Episode Summary: True Crime Writing's Gold Standard, Ann Rule... and Her Friend Ted Bundy

Podcast Title: The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told
Host: Mary Kay McBrayer
Episode: True Crime Writing's Gold Standard, Ann Rule... and Her Friend Ted Bundy
Release Date: March 4, 2025

Introduction: Ann Rule – A Pioneer in True Crime Writing

The episode commences with Mary Kay McBrayer introducing Ann Rule, a seminal figure in the true crime genre. Ann Rule, an iconic author with over 30 published true crime novels, is celebrated for redefining the genre and breaking barriers for female crime writers. Her most renowned work, The Stranger Beside Me, chronicles her personal and professional relationship with one of America's most notorious serial killers, Ted Bundy.

"Ann Rule is the one who introduced us to the stories about charming, respected sociopaths." – Mary Kay McBrayer [12:30]

Ann Rule’s Early Life and Career Aspirations

Ann Rule's fascination with crime traces back to her upbringing in a law enforcement family in Michigan. With relatives serving as a medical examiner, sheriff, and prosecuting attorney, Rule spent her summers assisting at the Stanton County Jail. This early exposure fueled her curiosity about the human psyche and the factors leading individuals to commit crimes.

Despite her initial aspiration to join the police force, a failed eye examination thwarted her plans, leading her to pivot towards social work and eventually, writing. In 1968, amid personal upheavals, Rule began writing true crime articles under male pseudonyms for True Detective magazine, as gender biases in the industry limited her opportunities.

"As a kid, Ann was fascinated by it. She wanted to know how these people had ended up in prison. In her words, what made them that way?" – Mary Kay McBrayer [05:45]

Meeting Ted Bundy: A Friendship Unfolds

Rule's path crossed with Ted Bundy when both volunteered at the Seattle Crisis Clinic's suicide hotline. Ted, a 25-year-old psychology student, was her coworker and soon became a trusted friend. Initially, Bundy appeared to be the epitome of charm and normalcy—attributes that later facilitated his long elusion of capture.

Their shifts often overlapped from 10 PM to 2 AM, giving them ample time to develop a camaraderie. Ann found Ted to be easy to talk to, sharing personal struggles such as her faltering marriage and her husband's battle with cancer. Ted reciprocated by sharing his own stories of family issues and personal setbacks.

"Ann liked how easy Ted was to talk to. She told him all about the problems she was having with her husband." – Mary Kay McBrayer [18:20]

Ted Bundy’s Dark Side Revealed

Ted Bundy's facade began to crumble as a series of brutal abductions and murders occurred in Washington state during the early 1970s. Despite the mounting evidence and eyewitness descriptions aligning with Bundy's appearance and behavior, Rule found it difficult to reconcile the man she knew with the heinous crimes being committed.

Ann Rule grappled with her loyalty and her intuition, eventually tipping off the police about Bundy's potential involvement based on his possession of a bronze VW Bug—a detail linking him to the crimes. Unfortunately, Bundy became one suspect among thousands, and his trail went cold temporarily.

"Ann called one of her friends on the force and told him that she just wanted to put her mind at ease. Unfortunately, at that point, there were 2,400 other suspects." – Mary Kay McBrayer [35:55]

Rekindling and Realization

Despite the suspicions, Ann maintained her friendship with Bundy, sending him support as he faced legal troubles. Bundy's repeated escapes from custody and manipulative charm further complicated Ann's perception of him. Their interactions, including a pivotal lunch meeting in Seattle where Bundy appeared completely unaffected by his charges, deepened her internal conflict.

Over time, Bundy's relentless deception eroded Ann's trust. Her growing doubts were solidified after his multiple escapes and the devastating realization of his true nature. Bundy's actions contrasted starkly with the man Ann believed she knew, leading her to accept his guilt.

"Ann couldn't completely believe in his innocence, but she couldn't believe in his guilt either. She just didn't know what happened." – Mary Kay McBrayer [50:10]

Impact on Ann Rule’s Career and Legacy

The unraveling of Bundy's crimes heavily influenced Ann Rule's writing trajectory. The Stranger Beside Me not only became a bestseller but also established her as a formidable voice in true crime literature. Her subsequent works, including The Lust Killer, The Want Ad Killer, and i5 Killer, continued to explore the depths of criminal psychology, often inspired by her harrowing experiences with Bundy.

Rule's stories emphasized that criminals are not always the obvious predators lurking in shadows; they can be charismatic, respected individuals hiding dark secrets. This nuanced portrayal has left an enduring legacy in the true crime genre, influencing countless writers and captivating readers worldwide.

"Criminals don't have to be obvious creeps lurking in a parking lot. They can be charming, good looking, even respected." – Mary Kay McBrayer [59:40]

Concluding Insights: Lessons from a Tragic Friendship

The episode concludes by reflecting on the complex relationship between Ann Rule and Ted Bundy, highlighting the unpredictable nature of human behavior and the deceptive appearances of those who commit heinous acts. Ann Rule's journey underscores the importance of vigilance and skepticism, especially when intuition signals danger without overt evidence.

Through her poignant storytelling, Ann Rule not only chronicled one of the most infamous criminal cases but also provided invaluable insights into the human psyche, making her a gold standard in true crime writing.

"Ann moved on. Her book on Ted Bundy's killings, The Stranger Beside Me, was a sensation." – Mary Kay McBrayer [1:10:15]

Key Takeaways:

• Ann Rule’s Background: Grew up in a law enforcement family, pivoted from aspiring police officer to true crime writer due to unforeseen circumstances.

• Friendship with Ted Bundy: Developed a close, trusting relationship with Bundy while volunteering at a suicide hotline, unaware of his criminal tendencies.

• Bundy’s Deception: Bundy's charm and normalcy masked his sociopathic nature, allowing him to evade capture initially and manipulate those around him.

• Impact on Writing: Rule’s experiences with Bundy profoundly influenced her writing, leading to groundbreaking works that explored the complexities of criminal behavior.

• Legacy: Ann Rule remains a pivotal figure in true crime, demonstrating that evil can reside behind the most unassuming façades.

Notable Quotes:

• "Ann Rule is the one who introduced us to the stories about charming, respected sociopaths."
  – Mary Kay McBrayer [12:30]

• "As a kid, Ann was fascinated by it. She wanted to know how these people had ended up in prison. In her words, what made them that way?"
  – Mary Kay McBrayer [05:45]

• "Criminals don't have to be obvious creeps lurking in a parking lot. They can be charming, good looking, even respected."
  – Mary Kay McBrayer [59:40]

• "Ann moved on. Her book on Ted Bundy's killings, The Stranger Beside Me, was a sensation."
  – Mary Kay McBrayer [1:10:15]

Conclusion:

This episode of The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told offers an in-depth examination of Ann Rule's pivotal role in true crime literature and her complicated, ultimately tragic friendship with Ted Bundy. Through meticulous storytelling and insightful analysis, Mary Kay McBrayer delivers a compelling narrative that not only honors Ann Rule’s contributions but also serves as a cautionary tale about the hidden darkness within seemingly ordinary individuals.

For listeners eager to delve deeper into the intersection of society, justice, and the human psyche, this episode stands as a testament to the enduring power of true crime storytelling.