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True crime novels writer Ann Rule dies

Ann Rule wrote several crime books and was most known for "The Stranger Beside Me" about her time working with serial killer Ted Bundy in Seattle. Rule died in July 2015 at age 83.
Ann Rule wrote several crime books and was most known for "The Stranger Beside Me" about her time working with serial killer Ted Bundy in Seattle. Rule died in July 2015 at age 83.
By KIRO 7 STAFF
July 27, 2015

Ann Rule, a crime novels author, has died, her daughter confirms on Facebook.

Rule lived in Normandy Park, Washington. She was 83.

>> See her best sellers here

Daughter, Leslie Rule, wrote on Facebook that her mother died peacefully on Tuesday night.

"She had congestive heart failure and many other health issues," Leslie wrote. "She got to see all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren when they visited her at Highline Hospital."

Ann Rule is a true crime writer best known for "The Stranger Beside Me," about serial killer Ted Bundy, as well as her book about child murder Diane Downs, "Small Sacrifices" -- among many other titles.

#BREAKING Beloved crime writer Ann Rule has died, her daughter confirmed on Facebook. She was 83. >>...

Posted by KIRO 7 Eyewitness News on Monday, July 27, 2015

Rule, who has written of more than two dozen New York Times bestsellers, recently told CBS News' "48 Hours" she couldn't help but write about the Russel Douglas case.

"Russel was a young fellow in his 30s quite bright -- just about to get his Master's degree. ... And he really seemed like the last person to be murdered. And it became -- such a mystery," Rule said. " And in -- in the end they found, what I would think, were unlikely suspects."

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