'Well, I've Written About A Lot Of Sick Guys'

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By By Theron Zahn

Summary

But local true-crime writer Ann Rule says Gary Ridgway might have been the first killer to try to impress her.

Story Published: Nov 7, 2003 at 2:39 PM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 1:19 AM PDT

'Well, I've Written About A Lot Of Sick Guys'
SEATTLE - Local true-crime writer Ann Rule tracked the Green River killer for years.

Gary Ridgway may have been tracking her at the same time.

"Well I've written about a lot of sick guys. I guess this is the first one who tried to impress me," said Rule.

In the 1980's, Rule became famous for taking her readers into the mind of serial killer Ted Bundy, and she made no secret of her interest in the Green River case.

"He's got to be somebody you wouldn't suspect at first sight," said Rule in 1984.

That may have drawn the attention of the Green River Killer.

After his arrest, Gary Ridgway's picture stirred memories in Rule's daughter -- memories from past book signings.

"She said: 'Mom, do you remember I used to tell you there was a man who would come to the signings and lean against the wall and watch you?' and I said, 'Yeah.' And she said, 'That's the man.' "

According to his early interviews, police say Ridgway admitted he was a pathological liar.

In court documents, investigators says one reason Ridgway may have lied was, "he believes that a popular 'true crime' author will write a book about him."

"He may have pitted himself against Ted Bundy and wanted to be better at keeping away from the police for a longer time," said Rule.

And even though Ridgway may have been keeping tabs on her while she studied him, she is not shaken.

"I guess I'm not scared now because I know he's not going anywhere," said Rule.

And, Rule is already in the middle of her next book -- a book she's waited 17 years to write, on the Green River Killer.