Why Not Kill Her: A Juror's Perspective: The Jodi Arias Death Penalty Retrial

Disclaimer: this is a lengthy review, so please bear with me. I'm a bit obsessed with this case and have read numerous of books, blogs, social media discussions as well as watched the trial as it was televised and have watched the trial on YouTube gavel to gavel several times. 😳 I religiously followed Paul's trial updates on Facebook as the retrial of the sentencing phase was not televised. In his book "Why Not Kill Her", he does an excellent job taking us into the court room and giving us an honest account of the inner workings of court rooms, the testimony, the secrecy, the repeated trashing of Travis delivered by Arias and her DT and Travis' spirit making his presence felt in court through the voice of a passionate prosecutor, his lifetime friend and beloved Deanna Reed and the devastated Alexander Family whose palpable anguish, grief and loss was felt by all. The reader can also feel the evil in that court room, sitting at the defense table wearing a fuzzy sweater with not a care in the world. I purchased this book on kindle when it was first released. Recently, my mom got interested in this case and wanted to get a book about it. I ordered her five! There is no one book that can really cover the complexity of: the relationship between Travis and Arias, her obsessive, manipulation, stalking, evil lies, psychopathy (I know she was diagnosed with BLP-but I believe she is also a narcissist and a psychopath) nomadic lifestyle, aimlessly living a life with no purpose or direction-except to manipulate men to serve her needs, violent tendencies and her lack of remorse. Travis' personal struggle between his faith and human desires, his friendships, charity, charismatic personality, human flaws (like us all), occupation, tragic childhood and how he was being blamed for his own death by Arias's lies, false and digusting accusations- putting Travis on trial. I bought my mom 5 books that I thought covered as much of these aspects as possible to get the full picture. "Why Not Kill Her" is a must have for a murder of Travis Alexander library. Other books I chose for mom were: "Our Friend Travis Alexander", "Conviction", "Exposed" (though Shanna Hogan's books was as good or better) and "Behind the Words: A Logical and Satirical Guide to the Impossible Defense of Jodi Arias". I've read "Why Not Kill Her" twice and have started his first book "Brain Damaged" where he writes his accounts of being a juror on a death penalty case. Mr. Sanders is humble, thoughtful, smart, dedicated and full heartily took his responsibilities as a juror to honor justice, the law and the victim. Mr. Sander's will soon be releasing his third book and I can't wait to read it!!!!

Paul did an amazing job with this book. Are there a few grammatical issues and stylistic traits that he will improve on with time? Sure. This is only his second book! His ability to pull the reader into the scene is amazing. His attention to detail and manner of story telling are compelling. I can honestly say that I will never attend a wedding and see "the chicken dance" and not think of Paul. Funny how I won't think of the person who repeatedly did it over the course of years, but will think of Paul and his dedication not only to justice, but to insuring that the public was not excluded from this important part of our society. I have just one strong piece of advice when you read this book. Have tissues ready at the very end. I will not spoil it, but TRUST ME! Your heart and soul will be touched. You will be inspired, and if you are anything like me you will cry (by the way I am not generally a person who cries easily.)All in all, well done Paul Sanders. I wish you well in your future endeavors. Life is always a path and may yours be smooth from here on out.

I liked the story of this book, and the excitement and fervor the author had for his subject. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that I felt it didn't explain enough about the actual deliberations and the thread throughout the book that the jury were just too unappreciated.It was fairly well written, and of course the subject matter was of interest. I guess I expected more of "At first 5 of us voted yes and the rest no, but after discussing such and such in more depth, 3 more came over the yes side, leaving only a few more for a unanimous verdict" In other words a little more detail in how the thinking and persuading worked.

Paul Sanders latest masterpiece is a must read! Mr Sanders unique experience as a deliberating death penalty juror in the high profile case of Marissa DeVault, lends itself to a credible and captivating perspective in 'Why Not Kill Her'. Mr Sanders illustrative writing style is brilliant...and beautiful. He not only gives us a rare glimpse into the mind of a juror, but also the quintessential journey a jury travels in seeking out truth, "as lambs to the law". We are given a front row seat in the courtroom. So close, in fact, by virtue of Mr Sanders attention to detail, that we hear every word, witness the affect of every player and feel the intensity each moment. Mr. Sanders paints for us a picture of a journey toward justice. We learn of facts, evidence and little known behind the scene activities. Mr Paul Sanders successfully created not only a factual and detailed account of this retrial of the penalty phase, but also a moving tribute to the victims, Travis Alexander and his beloved family. Author, Paul Sanders exquisite talent, shines within the pages of this remarkable true life story. I suggest a box of tissues be kept at hand. Weeping is unavoidable. What a ride!! 💙J4T

I could not put this book down. Although I watched both the Arias trials on TV, the author took me inside the courtroom in a way I could never have imagined. Already I feel I have met Juan Martinez, Nurmi and Wilmott by reading of the behind- the- scenes discussions and legal arguments out of the jury’s earshot.The author’s description of the manner of dress of each of the courtroom players only served to enhance this reader’s overall experience; I well remember checking out their daily court costumes as I viewed the trial on HLN and would often comment to myself how smart Mr Martinez looked, how well presented Miss Wilmott came across to viewers, and what a slovenly slob Nurmi looked each and every day in his attire and demeanor.I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

There were various different facts that i had not known and this book helped shed light on some of them. It was very informative.What i didn't like was the way the Author kept referencing a separate case that i had no knowledge of. I can see why he drew parallels and gave information on what and how a Jury served, but there was just too much detail on this other case that was not needed.Janeen DeMarte was priceless within this trial process, as was Juan Martinez.Juror 17 should never been allowed to retain her position, and i think weak willed Judge Stephens should have acted.Jodi Arias carried her testimony with contempt, sarcasm, humour and absolutely no remorse whatsoever.I agree with Tanisha, May she Rot in Hell

Such a moving and unique insight into this case . An emotional ride from start to finish. Would highly recommend for people who can't get their heads around Jodi Arias not getting the Death Sentence

Once again Paul Sanders has pulled it off! A book that is filled with his insights into the last phase of the Travis Alexander trial from the perspective of somebody who had served as a juror in a similar case. I'm riveted by his honesty, fairness, insights. I read Paul's blog day by day, but there is nothing like sitting down with his book, reading it cover to cover. Paul is a rare gem . Cannot wait for your next book.

This book kept me captivated, it really got me feeling as if I were sitting in court watching this trial & I desperately wanted to shout out my feelings, a book well worth reading