I maintain an Ann Rule "lending library" which needs constant replenishment; friends savor the books as much as I do.

When I read various reviews of her books here at Amazon, I realized that there are many camps of readers.... most reviewers gave consistent high praise for Ann's subject choice and writing style.

Ann's critics seem to have different expectations, and that alters their perspective. I would advise Ann's new readers to consider that Ms. Rule avoids goulish crimes (i.e., Jeffrey Dahlmer's story) and seeks to balance accurate reporting with ongoing empathy for the direct and indirect victims. (She retains close relationships with many of them.)

Ann chronicals the diverse elements that contribute to dramatic crimes and their eventual legal resolution. She paints vivid pictures that allow the reader to follow the intertwining paths of victims, criminals and investigators, without sinking to exploitation of the grislier elements.

These are not novels. People who would like the characters to be more virtuous or villainous, or who expect every loose end to resolve patly, may be disappointed. These also are not psychological textbooks; while Ann shares her vivid impressions of the emotional makeup of key characters, this is not her primary focus. I thank her for not fabricating or embellishing the real people in an attempt to turn them into convenient "characters."

Ann respects and honors the dedicated work of the investigators and attorneys who resolve these cases. Each book takes great care to follow and praise the efforts of the true "heroes" of the tale.

I always find myself slip effortlessly into the stories she weaves, and appreciate the care Ms. Rule puts into structuring each book. Many (such as "Bitter Harvest" and "Dead by Sunset") restored my faith that justice can ultimately be served. Others ("Everything She Wanted" and "The End of the Dream") acknowledged that for some people, a tragic downfall can never be overcome or even fully explained.

"The Stranger Beside Me", especially in its appended version, is perhaps Ann's ultimate work because it draws on her personal relationship with the key character, Ted Bundy. I encourage anyone who has a love of criminal investigation, psychological exploration and the pursuit of justice, to sample her works.

I am not going to write a review on any specific title of a book written by Ann Rule but; I am going to write an overview of the author herself....she does not write books fast enough. I have read all her books thus far, and I am looking forward to her next one due to be released in August '99.

This book contains very beautiful and fine selected pictures of Seattle. In a very sympathic way author Cheryl Landes tells little stories about Seattle.

This book is made for people who like to get a little and beautiful impression of Seattle.

As a law student attending school and working in a law office, this book has helped me tremendously. I can always find what I am looking for and it gives me answers for my questions. I have yet found anything that wasn't talked about in this book. This is a must have book for all legal students.

First off, this is one of the best books in the BSC Series and it was so well written. Great job, Ms. Martin!

Since Mary Anne has been sitting for the Kuhn kids, she's noticed how much Jake misses his divorced dad. Mary Anne thinks jake needs a guy to hang around with...but she doesn't tell Mrs.Kuhn this. So Mary Anne invites Logan over to play with Jake while she's baby-sitting.

Everything's perfect--until one day Mrs. Kuhn comes home early and finds Logan there. It's just a misunderstandding, but all Mrs. Kuhn and Kristy see is that Mary Anne has broken the number one rule of baby-sitting. She's invited her boyfriend over. What will happen to the BSC when their other clients find out? Read this book to find out!

'A Rose For Her Grave' is the first and amongst the best of Ann Rule's "crime files" series. Each book contains a major true crime story, well-researched in the Ann Rule fashion, followed by summaries of lesser chronicled crime stories. I personally prefer Ann Rule's other books which cover only one story but in enormous detail. Some of these classics (eg, 'The Stranger Beside Me') make for truly chilling yet enjoyable reading.

The main story in this book is also title 'A Rose For Her Grave'. It is about a man who murders his wifes to collect on insurance money. Most surprisingly, the man is not some dream hunk ... just some sub-standard car mechanic. And his personality is a bit bizarre, frightening. Yet women seem drawn to him. Fascinating reading. The other stories in the book are grisly affairs, sort of "quick hit" murders on unsuspecting victims; the victims did not know their killers. Compulsive yet uncomfortable reading.

Bottom line: fine true crime reading enjoyment. Recommended.

I could not put this book down. Ann Rule is truly an exceptional author. Her comments prior to each story are both personal and insightful. For those of you who like true crime, this is a must read.

I always enjoy Ann Rule's books, and this one was no exception. The main story was a real page turner. I could not put the book down. Ann did an incredible job of making me feel I knew all of the characters, even the victims. My heart ached for these young single mothers who were victimized by Randy Roth. I cannot imagine a more cruel human being than one who intentionally orphans little children, merely for money. The book goes into great detail about how the detectives finally caught and convicted this monster. I strongly recommend this book to any true-crime fan.

When I read this book I almost became physically ill when I got to the chapter in which Diane Downs commits the murders of her children. How in the name of God could she have done this to those innocent kids who were like lambs to the slaughter? During the reading of this book I cried many many tears at the thought of those children. Diane Downs didn't deserve the priviledge of being a mother. I often wonder what has become of Diane and how she feels about what she did to her kids? Does she have any remorse? This book upset me so much that I couldn't watch the t.v. movie with Farrah Fawcett. Ann Rule did an excellent job of writing this book, but it would be very difficult for me to read again. This tragic account of a horrible crime, will definitely make you want to hug your own children much tighter.

This was the first book, written by Ann Rule, that I ever read. I have since read all of Rule's books. It is the ONLY book that I have purchased, for myself, four times. (I keep "loaning" them, never to get them back). Whenever asked for a good read, this book is my first recommendation. I also suggest that after reading, put the book away, then re-read it.
All of the other reviews, pretty much tell how riveting the story is, how horrible the crime is, how selfish, the woman who had everything, was. The three beautiful children, unfortunately born to Diane Downs, were truely meant to be sacrifced so that Downs could have what she wanted. Period. What she got was prison. The most horrible thing about "Small Sacrifices" is, it's all true.
Ann Rule knows how to tell the story, makes the reader want to keep reading, and knows how to make you KEEP thinking about the innocent ones in this book.
I read this book about once a year, even if it means I have to go out and buy another one!

This book is the best written book I have ever read. I believe I think about this story every day. I wonder if Diane Downs has ever felt any remorse for what she did to her children? I have so many questions about this book. Do Christie and Danny, now that they are grown, have any contact with their mother? Do they have any memories of the shootings anymore? Ann Rule did an excellent job at writing this book--I must say her best yet. I feel I was right there and watching Diane Downs whole life due to Ann's writing. A couple of things still disturb me though. Both Steve and Diane Downs came from big families, yet neither side of the family came forth to adopt either child after Diane lost custody. Also did Lew and Nora stay together even after Diane went to prison? Did Lew have any contact with Diane after she went to prison? I hope Christie and Danny were able to put the horror behind them and live a normal life. A must read for any true crime reader!

Even though "Stranger Beside Me" is a book about one of America's most notorious serial killers, it seemed overly long and inert--perhaps because it was written in the first person, and that person was Ann Rule. I put it down several times and had trouble picking it up again.

The author had the perfect background for this story: she and Ted Bundy worked together as volunteers at the Seattle Crisis clinic in 1971; she was already a crime writer, and an ex-cop to boot; she was assigned to work on the case of the mysterious North-west killings long before Bundy was suspected of committing them. She also belonged to the same sorority (Chi Omega) where Bundy went on his next-to-the-last killing spree in Florida--the case that finally put him on death row.

"Stranger Beside Me" has almost everything you might want to know about Theodore Bundy: his childhood; the shame he felt because he was illegitimate; his two escapes from prison; the murders he committed and those that he probably committed; the police who were involved in his case; the women who loved him; his court appearances; his confession; his death.

However, the book also has a lot you might not want to know about the author: her bad dreams; her "extrasensory awareness of evil or danger" in various places connected with Bundy's murders; her feelings about his feelings; her on-again off-again loyalty to Bundy. There's a great deal of print taken up about how he was really tearing her up inside with all of his alleged wrong-doings, but I couldn't help wondering if the money she sent to him in prison played a role in his escape to Florida. I also couldn't help wondering if she stuck with him as long as she did (this is probably totally unfair) because of this book contract.

Ann Rule does have a unique insight into the soul (if he had one) of a killer. This is definitely a one-of-a-kind true crime story. It's just that I feel it could have been tightened up and cut from 548 pages (the updated twentieth anniversary edition) down to around 350, or so by eliminating the author's personal psycho-dramas.

Without a doubt, the coincidence that found Ann Rule already acquainted with the prime suspect in a series of brutal murders is one that would be hard to believe if this were fiction. But it's not -- Rule, contracted to write the story of the elusive "Ted," discovers that her former colleague, Ted Bundy, curiously resembles the profile of the killer. Rule's later career as one of the most spectacularly successful true crime writers was significantly enhanced by the publication of this book. She writes with a surprising candor of the intimacy between herself and the Republican Party aspirant and law student who was eventually put to death after committing an unknown number of killings in an unknown number of states. Bundy's episodic rampages through the states of Utah, Washington and Florida are well known, and he is, in many ways, the most "famous" of modern serial killers. On the constitution of the serial killer as a modern identity, there's probably nothing better than Mark Selzer's book Serial Killers, a fascinating study of this modern pathology which traces the identity assumed by Bundy and other back to Jack the Ripper. The Ripper, as the first elusive, anonymous, random killer to gain notoriety in popular culture, offered an "identikit" profile for the serial killer which Bundy, as "Ted," fits perfectly.

Rule's book reads like a curious amalgam of true crime and romance fiction, and, in many ways, this is a love story of sorts. Rule's fascination with Bundy reminds us of the charismatic powers of the sociopathic personality, and its plaint, adaptable face in this competitive culture we find ourselves in. Some might find her portrait of Bundy disturbing: she remains, through most of the book, reluctant to acknowledge the severity and hideousness of his crimes. But she acknowledges them, finally, in her graphic retelling of courtroom testimony, and in her humble incomprehension of the pain that Bundy brought to the lives of many. If you're looking for a book about this iconic figure, it's hard to go past The Stranger Beside Me. One way or another, it's become a classic true crime narrative. Rule taps into the rule of contingency that dogs serial killings: everything takes place merely because of opportunity, coincidence, random fate. And everything seems to have a moral, though Rule is properly reticent about what the moral here might be. My only hesitation concerns the way in which Rule introduces the victims: in some ways, it's more like a roster call than the poignant series of vignettes she intends. There are facts here that have been better discussed elsewhere, perhaps, but because of the strange coincidence that drew Rule and Bundy together, it's a powerful book.

After studying what makes a serial killer the way he is/was... I had a lot of books on Ted Bundy, but they were only by Chroniclers, men who were journalists, who only wanted to chronicle Ted's crimes as he sat on death row, they never knew him personally... and had made their judgments of his crimes in that manner... they didn't know the OTHER SIDE of Ted Bundy. Just the person he became sitting on Death Row.

This is the first Ann Rule book I bought ever. She gives insight that other journalists that have "talked to bundy on death row" have not. She not only gives insight as a True Crime Writer and friend of every police precinct in Washington, but she also gives insight as a close friend and co-worker (in a Crisis Center) of Ted Bundy.

We not only see how Ted was before and after he was caught in 3 states, but also what she thought of him during those times. She never sensationalize Ted the Monster, nor catered to "Poor Boy Ted", she just stated what she witnessed of him, and news articles on him.

I must admit though, of all the serial killers I have books on from Women Who Kill to Jack Olsen's books... this one... after I was finished reading the last page, I couldn't go to sleep, I was wondering what would I do if someone came through my window, and didn't sleep well at all. The frightening thing about this book... is... What would you do in Ann's situation if you suspected, and knew there were investigations of serial sex murders on YOUR Best Friend... a very chilling account of "Ted Bundy As I Knew Him"-type of book. I highly recommend this.

Rule is a good reporter and this book shows her strengths. She is able to deliver the details of the crime commited but not make the whole thing seem to dry. The reader winds up feeling sympathy for the victims in this case, Cheryl, her sons, and all the other lives that Brad ruined.

Rule also is careful to make sure the reader does not hate Brad. She does this by painting a full picture of the man. Yes he was dishonest and a slim, but Rule shows the reader how he got this way. Brad's father taught him to hate women and his mother didn't help anything telling her son that he was the reason she got cancer.

The story is well told and engaging. I wish it were fiction, sadly it is not. Certainly worth the time taken to read it.

This book was one of the first true-crime novels I ever read. I picked it up at an airport (another reviewer mentioned the same thing - must be the thing to do) because it took place in Oregon. I was fascinated (and horrified) by the fact that these crimes took place in locales I drove by every day. It was like a car accident - I couldn't look away, hideous as it was, knowing that this man lived and killed in my beloved city.

Ann Rule has a way with criminal stories - making them accessible to the average reader but including all the details fit to lure in those more familiar with the genre. She includes plenty of backstory and it's obvious she has spent countless hours interviewing and observing key players. I've added more of her books to my wish list.

[An aside: Does Ms. Rule do a lot more writing of true-crime in the Pacific Northwest than in other areas or is it just location-bias on my part? If so, why? Does she like the area or does the PNW have a lot more murders and serial killings? Just a simple observation...]

Ann Rule's coverage of this story is out-standing!! My best friend is Cheryl's step sister and she suggested that I read this book. I couldn't believe that this monster grew up and went to school across the street from my grandmothers house. My own father remembers knowing this guy and it's truely shocking when you realize that this is someone who is somehow connected to you in a round about way. The book is so enticing! It makes you sad,angry,curious,terrified and so much more. I appreciate the people who would not let this man get away with what he did. Kudo's to our legal system and the men and women who fought for justice. Ann Rule is a wonderful Author who's books capture the truth and feeling in the stories that she writes about. Any book by her is worth reading over and over and over again.

I really enjoyed this one, and learned a lot - for example, now that I know which short sleeved shirts don't look good on me, I can avoid buying them and feeling dumb each time I pull them out of my closet, try them on, and wrench them off. This alone will save me hundreds of dollars this year, I predict.

The section at the end of the book about organizing your closet is almost worth the price of the book. I feel like I've got permission to finally get rid of the things I never wear, but keep out of guilt.

The book has some flaws, however.

Despite the 2000 publishing date, it seems curiously outdated in some places. Does anyone still remember the knee-length knit vests that Bea Arthur wore as Maude, thirty years ago? Feldon apparently does.

It's like the low-rise bootcut pant was never invented, either. All the pants shown are high-waisted, pleated and straight (or worse, tapered!). It would be nice to be shown how to wear the new silhouette, which is everywhere, and is definitely a trend, not a fad. (Feldon tells us to buy the trend, and avoid the fad.)

Feldon also describes herself as a black-aholic. Most of us probably already have tons of black in our closets, and are possibly wondering how to phase color back into our lives now that the nineties are over.

I also agree with one of the other reviewers who found fault with the illustrations. The figures are all tiny, with grotesquely disportionate legs, (the legs look like they are three times as long as the bodies.) It's difficult to see how these mutants could possibly want to look any taller or thinner. Still, they do illustrate the clothing styles discussed in the text, even if they don't represent what those styles might look like on an actual human.

I would have liked it if Feldon had given some recommendations on what constitues a basic wardrobe, too, and how to build one that gives you something to wear for any occasion. For that reason alone, it will not be the only fashion book I will be purchasing this year.

These detractions don't spoil the book for me, however. Feldon gives advice for women with short-waists, long-waists (and tells you how to decide which one you are!), pear-shapes, large busts, and other variations and most of us will relate to at least one of these types, and can benefit from advice in this book.

As a short, sturdy person who is not overweight, but who has always had a hit-or-miss history of clothes-buying, I suddenly find myself looking forward to my next shopping trip. Finally, I know what to look for - and what to leave for my taller, younger, or thinner friends.

DOES THIS MAKE ME LOOK FAT? is written in a breezy self-help tone, and based on the premise that no matter what your shape or size, there are a few little golden fashion principles you can use to look elegant and sophisticated. Leah Feldon gives us a friendly, accessible book with lots of helpful tips. This book is punctuated by quotes from celebrities, as well as fashion-designer drawings.

Feldon maintains that even if we don't want to be judged by appearance, the fact is that we are. Instead of worrying about changing ourselves, Leah gives us what she has dubbed "Camoflage Chic" -- looking good while minimizing flaws. This is the basic premise of most "art of dressing" books, but Feldon's engaging style make it an easy and encouraging read.

Your husband wouldn't dare tell you. Your girlfriend might not either. But Leah Feldon will! Filled with refreshing anectodes and jammed with information, "Does This Make Me Look Fat" gives you all the information you need to make good fashion decisions! You can look slimmer, taller, more elegant and better proportioned. Leah explains what styles work best for different body types, colors that slim, optical illusions that add sleek elegance, selecting a bathing suit without angst and much more! Her section on accessories covers everything from shoes that make your feet look clunky to belts that pack pounds on your waistline! She even includes information on what to look for in a quality garment and how to wear your hair for best effects. But Leah goes beyond telling you what will look best she explains in great detail why it will look best. So when you go shopping you will know what to look for. Interspersed throughout the text are interesting quotes from celebrities like designer Isaac Mizrahi and actress Minnie Driver. I would like to have seen some actual photographs of clothing but the line drawings included are helpful. The book is informative and an enjoyable read. I recommend it. But if you read the book and are still not sure if a garment makes you look fat just ask your mother!

Everything She Ever Wanted is the true story of a southern 'belle' who makes the gradual transition from being a spoiled, selfish child into a manipulative, overbearing witch. Her ego and cold disregard for the people who love her leads her down the path of murder. From a 10,000 ft perspective Everything She Ever Wanted sounds a bit formulaic. However what makes this book compulsive reading is the fascinating interrelationship between the murderess and her manipulated family. I was amazed at how much she got away with, and how her family defended her until the end (despite being victims themselves). Familial love is indeed blind.

Bottom line: Everything She Ever Wanted is typical Ann Rule stuff. That is, it is well-written and researched. No, it's not among her best works. But it makes for pure reading enjoyment nonetheless.

This book was completely shocking. I can't believe that so many people stood by and let Pat Taylor ruin their lives.
She is the perfect example of a wacko. Ann Rule does a great job of showing what a fake this woman is. Her oldest daughter should be thankful she has nothing more to do with her family that has so obviously lost touch with reality. Too bad her son doesn't support her and instead chooses to side with his pathetic excuse for a grandmother. The worst thing about this crime is that Pat Taylor isn't in jail for the rest of her sad life. Not Ann's best book, but still a good read.

"Everything She Ever Wanted" stands out among the 8 Ann Rule books I have read to date. It is not the most suspenseful or most interesting. It is not set in an especially attractive locale or does not introduce compelling characters.It DOES have Pat Taylor/Allanson. To me, she is the lowest of the low,including that sicko from "Lust Killer". One has to complete all 500+ pages to appreciate how bad/evil/manipulative this woman is. Husbands, children and family mean absolutely nothing to Pat as she schemes her way through life. The title is a bit of a tease, since it was not exactly clear just want Pat "wanted" so badly or if she will ever achieve it. "ESEW" is lengthy by necessity because Pat casts a wide net with her behavior. There is a plethora of children,family members,spouses, cops, defense attorneys, district attorneys and innocent bystanders drawn into the maelstrom surrounding her. This point demonstrates the tale's only weakness. It's too long! I believe the author could have drawn the reader into the plot quicker. With so many "main" characters, some of the minor ones could have been deleted entirely or had their roles abbreviated. I almost put "ESEW" away before being drawn into the same maelstrom mentioned above. Apart from this, the book is definitely recommended. Ann Rule fans need not think twice. New readers may wish to start with the briefer "Lust Killer" or perhaps "I-5 Killer" before tackling the longer fare here. On a positive note, I was inspired by the very real characters of Tom and Susan. They battled back! More power to them. Also, my compliments to two previous reviewers: "Sarbery" observed that owning a few horses doesn't make a Souhern family "refined". Good one!. Another observant reviewer noticed the photographic changes in Susan as the plot thickened. All the more reason NOT to read those pesky centerfold photos (or the back cover!) until the end.Of all A.R.s efforts, I sense a possible sequel here. Have we or haven't we heard the last of Pat?