One cannot delve into the true crime genre without knowing Ann Rule’s name. As a New York Times bestselling author, Rule’s career involved working for the Seattle Police Department and writing publications for magazines. Her first and most well-known book, “The Stranger Beside Me,” catalogs the life of serial killer Ted Bundy, who volunteered alongside Rule at a crisis hotline where they became friends. Rule's knack for unraveling the hidden darkness within seemingly ordinary individuals sets her apart, making her a master of the genre.
Rule wrote 35 books during her extensive career. In this article, we've ranked her books based on readers' ratings to help you choose your next read.
35. Practice to Deceive - Average Rating: 3.52, Ratings: 4,874
34. Lying in Wait and Other True Cases: Crime Files Vol. 17 - Average Rating: 3.75, Ratings: 2,945
33. In the Still of the Night: The Strange Death of Ronda Reynolds and Her Mother's Unceasing Quest for the Truth - Average Rating: 3.79, Ratings: 4,378
32. Danger in the Dorm - Average Rating: 3.89, Ratings: 270
31. Smoke, Mirrors, and Murder and Other True Cases: Crime Files Vol. 12 - Average Rating: 3.91, Ratings: 2,557
30. But I Trusted You and Other True Cases: Crime Files Vol. 14 - Average Rating: 3.91, Ratings: 2,652
29. The Want-Ad Killer - Average Rating: 3.92, Ratings: 6,396
28. Kiss Me, Kill Me and Other True Cases: Crime Files Vol. 9 - Average Rating: 3.94, Ratings: 3,254
27. Fatal Friends, Deadly Neighbors and Other True Cases: Crime Files Vol. 16 - Average Rating: 3.94, Ratings: 2,973
26. Heart Full of Lies - Average Rating: 3.96, Ratings: 5,273
25. Don't Look Behind You and Other True Cases: Crime Files Vol. 15 - Average Rating: 3.97, Ratings: 2,791
24. No Regrets and Other True Cases: Crime Files Vol. 11 - Average Rating: 3.98, Ratings: 2,010
23. A Rage to Kill and Other True Cases: Crime Files Vol. 6 - Average Rating: 3.99, Ratings: 3,744
22. Empty Promises: Crime Files Vol. 7 - Average Rating: 3.99, Ratings: 2,921
21. Green River, Running Red - Average Rating: 3.99, Ratings: 18,135
20. Without Pity: Ann Rule's Most Dangerous Killers: Crime Files Updates - Average Rating: 4.00, Ratings: 2,402
19. The I-5 Killer - Average Rating: 4.01, Ratings: 10,108
18. Last Dance, Last Chance and Other True Cases: Crime Files Vol. 8 - Average Rating: 4.01, Ratings: 2,945
17. Every Breath You Take: A True Story of Obsession, Revenge, and Murder - Average Rating: 4.03, Ratings: 8,015
16. Worth More Dead and Other True Cases: Crime Files Vol. 10 - Average Rating: 4.04, Ratings: 2,215
15. Too Late to Say Goodbye: A True Story of Murder and Betrayal - Average Rating: 4.04, Ratings: 7,289
14. Lust Killer - Average Rating: 4.06, Ratings: 6,958
13. Everything She Ever Wanted - Average Rating: 4.07, Ratings: 8,960
12. A Fever in the Heart and Other True Cases: Crime Files Vol. 3 - Average Rating: 4.07, Ratings: 4,811
11. Bitter harvest - Average Rating: 4.08, Ratings: 9,747
#10: Mortal Danger and Other True Cases: Crime Files Vol. 13
Avg. Goodreads Rating: 4.09 / 5
Number of Ratings: 3,012
Ann Rule, renowned for her expertise in unraveling true crime narratives, presents a collection of cases that delve into the sinister side of seemingly trustworthy individuals. In one standout story, a Southern California family man and naturopath ensnares a flight attendant in a deadly affair, culminating in a brutal attack. The book also covers a woman orchestrating her husband's murder for inheritance, a sadist whose actions impact a presidential campaign, a shocking DNA revelation linking two crimes, and a man crossing continents to stalk his ex-lover. Rule's savvy adds depth to these chilling narratives.
#9: You Belong to Me and Other True Cases: Crime Files Vol. 2
Avg. Goodreads Rating: 4.12 / 5
Number of Ratings: 5,087
In "You Belong to Me," Ann Rule delves into the shocking case of Florida highway patrolman Tim Harris, a seemingly perfect trooper with dark, deadly secrets. Rule explores Harris's chilling crimes along with other fascinating cases from her files. She masterfully examines the criminals, their families, and the circumstances surrounding each crime, showcasing why she’s regarded as a top true crime writer.
#8: Dead by Sunset: Perfect Husband, Perfect Killer?
Avg. Goodreads Rating: 4.12 / 5
Number of Ratings: 8,290
Ann Rule explores the chilling case of Brad Cunningham in "Dead By Sunset." Cunningham, adored by many women, was suspected of brutally killing his wife, attorney Cheryl Keeton, whose body was found in her van on an Oregon freeway. Despite the lack of solid evidence, Cunningham's dark side emerged as he remarried and his new wife, Sara, experienced a nightmarish marriage. Rule dives into Cunningham's troubled past, multiple marriages, and twisted actions, leading to one of the most bizarre trials in legal history. "Dead By Sunset" showcases Rule at her best, offering a detailed and fascinating account of a charismatic man's descent into evil.
#7: And Never Let Her Go: Thomas Capano: The Deadly Seducer
Avg. Goodreads Rating: 4.12 / 5
Number of Ratings: 8,632
"And Never Let Her Go" by Ann Rule dives into the chilling true-crime story of Anne Marie Fahey, a young woman ensnared by her lover, Tom Capano. Fahey, a scheduling secretary for the Delaware governor, had a secret affair with Capano, a wealthy and influential attorney. Things took a dark turn after a dinner date on June 27, 1996, when Anne Marie mysteriously disappeared. Rule uncovers the deceit and manipulation leading to Fahey's tragic end, revealing Capano's double life and obsessive behavior. This story shows just how far Capano would go to get what he wanted, impacting multiple prominent families. "And Never Let Her Go" mixes intense personal drama with a look into the dark side of human nature.
#6: If You Really Loved Me
Avg. Goodreads Rating: 4.12 / 5
Number of Ratings: 11,498
David Brown seemed like the perfect entrepreneur—a computer genius and millionaire by thirty-two. But when his wife was shot while she slept, his fourteen-year-old daughter, Cinnamon, shockingly confessed to the crime and was sentenced to twenty-four years to life. However, as two determined lawmen dug deeper, Brown's disturbing world came to light, revealing a web of perverse love, twisted secrets, and manipulative mind games. The investigation suggested that Brown might have convinced his daughter to kill to prove her love, turned young women into personal slaves, collected nearly $1 million in insurance, and married his dead wife's teenage sister. This chilling tale uncovers a sociopath who nearly got away with it all.
#5: A Rose For Her Grave and Other True Cases: Crime Files Vol. 1
Avg. Goodreads Rating: 4.13 / 5
Number of Ratings: 6,499
This first book in the bestselling Crime Files series by Ann Rule is a collection of true crime stories, featuring the chilling case of Randy Roth—a man who married and murdered for profit. Soon to be a Lifetime movie, this anthology showcases Rule’s sharp investigative skills and compassionate storytelling. Alongside Roth’s story are other compelling tales of vengeance, deadly estranged relationships, and fateful encounters. With her keen eye for detail and deep analysis of the criminal mind, Rule exposes the dark truths lurking among us.
#4: The End of the Dream and Other True Cases: Crime Files Vol. 5
Avg. Goodreads Rating: 4.14 / 5
Number of Ratings: 4,281
"The End of the Dream" follows the story of four charismatic and talented friends in Washington—Kevin, Steve, Scott, and Mark—who seemed destined for success. Behind the idyllic life at Scott's luxurious tree house, Seven Cedars, lay dark secrets. A Seattle police detective and an FBI agent uncovered a web of murder, suicide, bank robberies, drug-dealing, and betrayal among the friends. The story culminates in a dramatic standoff, revealing the true nature of the ringleader, known as "Hollywood." Ann Rule also includes four other true-crime tales, offering a compelling look into the criminal mind.
#3: The Stranger Beside Me
Avg. Goodreads Rating: 4.14 / 5
Number of Ratings: 100,877
One of the most well-known true crime books, Ann Rule's "The Stranger Beside Me" offers a chillingly intimate look at her shocking realization that her coworker, Ted Bundy, was one of America's most notorious serial killers. Rule recounts her growing awareness of Bundy's horrific crimes while working alongside him at a crisis hotline, revealing her personal and professional struggles as a crime reporter grappling with the truth. Bundy ultimately confessed to killing at least 36 women and was executed for three of those murders. Through their enduring correspondence, Rule masterfully blends her personal insights with her investigative prowess, creating an unforgettable true-crime classic that redefined the genre.
#2: In the Name of Love and Other True Cases: Crime Files Vol. 4
Avg. Goodreads Rating: 4.16 / 5
Number of Ratings: 3,444
Jerry Harris was a successful California millionaire with a dream life until he vanished one night after a cryptic phone call. His wife, Susan, embarked on an eight-year quest to uncover the truth. Ann Rule, with insights from an FBI agent, reveals the sinister motives of a jealous man intent on destroying Jerry's empire. This gripping tale exposes the dark side of success and Susan's pursuit of justice. Plus, you'll find more unforgettable true crime stories that make this book a real page-turner.
#1: Small Sacrifices
Avg. Goodreads Rating: 4.25 / 5
Number of Ratings: 30,461
While not her most well-known book, Ann Rule's "Small Sacrifices" is her highest-rated book by readers! It all starts when Diane Downs pulls up to a hospital in Springfield, Oregon, with her three children, all gravely wounded, in the backseat. She claims a "shaggy-haired stranger" shot them, but as the investigation unfolds, a chilling suspicion takes root: could Diane have shot her own kids? This shocking case reveals a dark tale of incest, psychological trauma, desperate affairs, and surrogate motherhood. Rule's masterful storytelling will keep you on the edge of your seat as she delves into the terrifying depths of human nature.
Average rating and number of reviews from Goodreads. Last updated: 5/13/2024