Reviews

The I-5 Killer by Ann Rule

kellie_loves_coffee's review against another edition

dark informative sad medium-paced

3.75

trin's review against another edition

3.0

Junk food for while I'm sick. Rule knows how to present a case thoroughly and suspensefully, though not without certain cliches of the genre that set my teeth on edge--talking about the intelligence of the killer (despite the rest of the narrative repeatedly disproving this) and lauding law enforcement (Rule was a former cop); suggesting that there is so much more crime and murder now (the 1980s) then ever before; being pro-death penalty. But it was interesting to learn about a case I somehow knew nothing about, despite it having taken place partially in my home state.

Also, the D.A. was Dick Van Dyke's son? Whaaaaat.

storybookcorner's review against another edition

dark emotional informative mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

bluestar_apologist's review against another edition

challenging dark medium-paced

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Murder, and Violence

abbuelita's review against another edition

Tried on audio and just wasn’t compelled to listen at all. Definitely a me problem.

duchessofreadin's review

4.0

This was a very chilling read. Ann Rule brings a great wealth of information to the table, and shares in a way that keeps you engaged throughout.

Fans of true crime should grab this one! Book perfection!

pbraue13's review

4.0

This was the last in my "Andy Stack stack" and this was by far the worst. Not in terms of the writing or construction of the book, but by the brutality of the acts of the books subject. Rule writes with no holds barred, detailing everything with the well-researched gravitas that she shows in all her books, and with such clarity of feeling (this is the first where I felt that she was angry about a case based on the tone of her writing and that's totally valid given the circumstances of the crime). Perhaps it was due to subject fatigue after reading each of these books back to back, but the horrors in this book at points were too much for me to bare as Rule details all the assaults, murders, etc. that Randall Woodfield committed to the point where I had to put the book down from time to time. Learning about the worst horrors that can befall a human being takes a toll on the psyche. Especially, since there were women who survived his actions and lived (I hope they're ok) to tell officers every detail of their encounters in order to catch him. My heart goes out endlessly to the women whose names litter this book's pages from the murdered victims to the sexual assault victims to the "penpals" that he harassed. It goes to show even a man who was drafted by the Packers, was almost a Playgirl centerfold, and was known as "such a nice guy" can be a monster just under the surface. Similar to Ted Bundy, he was considered very handsome, charming, and even drove a yellow Volkswagon Bug! They were even in operation about the same times! He knew who Ann Rule was and even tried suing her (unsuccessfully) for liable when she published this book. He even said to one of his (*gags*) many female visitors, "I never murdered anyone, but if I ever get out Ann Rule is first on my list". Purportedly, until her death Ann Rule kept tabs on him and his location. No wonder she lived in a secluded/reclusive house up in Seattle. In the end, this killer, like Jerry Brudos or John Wayne Gacy before him in my reading pile, is one I would love to tell off to their face (and perhaps smack around). His/Their narcissism and callousness holds/held no bounds. In the end, I am glad this will be my last true crime book for a while. I'm considering February my month- o - love and I will be reading love stories going forward.

4.5/5 stars

gaulien's review

dark informative medium-paced

4.5

melissa_who_reads's review

3.0

Listened to the audiobook of this. The story of a truly horrifying serial killer/rapist. There was one part in the middle where I felt she spent too much time going into his psychology, where it got a bit repetitive; and sometimes it felt a bit dragged out. But for the most part it was enthralling, especially the stories of the survivors (and there were some).

larry_yonce's review against another edition

3.0

Solid, informative, straight-to-the-point

True crime story of a remorseless killer/rapist sentenced to life +165 years. His total number of victims may never be known , since he has never confessed. His prison correspondence with another convicted killer - Diane Downs - was a twisted revelation.