The Phantom Prince: My Life with Ted Bundy, Updated and Expanded Edition
The inspiration for the five-part Amazon Original docuseries Ted Bundy: Falling for a Killer. Ted Bundy is one of the most notorious serial killers in American history and one of the most publicized to this day. However, very rarely do we hear from the women he left behind--the ones forgotten as mere footnotes in this tragedy. This updated, expanded edition of The Phantom Prince, Elizabeth Kendall's 1981 memoir detailing her six-year relationship with serial killer Ted Bundy, includes a new introduction and a new afterword by the author, never-before-seen photos, and a startling new chapter from the author's daughter, Molly, who has not previously shared her story. The Phantom Prince chronicles Elizabeth Kendall's intimate relationship with Ted Bundy and its eventual unraveling. As much as has been written about Bundy, it's remarkable to hear the perspective of people who shared their daily lives with him for years. Kendall writes in her introduction: "In writing this book, I have gone through a wide range of feelings towards Ted. At times, the intensity of my love for him scared me. When I thought of some of the happy times we shared, I was overwhelmed by the feeling that he should not be in jail. But by the time I finished by my writing, those feelings had turned to outrage that he had coldly, capriciously murdered all those women." This gripping account presents a remarkable examination of a charismatic personality that masked unimaginable darkness. It is essential reading for anyone interested in Ted Bundy, his crimes, or the psychology of serial killers.
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Community Reviews
Amazing to read the perspective of the girlfriend and daughter that were lucky not to be victims of such crimes
Is it possible not to know who you love?
I cannot imagine being in Elizabeth Kendall's position. The man she loved and the man in the papers seemed to be different people. She did report on him, so she did know something was off. Although most of the book was written shortly after Bundy was executed, there is a new afterword that is much more recent. She has been able to work through some of the trauma of being with and loving a serial killer.
The most disturbing thing to me was Molly's entry. Bundy entered her life at an extremely young age. She had been told that this man was someone it was safe to be near, and it wasn't. There were also several pictures included where Bundy looks loving and fatherly. It is shocking to see him look so normal.
I cannot imagine being in Elizabeth Kendall's position. The man she loved and the man in the papers seemed to be different people. She did report on him, so she did know something was off. Although most of the book was written shortly after Bundy was executed, there is a new afterword that is much more recent. She has been able to work through some of the trauma of being with and loving a serial killer.
The most disturbing thing to me was Molly's entry. Bundy entered her life at an extremely young age. She had been told that this man was someone it was safe to be near, and it wasn't. There were also several pictures included where Bundy looks loving and fatherly. It is shocking to see him look so normal.
One of my favorites, if you are as intrigued by serial killers and their thought process as I am this book is definitely a buy
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