Author: Ann Rule
Genre: Non-Fiction, Standalone
Published: 1989
Personal Rating: 4.25/5 (very good +)
Format/Narrator: Audiobook/Lorelei King
Yearly Count: 72
Ann Rule gives the account of Ted Bundy's life as a friend, an accused murderer and a death row inmate.
Wow. I knew about Ted Bundy in the general sense (serial killer) and have a vague memory of his execution, but didn't know much else. This book gave a view of his whole life, not just his horrific acts of violence. I think Ann's relationship with him added a bit of gentleness to his despicable story. She did a fabulous job in relaying the gory details as facts -- not as dramatic scenes, although they were still cringe-worthy.
I'm an avid mystery reader, from serial killers to cozies, so reading about murders doesn't shock me or cause meany much grief, mainly because I know they are NOT real!!! This was real, and some of it did shock me and caused me grief. :(
I'm an avid mystery reader, from serial killers to cozies, so reading about murders doesn't shock me or cause me
I was in college when Bundy killed those girls at FSU so his story was very vivid in my mind. I read this book years ago and found it haunting and well written.
ReplyDeleteBermudaonion ~ I'm glad I didn't know the details before I sent my kids off to college. I was nervous enough as it was!
DeleteI read a book about Bundy, not this one, when I was younger and I really was into True Crime back them. But something about becomig a mother totally turned me off these books I couldn't handle it. Give me horror, and gore in a FICTION crime thriller and it doesn't phase me but true crime had me at the throat. However, I've found myself back interested in this and am looking at possibly finding myself a coupe of her books.
ReplyDeleteNicola ~ I have Too Late to Say Goodbye by Rule, but didn't read it. I watched it and another one of her books on TV, though.
DeleteI think her personal relationship with Bundy added a dimension that other crime writers/reporters could never produce.
I read this one a long time ago and loved it even though it scared the bejesus out of me!! I can imagine that listening to it would ratchet up the terror!!
ReplyDeleteStaci ~ I usually let books go pretty quickly (from my mind) especially being that I jump into a new one as soon as the old one is done, but this book has been lingering -- and not in a good way. :/
DeleteI watched a movie version of the Charles Manson murders when I was in high school, and I learned that I have to be very careful about reading or watching the true stories of horrific events, especially watching. I've never seen The Killing Fields or Schindler's List for that very reason: I can't tell myself it's just a story because it isn't.
ReplyDeleteSherry ~ I understand. I haven't watched any of those.
DeleteLike Nicola, I can read horror and I can read murder mysteries (speaking of which, where is Cody?!?!), but true crime is too real for this gal. I read Helter Skelter many, many years ago and had nightmares for months. I know this is weird, but I even have a hard time at work, shelving the books in the true crime section. There are some crazy/nasty mean/sicko people in the world!
ReplyDeleteLes ~ True crime is scary stuff, but I am drawn to it. It does affect me differently that fictional crime, though.
DeleteThe Cody topic makes me sad. I honestly wonder what happened to him. He has such a talent. I hope all is well. His writing is missed immensely.
Me, too. Maybe he'll surprise us and publish a new Smokey Barrett book next year. I miss his writing, too. :(
DeleteLes ~ I have some news. Check out the email I sent you!
DeleteI've never been a true crime fan but I've always wanted to try Anne Rule because she seems to be the most widely recognized. I actually wouldn't mind reading more about Ted Bundy. Thanks for your thought.
ReplyDeleteStacybuckeye ~ I have a few books by her. I like her style. Interestingly enough, I'm listening to a book now and some info about Ted Bundy was mentioned and I already knew it. :)
Delete