Ronan Farrow Investigates the Unsolved Crimes of Celia Doane

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 merge in her own retellings.

The case behind the episode

The case of Celia Doane spans over four decades and involves alleged conspiracies to kill two of her former husbands. The investigation reveals a dark underside to 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 acts 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 justice system for a lifetime.

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, who here ventures into the true crime genre with a focus 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.

Listen here

The episode and the full series can be found exclusively on Audible. As part of the launch, Ronan Farrow gives listeners a unique insight into his journalistic process and how he deals with a source who actively undermines the truth through selective memory. The series is recommended for listeners interested in in-depth character studies rather than just linear crime cases.

Related episodes and media

For listeners interested in similar cases involving socialites and murder conspiracies, it is recommended to read about the case against Pamela Smart or explore other productions from Neon Hum. The case of Celia Doane draws threads to the dark secrets of the American upper class, as seen in documentary series about similar cases from the southwestern United States.

Sources

• Audible Original: Not a Very Good Murderer Official Page
• Neon Hum Media Production Details

Reviews

"A fascinating investment in listening to the conflicting accounts of an alcoholic narcissist who remembers everything about her heyday but nothing about her crimes." — Audible User Reviews (4.3/5)