The Stranger Beside Me audiobook by Ann Rule, unabridged true crime

For a long drive, a walk or a quiet stretch of routine tasks, The Stranger Beside Me brings Ann Rule’s true-crime book to audio. This unabridged edition is narrated by Lorelei King and runs for 18 hours and 29 minutes.

The book centres on serial killer Ted Bundy and is told by Rule, a crime writer who knew him. Prefer listening to a long-form account rather than settling in with a printed book? This edition lets you follow the full work in narrated form.

It suits listeners looking for an in-depth true-crime title, with enough length to return to across multiple listening sessions. Its subject matter is disturbing, so it is best chosen by those comfortable with serious crime accounts.

Technical overview

• Format: Audible audiobook
• Author: Ann Rule
• Narrator: Lorelei King
• Programme type: Unabridged
• Listening length: 18 hours and 29 minutes
• Publication date: 23 March 2012
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

The unabridged format presents the complete book as an audiobook, while King’s narration gives the account a consistent listening voice. That makes this a substantial choice for anyone seeking a detailed true-crime listen rather than a short overview. The focus is on Rule’s account of Bundy, so it will appeal to listeners interested in crime biographies and serial-killer stories.

Listeners who have shared their views often praise the book’s absorbing storytelling, writing and depth of information about Bundy. Some also describe the experience as unsettling, which reflects the serious subject matter rather than a light or casual listen. These impressions can help set expectations: it is a detailed true-crime narrative, not an easygoing background title for every mood.

Best use cases

Choose this audiobook when you want a substantial true-crime story in audio and prefer listening to reading. Its 18-hour-plus runtime can be taken in over multiple sessions, making it a fit for listeners who like returning to a detailed account rather than finishing a brief crime summary in one sitting. It may also suit people exploring crime biographies and looking for a work centred on Bundy through Rule’s perspective.

Compared with a short-form true-crime recap, this unabridged audiobook is designed to deliver the full book at length. A printed edition may suit someone who prefers to read at their own pace on the page, the audio format is the more natural fit for anyone who wants the story narrated. The choice comes down to whether you want a complete, extended account in audio or a shorter introduction to the subject.

Getting the most from it

Plan listening around the length of the book rather than treating it as a quick update or a short episode. You can return to it in separate sessions and pick up the account as your time allows. As with any audiobook, use a listening setup that suits your situation and keep attention on your surroundings when listening while travelling or doing other tasks.

If you are choosing between this and a briefer true-crime title, its appeal is the combination of an unabridged presentation, a dedicated narrator and Rule’s account of Ted Bundy. Those features make it a considered pick for listeners who want a full-length crime biography and are comfortable with its unsettling subject.

Is it worth it?

For listeners seeking a detailed Bundy account in narrated form, The Stranger Beside Me offers a clear reason to choose this edition: the complete book, delivered by Lorelei King over 18 hours and 29 minutes. It is particularly suited to people who value a sustained true-crime narrative and want to hear Ann Rule’s perspective, rather than opting for a short summary or a print-first reading experience.