While the shorter crime cases are interesting and well-written, it’s Randy Roth’s incredible, dastardly actions that stood out for me. Women, BEWARE the charmers like him!
I believe that Ann Rule is considered one of the best, if not the best true crime author. She makes the crimes (with all the people and settings) read like good fiction – and sometimes it’s hard to believe her books are based on real events.
Ann Rule had an interest in true crime even before she started writing. She was once a police woman with the Seattle police department and she also volunteered on a crisis help line – with serial killer Ted Bundy!
I think of myself as a rather slow reader – even though I took an Evelyn Wood Speed-Reading course years ago. However, every time I read one of Ann Rule’s true crime novels, it seems I truly get my money’s worth at that speed-reading course!
If you’re ever interested in reading a true crime novel >>> I strongly recommend starting with one by Ann Rule. (Even though it may spoil you when you read a true crime novel by someone else!)
Betcei says
I completely agree with your thoughts about Ann Rule books! I always recommend them first when someone comes to the library for “True Crime”. These days, not everyone is familiar with her work, and I want to keep it in the mainstream!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Betcei, I would certainly agree that she is a classic for the true crime genre and one that every fan of mysteries should read at some point!
Ellen Byron says
I love Ann Rule’s books. THE STRANGER BESIDE ME, about how she worked side-by-side with Ted Bundy at a suicide hotline, is absolutely chilling. She truly set the standard for a true-crime mystery writer.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ellen, “set the standard” is a very good way to put her influence on the genre.
Kay Carlson says
I still haven’t read “The Stranger Beside Me”, but I have read a lot of her other books. She is fabulous writer and I feel like I’m hovering over the crime scenes from above. She definitely knows what she writes about.
Kim says
I’ve always enjoyed all Ann Rule’s books!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kim, so have I!
Babette says
I, too love Ann Rule’s true crime novels. Sadly, she died a couple of years ago. She was a resident of the area I live in in Washington state.
A remarkable woman!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Babette, I know… it was definitely a loss when she passed.
Julie says
I looked all over the site but couldn’t find a place to add an author I don’t see listed? Hazel Holt is among the coziest, if you don’t care for the grittier mysteries, and if you like reading about everyday British Village life! The first one I read I thought was a little boring, but then I went back and made sure I read the first book and then all the others in order, and I ended up buying all of them in real books and on kindle : )
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Julie, yes, Hazel Holt is also one of my personal favorites, and you can find her page list on the site here.
Julie says
Oh, good! Glad she’s here for others to try out : )
Bek says
I’m another Anne Rule fan, although I seldom buy them…I have TOO MANY of your Cozy Mysteries on my “must have list” for that! However, my dear friend owns a used bookshop, and occasionally just sends me a box of books, and the last one had an Anne Rule in it! It was “The Stranger Beside Me,” and it was chilling!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bek, I certainly know how that goes – it seems like my “to be read” list of mysteries only grows, never shrinks!
Owyn says
Thank you for writing about Anne Rule. I wrote her name down so I can check out her books. I’m relatively new to cozy mystery as a reader. Although, I was/am a viewer of TV cozy mysteries. Anne Rule passed away and yet she has a probable new reader! Is she true crime and cozy or more true crime? Anyway, thank you.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Owyn, she is definitely true crime through and through, with no real “Cozy” elements. Real world murders just aren’t ever as “clean” as Cozies portray them.