The Debutante

By: Jon Ronson

Narrated by: Jon Ronson

Length: 3 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

This is the story of a Tulsa debutante who, as a result of a series of unlikely and often very bad life choices she made in the ‘90s, found herself in the midst of one of the most terrible crimes ever to take place in America.

Thirty years ago, award-winning journalist Jon Ronson stumbled on the mystery of Carol Howe—a charismatic, wealthy former debutante turned white supremacist spokeswoman turned undercover informant. In 1995, Carol was spying on Oklahoma’s neo-Nazis for the government just when Timothy McVeigh blew up a federal building in Oklahoma City, killing 168 people.

Ever since then, Carol has haunted the imaginations of survivors and investigators because of a rumor that had begun to swirl: If her information had only been listened to, she could have prevented the worst domestic terrorist attack in US history.

The question mystified Ronson. In The Debutante, he embarks on an investigative journey to seek the truth about the woman who grew up in a world of privilege and opportunity and whose teenage rebellion spiraled out of control, leading her to extreme radicalization.

The Debutante takes a closer look at Carol’s world, where truth is shrouded and seldom guaranteed. Rare court tapes, diary entries, undercover ATF surveillance audio, and interviews with those who crossed paths with Carol depict a complex woman whose motivations have been hypothesized about for decades. With curiosity and insight at the forefront of his work, Ronson delivers a new perspective on the extraordinary story of Carol Howe.

©2019 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2023 Audible Originals, LLC.

Various voices, each at a different volume!

I had to keep adjusting the volume. Some of the contributors were annoyingly loud. Jarring even.
The basic premise? Timothy McVey was just a patsy, not the mastermind of the Oklahoma bombing.

Another Can't Miss from Ronson

Can Jon Ronson write something boring? I can't see that ever happening. This is another absolutely engrossing story that he has found, reported in his signature style.

If you lived through this you need to listen

What a wild ride throughout this whole thing. The twists that happen in the investigation and the need for the government to close the case have left more questions than answers!

Very intriguing…had no idea about this woman!

Very well produced…I wanted more! How about one on what she’s doing now? I would find it interesting to learn if she has “really” changed…and how.

Interesting but hard to follow

This was a fascinating and important story, but at times felt chaotic and difficult to follow. I sympathize because the subject matter was difficult to follow and chaotic as well. Unfortunately in our post truth world, it is difficult to have an honest that isn’t chaotic and that point comes through from the author quite well.

Everything I Appreciate from a Ronson Reported Story

If you’ve enjoyed any of Jon Ronson’s work, dj yourself a favor & download this now!

A True Binge Listen

Extremely interesting information coupled with masterful storytelling.
If you listen to Audible while you walk, prepare for a long one as you listen to The Debutante. You won’t be able to stop listening.

Very interesting untold story

Never have I heard of this information before. Seems to be a reason why. Must read in my opinion

Interesting and Informative

Interesting and informative. I highly recommend. This is serious investigative reporting. Unfortunately, it also brings back another sad day in American history.

Loved

Anything Jon Ronson puts out there is worth listening to. While the ending wasn’t what I was expecting, that makes it all the more interesting.