true crime Archives

Stranger Beside Me, The

A True Crime Author, a Serial Killer, A Strange Friendship Author: Ann Rule Ann Rule, prolific true crime writer, worked side by side, and even developed a meaningful friendship, with one of the most prolific serial killers in American history: Ted Bundy. As Ann unknowingly began working on a book about the serial rapes and murders of young women across several states, her confidant and friend, Bundy, watched from the sidelines. As the investigation continued and Ann began to suspect Ted, the lines between friendship and loyalty, crime and punishment blurred, creating this explosive account of one woman’s friendship with a [...]

Frances Carden2023-10-09T11:52:28-07:00October 9th, 2023|Tags: ann rule, book review, read, reading, Ted Bundy, true crime|

In the Name of the Children

A So-So Vignette Into Tracking Child Predators Author: Jeffrey L. Rinek Jeff Rinek always wanted to be part of the FBI, even as a child. To him it was a real way to get involved, to be a hero, to help people. He thrived on FBI stories growing up. But it didn’t look like it was ever meant to be. For one thing, Jeff was Jewish, and in the 70s the FBI was mostly comprised of white Christians. Not a place for a Jewish man, especially one with physical disabilities. Passing the physical tests alone was a nearly insurmountable challenge. But [...]

Frances Carden2023-06-24T11:31:14-07:00June 24th, 2023|Tags: book review, read, reading, true crime|

Have At It, Sister

Murderer or Battered Woman? Author: Bill Griffeth One late night in April 1991, the abuse was finally too much for Gloria Burtzlaff. She walked down the stairs, loaded the gun, walked back, said “Larry, I’m going to kill you,” and shot her husband dead. From there, the trial spooled out, but South Dakota did not allow expert witnesses to offer a diagnosis of “battered woman syndrome.” Besides, Gloria had had an affair, one that lasted years. She had options. She showed calm forethought. It was enough to put her away, but was it all really true? What is battered woman [...]

Frances Carden2023-06-20T16:58:54-07:00June 20th, 2023|Tags: Audible, Audible Original, book review, read, reading, true crime|