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
116,473 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ann Rule's The Stranger Beside Me delivers a gripping and intimate portrayal of Ted Bundy, blending true crime and personal insight. The narrative engages with detailed research and a unique perspective. However, some readers feel the book's focus on Rule's personal connection with Bundy occasionally detracts from the broader criminal investigation. The comprehensive account makes it a compelling read for true crime enthusiasts.
Who Should Read The Stranger Beside Me?
Readers who enjoy true crime narratives and deep psychological analyses of criminal behavior would be captivated by Ann Rule's The Stranger Beside Me. Fans of Truman Capote's In Cold Blood and Michelle McNamara's I'll Be Gone in the Dark will appreciate Rule's firsthand account and intricate details of her personal acquaintance with serial killer Ted Bundy.
116,473 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
480
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
United States • 1970s
1980
Adult
18+ years
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