A couple of years ago, I listened to to the Dirty John podcast. Having grown up in Orange County and having known more than a few people like Debra Newell and her daughters, I was totally drawn in to the story of the uber-rich woman who had made tons of money as an interior designer and was apparently raising her daughters to be the same kind of woman she was: focused on appearance and dollar value in everything from clothes and car to homes, and always — ALWAYS having a man. Debra had survived a terrible childhood, with more sickness and violence than anyone should need to endure. And I truly admire her ability to rise above all that and become a strong, successful businesswoman. Surviving Dirty John is her story — and more.
Despite her strength in business and the ability to thrive in the nasty social climate in the wealthy areas of Orange County, Debra couldn’t seem to succeed at love (four failed marriages). She finally decided to try the online route, and that’s where she met John Meehan. Having seen the photos, I can see why someone for whom appearance is so important would be attracted: he was a good-looking guy, and was (he said) an anesthesiologist. VERY quickly, she was in love and totally involved with him — something her daughters didn’t quite get. And seriously, there were more red flags than I could imagine: he showed up with dirty fingernails, wearing dirty scrubs, and didn’t seem to have an actual work schedule.
Don’t want to give anything away for anyone who doesn’t know the story, although I will say that the book will be a stunner even for those who know what happened and how it all ended. But just know that even if you know the story, have heard the podcast and/or seen the miniseries or read the stories in the LA Times, there is a lot that is new in the book.
I will admit I was quite annoyed by Debra AND her daughters. Despite that, I was even more annoyed by the authorities who blew off the various attempts to get help once Debra resolved to cut all ties with DJ. I admire anyone willing to be so vulnerable and tell the world EVERYTHING about some of the stupidest choices imaginable. I also admire Terra, the dog-loving eventual heroine of the story. And I REALLY admire the other daughter (real name Jacquelyn) who listened to her little voice that told her that their mother was being fleeced by a con man. It’s a great story, and reads like fiction — but it is totally real and will be must reading for fans of true crime and stories about Real Housewives-type relationships. Co-authored by M. William Phelps, it is entertaining AF and I highly recommend it. Not literature, but REALLY entertaining. Five stars, and thanks to BenBella Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for this honest review. And seriously, I hope Debra has a good therapist and has read the book Why Do I Think I Am Nothing Without A Man?