Ann Rule, true crime writer, dies at 83

True crime writer Ann Rule has died at 83.

Rule’s first book, The Stranger Beside Me, was a profile of serial killer Ted Bundy. It went on to become her most recognized piece of work. She became acquainted with Bundy when they worked the late-night shift at a crisis hotline together, according to Entertainment Weekly.

Rule died Sunday night at Highline Medical Center. The cause of death is not yet known, although Rule’s daughter Leslie said that she had many health issues, according to CBS News.

From a young age, Rule was no stranger to the world of crime. Both her grandfather and uncle were sheriffs, her cousin was a prosecuting attorney and another uncle was a medical examiner, according to her website. She received a degree in creative writing with minors in psychology, criminology and penology from the University of Washington. She then worked as a policewoman in Seattle and as a caseworker for the Washington State Department of Public Assistance.

She published 33 books and 1400 articles during her career as a true crime writer.

Read our 2000 interview with Ann Rule here.