Stranger Beside Me

By: Ann Rule

Narrated by: Ann Rule

From number one New York Times best-selling author Ann Rule, “America’s best true-crime writer” (Kirkus Reviews), her unforgettable classic account of the horrifying murders in the Pacific Northwest and her shock when she discovered her friend - Ted Bundy - was not only a suspect but also one of the most prolific serial killers in American history.

Meeting in 1971 at a Seattle crisis clinic, Ann Rule and Ted Bundy developed a friendship and correspondence that would span the rest of his life. Rule had no idea that when they went their separate ways, their paths would cross again under shocking circumstances.

The Stranger Beside Me is Rule’s compelling firsthand account of not just her relationship with Bundy, but also his life - from his complicated childhood to the media circus of his trials. Astonishing in its intimacy and with Rule’s clear-eyed prose, you can’t help but share in her growing horror at discovering that her friend was one of the most notorious American serial killers.

An unforgettable and haunting work of research, journalism, and personal memories, The Stranger Beside Me is “as dramatic and chilling as a bedroom window shattering at midnight” (The New York Times).

©1992 Ann Rule (P)1992 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

"As dramatic and chilling as a bedroom window shattering at midnight." ( The New York Times)

An intimate look Into the life and motivation.

Ann provides an in depth look at Ted, an man without conscience, who's scorn from the past pushed his fragile psyche over the edge. We will never know if he just snapped one day, or if he started his murders earlier in his life. This portrait of Bundy shows us that a man of such promise and possibility could fall down the darkest of holes, turning to rape, murder, necrophilia, overcome by compulsions of demented brutality, and constantly maintaining his innocence. The side most people knew is explored, and how it seemed almost impossible that he became the monster he was.

Get rid of the narrator!

She may have been the writer or the one who experienced this but she sounds like she’s having lunch while she’s narrating!
I also felt this author was sort of a name dropper and it seemed more important that she knew Ted Bundy than the horrific things. Yes, she’s using a comparison, but the she pushes the fact that she knew him was a bit much.

Really great book!!!

I really loved that Anne narrated the book. She was thorough in her explanations and story and it was really interesting to hear things about Ted Bundy I never knew! Great easy read!

Refreshing

It's refreshing to heard the story told from the point of view of someone who knew him. And hearing it read by the author is a treat!

Wish I had bought the unabridged version

Where does Stranger Beside Me rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It was pretty decent

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Absolutely, Ann rule never ceases to amaze me

What does Ann Rule bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

A much more personal account

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Ted Bundy's story is pretty intense

Very good book that provides a seamless time line of Bundy’s life and his spiral into the depths of mental illness and evil. Ann does a good job of lifting up gently and respectfully the victims and giving us some understanding of these young women and the brutality Bundy inflicted upon them. No excuses in this book. Ann lays the blame directly at Bundy’s feet and if you were never a believer in the death penalty, you will be after you listen to this.

Facinating & Disturbing “Other”Side of Ted Bundy

To be sure - I make no excuse, wish for no pardon (too late), and generally believe those so broken as to become serial killers should likely be removed from society permanently. Whether by death penalty or actual (no parole) life entirely separate from their prey.

However - Ann Rule’s telling of a more personal account of a clearly complex and highly intelligent, yet irrecoverably depraved, disturbed and dangerous man ... was both chilling and horribly sad.

Bundy’s crimes will forever be part of American crime lore. Horrifying and unforgivable.

Yet, I find myself wondering if he could have gone a different path. One that didn’t include the brutal murder of so many beautiful, brown-haired women. Lives who will go down in history as victims of one of the most famous serial killers. Women who had lives and potential so far beyond what they will always be remembered.

After listening to Ann Rule’s first hand account ... it just makes me wonder if there is a trigger or point where maybe he (or someone like him) could be steered from becoming a murderous icon.

Or, was he just born bad. So intelligent that maybe even Ann was fooled. That his ability to manipulate every relationship to suit his world view was one and only ... that there is an element of pre-destination because of his psychology & neuropathy would inevitably lead to violence?

thank you

it was an awesome experience to able to enjoy and listen to the talks of Ted bundy. thank you so much for this.

Excellently written & read.

This book comes from the heart of a kind and decent lady. Ms. Rule shows how easily people can be fooled and too trustful. The author reminded me that we need to stop giving people the benefit of the doubt so quickly.

Loved it

Ann Rule is one of the best true crime writers out there and the fact that she had a friendship with Ted Bundy is insane. Her descriptions are not exaggerated at all. Very fascinating.
Ted Bundy in my opinion is the most fascinating murderer. He was such a master at being a completely different person that even a person with a forensic background did not suspect him one bit. Definitely get this immediately if you are into true crime and appreciate a story about a first hand account (let alone a multi year friendship) with one of the most known serial killers in the US and the world.