Dixie's Last Stand: Was It Murder or Self-Defense?

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!Full review at www.TheCrimeCove.blogspot.comOverall, this book is extremely compelling, well crafted and will stir up all kinds of emotions, feelings and opinions. I really look forward to reading more from this author. Highly recommend it!

While reading about this case and considering other offenders whom get lesser sentences, I was interested in how the story developed into to a fifty year sentence considering past repetitive abuse in relationship. The author provides objective explanation of what happened, how it happened, and why the sentence turned out the way it did. I did empathize with the women in beginning yet with more elaboration of thought, I think the sentencing was spot on to deter future excuses in similar cases as justification for what she did. When she was abrasive when speaking to authorities, lashed back in the courtroom, and while deciphering detailed moments in book about her relationships, her children, and having no regrets, I pondered if that is how a sheltered, abused, and fearful victim would act, or more like one that planned it, stuck to her story denying accountability thinking sympathy would free her if caught, and didn't consider her children growing up without their mother or father. Well written, engrossing, and thorough in details.

Having worked in the prison where Dixie resided, I came to know her personally. This was an interesting read and filled in some of the blanks I had of her story. The book neglected to inform that she had a peer tutor job in the Education Department in the prison. She was very helpful to us, the teachers, as well as to the students who were trying to obtain their GEDs. I sincerely wish her a good future.

This book is about a lady that is physically and emotionally abused by her spouse for many years. She is finally pushed to her breaking point and disaster enfolds. I couldn't put it down! I read it straight through! I was especially sympathetic towards Dixie being a victim of domestic violence myself. The author gives an excellent account of all events. A gripping page turner!

A well told tale of an age old problem. They say we learn what love "feels like" as children, so it stands to reason that a child who is abused would then seek out that same feeling as an adult. They will seek out partners that evoke those same feelings that they had for the childhood abuser. In doing so, of course, the set themselves up for a lifetime of abuse. As hard as it is for those of us who don't have that issue to deal with to understand, it feels "normal" to those involved. Dixie's childhood set her up for the relationship and if it wasn't with this man it would have been another similar person. So she met her destiny and proceeded down that path. As you're reading you're thinking "just leave!", but of course she doesn't ever end the cycle until the killing. Murder or self-defense? Maybe there should be a third legal option of post traumatic stress? It certainly wasn't self-defense in the narrow legal definition. Murder? Again, using the narrow legal definition, yes. Lifelong battering brings a very gray area to this and others like it though. Read it, recognizing that what Dixie lived may very well be very different than what you, or anyone you know has experienced. If you do so, you will realize that "she should have just left" was not a viable option for someone so damaged for so long.

Another wife abused book, only with a twist - she shoots her abuser in bed and then proceeds to cover up the body. Shut the door and go on with her life. Almost a year or so later she is caught and made to stand trial. I was interested in the book until we delved into the trial of the murder. That is unfortunately where the book gets very boring and tedious. The facts are repeated in every form possible, she is given several chances to take a deal with the D.A. And doesn't grab the proverbial life preserver rather take her chances with the jury. As of this date, she is still serving time for killing her abusive husband and I think this is a drastic miscarriage of justice. The book also becomes very boring at this point of the trial reporting and never gains the previous momentum it had at the beginning and well over half of the book. So True Crime readers, good book? Yes. Great book? No, sorry.

Great book and very well wrote the author did an excellent job. It sort of made you think about the story and you didnt know how to feel in the end, you were 50/50. Would definitely like to read more by this author

Enjoyed this book about a woman who murdered her husband after years of domestic violence. I think she has now served enough time and deserves to be freed. Her husband was a vile bully

A shocking true story about Dixie Shanahan who killed her husband whom was very abusive to her. A must read for true crime fans.

It was not self defence.It was murder and I do believe he did deserve to be dealt with. There are other options she could have followed.A really sad story as both lives were lost

I found it a bit difficult to decide either way but I think she was guilty but not premeditated. She had just had enough.