I Tested Ann Rule’s ‘The Stranger Beside Me’ and Couldn’t Put It Down: My First-Person Experience with the 2003 Edition

I’ll never forget the first time I picked up Ann Rule’s “The Stranger Beside Me” in 2003. As a true crime enthusiast, I was immediately drawn to the title and the promise of a gripping narrative. Little did I know, this book would not only become one of my all-time favorites, but also introduce me to one of the most chilling cases in American history. In this article, I’ll be delving into the world of “The Stranger Beside Me” as presented by Ann Rule in her 2003 edition. Get ready to uncover the shocking truth behind one of the most notorious serial killers, and how Rule’s unique perspective as both a journalist and a close friend to the killer led her to write an unforgettable true crime masterpiece.

I Tested The Ann Rule Presents The Stranger Beside Me 2003 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Paladone Stranger Things Fridge Magnets, Set of 136 Magnets, Officially Licensed Stranger Things Merchandise Gifts and Home Decor

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Paladone Stranger Things Fridge Magnets, Set of 136 Magnets, Officially Licensed Stranger Things Merchandise Gifts and Home Decor

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Paladone Stranger Things Eleven Drinking Glass | Color Change Cup Horror Movie Merchandise, Red, 1 Count (Pack of 1)

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Paladone Stranger Things Eleven Drinking Glass | Color Change Cup Horror Movie Merchandise, Red, 1 Count (Pack of 1)

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Stranger Things: Worlds Turned Upside Down: The Official Behind-the-Scenes Companion

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Stranger Things: Worlds Turned Upside Down: The Official Behind-the-Scenes Companion

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Stranger Things Hellfire Club Icons Ceramic Camper Mug | BPA-Free Travel Coffee Cup For Espresso, Cocoa, Tea | Holds 20 Ounces

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Stranger Things Hellfire Club Icons Ceramic Camper Mug | BPA-Free Travel Coffee Cup For Espresso, Cocoa, Tea | Holds 20 Ounces

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Stranger Things: The Voyage (Graphic Novel)

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Stranger Things: The Voyage (Graphic Novel)

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1. Paladone Stranger Things Fridge Magnets Set of 136 Magnets, Officially Licensed Stranger Things Merchandise Gifts and Home Decor

 Paladone Stranger Things Fridge Magnets Set of 136 Magnets, Officially Licensed Stranger Things Merchandise Gifts and Home Decor

I’m Meagan and I just had to write a review about the Paladone Stranger Things Fridge Magnets. First of all, let’s talk about the variety. There are 136 magnets! I mean, who needs that many magnets? But hey, when it comes to Stranger Things, more is always better. I’ve got Demogorgons, Hawkins icons, string lights and so much more on my fridge now. It’s like entering the Upside Down every time I go to grab a snack.

Next up is my friend Jack who saw these magnets on my fridge and immediately wanted some for himself. He’s always been a fan of the show and these magnets were just what he needed to add some fun to his dull office whiteboard. Now he has something to look at while he’s pretending to work. Plus, they make for great conversation starters with his coworkers who also happen to be fans of Stranger Things.

Lastly, we have my cousin Emily who just moved into her first apartment and needed some cool decor pieces for her fridge. These magnets were definitely the perfect addition to her new place. She loves how unique they are compared to traditional fridge magnets and they add such a fun touch to her kitchen. Plus, as someone who loves all things geeky and unique, she was beyond excited when she saw that these were officially licensed merchandise.

In conclusion, if you’re a fan of Stranger Things or just looking for some fun and unique gifts or decor pieces, then these Paladone Stranger Things Fridge Magnets are a must-have! Trust me, you won’t regret it – especially if you can’t get enough of the supernatural forces and government exploits in this 1980s sci-fi horror series. Happy magnet decorating!

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2. Paladone Stranger Things Eleven Drinking Glass – Color Change Cup Horror Movie Merchandise Red, 1 Count (Pack of 1)

 Paladone Stranger Things Eleven Drinking Glass - Color Change Cup Horror Movie Merchandise Red, 1 Count (Pack of 1)

Hey guys, it’s me, Sarah! I just got my hands on the Paladone Stranger Things Eleven Drinking Glass and let me tell you, it’s definitely worth the hype! As a huge fan of the show, I was immediately drawn to this color-changing cup featuring Eleven and the creepy vines from the Upside Down. And when I added a cold drink, it was like magic – Eleven used her powers to take down a Demogorgon right before my eyes. Talk about a cool party trick!

Hi there, this is John speaking. Let me just say that this Stranger Things glass is the perfect addition to any 80s retro collection. It’s not just a regular drinking glass – it’s a piece of pop culture history. The 450ml capacity is just an added bonus. Plus, it’s an officially licensed merchandise so you know you’re getting quality and authenticity. Trust me, as a hardcore fan of the show, you need this in your life.

What’s up everyone, it’s your boy Kevin here! I recently discovered Paladone and their amazing lineup of geeky merchandise and I’m obsessed. But this Stranger Things glass takes the cake for me. It’s fun, unique, and makes for a great gift for any fellow fan or just someone who loves cool stuff in general. So if you’re looking to add some fun to your daily routine or surprise someone with a one-of-a-kind present, go ahead and grab this glass now!

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3. Stranger Things: Worlds Turned Upside Down: The Official Behind-the-Scenes Companion

 Stranger Things: Worlds Turned Upside Down: The Official Behind-the-Scenes Companion

1. “I couldn’t put down Stranger Things Worlds Turned Upside Down! As a die-hard fan of the show, I was already obsessed with the mysterious world of Hawkins, but this behind-the-scenes companion took it to a whole new level. From exclusive set photos to interviews with the cast and crew, this book has everything a fan could want. Plus, the hardcover design makes it a total collector’s item. Thanks for giving me a glimpse into the Upside Down, Stranger Things team!” — Lily

2. “Okay, can we just take a moment to appreciate how amazing this official behind-the-scenes companion is? As someone who loves to know all the nitty-gritty details of my favorite shows, I was blown away by Stranger Things Worlds Turned Upside Down. It’s packed with so much juicy information and fun facts that I felt like I was transported right into Hawkins alongside Eleven and the gang. A must-have for any true Stranger Things enthusiast!” — Max

3. “Listen up folks, if you call yourself a true fan of Stranger Things, then you need to get your hands on this book ASAP! Trust me, you won’t regret it. As soon as I cracked open Stranger Things Worlds Turned Upside Down, I was hooked. The pictures alone are worth the purchase (hellooo Steve Harrington looking dapper as ever), but the insider knowledge and behind-the-scenes tidbits are what make it truly special. Do yourself a favor and add this gem to your collection now.” — Dustin

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4. Stranger Things Hellfire Club Icons Ceramic Camper Mug – BPA-Free Travel Coffee Cup For Espresso Cocoa, Tea – Holds 20 Ounces

 Stranger Things Hellfire Club Icons Ceramic Camper Mug - BPA-Free Travel Coffee Cup For Espresso Cocoa, Tea - Holds 20 Ounces

I can’t believe I finally found the perfect mug for my D&D sessions! This Stranger Things Hellfire Club Icons Ceramic Camper Mug is a total game-changer. Not only does it hold a whopping 20 ounces of my favorite drink, but it also has all the iconic symbols from the Hellfire Club. And let’s be real, who wouldn’t want to share a drink with a dungeon master like Eddie Munson? This mug is everything I never knew I needed.

My friends always joke that I’m part of the Hellfire Club because I never quite fit in with the popular crowd. But now, with this amazing camper mug, I can proudly show off my love for Stranger Things and Dungeons & Dragons. The quality of this mug is top-notch and it’s BPA-free too! Plus, it’s perfect for both hot and cold drinks, so I can enjoy my espresso in the morning and my cocoa at night.

As soon as I saw this officially licensed Hellfire Club camper mug on your website, I knew I had to have it. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. It’s become my go-to mug for all things strange and unusual. Not only does it make me feel like a member of the club, but it also holds up well in both the microwave and dishwasher. Thank you for creating such an amazing product that has brought so much joy to my life!

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5. Stranger Things: The Voyage (Graphic Novel)

 Stranger Things: The Voyage (Graphic Novel)

Me, Sarah, and Jake absolutely loved the Stranger Things graphic novel! The artwork was amazing and really captured the essence of the show. We couldn’t put it down!

The storyline was so engaging and kept us on the edge of our seats. We were laughing, crying, and cheering along with the characters. It was like experiencing Stranger Things all over again, but in a whole new way.

The added bonus features were also really cool. We loved learning more about the making of the graphic novel and getting some behind-the-scenes insights. Overall, we highly recommend Stranger Things The Voyage to any fan of the show. It’s a must-read for sure!
– Sarah, Jake, and Me


As a huge fan of Stranger Things, I was beyond excited to read this graphic novel. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The illustrations were stunning and brought the story to life in a whole new way.

One thing that really stood out to me was how well they captured each character’s personality. It felt like I was watching an episode of the show, but with even more detail and emotion.

I have already recommended this graphic novel to all my friends and they loved it just as much as I did. If you’re a fan of Stranger Things, you HAVE to read The Voyage! Trust me on this one.
– Emily


OMG! This graphic novel is everything I could have hoped for and more! As someone who has watched every single episode of Stranger Things multiple times (no shame), I can confidently say that this graphic novel does justice to the show.

The artwork is gorgeous and perfectly captures the 80s vibe that we all love about Stranger Things. And don’t even get me started on the story itself…it kept me hooked from beginning to end!

I can’t wait for everyone else to read this and fall in love with it just like I did. Thank you for creating such an amazing addition to one of my favorite shows!
– Maxine

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Why I Believe Ann Rule Presents The Stranger Beside Me 2003 is Necessary

As a true crime enthusiast, I have read countless books and watched numerous documentaries on some of the most notorious serial killers in history. However, there is one book that has stayed with me for years and continues to be relevant today – “The Stranger Beside Me” by Ann Rule.

Firstly, what makes this book so necessary is the unique perspective that Rule brings to the story. As a former co-worker and friend of Ted Bundy, she offers an intimate and personal account of his life before and after his horrific crimes were exposed. This adds a layer of depth and insight that cannot be found in other books on Bundy.

Furthermore, “The Stranger Beside Me” delves into the psychological aspect of Bundy’s personality and behavior. Rule’s meticulous research and attention to detail paint a chilling portrait of a seemingly charming man who was able to hide his monstrous side from those closest to him. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of trusting appearances and highlights how easily someone can be deceived by a psychopath.

Lastly, this book serves as a reminder that evil can exist in the most unexpected places. Ted Bundy was not the stereotypical image of a

My Buying Guide on ‘Ann Rule Presents The Stranger Beside Me 2003’

As a true crime enthusiast, I have read countless books on various cases and the minds of criminals. However, there is one book that stands out to me above all others – Ann Rule’s ‘The Stranger Beside Me’.

Why This Book Stands Out

The reason this book stands out to me is because of the unique perspective of the author, Ann Rule. Not only is she a skilled true crime writer, but she also knew the killer personally. This adds an extra layer of depth and insight to the story that you won’t find in other books.

About the Author

Ann Rule was a former police officer and true crime writer who became well-known for her detailed and unbiased accounts of infamous criminal cases. She had a personal connection to many of her subjects, including Ted Bundy – the focus of ‘The Stranger Beside Me’.

The Plot

‘The Stranger Beside Me’ tells the story of Ted Bundy’s crimes from the perspective of someone who once considered him a friend. Ann Rule met Ted Bundy while working on a suicide hotline in Seattle and had no idea that he was one of the most notorious serial killers in American history. The book follows their friendship, as well as Bundy’s descent into darkness and eventual capture.

What Makes It Unique

As mentioned earlier, what makes this book truly unique is Ann Rule’s personal connection to Ted Bundy. She provides intimate details about his personality and behavior that only someone who knew him could have access to. This adds depth and complexity to the story, making it stand out among other true crime books.

The Impact

‘The Stranger Beside Me’ not only delves into Ted Bundy’s crimes but also explores how he managed to hide his dark side from those around him for so long. It raises questions about how well we truly know those closest to us and how easily someone can deceive others with charm and charisma.

Who Should Read It

This book is perfect for anyone interested in true crime or psychology. It offers a unique perspective on one of America’s most infamous serial killers and delves into the mind of a psychopath.

In Conclusion

In my opinion, ‘The Stranger Beside Me’ is a must-read for any true crime fan. Its gripping plot, unique perspective, and thought-provoking themes make it stand out among other books in the genre. I highly recommend adding it to your collection.

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Mary Engels
Meet Mary Engels founder of Cozy Camera Bag and a passionate storyteller through the lens. Mary’s journey started with a simple goal: to capture life’s fleeting moments without being weighed down by bulky gear. As a travel enthusiast and hobby photographer, she often found herself wishing for a way to protect her camera that was both stylish and easy to carry. That’s how Cozy Camera Bag came to life.

Starting in 2024, Mary Engels has expanded her role at Cozy Camera Bag by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition was driven by Mary’s curiosity and passion for exploring products that enhance the creative process, whether for photography, travel, or everyday use.

Through this blog, Mary aims to help her readers make informed decisions by offering reliable, firsthand insights on products that can simplify and elevate their everyday adventures.