Ann Rule: Author of The Stranger Beside Me, Bitter Harvest, Too Late to Say Goodbye, Small Sacrifices and 24 other true crime books:

When I read IN COLD BLOOD in 1964, I was tremendously impressed with Truman Capote's writing, and, indeed, that book--along with BLOOD AND MONEY by Thomas Thompson--inspired me to try for a career in true crime writing. I used to think, "If only I could get into the mind of a killer, and write about it in a book," I would never ask for anything else." But be careful what you wish for. 8 years later, I worked at the Crisis Clinic's suicide hot-line in Seattle, and I was partnered with a very nice young psychology student named Ted Bundy. After Ted and I went our separate ways, I  signed a contract to write about an unknown serial killer, never realizing that he WAS known to me. And I saw my first book, THE STRANGER BESIDE ME published.  I got my wish, but I also lost faith in my own ability to perceive evil. Capote's novel-like technique fit me perfectly, and I emulated him. Even though later criticism suggests that he embroidered on the truth quite a bit, he was still a front runner.

Capote's plunge into silly society parties, alcohol, perhaps drugs, and his decision to put his writing last was a tragedy. He was one of the strongest natural writers we ever had. He died too young, with far too many books unwritten. I'm somewhat disillusioned--but I still thank him for opening a tour that led to my own style, now honed for forty years.

Cordially,

Ann Rule