Thanks for voting on my list Sherry! I realize now I should not have created it as there is already a True Crimes list but I was unable to locate it last night. I cannot find a way to delete it.

The Stranger Beside Me was the most terrifying book I ever read. Another one is by Mark Fuhrman. It was so scary I was unable to finish it and mailed it to my friend Mare who did manage. She was unable to finish A Thousand Splendid Suns tho as it upset her so much. I did manage that one. (very sad)

Ann Rule was keynote speaker at a conference I attended about a year ago. She supported herself writing pulp for true detective and other crime magazines. The Stranger Beside Me was her first success. Ted Bundy's parents are Methodists, and his stepdad was the cook at a luncheon I attended at my church. I often wondered how hard it was for them when the truth about him came out.

It must have been terrible for them. I thought quite a bit about that too as I was reading the book. They say that is genetic!!!! Its so hard to believe that anyone could be that vicious. It took quite a bit of courage for me to even read the book. I think Ann did a great job of telling the shocking story.

I would like to meet Ann. That must have been very interesting to meet her. I also read Last Dance, Last Chance. It was a shocker too. It made me think of my ex!!!!! I mailed it to Mom to ask if it reminded her of anyone and she told me the same!

I had a copy of the book, but after I went through the photo section, I couldn't bring myself to read it. I think it must have taken a lot of courage for the parents to continue their lives. I might have wanted to move away and change my name.

I read every line which is rather amazing as its not easy to read. Its super scary. I had read a short story long ago in a Readers Digest but picked up the paperback at the Woodland Park library paperback exchange. I also picked up Last Dance Last Chance. I sent that one to Mom but have kept the Ted Bundy one. I was so glad when they finally executed him. Apparently his grandfather had been insane and abusive but not sure that had anything to do with his problems.

I have never heard of insanity being genetic. Abuse is passed on to the children who are abused. They grow up to repeat the cycle. It takes hard work to break out of it. I think that's what the Bible means by "the sins of the father shall be visited upon the sons."

Oh yes, you did spell "tryst" correctly. :0)

Thanks for letting me know I got tryst correct. Of course mental ilness is genetic and runs in families. Didn't you mnow that schizophrenia is genetic? It occurs mainly among those of Western Irish descent but interesting enough this is the same group that has the most celiac disease. There is also a genetic connection with bi-polar which you can read about in the most excellent book recommended to me by Thom which Touched by Fire. I think that is the right title. Will have to search it.

I had no idea there were so many books called Touched by Fire! There must have been more to the title and I have forgotten it.

My daughter and I both are diagnosed bi-polar, and I am sure my mother was too. She was described as "nervous." My cousin told me that her mother, my mom's sister, also seemed to be bi-polar. I knew that had a genetic component. I am so afraid of Alzheimer's which my mom and her sister both developed. I hadn't realized that about schizophrenia. It's a little scary.