A review by natreviews
The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule

challenging dark emotional informative mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

5.0

So... wow. This book was an amazing read. I've known the Bundy case and have looked into it several times (I read Conversations With A Killer: Ted Bundy a couple of years ago), but this is one of the more emotional readings. It is amazing to see a book written when these things were happening, and that it wasn't intended to be a Ted Bundy book. Originally, Ann was tasked to write a book about a string of murders dubbed the "Ted" murders, and it would turn out her friend was the suspect. 

I also liked the inclusion of all of the epilogues and updates. There are about 4-5 added chapters that came out with updated versions of each book. The latest update was in 2021 written by her daughter (Ann passed away in I think 2015). In those she updates about the crimes, victims, and her preconceived notions. Although it adds about 150 pages to the original book, it is worth it.

I highly recommend reading this with Conversations (mentioned earlier in this review) as they work really well as companion books. This will be one that I keep on my shelves, and I may have to check out some of Ann's other books one day.