Ann Rule Quotes

Powerful Ann Rule for Daily Growth

About Ann Rule

Ann Rule (born Annie Jane Rule on April 14, 1931 – January 25, 2015) was an American true crime author and retired criminal investigator with the Seattle Police Department. Known as the 'Queen of True Crime,' she spent over four decades examining, documenting, and analyzing the lives and actions of criminals. Born in Wisconsin, Rule moved to Alaska at age 16. Her experiences in this harsh environment fostered a sense of self-reliance that would serve her well in later life. After marrying and giving birth to two children, she relocated to California before settling in Seattle, Washington, where she began her career with the police department. Rule left law enforcement in 1971 to become a full-time writer following the publication of her first book, 'The Stranger Next Door,' which detailed the Green River Killer case. This marked the beginning of an impressive literary career that spanned more than three decades and produced over thirty books. Her work often focused on serial killers, particularly those who had evaded capture for extended periods. Some of her most notable works include 'Green River, Running Red' (1980), 'The Lust Killer' (1986), 'Small Sacrifices' (1986), 'The Satan Sacrifice of North Bend' (1987), and 'Everyone Dies' (2014). Her books have collectively sold millions of copies worldwide, making her one of the most successful true crime authors in history. Rule passed away on January 25, 2015, after a brief battle with cancer. Despite this loss, her legacy continues to inspire and intrigue readers as they delve into the darker corners of humanity through her gripping stories.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Evil can be found anywhere - even in a peaceful community."

This quote emphasizes that evil, often associated with crime or wrongdoing, is not limited to specific areas or communities typically marked as dangerous. Even in places seemingly peaceful, tranquil, and safe, there may reside individuals capable of committing heinous acts. It serves as a reminder that vigilance, empathy, and understanding are crucial for maintaining the safety and harmony of all communities.


"It's important for law enforcement agencies and citizens to work together to catch killers before they strike again."

This quote by Ann Rule underscores the collaborative nature of crime-solving, emphasizing that the collective efforts of law enforcement agencies and the community are essential in apprehending serial killers or potentially dangerous individuals before they can cause further harm. By working together, information and resources can be pooled, increasing the chances of identifying and stopping these offenders more swiftly. It is a call to action for everyone to play their part in ensuring public safety.


"I believe that everyone is responsible for his or her own destiny; you can't blame fate or bad luck for your troubles."

This quote emphasizes personal accountability and responsibility in life. It suggests that individuals have control over their own lives and should not attribute their difficulties to external factors like fate or bad luck. Instead, it encourages people to take charge of their actions and decisions, recognizing that they play a significant role in shaping their destiny. This perspective encourages proactive behavior and self-improvement, fostering a sense of empowerment and personal growth.


"To be a true detective, one must have compassion and understanding for the victims."

This quote by Ann Rule emphasizes that effective detectives should not only possess investigative skills but also empathy. By having compassion and understanding for the victims, they can better connect with the emotional aspects of their cases, leading to more sensitive and thorough investigations. This sensitivity can help in understanding the victim's perspective, motivating detectives to seek justice for them effectively.


"The most chilling words in the English language are 'He said he was sorry.'"

Ann Rule's quote, "The most chilling words in the English language are 'He said he was sorry,'" suggests a profound awareness of deception and manipulation in human interactions, particularly within relationships. It implies that despite an individual expressing remorse or apology, their actions may continue to be harmful, and their words lack genuine change or commitment. The quote serves as a cautionary reminder to scrutinize not only what people say but also what they do and the patterns of behavior that reveal their true nature.


Lazy people tend not to take chances, but express themselves by tearing down other's work.

- Ann Rule

Other, Tend, Take, Chances

I always say that bad women are fewer than men, but when you get one, they're fascinating because they're so rotten.

- Ann Rule

Bad, Always, Fewer, Women Are

The why of murder always fascinates me so much more than the how.

- Ann Rule

More, How, Always, Fascinates

Try to open up your mind a little, and move away from rigid opinions of what people should do and be - unless you have been there.

- Ann Rule

Mind, Been, Move, Rigid

All of my books now come from readers' ideas.

- Ann Rule

Now, Come, Books, Readers

I want to warn potential victims. Many of them are women, and many of them are battered women. It's a cause for me. When I look back, though, so many of the books I've written are about wives who just couldn't get away.

- Ann Rule

Away, About, Cause, Victims

I always want to give the victim a voice.

- Ann Rule

Voice, Give, Always, Victim

Some writers hate to go to trials, but I love trials.

- Ann Rule

Love, Some, I Love, Trials

For a while, people couldn't understand why I'd find them so fascinating, but I'd rather go to a trial than to a Broadway play. Now that we have Court TV, they see what I mean.

- Ann Rule

Play, Broadway, TV, Trial

Have you ever heard the expression: Walk a mile in my shoes, and then judge me? And write your own books.

- Ann Rule

Own, Expression, Mile, Judge Me

I'm publicizing the book that's done. I'm writing the book that's in the hopper, and I'm doing a little advance research on the book to come.

- Ann Rule

Book, Writing, Doing, Advance

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