In the world of true crime literature, few books have had the impact of Ann Rule’s “The Stranger Beside Me.” Published in 1980, this book tells the story of Ted Bundy, one of the most notorious serial killers in American history. What sets “The Stranger Beside Me” apart from other true crime books is that Ann Rule knew Ted Bundy personally before he was revealed to be a murderer. In this article, we will review “The Stranger Beside Me,” and explore why it remains such a powerful and important book more than 40 years after its initial publication.
The Story
“The Stranger Beside Me” begins in 1971, when Ann Rule was a struggling single mother living in Seattle. She had recently taken a job at a crisis hotline, where she met a charming young man named Ted Bundy. Bundy was handsome, intelligent, and charismatic, and he seemed like the perfect volunteer for the hotline. Over time, Rule and Bundy became friends, and Rule even hired Bundy to work at a crisis center for which she was the director.
As Rule and Bundy’s friendship deepened, Bundy’s dark side began to emerge. In 1974, Bundy was arrested for the first time, on suspicion of kidnapping and murder. Over the next several years, Bundy would become one of the most notorious serial killers in American history, responsible for the deaths of at least 30 young women.
The Writing
Ann Rule’s writing style is straightforward and engaging. She tells Bundy’s story with a sense of urgency and intimacy that draws the reader in. Rule’s personal connection to Bundy gives the book an added layer of depth and complexity. She wrestles with the question of how someone she knew and cared about could commit such horrific crimes, and her struggle is palpable on the page.
Rule’s attention to detail is impressive. She meticulously reconstructs Bundy’s crimes and the investigations that followed, and she provides a wealth of information about Bundy’s background and psychology. The result is a book that is both gripping and informative.
The Impact
“The Stranger Beside Me” was a sensation when it was first published, and it remains a classic of the true crime genre. Its influence can be seen in countless other books, movies, and TV shows that have explored the lives of serial killers. Rule’s personal connection to Bundy also paved the way for a new kind of true crime writing, one that emphasizes the human side of both the victims and the perpetrators.
More than 40 years after its initial publication, “The Stranger Beside Me” continues to be an important book. It reminds us that evil can come in the guise of a charming stranger, and that even those closest to us can harbor dark secrets. It also serves as a testament to the victims of Bundy’s crimes, and a reminder that their lives are worth remembering.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “The Stranger Beside Me” is a powerful and important book that deserves its status as a classic of the true crime genre. Ann Rule’s personal connection to Ted Bundy gives the book an added layer of depth and complexity, and her attention to detail and engaging writing style make it a gripping read. More than 40 years after its initial publication, “The Stranger Beside Me” remains a reminder that evil can lurk in unexpected places, and that the lives of victims are worth remembering.
