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.

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.

Very unique and interesting

I loved the way the author unfolded the story! A lot of intrigue and entertainment !

Liked it

It was an easy listen. Interesting the entire listen, no boring lulls. The narration was cool, I Enjoyed listening to the interviews

Illuminating, saddening, entertaining

This podcast is extremely entertaining. Cece’s story is a perfect microcosm of what it is to live a secluded life and experience the world through the veil of privilege and wealth. The story is complicated in many levels, as the main character is. You can feel the love she and her husband have for each other, but also it shows you how sometimes your significant other becomes an enabler of your toxic behaviors. Not to mention the true crime vibe of the whole thing!

Ronan is a truly exceptional interviewer and reporter

As with a lot of people, Ronan Farrow caught my attention with Me Too investigative reporting. This podcast solidifies how excellent he is with his craft. Difficult interviewing, staying objective, being transparent with the subject, pushing when needed but just enough to keep a tough relationship productive. Excellent podcast.

Ronan is legit.

This was a delightful and dark podcast. Ronan (whom I had never listened/read before this), nailed this HARD. Ever gracious and persistent, he did a wonderful job with the interviews. A good listen!

Thoroughly enjoyed

I enjoyed everything about it. will probably listen again and will definitely purchase his others here on Audible

Ronan Farrow is a brilliant journalist

I came to this a little skeptically because I’m not a huge true crime fan but gave it a listen because I respect Farrow’s journalism. I’m glad I did—it’s a fascinating story.