Dixie's Last Stand

Was It Murder or Self-Defense?

By: John Ferak

Narrated by: Dave Wright

Length: 4 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Dixie Shanahan had a terribly troubled and abusive marriage in the sleepy little town of Defiance, Iowa. Then one summer day in 2002, Dixie's mean and wicked husband was gone. Some of the local residents presumed that Scott packed his bags and left town. But others were skeptical. After all, Scott's brown Ford pick-up truck was still parked in his driveway. The disappearance mystified Defiance for more than a year. Then in late October, 2003, the truth emerged - or did it?

"This fascinating story will leave you asking yourself one question, was the punishment that Dixie received in her case justified? Highly recommended for all true crime readers." (RJ Parker, best-selling true crime author)

©2015 WildBlue Press (P)2015 WildBlue Press

Worth a listen

In "Dixie's Last Stand", true crime author John Ferak examines the story of Dixie Shanahan, a victim of prolonged domestic abuse, who dramatically ended the relationship by fatally shooting her husband, and leaving his decomposing body in a locked bedroom for more than a year. Dixie used the self-defense argument, however, she lied to investigators, claiming that her husband had simply left town. If Dixie did kill her husband in self defense, why didn't she inform the authorities? Despite being offered a plea deal for voluntary manslaughter, Dixie refused, and was convicted of second-degree murder and received a fifty year sentence. Ferak makes many compelling points, and this audiobook kept my interest throughout.

Could have been SO much better!

First, while the narrator had a pleasant voice, his "redneck" accents were terrible and ruined the dialog he was saying.

Second, the electronic sounding alert songs at chapter, subject, or dramatic pauses was NOT a good choice. Just plain annoying.

Third, this is actually an interesting story, or would have been. It felt like no research at all had been put into discovering the main characters backstory. Or if it was, it was pretty much left out. This is a very short book, it would have been fine to add more/some backstory in without making it too long.

Fourth, in general I don't know if I learned anymore than what could easily have been detained in court transcripts or newspaper articles. This story lacked the depth it could have had. Felt like a summary, not an informative in depth look into the crime.

I don't mean add more gory details, more information. And telling us the police and medical examiner were grossed out was just immature sounding. The way it was done made them sound like kids, not professionals doing a horrible job.

Painful to get through

Thankfully there is a speed function. The narrator was so slow I had to speed him up to 1.5x. At this speed, the accents and chimes were also bearable. The story didn't include any new information. Save your credit and spend it elsewhere. Listen to one of the many podcasts about this case. They will have more character and are generally free.


This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review

Dixie

OK but she was offered a deal for a reduced sentence so I don't feel sorry for her

Dixie didn't cut it for me

While the story is a one of a kind crime (don't want to spoil it so that's all I'll say about the crime) the writer lacks the polish and poise of the more skilled story weavers in the field of crime stories such as Ann Rule. Maybe a few more books down the road this author will be someone I'd give 5 stars to, but much work is needed until I could give my highest rating. Read it because of the uniqueness of the crime if nothing else.

Iowans don’t have southern accents

Interesting read, but I live in the area and spoken personally with Dixie. Someone should have told the narrator that we do not have the twang he gives every character.

Hard to Follow

What would have made Dixie's Last Stand better?

It would have been nice to have some background info on Dixie and Scott before going into
there marriage.

Has Dixie's Last Stand turned you off from other books in this genre?

No

What three words best describe Dave Wright’s performance?

He has a great voice. Need work on his female voice or best not to try accents.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Not really

Any additional comments?

This book was just boring. It needed something to get your attention from the start and keep it. Also the little alarms when starting a new chapter could just be one small ding.

Dixie's Revenge

Throughout her life, Dixie Shanahan was dealt was rough hand. There were accusations of abuse from her stepfather, and then an abusive relationship with the man that would become her husband. There were warning signs from the beginning, that should have sent her running in the other direction, but she decided to stay.
In that decision, she signed up for decades of black eyes, screaming matches, bruises, and more. Neighbors finally called the cops, and her husband, Scott was arrested. She refused to press charges, leaving him free again. After a second arrest, he was again set free with minimal time served. The third time he was arrested, it should have sent him to prison for a long time, but Dixie again refused to proceed with the charges. He was once more set free, and Dixie made the journey back from Texas, where she had fled, to Iowa, where she moved back into the abusive relationship.

When Scott stopped showing up around familiar places, at first, nothing was thought about it. However, after some time had gone by, people began talking. Dixie told a few stories as to where he had gone to. No one really believed her, but very few people were actually searching for the volatile man. One person who wanted to know was the sheriff, and he refused to give up searching. It was not until months later, that the truth would be uncovered, and it shocked everyone.

This was one book that I was a bit conflicted on. There was a lot going on here, and there should be things that can be done without the victim having to come into court and facing an abuser. However, she refused to allow him to be punished under the law. When taking the law into one's own hands, it becomes much more than just self-defense.

Interesting read overall, and something that true crime junkies will enjoy.

courts and laws

Would you listen to Dixie's Last Stand again? Why?

important issue worth consideration

What other book might you compare Dixie's Last Stand to and why?

unk

What three words best describe Dave Wright’s voice?

tone is to repetitious

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

yes. the sentence was pathetic, abusing the victim again and again, and then abusing her children again and again, the criminal is the law

Any additional comments?

no

Do NOT waste your credit :(

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

Someone that really took the time to do proper research, give backgrounds, tell the story of their life day to day. Someone that actually wrote a book about it.

What was most disappointing about John Ferak’s story?

He did not tell you anything that you didn't already know if you had seen this story on any crime show such as Snapped. He had a chance to really bring this story to life and completely dropped the ball. Nothing new from what you could read in the newspaper, an episode of Snapped or probably Wikipedia.

Would you be willing to try another one of Dave Wright’s performances?

Absolutely Not! There was no passion, no story telling method of his narration. He sped read through it. Did horrible voices when trying to speak the female (Dixie's) part. Bleeding from the ears!

What character would you cut from Dixie's Last Stand?

Being true crime there isn't really anyone you could cut from the story.

Any additional comments?

Was excited to see someone had written a book about Dixie and Scott. I felt bad for Dixie. This book did nothing for me. A real let down and disappointment. Her story could have been told so much better. Turning it back in for a credit. Let down from the author and the narrator.