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The Enigma of Ted Bundy Lib/E: The Questions and Controversies Surrounding America's Most Infamous Serial Killer

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"Sullivan leaves no stone unturned in his latest Bundy review, from tales about Bundy’s shifting eyes to chillingly intimate interviews. A must-have for Bundy fanatics, this collection fills in holes and addresses key mysteries about of one of the world’s most infamous serial killers.” –Katherine Ramsland, author of Confession of a Serial Killer and How to Catch a Killer

If you want a view into the world that lies behind the Ted Bundy murders, this last work in a series of six books on Bundy, is definitely for you. For within these pages you’ll read of the many questions still surrounding this fascinating and intricate case, as well as the answers that are only now being provided here. There’s so much more to learn, and new information is still surfacing about Bundy, his victims and his potential victims. As such, there is new testimony included from those who had a brush with the killer, and others who played their own roles in this multi-state case.

You will also hear from Bundy case detectives, Jerry Thompson of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Don Patchen of Tallahassee, Florida, and they tell of their experiences with Bundy. As does Ron Holmes, the Louisville criminologist who worked with Ted Bundy towards the end of his life. Holmes not only gives accurate details about Ted Bundy but other serial killers as well. On top of this, it contains some very important official reports that have rarely been seen outside of the archives, and commentary to guide readers through it. This book also makes available Bundy’s final confession to Utah detective Dennis Couch, made only hours before the killer’s death, where Bundy reveals some startling facts, and sparks some additional questions as well. All in all, it’s an enlightening journey into this most infamous case.

Audio CD

Published April 27, 2021

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About the author

Kevin M. Sullivan

23 books49 followers
A writer of true crime and history, Kevin Sullivan is the bestselling author of THE BUNDY MURDERS and THE TRAIL OF TED BUNDY

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5 stars
42 (19%)
4 stars
54 (24%)
3 stars
84 (38%)
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32 (14%)
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6 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Darcia Helle.
Author 30 books734 followers
November 21, 2020
This is a difficult review to write. I know the author dedicated a lot of time to the topic of Ted Bundy, and I want to be supportive, but this book was truly terrible for me.

First, be aware that this isn’t really a “book”, per se, but more of a supplement of assorted research to go along with previous books the author has written about Bundy. It’s a consolidated bunch of tidbits haphazardly strung together. The author references his previous books, a lot, in the absence of detail here. We have no coherent story, and this just does not read well as a true crime book.

Sullivan hands off the final chapter to a friend of his, Erin Banks, who lives in Germany and runs a crime blog. Banks proceeds to provide her opinion on how “the rest of the world” (outside of the U.S.) views true crime in general and Ted Bundy in particular. I don’t know what makes Erin Banks an expert on the opinion of the rest of the world, but there you have it.

If you are totally obsessed with all things Bundy, as the author appears to be, then you might want this book for your collection. Otherwise, stick with Google and read something else.

*I received a review copy from the publisher.*
Profile Image for Linda Strong.
3,878 reviews1,708 followers
October 27, 2020

I am assuming that most everyone knows who Ted Bundy and the crimes he committed. There have been many books written about him .. his victims ....

Detectives Jerry Thompson of Salt Lake City, Utah and Detective Don Patchen of Tallahassee, Florida take this opportunity to talk about their personal experiences with ted Bundy, as well as Criminologist Ron Holmes. Also included in this book are official reports rarely reviewed by the general public. And then there's the confession to Detective Dennis Couch just hours before Bundy was executed.

This author has written several books on the subject of Ted Bundy and still there are unanswered questions. He hopes he can answer them here. The book is well written and filled with new information and testimony from those who had a brush with the killer. It was a multi-state case with numerous people involved in his eventual capture.

This is a must read for true crime readers fascinated by one of America's most infamous serial killer. Highly recommended.

Many thanks to the author / Wild Blue Press for the digital copy of this true crime. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my won.
Profile Image for Meg.
3 reviews
November 6, 2020
Another informative book from Kevin Sullivan, plus an exciting chapter from Erin Banks! Stuffed with tons of information, as well as great insights from the writers themselves.
Profile Image for Daniel Lang.
721 reviews3 followers
December 21, 2023
"The Enigma of Ted Bundy: The Questions and Controversies Surrounding America’s Most Infamous Serial Killer" by Kevin M. Sullivan is a lackluster and disheartening attempt at capitalizing on a notorious subject. From start to finish, the book feels like a thinly veiled marketing ploy, lacking substance and genuine insight into the enigma of Ted Bundy.

The most glaring issue with Sullivan's work is its blatant lack of originality. Instead of providing a fresh perspective on Bundy's twisted psyche or delving into new research, the author shamelessly recycles information readily available in numerous other Bundy-related publications. It's as if the book exists solely to hawk Sullivan's other works, making readers question the author's true motives.

Moreover, the writing is nothing short of monotonous. Sullivan fails to inject any life or intrigue into the narrative, rendering the subject matter dull and unappealing. Instead of offering a compelling exploration of the questions and controversies surrounding Bundy, the book reads like a haphazard collection of recycled content, leaving readers disengaged and disinterested.

The shameless self-promotion further detracts from the credibility of the book. Sullivan seems more interested in directing readers to his other titles than in providing a meaningful examination of Bundy's enigma. This shameless commercialization of a heinous crime is not only distasteful but also disrespectful to the victims and their families.

"The Enigma of Ted Bundy" is a regrettable addition to the true crime genre. Instead of offering a fresh perspective or contributing valuable insights, Kevin M. Sullivan's book appears to be a poorly disguised attempt to make a quick buck off a sensational topic. Readers seeking a substantive exploration of Bundy's complexities are better off looking elsewhere. One star, and that's being generous.
Profile Image for Kathleen Riggs.
583 reviews19 followers
October 23, 2020
The Enigma of Ted Bundy
If you think that you know all there is on Ted Bundy, well guess again. I can honestly say Kevin Sullivan has done more research on his subject and I found this to be a thoroughly fascinating read. You will read more information and facts that I did not think was possible. There is a lot of personal testimonies not released before from police, friends, and families of the victims. Kevin ties it all in at the end with the transcript of Ted Bundy’s end of life confession and how the world reacts to Ted Bundy.
As I am sure most readers will agree Bundy was a devious psychopathic killer and even though he never really came out and admitted his guilt, he did speak in the third person about the crimes,
Once again Kevin, A fascinating read and well documented book.
Thanks to Wildblue Press as a reviewer on ARC list!. I received this book 2 days ago
Profile Image for Bill reilly.
660 reviews13 followers
August 18, 2023
Kevin Sullivan cannot get enough of the career of Ted Bundy and he provides more material of interest on Theodore. The best chapter is an interview by the author with detective Don Patchen, a Vietnam vet who witnessed the execution in 1989. Shortly before the barbecue, when asked by the cop about how many women were killed, Ted calmly answered, "three digits." John Henry Browne, one of Bundy's attorneys wrote of the same response to the question.
Most of the material has been covered in Sullivan's five previous books on Bundy but many of us remain curious. A transcript of an interview with a detective from Utah seeking the locations of a couple of missing victims is included.
Overall, a useful addition to my Bundy collection.
Profile Image for Alex.
26 reviews
January 29, 2021
There's really nothing new, it gets very repetitive and the author references his own books constantly. CONSTANTLY. The "narration" on certain parts also completely takes away from the actual substance of what he's trying to say, it just doesn't come across particularly well written or coherent to me.


If you're interested in transcripts of conversations that don't really talk much at all about Ted/his crimes then you might find it interesting, but probably not. The last chapter is entirely irrelevant to the rest of the book and I genuinely don't understand why it's there at all.


Overall it feels like the author just threw together some bits and bobs to continue milking the Bundy cow.
288 reviews2 followers
May 11, 2021
Interesting

The interview with Bundy and the the personal experiences of the detectives on Bundy cases are interesting. The Utah interview before the execution sure shows Bundy's exhaustion and state of mind.

I have enjoyed the range and depth of Kevin Sullivan's several books on the Bundy murders. I suppose even Bundy wears out after awhile though. The best example of that is the chapter by Erin Banks. Pompous and boring and contributes nothing.
Profile Image for Rachel Matthews.
322 reviews48 followers
February 1, 2021
There is no doubt that Kevin Sullivan knows his stuff when it comes to the life and crimes of Ted Bundy. This is the 6th book he has written on Bundy and includes information not readily available in the public sphere.

The first half of the book was the most difficult for me to get through. There were transcripts and scraps of information I struggled to see the relevance of and, for me, it didn't hang together as a cohesive and linear narrative. Later on in the book however, when Sullivan provides a summary of Bundy's more open-ended murders and when we read a transcript of some of the last recorded interviews with Bundy, I found it much easier to follow along and to gain the insights I was hoping to get from this book.

Thankfully I came to the book as someone not completely unfamiliar with the Bundy case. A few years ago, I read Ann Rule's famous book 'The Stranger Beside Me' which gave me an understanding of the type of person Bundy was and the women who so sadly met their demise at his hands. Without that context, as well as the clips I have watched online of Bundy himself speaking, I would have been completely lost reading this latest book from Sullivan.

There is a section at the end of the book I wanted to mention as well. It is a kind of epilogue written by a friend of Sullivan's who lives in Europe and whose insights were intended to provide a window into what those outside the States think of Ted Bundy and the infamy surrounding him. While I thought this section was well written and raised some interesting ideas, I'm not entirely sure it needed to be included or that the book was any better for having it. I am a UK citizen however, so this could have been because I already have some understanding of the topic even if only from a British perspective.

I would highly recommend that anyone interested in reading The Enigma of Ted Bundy first seek out Sullivan's earlier books on the topic to give you the foundation you will need to find your bearings in the scrapbook of information presented here. This book is for the Bundy completionist, specifically fans of Sullivan's earlier books, who want to complete their collection and glean all the information available about one of America's most infamous and prolific serial killers.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Amy Shannon.
Author 127 books135 followers
November 9, 2020
Stunningly chilling

Sullivan pens a remarkable sixth title about Bundy in THE ENIGMA OF TED BUNDY: The Questions and Controversies Surrounding America’s Most Infamous Serial Killer. This is the first book of this author's that I've read. Sullivan did the research, and probably knows Bundy, the devious sociopathic serial killer better than anyone. It seems there are still controversies around Bundy and unanswered questions. Bundy is one of the more infamous serial killers and even after his execution, there are lingering thoughts behind what made this man, this man. It's a compelling read if you love true crime and learning more about killers than you ever thought possible. It's case files and author notes that give this story the facts and truths behind the investigation, and Bundy himself. It's an incredible story that also makes references to Sullivan's previous books on Bundy. I look forward to reading more by this author. This book is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
Profile Image for Jay.
564 reviews1 follower
November 13, 2020
This was an interesting book, if not exactly what I was expecting. It was filled with police reports, encounters that may have been with Ted Bundy, questions about aspects of his life between and during his “hunts”, interviews, court appearances, and reactions. It was filled with facts and speculations alike, which is what I expected. It was not written in a story format or in a way it would all “flow” together.

There was a ton of time spent on this and I certainly appreciate that. Unfortunately for me there were numerous times where the author made reference to his other books on the subject so he would not go into further detail about specific incidents. I haven’t read the other material so I feel like I missed a deeper understanding of the material. If you have read other material on the Bundy murders then this would be a great companion book.

This book was given to me on request for my unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for DDbookreviews.
117 reviews8 followers
January 5, 2021
There are followers of true crime who have a particular fascination for Ted Bundy as he was essentially the guy next door. This book by Kevin Sullivan gives a detailed rendition of the police reports available as well as of the victimolgy for those who want more information on Bundy than was previously available.
The author attempts to find answers to some of the nagging questions that have come up through the years.

This is a good read and it contains and immense amount of information that will hold your attention until the book is finished. There are however small instances where some knowledge about certain facts in the investigation is needed. Maybe the author could add some of this information in a foreword.

For example: In the police report it is mentioned that there is a tear in his vehicle's seat, the relevance and importance of this fact is uncertain if you are a first time reader of anything Ted Bundy.

Profile Image for Paul Mashack.
190 reviews2 followers
August 19, 2021
This is the sixth book this author wrote on Ted Bundy. SIX! In itself, I enjoyed this book and it expands on the multitude of Netflix docs, other books, etc I have consumed the past couple of years on Bundy and don't feel the need to delve into his other works. It's perhaps strange Sullivan has devoted so much time and reams of paper of this serial killer. Perhaps he wants he wants to be the ultimate source of Ted Bundy. It brings to mind a gag from The Simpsons episode in which Marge encounters a hot dog vendor in a push cart who is selling Homer hot dogs in random environments.

Marge: Are you just following my husband around?

Hot Dog Vendor: Lady, he's putting my kids through college!

I'm not sure if he has kids--he did mention being married--but it is apparent he is profiting from our fascination with Bundy and the sordidness of serial killers in general. Yes, I classify myself in this category. Don't judge me.

The book is well written and researched and did enjoy it.
Profile Image for Michelle.
290 reviews23 followers
March 30, 2022
I love a great true crime read and this one definitely hit the spot! This book follows Ted Bundy and his crimes as well as those who had near misses and close encounters with him. I found this book really interesting and even though I've read a lot on TB, I still learnt things I didn't know before like a couple of (potential) encounters such as Michele Komen and Cheri Ranes. Sometimes it can be difficult to get non-fictions right by making sure they have a good balance of interesting information while at the same time as not being too slow or dragging out points but I think Sullivan really perfected that balance in my opinion. Overall, this is a great true crime read and I highly recommend it. Just one tip though, Sullivan has wrote a number of books on TB over his career and he is well known for not repeating previous information in more than one book so if he is new to you or you're new to the Bundy case then I would definitely recommend reading his Bundy books in order.
Profile Image for River Scott Tyler.
383 reviews13 followers
February 9, 2022
I finished listening to the Audiobook of The Enigma Of Ted Bundy I rate it 4 stars

I've read alot of books about Ted Bundy and there is alot out there, this author himself has written many books about him so I was wondering what else is there to know about Bundy, this book the author talks with detectives who was on the case and goes over some evidence and his kill kit and a few other things, it was interesting listening to this and finding out what the detectives really thought of Bundy and finding out a little more about the victims.. even though I enjoyed this book it felt a bit dry like we know so much about Ted Bundy what else is there to know.. but its good and I would recommend this book
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,459 reviews50 followers
November 11, 2020
This has been one of the better books written about this sick individual. More details it seems to me. When you read books such as this one you wander what has to be going through the mind of the author while trying to piece it together and to tell the story to the world with actual facts. Reading book like this makes you wander just what goes through the minds of the sick people that committed such crimes as these. This book is well written and you don't find yourself getting confused or trying to back track to understand.
Profile Image for Ruth Harwood.
527 reviews13 followers
November 25, 2020
Interesting transcripts and other paraphernalia the author has thrown together to accompany his other works. It's not a real book, per se, merely a load of pieces of cloth thrown tofether and called a sheet lol! Interesting, and perhaps enlightening, at times worth reading to see how the police did their work, and worth reading for the simple fact that it makes a nice little package of murders which are at once car crash and yet scary!
Profile Image for Prentice.
72 reviews3 followers
March 16, 2022
Closer to 2.5 than 3 star. Nothing against the author as he clearly dedicated years to his research/obsession with Bundy, but without having read all his other works about Bundy (which he references often), this is pretty scattered. Mostly because it's made from the leftover notes and research that didn't make the cut from his other books. Though the snippets of conversations, etc., are definitely interesting, it's more of a supplemental compendium to his other works than anything else.
74 reviews
February 4, 2021
I enjoyed this book and would like to read more from this author . The thing that really gets to me when it comes to ted bundy is how women reacted towards him after his arrest . He killed and raped women , yet women would write him in prison and send obscene pictures to him . That is insane in itself. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
184 reviews11 followers
May 4, 2022
Interesting albeit jumbled facts and opinions about Ted Bundy. Would’ve been better if this writer had some kind of outline. It was all over the place and a slog to get through even with an interesting topic bummer
Profile Image for Alexa.
692 reviews
December 11, 2022
I am undecided if I will check out the other 7(?) Books in this series (set? On Ted Bundy? Whatever)
I do like that it's side stories and the little known facts. Consise dense writing, really liked the style. Very glad I caught this audible included book
132 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2020
The Enigma of Ted Bundy is well written and goes into details that I have not read before.
Profile Image for Nichole.
65 reviews
December 13, 2020
It was okay

This book was overall interesting to say the least to actually read what Bundy said in his own words when he was questioned before his death. One of the main things that I really didn’t like was the author talking about his other books. They were not mentioned here or there, they were mentioned a lot to the point that it could be a turn off to other readers. I understand you have other books that you wrote about Bundy, you don’t have to mention them in every single chapter.
Profile Image for Anne Catalioti.
70 reviews
April 8, 2021
I have always been fascinated by true crime. I wonder what makes these people act the way they do. This book was exactly my kind of book. I'm looking forward to reading his other books. Well written.
Profile Image for Sinead.
263 reviews
March 25, 2022
Detailed but a bit 'clunky' narrative; lots of verbatim reading of transcripts so a bit dry (audiobook version).
Profile Image for Katie.
23 reviews4 followers
June 14, 2023
Author kept plugging all of his other books. Really repetitive on that front.
Profile Image for Teresa.
1,898 reviews33 followers
October 6, 2023
Nothing new for me in this info-Mercian of a book. Sullivan does more plugging of his other books than say anything new.
Profile Image for Tammy.
98 reviews
November 2, 2023
Very informative, detailed, and interesting. I’m now going to read all his other books. I thought I had known all there was to know about the Bundy case, but this book proved me wrong.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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