Many people consider Ann Rule the most important true crime writer in North America. She was born Ann Stackhouse in Michigan on October 22. Her dad, Chester, was a coach for different sports and her mom, Sophie, was a schoolteacher. Ann had some sheriffs and police officers in the family too, so she grew up in a law enforcement environment. It motivated her to want a similar environment for herself one day. So, she became a Seattle, Washington, policewoman at one point.
The family lived in different states while Ann was growing up. Later, she married Bill Rule and they had 5 children. Today those children are grown and busy working and raising their own families. Ann has some grandkids these days.
Since 1969 Ann has been writing about crime and criminals. She has written more than 27 books and 1,400 articles. She started out writing for True Detective magazine using the fictitious name Andy Stack. Her first important book was The Stranger Beside Me, about serial killer Ted Bundy. She is a graduate of the University of Washington (state), but, in addition, has taken many courses about police work, processing crime, criminal psychology, etc. Ann herself has taught many seminars to law enforcement groups.
Ann once helped one of her grandmothers prepare meals in Michigan for prisoners. She became very curious about the prisoners and the reasons they did the terrible things they had gone to prison for. Ann’s books tell about the killers and their families, the victims and their families, the police investigations, including how the cases got solved, and many other things. Many of Ann’s books have been made into movies. One of Ann’s many awards was the Washington State Governor’s Award.
Ann likes dogs and cats and has plenty of them at her home. She also likes to garden and collect things like old bottles, tiny cars, police items, wind chimes and teddy bears. She likes to walk, too, especially along the beach. She lives near Puget Sound.
Ann has many favorite authors. One of them is her daughter, Leslie Rule. You can see Ann’s picture and read more about her if you wish at www.annrule.com. Thanks for reading.
