What is the episode about?
Celia (Cece) Doane is the focal point of the new Audible Original podcast investigated by the award-winning journalist Ronan Farrow. As a former Miss Arizona and a prominent figure in the high-society scene of Paradise Valley, Arizona, Doane has been under the scrutiny of law enforcement for decades. The episode introduces the listener to a woman who, despite numerous investigations for attempted murder, arson, and kidnapping, has never been convicted of the most serious charges. Farrow delves into the complex layers of her past, where truth and fiction often blend in her own retellings.
The case behind the episode
The case of Celia Doane spans more than four decades and involves alleged conspiracies to kill two of her former husbands. The investigation reveals a dark underside of the glamorous life in Arizona, where allegations of jewel theft and political extremism have followed Doane since the 1970s. The central mystery of the case is not only the criminal actions but Doane's own unreliability as a source. While she can recall details from her 'glory days' with great precision, she claims to have total memory loss when it comes to the specific allegations of crime. This psychological profiling is a key element in the narrative of a woman who has managed to evade the legal system for a generation.
About the podcast
Not a Very Good Murderer is produced by Neon Hum in collaboration with Audible. The series marks a shift for Ronan Farrow, as he moves into the true crime genre focusing on a single, enigmatic personality. Through interviews with family members, investigators, and Doane herself, the podcast sheds light on themes such as substance abuse, dysfunctional family relationships, and the privileges that come with high social status. With a total duration of over four hours, the series allows for a comprehensive review of the many case files that Arizona law enforcement has built against Doane over the years.