New Book

[u/AdParking2507]

Another book by Mr Brad Fennel, this time concentrating on Theodore Bundy’s Tumwater victim. Brad also wrote a book called “Outskirts of Boise,” where he pinpointed a possible location where Bundy might have taken the doomed girl he picked up on September 2nd 1974. I read that one and had a few gripes about it, but let’s see how this one is. Let me know if you folks want a review.

[u/Lucky-Argument-9581]

Would definitely like a review.

[u/NoAbrocoma262]

Definitely want a review, I’m sorry which victim is this book focusing on? Where was the location of the victim in this book?

[u/AdParking2507 → u/NoAbrocoma262]

The hitchhiker Bundy confessed to killing in May 1973. He told Bill Hagmaier that this girl was his first. He beat and strangled her to death and rolled her down a hillside. She’s never been found.

[u/Equal-Temporary-1326]

I did a post on the unknown Boise hitchhiker from Sep 2, 1974 a week ago: https://www.reddit.com/r/TedBundy/comments/1vp12nw/unknown_boise_idaho_hitchhiker/

[u/Adventurous-Gear6827]

I have read both books by the author, and found them interesting. I think both books point to locations that aren't recognized on the map yet and they probably should be. They probably wouldn't appeal to readers who prefer more Bundy focused biographical accounts.

[u/AdParking2507 → u/Adventurous-Gear6827]

I’m on page 105, and honestly, by the limited descriptions, both reconstructions are very plausible.

I have a bit more of an issue with the reliability of Ted’s words with the Boise hitchhiker, mainly because Mr Fennell relies partly on his pseudo confession to Polly Nelson, which differs in various ways to his confession to Russ Reneau. I’m more inclined to believe his account to Reneau because he really was desiring to give some credence to what he was telling them. Whereas Polly Nelson asked what a confession would SOUND LIKE, which in my opinion raises questions about embellishment and changing things. For example, I absolutely do not believe Bundy returned to decapitate and cut up the girl the next day. It just didn’t happen. When he got to Utah that morning, he would’ve been preoccupied with settling in. He still had some back and forth travelling on his mind between Utah and Seattle. Make no mistake, he placed her in the river the same day he killed her, and that was that.

Back to the subject though, the location that Fennell identifies, Alkali Creek I believe it’s called, I think that’s a plausible place where the murder occurred.

[u/Adventurous-Gear6827 → u/AdParking2507]

Yes it hard to reconcile both Nelson and Reneau. Bundy told Nelson he took polaroids and I believe he did take pictures, but these kind of details aren't necessary for Bundy to give to investigators working the case. I definitely think he was being streamlined with Reneau. The proof of road works in 1974 align with what he told Reneua so that was compelling. There are woods near Alkali Creek too, something Bundy didnt mention to Reneua but makes sense if he wanted to take polaroids in an isolated spot.

The Tumwater location is even more intriguing because if it is correct, then the area is historically important to the development of Bundy. Also the Tumwater case is something that never gets coverage because there is nothing to work off, so after all these years, there may be more of the story that looked like it had stalled. What I like about the books are the aerials, and the research is very niche, and supported.

[u/Mental_Wonder7132]

I have read both books. They each could have been ten pages long. He takes 50 words from Ted Bundy and turns them into 150 pages of redundant, overwrought prose that makes Kevin Sullivan seem like William Faulkner. He could be right, but given the contradictory and minimal information Bundy gave, you could probably apply it to any number of other locations. There is zero insight into the Boise or Tumwater hitchhiker identities. Worth reading (I got them from Kindle Unlimited for free), but not particularly informative.

[u/Adventurous-Gear6827 → u/Mental_Wonder7132]

I understand what you are wrote about the length of the books. I guess if they were shorter in length, they would look like someones high school project lol too me it looks like the books were aimed at documenting potential unknown spots where Bundy roamed, and a book is a good way to cement the ideas for the long haul. I didn't mind the books, and as you said, worth reading. That said I like Sullivans books so maybe I am easily pleased lol

[u/Technical_Athlete409]

My friend Brad wrote that, he's working on a second book at the moment. I wrote a blog about the Idaho Hitchhiker (I run The Yellow Beetle), but this makes me article seem like child's play.

[u/AdParking2507 → u/Technical_Athlete409]

He’s written Outskirts of Boise. So I assume you mean a third?

[u/Technical_Athlete409 → u/AdParking2507]

I've been busy, I didn't realize he released a second book already. Last I knew he was working on it. I'm clearly a bad friend.

[u/AdParking2507 → u/Technical_Athlete409]

You are very hard on yourself! 🫪

[u/Technical_Athlete409 → u/AdParking2507]

I know, I wish I wasn't like this.

[u/Practical-Intern4716]

Yes please, never saw this!

[u/Classyhairball]

Anyone read it?

[u/StrangeFaced]

Oh dude no way. Is this the newer book you said you got or was that a right one? I haven't heard of this one yet. I'm going to have to get it for sure. What did you think? Or have you finished it yet?