Elizabeth Kendall

The inspiration for the five-part Amazon Original docuseries Ted Bundy: Falling for a Killer 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. 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. 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. This gripping account presents a remarkable examination of a charismatic personality that masked unimaginable darkness.

My Life with Ted Bundy, Updated and Expanded Edition

The Phantom Prince

Lou Butera

Sarah Campbell

They won and I went off to college. I went through sorority rush and was dropped at the end of rush week. I hadn't really wanted to be a sorority girl, but I was surprised at how much it hurt. I figured it was my shyness that had done me in. When I was with my friends or with Ben, I talked constantly. I loved to laugh and make Ben and my friends laugh, but when I got around strangers, I could never think of anything to say, or I would say something really stupid and relive it for months. I turned red when I was spoken to, and the more I fought it, the redder I would get.

The last verse included these lines, which still haunt me: 

when we moved together loving, did we need the world's permission? 

You see yourself withdrawing from people, afraid to estabish friendships, loveships (?). I have known people who, without saying a word, radiate vulnerability,. Their facial expressions say "I am afraid of you." These people invite abuse. I don't know why but they do. Is it their self-concept? By expecting to be hurt do they subtly encourage it? And if some mental switch could be thrown and tomorrow they expected to be happy and excited with each person they met, could that happen, too?

The Phantom Prince quotes

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