The Riverman: Ted Bundy and I Hunt for the Green River Killer

Robert D. Keppel · William J. Birnes

May 2010 · Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

From a detective who knew “more about identifying . . . serial killers than anyone else in the field,” an account of the search for the Green River Killer (Ann Rule, New York Times–bestselling author of The Stranger Beside Me).

After a search of over twenty years, one of America’s most elusive serial killers was finally apprehended. Now, read the true story of one man’s attempt to get inside the mind of the Green River Killer

July 15, 1982: a woman’s strangled body was found, caught on the pilings of Washington state’s Green River. Before long, the “Green River Killer” would be suspected in at least forty-nine more homicides, with no end in sight. Then the authorities received an unbelievable letter from the infamous serial killer Ted Bundy—then on Florida’s death row—offering to help catch the Green River Killer. But he would only talk to one man: Robert Keppel, the former homicide detective who had helped track Bundy’s cross-county killing spree.

Now these conversations are revealed, in which Bundy speculates about the motive and methods of the Green River Killer—and reveals his own twisted secrets as well. Now, as never before, we look into the face of evil . . . and into the heart of a killer.

Ratings and reviews

Written by a detective in excruciating detail. It contains an incredible amount of information and all laid out like it would be In a crime report. If your after a tall tale written in the style of a story then I'd say look elsewhere. However if you're after a comprehensive study of Bundy, Ridgway and serial killers in general then have at it.

Very good read, very informative and interesting. It really focused on Ted Bundy more than Gary Ridgeway (The Riverman). All first hand accounts of Bundy, reads more like second hand accounts of Ridgeway,

Previous commenters have downplayed this book because they claim a)Bundy rambles on about nothing; and b)Riverman is more about Bundy than Ridgway. On both counts the ill-informed are wrong. Dr. Keppel shows by comparison how innately similar the thinking and methodology are from one long-term serial killer to another, and how extending the life of Bundy would have never garnered more victim or mindset insight. Fantastic read if you READ CAREFULLY what all players in this book are really saying.

About the author

Robert D. Keppel was the chief consultant to the Green River Murders Task force who helped develop the strategy behind the arrest of current suspect Gary Ridgway. He has since retired as the chief criminal investigator for the Washington State Attorney General's Office. He has received a number of grants from the U.S. Bureau of Justice Administration to aid local police agencies in tracking serial homicides.