The Phantom Prince

My Life with Ted Bundy

By: Elizabeth Kendall, Molly Kendall - contributor

Narrated by: Elizabeth Kendall, Barrie Kreinik, Molly Kendall

The inspiration for the five-part Amazon Original docuseries Ted Bundy: Falling for a Killer

This updated, expanded edition of The Phantom Prince, Elizabeth Kendall’s 1981 memoir detailing her six-year relationship with serial killer Ted Bundy, includes a new introduction and a new afterword by the author and a startling new chapter from the author’s daughter, Molly, who has not previously shared her story.

Bundy is one of the most notorious serial killers in American history and one of the most publicized to this day. However, very rarely do we hear from the women he left behind - the ones forgotten as mere footnotes in this tragedy.

The Phantom Prince chronicles Elizabeth Kendall’s intimate relationship with Ted Bundy and its eventual unraveling. As much as has been written about Bundy, it’s remarkable to hear the perspective of people who shared their daily lives with him for years. This gripping account presents a remarkable examination of a charismatic personality that masked unimaginable darkness.

©2020 Elizabeth Kendall Molly’s Story copyright 2020 Molly Kendall (P)2020 Audible, Inc.

Gripping and terrifying perspective

Ever have a deep connection with someone who is later revealed to have committed actions that are ghastly, appalling and indefensible? Who appears to be not just benign, but funny, brilliant and profoundly loving? I find no self-pity in Liz’s description of her 1970’s love affair with a monster, just the horrendous confusion that comes with loving a sadistic psychopath whose private persona seems to yearn for something fine and good in himself. Or maybe is just manipulative to the core. And you think YOU have problems.

interesting perspective

This was an interesting perspective but quite frustrating. She knew, atleast on some subconscious level, Ted was up to something. She was so insecure and easily manipulated by him it got frustrating to listen to. Not to mention law enforcement did nothing to help her insecurities by continuously blowing her off. I probably would have thought I was a bit crazy, too. The one thing I can't wrap my head around us continuing to stick around after repeated infidelity, once is enough. The narrators voice was a little too whiny, which got on my nerves.

Riveting story

Great story and great narration, except when the author narrates herself. Luckily that portion is only a small part of the book.

PTSD and alcoholism

Very courageous and well written. I always curious about her. I’m glad her and her daughter had a chance to heal.

Read by Liz-the author

It’s hard to have compassion for anyone but the victims and maybe that’s how it should be, but my argument is that many of the relationships that are also with the murderer, are also victims. Liz and her daughter Molly are examples of that. Liz was horribly manipulated, mistreated, and under the thumb of Ted Bundy. I feel like she truly loved him and was also devastated by what she learned was his true nature.

I liked the updated account from Liz and her daughter. Perspective is important and as we gain experience, our perspective changes.

Excellent

Bone chilling insight into the head of a sociopath and extreme narcissist. Highly recommend this book

Great listen!

This was difficult to put down! If the psychology if Ted Bundy's double life interests you, hear the story directly from the women who experienced one side of it! The narrator was pleasant and easy to listen to, and I enjoyed that Elizabeth and Molly read their own sections. Recommend!

loved and saddened by your book...

absolutely fascinating account... I appreciate it the real story behind both ladies and I felt that Molly's recounting of events was truly heartbreaking for such a young girl... if I knew how to get in touch with them I would write to them.

Epilogue earned this an extra star

Elizabeth's epilogue said the things I was thinking as I listened to this book. I am not sure when the original version of this story was published. Maybe it was revealed and I just missed it. But my reaction while listening to Elizabeth's recounting of her time with Bundy was, "was she nuts?" The epilogue sort of confirmed this. I lived in Tallahassee when the Chi Omega murders happened so, back then, I followed this story pretty closely. Bundy was a sick SOB and got what he deserved. Molly's recounting of the "tag" incident confirmed this even more. My heart goes out to Elizabeth and Molly and I am happy they seemed to have recovered well from their lives with Bundy, "well" being a relative term. I am a fan of mystery/thriller novels and listening to this book made me happy that most of the books I listen to are fiction. God bless Bundy's victims and their families.

Riveting

I have been obsessed with serial killers since I was about 12. The human brain is fascinating, & hearing about deviant behavior, & how these people feel compelled to kill is very interesting to me.
Anyway, hearing about this man from the perspective of someone that seemingly knew him so well was intriguing to me....& this book did not disappoint. The story was told so well that I felt I could picture the moments, & feel what Liz was feeling. Many of us have loved passionately, & those people are difficult to break away from. I’m happy for you, Liz. You & your daughter are amazing.