Surviving Dirty John

My True Story of Love, Lies, and Murder

By: Debra Newell, M. William Phelps - contributor

Narrated by: Debra Newell

Debra Newell is nothing if not a survivor. By the time she met John Michael Meehan online, she lived through a near-fatal childhood illness, an attempted rape in her 20s, the traumatic death of her sister at the hands of her brother-in-law, four failed marriages, and a litany of dating disasters. But despite those tragedies, she seemed to have it all: adoring children, a successful business, a fabulous penthouse apartment.

But there was something missing: the blinding, all-consuming love she first read about to occupy her time in her childhood sickbed. And she thought she found it with John Meehan.

More than a tabloid-ready true-crime expose, Debra's story is one of trauma, denial, and deception. But it is also a relatable, inspirational, and hopeful story of forgiveness, and, most of all, love. The lengths to which a woman will go to find - and keep - love; the boundaries children and parents cross to protect and save the people they love; the love one must find for oneself; and the ways the illusion of love can be used to manipulate and hurt.

©2021 A Voice for Women LLC (P)2021 Tantor

The Book tells the whole story

I absolutely loved this book! I saw the movie and have watched the netflix special but nothing tells the story like hearing it from the person who lived through it! I learned things through the book that were never brought up in the movie! It is amazing that Debra was able to come out on top ahead of all of this. She is an extraordinary woman and an amazing mother. I would highly recommend this book! I love audiobooks so if you are able to listen instead of reading the book, you will be pleasantly surprised!

Interesting story, but difficult to listen to

I had heard of this story and read some news articles from time to time, but didn't know the full details so I purchased this book. I found the story fascinating, especially about Debra's history with men. I found the story to be well told and easy to follow.
That being said, I would recommend buying the book instead of buying the audio version. The author is the narrator, and she clearly doesn't have experience with narration. Her words are flat and halting. There are awkward pauses where no pause is needed, and she has difficulty pronouncing even common words. It comes across as if the entire reading was done without rehearsal, editing or even reading the text prior to recording. She is an accomplished woman and is well skilled at her trade, but she should steer clear of future voice over work.

Shocking story

Interesting account of hoax and betrayal if you can get through the narrator’s cringeworthy mispronunciations

Very important read for women everywhere

I applaud Debra Newell's work and grateful that she told her story. A lifesaving and life changing read.

True to life

Could happen to anyone, very good story - glad the ordeal finally ended for the family.