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Dixie's Last Stand: Was It Murder or Self-Defense?
Dixie Shanahan had a terribly troubled and abusive marriage in the sleepy little town of Defiance, Iowa. Then one summer day in 2002, Dixie’s mean and wicked husband was gone. Some of the local residents presumed that Scott packed his bags and left town. But others were skeptical. After all, Scott’s brown Ford pick-up truck was still parked in his driveway. The disappearance mystified Defiance for more than a year. Then in late October, 2003, the truth emerged … or did it?
109 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2015
341 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
About the author
John Ferak
13 books77 followersA native of Joliet and Plainfield, Illinois, John Ferak chronicled the awful tragedy in rural Murdock while serving as an investigative journalist from 2003-2012 for the Omaha World-Herald, Nebraska's largest news organization. Ferak appeared on Investigation Discovery's "Cold Blood."
These days, Ferak is an award-winning investigative team member for Gannett Wisconsin Media, based at The Post-Crescent in Appleton, Wis. He also has worked as a reporter or editor at the South Bend Tribune in Indiana, The Daily Herald based in Arlington Heights Ill., and the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
Although Ferak takes his writing and journalism seriously, he enjoys spending his free time with his wife, Andrea, and their three children. Ferak roots for the Green Bay Packers and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He is a devoted follower of Major League Baseball and the Chicago White Sox. He is also known to enjoy a can or two of his favorite canned beer, Pabst Blue Ribbon, “The people’s beer,” as he likes to call it.
These days, Ferak is an award-winning investigative team member for Gannett Wisconsin Media, based at The Post-Crescent in Appleton, Wis. He also has worked as a reporter or editor at the South Bend Tribune in Indiana, The Daily Herald based in Arlington Heights Ill., and the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
Although Ferak takes his writing and journalism seriously, he enjoys spending his free time with his wife, Andrea, and their three children. Ferak roots for the Green Bay Packers and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He is a devoted follower of Major League Baseball and the Chicago White Sox. He is also known to enjoy a can or two of his favorite canned beer, Pabst Blue Ribbon, “The people’s beer,” as he likes to call it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
January 10, 2015
Does anyone really know the answer?
Whenever I review a book, especially non-fiction, I always read it a second time to pick up whatever I missed. Before that second reading, I make a list of questions that I have for the author. I refer to that list often, making sure I am able to address each one. The author did a great job of addressing the who, what, where, when and how of this book. I was left only with the "why's", and no one here on earth can answer those questions, including Dixie. I have to credit the author here once again because he tried to validate as many of these "why's" as possible. The bizarre behavior of Dixie will leave everyone wondering why.
Dixie's life was and is sad, full of pain, suffering, and bad choices. Starting out as an abused child, she married a man who battered her physically and mentally, so bad she was in constant fear for the lives of herself, her children, and the unborn child she was carrying in her womb. There is no denying by anyone, including the judges that her husband, Scott, was an evil and sadistic person. Dixie killed Scott, there is no question about that either, but was that her only option for Dixie? Can she convince the jury she was justified in her actions?
It is easy to see the amount of time and research the author put into this book. He does such a great job of telling the story that at times you may wonder if it is fiction or true life. I had a hard time putting the book down. I challenge you to read this book and not be affected. Evaluate the entire presentation of facts and decide for yourself, was the court justified in their action against Dixie. What would you have done?
Whenever I review a book, especially non-fiction, I always read it a second time to pick up whatever I missed. Before that second reading, I make a list of questions that I have for the author. I refer to that list often, making sure I am able to address each one. The author did a great job of addressing the who, what, where, when and how of this book. I was left only with the "why's", and no one here on earth can answer those questions, including Dixie. I have to credit the author here once again because he tried to validate as many of these "why's" as possible. The bizarre behavior of Dixie will leave everyone wondering why.
Dixie's life was and is sad, full of pain, suffering, and bad choices. Starting out as an abused child, she married a man who battered her physically and mentally, so bad she was in constant fear for the lives of herself, her children, and the unborn child she was carrying in her womb. There is no denying by anyone, including the judges that her husband, Scott, was an evil and sadistic person. Dixie killed Scott, there is no question about that either, but was that her only option for Dixie? Can she convince the jury she was justified in her actions?
It is easy to see the amount of time and research the author put into this book. He does such a great job of telling the story that at times you may wonder if it is fiction or true life. I had a hard time putting the book down. I challenge you to read this book and not be affected. Evaluate the entire presentation of facts and decide for yourself, was the court justified in their action against Dixie. What would you have done?
January 17, 2015
worth reading...
This book was very well written. It told all side of the facts fairly. All the fact where clear and easy to understand. That said... Was it murder? Was it self defense? I honestly have gone back and forth in my mind on that. Unless you've been in an abusive relationship you'll never fully understand how this could be proceived as self defense... Which I can understand to a point... But also she had apply opportunities and help to change the circumstances and choose to kill... So that is a tough call... I highly recommend reading this book!
This book was very well written. It told all side of the facts fairly. All the fact where clear and easy to understand. That said... Was it murder? Was it self defense? I honestly have gone back and forth in my mind on that. Unless you've been in an abusive relationship you'll never fully understand how this could be proceived as self defense... Which I can understand to a point... But also she had apply opportunities and help to change the circumstances and choose to kill... So that is a tough call... I highly recommend reading this book!
February 1, 2015
Judgment call
A very interesting case study of spousal abuse Dixie has had a rough life and her actions to the situation were not done with the best judgment.
A great fast read gives you just enough to see where this is all heading
A very interesting case study of spousal abuse Dixie has had a rough life and her actions to the situation were not done with the best judgment.
A great fast read gives you just enough to see where this is all heading
February 3, 2015
Full review at The Crime Cove
Well ladies and gents...this book sure is one for the debaters and opinionated that's for sure. It would be impossible to read this and not take a stand either way.
Its going to be strange to use the word "fortune" in a true crime review, however, I did have the good fortune of not knowing one thing about this case before picking up the book. I've never heard about the case, nor did I read any of the reviews beforehand. So I wasn't sure if she was convicted of killing her husband or not. For me, that in itself made the experience more riveting. However, the very best thing about reading this book was the very skillful way the author chose to unfold the events and relay the facts of the case for a reader like me. Most impressive!
Overall, this book is extremely compelling, well crafted and...as you can tell...will stir up all kinds of emotions, strange feelings and opinions. I really look forward to reading more from this author. Highly recommend it!
Well ladies and gents...this book sure is one for the debaters and opinionated that's for sure. It would be impossible to read this and not take a stand either way.
Its going to be strange to use the word "fortune" in a true crime review, however, I did have the good fortune of not knowing one thing about this case before picking up the book. I've never heard about the case, nor did I read any of the reviews beforehand. So I wasn't sure if she was convicted of killing her husband or not. For me, that in itself made the experience more riveting. However, the very best thing about reading this book was the very skillful way the author chose to unfold the events and relay the facts of the case for a reader like me. Most impressive!
Overall, this book is extremely compelling, well crafted and...as you can tell...will stir up all kinds of emotions, strange feelings and opinions. I really look forward to reading more from this author. Highly recommend it!
June 28, 2015
There is no doubt that Dixie Shanahan was an abused woman after being an abused child. However, it seems that she never made a right decision in her life.
She married a bully named Scott Shanahan and tolerated his abuse for 19 years. She left him several times but always went back. What did she think was going to change? Why would she go back to the same situation when she had better options?
It's no spoiler to say she killed Scott, and her bad decisions start to pile up -- high and deep. This book is an eye-opener in so many ways whether or not you are or have been in an abusive relationship.
The book is well-written and generally stays on track with the story. I'm glad I read it.
She married a bully named Scott Shanahan and tolerated his abuse for 19 years. She left him several times but always went back. What did she think was going to change? Why would she go back to the same situation when she had better options?
It's no spoiler to say she killed Scott, and her bad decisions start to pile up -- high and deep. This book is an eye-opener in so many ways whether or not you are or have been in an abusive relationship.
The book is well-written and generally stays on track with the story. I'm glad I read it.
January 19, 2015
Spousal Abuse= Murder?
I really liked this book and the style of writing
The author gave a brief description of the people involved , such as the attorneys, judge, and policemen, without devoting whole chapters to each one. In my opinion, this method gives enough, but doesn't bog down the reader. I can feel sympathetic towards Dixie, but I think she deserved prison time. I am in agreement that mandatory sentences perhaps should be revised. I hope she is granted parole this year. I don't think she is a threat to society.
I really liked this book and the style of writing
The author gave a brief description of the people involved , such as the attorneys, judge, and policemen, without devoting whole chapters to each one. In my opinion, this method gives enough, but doesn't bog down the reader. I can feel sympathetic towards Dixie, but I think she deserved prison time. I am in agreement that mandatory sentences perhaps should be revised. I hope she is granted parole this year. I don't think she is a threat to society.
February 1, 2015
Interesting case
It was a very interesting case.. I can see why she murdered him... Part of me felt sorry for her, the other part says she is where she needs to be. I'm not understanding how one could live with a dead body in the next room for a year... I don't think all the candles and air freshener in the world would mask the smell of death. So my vote is, it is a must read, and we will see if they let her out anytime soon.... I'm thinking No, they won't!
It was a very interesting case.. I can see why she murdered him... Part of me felt sorry for her, the other part says she is where she needs to be. I'm not understanding how one could live with a dead body in the next room for a year... I don't think all the candles and air freshener in the world would mask the smell of death. So my vote is, it is a must read, and we will see if they let her out anytime soon.... I'm thinking No, they won't!
January 30, 2015
I found this book quite interesting. The terms were so descriptive that it was easy to picture the scenes as though they were being played out on a screen inside your head. That was almost not a good thing at times. Even though the book is relatively short, you do not finish it and feel as though you didn't get all of the story.These pages are full of information, without useless repetition. If you are a fan of true crime, you'll want to read this one. Best of luck John Ferak. Well done.
April 9, 2015
Domestic violence and murder
This was a well written book about a woman who was beat and killed her husband. I have no problem with her conviction but her sentence was outrageous in my opinion. People who are much more likely to be repeat offenders get less time.The odds of Dixie ever repeating her crime are very low.
This was a well written book about a woman who was beat and killed her husband. I have no problem with her conviction but her sentence was outrageous in my opinion. People who are much more likely to be repeat offenders get less time.The odds of Dixie ever repeating her crime are very low.
February 11, 2015
True crime
Great book. I'm not sure if I agree with the sentence. Well written. Lots of detail. Will look for other books from this author.
Great book. I'm not sure if I agree with the sentence. Well written. Lots of detail. Will look for other books from this author.
February 15, 2025
Dixie's Last Stand is an entertaining account of a battered woman divorcing her husband Scott with a shotgun blast to the back of his head while he slept. Dixie Shanahan claimed to have been sexually abused by her stepfather before going from the frying pan into the fire by hooking up with Scott as a teenager. Dixie gave birth to three children and filed abuse charges against her spouse three times, only to drop the charges before the cases headed to court.
Scotty went a-missing and a suspicious cop obtained a search warrant for Dixie's home. The police were astounded by the odors emanating from a master bedroom. The forensic descriptions are quite revolting.
Meanwhile, during over a year of bodily ripening, Dixie had a new man in her life. He never noticed the smells while visiting his lover at the unintended mortuary.
Iowa has very strict laws and the court case is a good one. Dixie's Last Stand is a worthwhile read.
Scotty went a-missing and a suspicious cop obtained a search warrant for Dixie's home. The police were astounded by the odors emanating from a master bedroom. The forensic descriptions are quite revolting.
Meanwhile, during over a year of bodily ripening, Dixie had a new man in her life. He never noticed the smells while visiting his lover at the unintended mortuary.
Iowa has very strict laws and the court case is a good one. Dixie's Last Stand is a worthwhile read.
March 19, 2015
Kept my interest throughout
Story gives lots of insight into domestic violence and tries to give some explanation as to why someone would stick around and endure such abuse. This was written to my liking - not filled with a lot of unnecessary information. Was it murder or self-defense? My opinion is that is was a little of both.
Story gives lots of insight into domestic violence and tries to give some explanation as to why someone would stick around and endure such abuse. This was written to my liking - not filled with a lot of unnecessary information. Was it murder or self-defense? My opinion is that is was a little of both.
March 31, 2015
This was a great book! I found it hard to put down. John Ferak did an excellent job of telling the story & giving details. Based upon the evidence I don't think it was self defense. I do believe that Dixie endured many years of abuse & because of that she finally snapped. I think she deserves prison time but I do believe her sentence was too harsh.
Read
April 15, 2015Excellent Book!!!
This book is an example of the tragic abuse of Dixie by her husband Scott that she endured for many years before having enough and taking matters into her own hands. From start to finish I was intrigued with how Dixie endured beating after after because of the fear she felt until finally she had had enough. Excellent read and highly recommend.
This book is an example of the tragic abuse of Dixie by her husband Scott that she endured for many years before having enough and taking matters into her own hands. From start to finish I was intrigued with how Dixie endured beating after after because of the fear she felt until finally she had had enough. Excellent read and highly recommend.
June 15, 2015
Domestic violence and small town, USA. The story was engaging until the trial began. Then all the details were rehashed over and over. She was given several opportunities to take a plea but decided to take her chances with a jury. I was sad to read she didn't take the plea because imho I felt she didn't get the appropriate punishment.
January 29, 2015
An interesting case. Where did Dixie's husband disappear to or did he. Follow the evidence and the crime and see if she is innocent or guilty. Was she justified or should she beheld accountable for her action.
February 10, 2015
I liked the style this book was written. Very good fast read. No unnecessary information, I usually like a longer read, but really liked how this book was put together. This is the second book I have read from this author, and I look forward to reading more of his work.
May 26, 2015
This is a very sad story of a woman who was physically and mentally abused by her husband until she finally put an end to it and him. It is a very well researched and well written book that held my interest from the first few pages. It is a quick easy read and I highly recommend it.
February 8, 2015
A must read. very well written. Yes battered women do exit, but is it a reason for killing?
February 10, 2015
Pretty good read. Very interesting
November 12, 2025
Great read!
If you like true crime stories, then you will love this book. Definitely hard to put down! Looking forward to more books from this author!
If you like true crime stories, then you will love this book. Definitely hard to put down! Looking forward to more books from this author!
March 13, 2023
Throughout her life, Dixie Shanahan was dealt was rough hand. There were accusations of abuse from her stepfather, and then an abusive relationship with the man that would become her husband. There were warning signs from the beginning, that should have sent her running in the other direction, but she decided to stay.
In that decision, she signed up for decades of black eyes, screaming matches, bruises, and more. Neighbors finally called the cops, and her husband, Scott was arrested. She refused to press charges, leaving him free again. After a second arrest, he was again set free with minimal time served. The third time he was arrested, it should have sent him to prison for a long time, but Dixie again refused to proceed with the charges. He was once more set free, and Dixie made the journey back from Texas, where she had fled, to Iowa, where she moved back into the abusive relationship.
When Scott stopped showing up around familiar places, at first, nothing was thought about it. However, after some time had gone by, people began talking. Dixie told a few stories as to where he had gone to. No one really believed her, but very few people were actually searching for the volatile man. One person who wanted to know was the sheriff, and he refused to give up searching. It was not until months later, that the truth would be uncovered, and it shocked everyone.
This was one book that I was a bit conflicted on. There was a lot going on here, and there should be things that can be done without the victim having to come into court and facing an abuser. However, she refused to allow him to be punished under the law. When taking the law into one's own hands, it becomes much more than just self-defense.
Interesting read overall, and something that true crime junkies will enjoy.
In that decision, she signed up for decades of black eyes, screaming matches, bruises, and more. Neighbors finally called the cops, and her husband, Scott was arrested. She refused to press charges, leaving him free again. After a second arrest, he was again set free with minimal time served. The third time he was arrested, it should have sent him to prison for a long time, but Dixie again refused to proceed with the charges. He was once more set free, and Dixie made the journey back from Texas, where she had fled, to Iowa, where she moved back into the abusive relationship.
When Scott stopped showing up around familiar places, at first, nothing was thought about it. However, after some time had gone by, people began talking. Dixie told a few stories as to where he had gone to. No one really believed her, but very few people were actually searching for the volatile man. One person who wanted to know was the sheriff, and he refused to give up searching. It was not until months later, that the truth would be uncovered, and it shocked everyone.
This was one book that I was a bit conflicted on. There was a lot going on here, and there should be things that can be done without the victim having to come into court and facing an abuser. However, she refused to allow him to be punished under the law. When taking the law into one's own hands, it becomes much more than just self-defense.
Interesting read overall, and something that true crime junkies will enjoy.
January 24, 2024
I found this book to be very sad. I felt for Dixie. So many say why did she go back to Scott, he was arrested 3 times for abuse and that is the ones the authorities knew about. Don't blame her, Scott was a master manipulator and an abuser. Poor Dixie was abused by her own father and that is what she grew up with.
I live in Iowa and can't believe she was sentenced to 50 years, how can they say it wasn't self defense? I don't think it was murder. It was an abused mother, finally snapping and not taking it anymore, so she ended the nightmare to protect herself and her children.
Yes, she does deserve punishment. She did cause the death of another human being. I think the 19 or 20 years of abuse she endored, that the whole community knew about should have been time served and maybe only got 5 years.
I hope when she gets out since her sentence was reduced that she can live a peaceful life and reunite with her children.
I live in Iowa and can't believe she was sentenced to 50 years, how can they say it wasn't self defense? I don't think it was murder. It was an abused mother, finally snapping and not taking it anymore, so she ended the nightmare to protect herself and her children.
Yes, she does deserve punishment. She did cause the death of another human being. I think the 19 or 20 years of abuse she endored, that the whole community knew about should have been time served and maybe only got 5 years.
I hope when she gets out since her sentence was reduced that she can live a peaceful life and reunite with her children.
November 14, 2022
Polarizing true crime account
John Ferak tells the story of Dixie and the murder of her abusive husband in a comprehensive and unbiased way. Her community of supporters and the justice behind it, polarized both sides. Personally, I believe Dixie is either very cold hearted or extremely ignorant. That doesn't mean I have no empathy for her, however, her behavior during her time in prison showcases her apparent disregard for the law, the rules and her entitlement.
The one item I found reassuring is that the sheriff and law enforcement in general in this case were honest, unlike the Steven Avery case, which to this day I find disturbing.
John Ferak tells the story of Dixie and the murder of her abusive husband in a comprehensive and unbiased way. Her community of supporters and the justice behind it, polarized both sides. Personally, I believe Dixie is either very cold hearted or extremely ignorant. That doesn't mean I have no empathy for her, however, her behavior during her time in prison showcases her apparent disregard for the law, the rules and her entitlement.
The one item I found reassuring is that the sheriff and law enforcement in general in this case were honest, unlike the Steven Avery case, which to this day I find disturbing.
December 24, 2019
The only thing I can say with absolute sureness after reading this book, is Dixie did not deserve to be imprisoned for the sentence for recurved. A true story of a wretched soul who seems to live a life encompassed in loss and tragedy. It’s an excellent true crime book and was written with zero sway to any side. Reading this book was digesting cold hard facts and by the end, we as readers and citizens got to make our own judgement call. This book put us in the judges robes.
January 8, 2018
While I want to be on the side of this woman for all she suffered at the hands of her husband she had other means in which to get away from him. She decided to kill him instead but she should pay for that crime the sentencing laws in Iowa seem to be a bit harsh. I would recommend this book to true crime lovers alike.
April 13, 2022
Interesting and sad
As a victim of domestic abuse, I truly feel for Dixie. You often feel alone and ashamed when you're in the situation. However, she choose to take a man's life, rather than helping herself and her children. And with that decision, her children will/have grown up without either parent.
As a victim of domestic abuse, I truly feel for Dixie. You often feel alone and ashamed when you're in the situation. However, she choose to take a man's life, rather than helping herself and her children. And with that decision, her children will/have grown up without either parent.
February 15, 2018
Very well written, couldn't put it down
December 9, 2022
true crime
I liked the emotion; the perfect definition of the domestic abuse cycle.
I hope this helps readers understand the devastating effects of abuse.
I liked the emotion; the perfect definition of the domestic abuse cycle.
I hope this helps readers understand the devastating effects of abuse.
August 16, 2025
Slow burn.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews