Links in the theme
Character Driven When a true crime author detests the subjects of his book too much, the result can be fractured, and the author fails to deliver a full or interesting narrative of them. Or so says journalist Nick Keppler, editor of the Fairfield County Weekly in Massachusetts, in giving a thoughtful thumbs down to a true crime book. Meanwhile, Denise Noe wrote a piece for Men's News Daily on Ann Rule's foray into fiction, Possession, and which characters she nailed in that book.
Schechter on What Fascinates Us The Columbus Dispatch asked some thoughtful questions when it interviewed true crime author Harold Schechter. What sorts of stories intrigue us? And more.
Another Point of View The Seattle Times ran an unusual article recently. The lede: "Melissa Moore's dad is a serial killer. That used to haunt her, but not anymore." The rest of her unusual perspective is found here and in a book to come.
Perhaps I'm speaking out of turn, but I just have to say it: When I hear of people 'confronting their past' by going on television shows, or writing books about some sordid member of their family and the terrible things they did, the red flags begin popping up all over the place. For me, I see a lot more at work here, but I won't go in to any of that.
Do I want to hear of the terrible tale? Maybe. But not from the family members, as I'd prefer an outside party delving into the case from an unbiased viewpoint.
On a personal note: I would have loved to interview members of Ted Bundy's family when I was doing the Washington section of the book, but they were impossible to locate. And even if I did locate them, they probably wouldn't have spoken to me anyway. But I must tell you, I have respected them for their relative silence over the years, for it shows a sense of dignity which is obviously not possessed by everyone.
Posted by: Kevin M. Sullivan | January 01, 2009 at 06:09 PM
This isn't a perspective we often hear, and there may well be a "sense of propriety" about these things that you're expressing. I guess it depends on how it's done.
Posted by: Laura James | January 02, 2009 at 12:48 PM
Dominick Dunn would be the exception to my comments above, (he did lose a daughter to murder, didn't he?) as he is in a far different category altogether. There could be others, of course, but you get my proverbial drift.
Posted by: Kevin M. Sullivan | January 05, 2009 at 03:51 PM
Kevin, I am gagging for this book! When's it due out? I don't think the Bundy's spoke to Ann Rule and although they did speak to Michaud and Aynesworth, that stopped the day they told them that they thought Ted was guilty and why. I would have respect for them, except they declined to allow Ted's room to be searched or their cottage at Crescent Lake, which I believe is where Ted took some of the Washington victims.
Posted by: Fiz | January 09, 2009 at 09:28 AM
Hi Fiz--
The book is being published by McFarland,and while I don't yet have an exact release date, I believe we can be at least looking for it by the fall of 2009. And Fiz, I know you have expressed interest in it before, so I will tell you this: I think you'll be very pleased, as I was able to unearth some previously unknown facts about some of the murders (some of which will answer some long-standing questions), and everything is substantiated from the detectives involved and the written record. Also, I think you (and everyone who reads the book) will find it quite unique, as I follow his trail of murder very closely, and from a somewhat different vantage point from other writers.
Yes, the Bundy's cabin! I absolutely believe Ted took at least one victim there, and it may have been Brenda Ball, the lady who disappeared after leaving the Flame Tavern in the wee hours of the morning.
P.S. The folks from executed today interviewed me concerning my work on the book, and it should be published on the 20th anniversary of Ted's frying.
Posted by: Kevin M. Sullivan | January 09, 2009 at 12:20 PM
Just say when! I'll order it!
Posted by: Fiz | January 21, 2009 at 11:47 AM
Hi Fiz--
I received an email the other day from the publisher stating that the book is set to be released by the fall of this year, but that it could be out sooner. So perhaps it might be out by the middle of summer.
Oh, and they have settled on a title: The Bundy Murders: A Comprehensive History.
Posted by: Kevin M. Sullivan | January 21, 2009 at 12:24 PM
Right, I'm trying Amazon .com again - I didn't get very far with just your name!
Posted by: Fiz | January 21, 2009 at 05:16 PM
You must let us all know when it is order-able, Kevin - Amazon.com still don't have it up...grrr!
Posted by: Fiz | January 21, 2009 at 05:25 PM
Fiz--
I'll let you know as soon as I get the word from the publisher!
Posted by: Kevin M. Sullivan | January 22, 2009 at 12:00 AM
Love you, Kevin!
Posted by: Fiz | January 22, 2009 at 07:13 AM