Ann Casement

Ann Rule, born Ann Rae Stackhouse in 1931, was an American author celebrated for her extensive work in the true crime genre. Her career spanned decades, during which she penned over 30 books and numerous articles detailing murder cases, often focusing on those in the Pacific Northwest and her home state of Washington. Rule's writing was characterized by its in-depth research and focus on the psychological aspects of perpetrators, particularly those who appeared outwardly normal and charming. She gained significant recognition for her 1980 book, 'The Stranger Beside Me,' which explored her personal connection to serial killer Ted Bundy, a former colleague and acquaintance.

Rule's early life was influenced by a family with ties to law enforcement, and she herself worked briefly for the Seattle Police Department. Her fascination with criminal psychology led her to volunteer at a suicide crisis hotline, where she met Ted Bundy. This encounter, years before his crimes were widely known, formed the basis of her most famous work. Rule's approach often involved selecting "antiheroes" whose violent actions contrasted sharply with their public personas, making her narratives compelling to readers. Despite critical discussions regarding her proximity to some subjects, her books achieved considerable commercial success and were often adapted for television.

Throughout her career, Rule meticulously investigated cases, earning a reputation for accuracy and detail. Her work frequently explored the darker aspects of human nature, examining how seemingly ordinary individuals could commit heinous crimes. She also engaged in efforts to help families seeking justice, as seen in the case documented in 'In the Still of the Night.' Ann Rule passed away in 2015, leaving behind a significant body of work that continues to be influential in the true crime field. Her legacy is marked by her dedication to uncovering the truth behind complex criminal cases and presenting them to the public.

Ann Rule approached true crime writing with a specific focus on "antiheroes" – individuals who appeared charming, intelligent, and well-regarded in their communities but harbored a hidden capacity for extreme violence. She described her selection process as sifting through thousands of reader suggestions, looking for cases where the perpetrator's eventual arrest shocked those who knew them. Rule deliberately avoided focusing on killers who were outwardly repulsive or easily identifiable as dangerous. Instead, she sought to explore the unsettling reality of monstrous acts committed by those who presented a pleasant facade. This thematic preference made her narratives particularly compelling, as they delved into the psychological duality of individuals capable of deceiving those around them.

Ann Rule is perhaps best known for 'The Stranger Beside Me' (1980), a book detailing her personal acquaintance with serial killer Ted Bundy, whom she knew before his crimes were fully revealed. Other significant works include 'Small Sacrifices' (1987), about the murder of a child by her mother, Diane Downs, and 'In the Still of the Night' (2010), which chronicled her role in helping a mother prove her daughter's death was a murder. Many of her books focused on cases from the Pacific Northwest. Her literary contributions were recognized when the Library of America included one of her stories in its 2008 anthology of American true crime writing.

Rule's career was not without its challenges. Following the release of her 2003 book 'Heart Full of Lies,' she faced a defamation lawsuit from Liysa Northon, whose husband's death was detailed in the book. While the suit was eventually dismissed, it highlighted the intense scrutiny true crime authors can face. Rule also initiated a libel suit against the Seattle Weekly newspaper and a writer for an article she claimed defamed her reputation. This legal dispute remained unresolved at the time of her death. In the period leading up to her passing in 2015, Rule's sons faced theft charges against her, which were subsequently dropped by prosecutors after her death, citing the interests of justice.