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

I really enjoyed it!!

So intense! I had always been curious about her side of the story in her own words and I am so glad listened. I also appreciated hearing her own voice at the beginning and end and her daughters perspective was also so intriguing. I'll definitely listen to this again!

Unique Perspective of Bundy

While other readers may criticize Elizabeth Kendall, her story and that of her daughter Molly's offer an insight to Bundy that nobody else can tell. I don't see Elizabeth as being weak. Many women believe in and are dependent on their boyfriends or husbands. What their story illustrates is how manipulative Bundy was. Many Bundy biographers believe he chose women to kill that reminded him of a woman to whom he was secretly engaged. But I believe the women he chose to attack and murder were representative of Elizabeth Kendall. And when he killed the 12-year-old girl, it represented Molly Kendall, who was also 12 at the time. I came to this conclusion after hearing Molly's story about how Bundy sexually abused her without her mother's knowledge.

Thank you Liz Kloepfer

Like many other reviewers I also have trouble getting past how this woman could have let her love for Bundy suck her back in after all she knew. The investigators, psychiatrists and anyone who analyzed him said he was a master manipulator like never seen before. Why feel negative about a woman who knew him and fell in love with him and shared a life with him BEFORE he became the monster? We should all applaud this woman, who without her involvement and Carol Daronch’s bravery I have no doubt Bundy would have taken many more lives and possibly would have never been caught.

so good, so we'll written

could not stop I wish it was longer. knowing how the case unfolded, this was an incredible to read