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I really enjoyed *The Stranger Beside Me* by *Ann Rule*. The way she combines her personal experience with Ted Bundy and her investigative research creates such a compelling, eerie narrative. What makes this book so unique is Rule’s close connection to Bundy—she knew him before his crimes were discovered. They even worked together at a crisis hotline, and she considered him a friend. It’s incredibly unsettling to read about how she grappled with the realization that the man she knew was capable of such horrific acts.

The book is both a memoir and a detailed account of Bundy’s crimes, and I found myself completely engrossed in Rule’s storytelling. She paints a vivid picture of Bundy’s manipulative charm and the chilling duality of his personality. The emotional conflict Rule faces throughout the book, as she shifts from believing in Bundy’s innocence to confronting his guilt, adds so much depth to the narrative. It’s not just about the crimes themselves—it’s about trust, betrayal, and the horror of realizing you’ve been deceived by someone you thought you knew.

Overall, I couldn’t put the book down. It’s one of the most haunting true crime books I’ve read, not only because of the crimes but because of the emotional journey Rule takes us on. *The Stranger Beside Me* is a must-read for any true crime fan, offering a gripping and heartbreaking look at one of the most infamous serial killers in history.

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