Not a Very Good Murderer

De: Ronan Farrow

Narrado por: Ronan Farrow

Kidnapping plots, arson, jewel heists, attempted murder–just another day in Paradise...Valley, Arizona.

In this wild, genre-bending audio documentary, New York Times best-selling author and Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Ronan Farrow dives deep into the strange and storied life of high-society socialite and former Miss Arizona Celia (Cece) Doane.

As a well-to-do ex-beauty queen in the 1970s, Cece had no trouble attracting husbands. She did appear to have some trouble getting rid of them, though. Under seemingly perpetual investigation for attempted murder plots against two of her spouses, she has been a “person of interest” to Arizona law enforcement for decades but never arrested. Did she actually conspire to have her husbands killed? And if so, how has she managed to elude detectives for so many years?

Through countless hours of interviews and painstaking investigative legwork, Farrow examines Cece’s checkered past, exposing a web of half-truths and omissions that shed new light on this shocking and confounding case. But what happens when he realizes that his most important source may also be his most unreliable?

Part true crime thriller, part captivating character study, Not a Very Good Murderer is a fascinating exploration of what it takes to uncover the truth and what it means to keep it buried.

©2025 Ronan Farrow (P)2025 Audible Originals, LLC.

Entertaining, but....

Ronan Farrow is a great storyteller, fascinating person, and brilliant writer. He's truly an original voice in journalism today. His work for the New Yorker is stellar.

I was entertained by this podcast and was never bored. The writing and production values are outstanding, and the wealthy, cloistered world it describes was all new to me and creepily interesting.

I can see how Cece would be an irresistible character to interview--colorful, chaotic, full of catch phrases and intriguing inconsistencies. An irascible former beauty queen, steeped in fading glamour. Farrow comes up with a number of explanations for making a series out of her story--she is an example of how journalists vet sources; she represents a large portion of the American population, obsessed with conspiracies and inured to facts. And so on.

In the end, though, I felt I'd invested four hours in listening to the contradictory ramblings of an alcoholic narcissist who claims perfect recall of her glory days (an alleged, uncorroborated affair with Nelson Rockefeller; an unlikely- sounding "molestation" by Joe Biden (in a public restaurant, no less!), and more) while claiming ZERO memory of her various crimes. Those include attempting to arrange the murder of two husbands, setting fire to her house, emotionally abusing her daughters, etc.

I believe she believes most of what she says, even though little of it seems credible. You can hear her excitement at being surrounded by a crew of filmmakers and podcasters, all paying attention to her. You can also hear the alcohol. Here's someone who brags about owning TWO Rolls Royces while complaining about the price of gas.

Enjoy this for what it is, but don't expect it to add up to a lot.

I really appreciate the way he reports

I’m so grateful that this man is a true reporter that makes the intentional approach in a fair, unbiased way. I also was very impressed with the way he talked about domestic violence- very sensitively and in a manner that shows he’s been educated on the subject. He also has a great narration voice!

Paradise Valley Dirt

Roan Farrow’s patient pursuit of the story proved enlightening at the conclusion. I probably would not have chosen, or listened to the entirety of a book about a drunk rich woman wallowing in a story of her own construction. But the author edited the material well and I realize I learned a great deal more about the interiors of people who comprise the far end of society. Roan broke down a stereotype & now I see a more human, relatable side. The book changed my mind, made her human and when I am changed by what I read, I call it a darn good book.

Good listen

Funny, interesting, crazy, real, and has a captivating story that kept me engaged chapter after chapter

Cece’s character

Ronan is a wonderful reporter who doesn’t seem to flinch from the tough situations . I felt that he really liked Cecelia even though he never claimed to. I know I did but I’m very grateful she was not my mother.

Love Ronan Farrow’s storytelling

I absolutely got lost in this, hours flew by. My only regret is that it came to an end.

I Can't Wait to Recommend!

i ended up binge-listening as the story epitomized the word " entertainment" but not in the usual, easy way. The story took so many unexpected and sometimes ridiculous side roads which kept me rapt throughout. Ronan is a wonderful storyteller and editor who displays empathy, patience and a depth of insight to our often flawed human condition. He was able to reach conclusions while never becoming negatively judgemental or swaying my opinion of the varied characters involved. I do hope we see the filmed cut!!!

Ronan is a great interviewer.

This was an interesting listen. Everything I have read or listened to of Ronan’s work is fantastic.

Important themes for our times

He’s holding the mirror we all need to look at. Reflects the societal and personal dysfunction that demands our collective attention.

Ronan is incredibly insightful.

Living in AZ I can’t believe I’ve never heard of these stories. I think Ronan did a really beautiful job of weaving compassion into the story. Very interesting listen.