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Banquet of Consequences: A Juror's Plight: The Carnation Murders Trial of Michele Anderson
On Christmas Eve 2007, Judy and Wayne Anderson’s daughter, Michele, and her boyfriend, Joseph McEnroe, arrived at their home for a family meal. Unbeknownst to them, their daughter was armed with a loaded 9 mm pistol and McEnroe was carrying a .357 Magnum. Both parents were callously shot dead by the pair and their bodies hidden from view. Two and a half hours later, Michele’s brother Scott, his wife Erica and their two children, Olivia (5) and Nathan (3), arrived at the house. Within the hour, they too had been pitilessly slain, in an act of violence that was breath-taking in its scope and cruelty.With his highly-anticipated third book, Paul Sanders takes the reader inside every day of the trial of Michele Anderson, with his customary attention to detail, from December 2015 until March 2016. And in a unique digression from his other works, Sanders includes something he has never done An interview with one of the killers, Joseph McEnroe, at Walla Walla Penitentiary. Banquet of Consequences is the first of two books on what came to be known as the Carnation murders. Were the killings a premeditated act, or had the defendants acted in self defense? And what of the deaths of Olivia and Nathan? Who shot them and why?It would not be an easy task for a jury to decide.Paul’s book, Banquet of A Juror’s Plight (Book 3: A Juror’s Perspective) has received many * 2021 New York Festival Awards Honorable Mention - General Non-fiction* 2021 New York Festival Awards Honorable Mention - Wild Card* 2021 Paris Book Festival Awards Honorable Mention - General Non-fiction* 2021 Paris Book Festival Awards Honorable Mention - Wild Card• 2018 eLit Awards Gold Medal Winner – True Crime• 2018 International Books Awards Silver Medal Awards – Historical• 2018 “Best Book” Award Winner Finalist – True Crime• 2018 “Reader’s Favorite – Five Stars• 2018 Florida Book Festival Award Winner – Non-Fiction• 2018 London Book Festival Award Runner-Up – Non-Fiction• 2017 The Halloween Book Festival Award Winner – Non-Fiction• 2017 Southern California Book Festival Award Winner – Non-FictionReader reviews for Paul “Move over Ann Rule and Shanna Hogan and make way for America’s newest crime writer!”“Paul Sanders is now among my favourite authors. Both of his books had me right there!”“The reader is taken into a world few of us who have ever received a jury summons will ever experience.”Also Written by Paul Sanders*Brain A Juror’s Tale - The Hammer Killing Trial (2015)*Why Not Kill A Juror’s Perspective - The Jodi Arias Death Penalty Retrial (2016)*Secret Life of a Voir Dire - The Domestic Violence Query (2018) *Victim or the The Day Before Jerry Died - A Grateful Dead Thriller (2022)
488 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 23, 2017
12/24/2007, Michele Kristen Anderson (Judy/Wayne’s daughter) & Joseph McEnroe (Michele’s BF), home for an evening dinner, shot/killed her parents: Judy Anderson (61, wife/mother, US postal carrier), & Wayne Anderson (60, husband/father, retired Boeing engineer).
Scott Anderson (32, Michele’s brother, husband/father, construction), Erica Anderson (32, wife/mother), & their 2 children: Olivia Anderson (5) & Nathan Anderson (3) arrived shortly to the parents, grandparents’ house; never again would they return to their own home.
Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violent or graphic adult content. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written true crime book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great movie, or better yet a mini TV series or even a documentary (True Crime; American Crime Story; Investigative Discovery). A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; EBooksdaily; CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Scott Anderson (32, Michele’s brother, husband/father, construction), Erica Anderson (32, wife/mother), & their 2 children: Olivia Anderson (5) & Nathan Anderson (3) arrived shortly to the parents, grandparents’ house; never again would they return to their own home.
Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violent or graphic adult content. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written true crime book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great movie, or better yet a mini TV series or even a documentary (True Crime; American Crime Story; Investigative Discovery). A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; EBooksdaily; CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
September 25, 2017
I lived about 20 minutes from where the murders covered in this book occurred, at the time they occurred, so I was very interested in finding out more about the case and the trial. Overall the book does a decent job of that, but it's sloppy and amateurish in a number of ways. I say that both subjectively and objectively.
There are a number of times that the author's grammar(awkward mixed present and past case in a sentence) and use of punctuation are odd. He might be well served by reading his text aloud and hearing how his commas put unnatural breaks in his sentences. This is subjective, so I'll just leave it there.
Objectively though, there are a number of places where the writing is just sloppy. Very early in the book, the author is quoting the judge as he speaks to the jury: "The state must prove these charges beyond a shadow of a doubt.". Yeah, the judge *could* have used those words, but it would be horrendous legal malpractice if he did. More likely, the author just did a sloppy quote job. The standard of proof in a criminal case is beyond a *reasonable* doubt, and most people know that, and the author reflects this later. I was a juror in a murder trial and we got a 20 minute explanation during jury instructions as to what "beyond a reasonable doubt" means. How could an author specializing in legal books make such a basic mistake?
Then there's bad editing and typo's. Examples:
-"It was cold and rainy and if I had a choice. I would rather be giving tickets...". Again, if read aloud, the misuse of a period instead of a comma would be obvious
-"Generally, we want samples collect from various locations". Again, quoting someone that may have misspoke, but more likely just sloppy writing, particularly since he wrote of this person's "meticulous approach to the science".
-"The prosecutor absent-mindedly straightened his legal paid on the podium". Legal paid?
These are sloppy errors than an editor should catch, or the author is he chooses to handle that role himself.
Then there's a few things I find just unfathomable- the author refers to Lake Issaquah and West Issaquah. There is no Lake Issaquah, and there is no West Issaquah. I know this because the city I lived in at the time was...Issaquah. So when the author writes "Lake Issaquah was located just thirteen miles south of Carnation...", how can that be? There's no Lake Issaquah in Google Maps, so how did this measurement come about? Maybe he meant Lake Sammamish, the large lake in which Issaquah sits, but he refers to Lake Issaquah several times.
You would expect that given that the book is about a crime and the legal proceedings, that the same measure of attention to detail and accuracy paid in those proceedings would be reflected in the book, but they're not, and it just caused me to look sideways at the writing repeatedly.
There are a number of times that the author's grammar(awkward mixed present and past case in a sentence) and use of punctuation are odd. He might be well served by reading his text aloud and hearing how his commas put unnatural breaks in his sentences. This is subjective, so I'll just leave it there.
Objectively though, there are a number of places where the writing is just sloppy. Very early in the book, the author is quoting the judge as he speaks to the jury: "The state must prove these charges beyond a shadow of a doubt.". Yeah, the judge *could* have used those words, but it would be horrendous legal malpractice if he did. More likely, the author just did a sloppy quote job. The standard of proof in a criminal case is beyond a *reasonable* doubt, and most people know that, and the author reflects this later. I was a juror in a murder trial and we got a 20 minute explanation during jury instructions as to what "beyond a reasonable doubt" means. How could an author specializing in legal books make such a basic mistake?
Then there's bad editing and typo's. Examples:
-"It was cold and rainy and if I had a choice. I would rather be giving tickets...". Again, if read aloud, the misuse of a period instead of a comma would be obvious
-"Generally, we want samples collect from various locations". Again, quoting someone that may have misspoke, but more likely just sloppy writing, particularly since he wrote of this person's "meticulous approach to the science".
-"The prosecutor absent-mindedly straightened his legal paid on the podium". Legal paid?
These are sloppy errors than an editor should catch, or the author is he chooses to handle that role himself.
Then there's a few things I find just unfathomable- the author refers to Lake Issaquah and West Issaquah. There is no Lake Issaquah, and there is no West Issaquah. I know this because the city I lived in at the time was...Issaquah. So when the author writes "Lake Issaquah was located just thirteen miles south of Carnation...", how can that be? There's no Lake Issaquah in Google Maps, so how did this measurement come about? Maybe he meant Lake Sammamish, the large lake in which Issaquah sits, but he refers to Lake Issaquah several times.
You would expect that given that the book is about a crime and the legal proceedings, that the same measure of attention to detail and accuracy paid in those proceedings would be reflected in the book, but they're not, and it just caused me to look sideways at the writing repeatedly.
September 30, 2017
Not as bad as the Arias book, but...
There were major flaws with repetition in the Arias book, but this book was much better in that regard. I still wish the author would interview the actual jurors after the trial and give a TRUE juror perspective. In this book, he actually went to dinner with them, yet there is no interview with any of them. Only a letter from a juror on the trial of her accomplice, which leads to why he's doing book #2.
He still interjects his own opinion as to what the jurors are thinking and feeling, as if it's the actual thoughts and feelings of the jurors. As in my review of Arias, I don't agree with that. He cannot possibly know what they're thinking and feeling. He can guess, just like we, as readers, can...but he cannot KNOW. As such, he has no right to place that into the book. Especially since he did not verify these emotions with an actual juror.
Not interviewing at least one leaves some loose ends also. For example, he mentions that the judge met with the jury after the trial but we're left not knowing what was said.
In the interview with Joe, he's not allowed to bring pen or paper, yet quotes what was said during the interview. He can't possibly remember verbatim what was said since he couldn't quite it down. He makes no mention that the conversation was paraphrased so he is a bit deceiving. A footnote should at least be made (an editor would have required this).
I'm glad the author seems to have taken note of some of the suggestions his reviewers made previously, but we're really looking for a juror perspective of the trial he's writing about. We don't want him telling us how HE thinks the jurors SHOULD BE FEELING at a certain point in the trial. That's not for him to say and he CAN'T possibly say just because he was a juror in ONE trial and sat in the gallery in the trial he's writing about. The jury sees things the gallery doesn't see sometimes, every jury member has different life experiences. He had no RIGHT to speak to how they are or should feel. Those things should come from interviews from the jurors.
Please, get interviews from the jurors after the trial! These books would be so much more authentic!
There were major flaws with repetition in the Arias book, but this book was much better in that regard. I still wish the author would interview the actual jurors after the trial and give a TRUE juror perspective. In this book, he actually went to dinner with them, yet there is no interview with any of them. Only a letter from a juror on the trial of her accomplice, which leads to why he's doing book #2.
He still interjects his own opinion as to what the jurors are thinking and feeling, as if it's the actual thoughts and feelings of the jurors. As in my review of Arias, I don't agree with that. He cannot possibly know what they're thinking and feeling. He can guess, just like we, as readers, can...but he cannot KNOW. As such, he has no right to place that into the book. Especially since he did not verify these emotions with an actual juror.
Not interviewing at least one leaves some loose ends also. For example, he mentions that the judge met with the jury after the trial but we're left not knowing what was said.
In the interview with Joe, he's not allowed to bring pen or paper, yet quotes what was said during the interview. He can't possibly remember verbatim what was said since he couldn't quite it down. He makes no mention that the conversation was paraphrased so he is a bit deceiving. A footnote should at least be made (an editor would have required this).
I'm glad the author seems to have taken note of some of the suggestions his reviewers made previously, but we're really looking for a juror perspective of the trial he's writing about. We don't want him telling us how HE thinks the jurors SHOULD BE FEELING at a certain point in the trial. That's not for him to say and he CAN'T possibly say just because he was a juror in ONE trial and sat in the gallery in the trial he's writing about. The jury sees things the gallery doesn't see sometimes, every jury member has different life experiences. He had no RIGHT to speak to how they are or should feel. Those things should come from interviews from the jurors.
Please, get interviews from the jurors after the trial! These books would be so much more authentic!
November 14, 2017
Very well written
I must admit this book exceeded my expectations! I read another of his books where he was a juror and I wasn't as pleased with it! But this one exceeded everything! I found this book very informative and also it really gets you thinking a lot! I love reading books on true crime but with Paul you are seeing and reading from a juries point of view, which is unique and one I must admit I have never considered before!
Paul now has me really thinking all the way through on how difficult the justice system can be. And how difficult a decision can be in so many ways. From now on when I see a trial, hear of one or even hear or read about another murder this will be a thought always on my mind! I must admit Paul has a new fan and I am really looking for the second book of this next month!!! I can't wait to read it Paul and I must admit I am hooked! I just wish you could write as fast as I read!!!
To anyone looking for a good book, well written then this is it!!!
I must admit this book exceeded my expectations! I read another of his books where he was a juror and I wasn't as pleased with it! But this one exceeded everything! I found this book very informative and also it really gets you thinking a lot! I love reading books on true crime but with Paul you are seeing and reading from a juries point of view, which is unique and one I must admit I have never considered before!
Paul now has me really thinking all the way through on how difficult the justice system can be. And how difficult a decision can be in so many ways. From now on when I see a trial, hear of one or even hear or read about another murder this will be a thought always on my mind! I must admit Paul has a new fan and I am really looking for the second book of this next month!!! I can't wait to read it Paul and I must admit I am hooked! I just wish you could write as fast as I read!!!
To anyone looking for a good book, well written then this is it!!!
November 23, 2017
I did enjoy this book from the juror's prospective, I don't think I've read anything like this since 12 Angry Men. The whole book was entirely in the courtroom which was different than I've read before. I felt so bad for the 6 victims and specially the children, I mean to kill so many people in you're family, it's horrible. These kids today think they have it so bad, oh so something didn't go their way so let's kill my parents, unbelievable. My upbringing wasn't perfect but to kill my parents, it never crossed my mine.
I gave it 4 stars because of the clothing part, the story was building up and I wanted so bad to know what happened and then let's talk about what this person was wearing....really???
since I listened to this book, I saw no errors.
I do look forward to this Author's next book about the other killer who was involved specially since he got on the stand. This book is due out in December.
nice touch at the end to make all those memorials, specially in the courthouse itself.
all and all good job by the Author
Cherie'
I gave it 4 stars because of the clothing part, the story was building up and I wanted so bad to know what happened and then let's talk about what this person was wearing....really???
since I listened to this book, I saw no errors.
I do look forward to this Author's next book about the other killer who was involved specially since he got on the stand. This book is due out in December.
nice touch at the end to make all those memorials, specially in the courthouse itself.
all and all good job by the Author
Cherie'
June 11, 2018
I liked Banquet of Consequences but didn't care for the frequent, repetitious descriptions of who was wearing what, completely irrelevant and merely used as fluff-filler material. As a fan of true crime books and knowing of this horrible family masacre, I was interested in how the jurors felt, what they were thinking and how being a major part of this trial affected them. However, Mr. Sanders appeared more like a member of the gallery. I was very impressed with his description of what was happening in the courtroom and am in awe of Judge Ramsdel's patience with the constant outbursts and interruptions from the gal who claimed she was there to protect Ms. Anderson's rights for the appeal process. The epilogue, at the conclusion of this book, was very confusing. An epilogue is supposed to be comments about what happened or a kind or "wrap-up" to the story. In this case, it was an imaginery scenario with the 6 murder victims and it made little sense to this reader.
November 4, 2017
Good book in dire need of a decent editor
In some ways very well written. However, a few things were so annoying I almost didn't finish the book. We really didn't need a description of the clothes people wore every day. Describing clothing gives no insight into the person, which was sorely lacking. I don't know if the author came up with the phrase "Lambs of the law" or not but it was only clever once or twice. He used this phrase so often that it definitely distracting and so annoying I actually stopped reading the book. I used to live near Carnation which kept me going back. Also out of respect for the victims and their families I couldn't leave it unfinished.
Overall the book was very informative I may even read more by this author. I only hope that he finds an editor and/or readers that give him honest feedback in the future.
In some ways very well written. However, a few things were so annoying I almost didn't finish the book. We really didn't need a description of the clothes people wore every day. Describing clothing gives no insight into the person, which was sorely lacking. I don't know if the author came up with the phrase "Lambs of the law" or not but it was only clever once or twice. He used this phrase so often that it definitely distracting and so annoying I actually stopped reading the book. I used to live near Carnation which kept me going back. Also out of respect for the victims and their families I couldn't leave it unfinished.
Overall the book was very informative I may even read more by this author. I only hope that he finds an editor and/or readers that give him honest feedback in the future.
September 7, 2018
Excellent account of a murder trial
If you don't like courtrooms, you may want to give this book a pass. It's written for readers who want to learn the truth.
The entire crime scenario is here in great detail. But the bulk of the story is the trial. I felt privileged to be able to attend this trial through the words of Mr. Sanders. The book was beautifully written, portraying a well-conducted trial. I was again privileged to be a fly on the wall during the jury's deliberations.
I appreciate the daily clothing reports. Jury duty is quite tedious, and what everyone is wearing becomes a part of the juror's day. Their life is now the courtroom, and they need these little diversions. I also appreciate that little extra effort to explain the pink handcuffs.
Includes photos
83
If you don't like courtrooms, you may want to give this book a pass. It's written for readers who want to learn the truth.
The entire crime scenario is here in great detail. But the bulk of the story is the trial. I felt privileged to be able to attend this trial through the words of Mr. Sanders. The book was beautifully written, portraying a well-conducted trial. I was again privileged to be a fly on the wall during the jury's deliberations.
I appreciate the daily clothing reports. Jury duty is quite tedious, and what everyone is wearing becomes a part of the juror's day. Their life is now the courtroom, and they need these little diversions. I also appreciate that little extra effort to explain the pink handcuffs.
Includes photos
83
September 9, 2017
Excellent book! I Love the way he writes in pictures right there in the court room to understand what the jury goes through. I will definitely purchasing more of his books to read.
This is an excellent job showing the readers what it's like to be a juror. I have never thought of all the emotions people are put through when they are chose to make a decision on how someone is to be punished due to their crime . Excellent read for people who like true crime and also an excellent book for anyone .
This is an excellent job showing the readers what it's like to be a juror. I have never thought of all the emotions people are put through when they are chose to make a decision on how someone is to be punished due to their crime . Excellent read for people who like true crime and also an excellent book for anyone .
November 10, 2017
Welllllll.......
Not what I expected. I learned a few things in the forensic science segments, but the description of what each of the attorneys, jurors, and witnesses was wearing each and every day was just way, way too much. It was unnecessary and boring. IF the author continues writing, I hope he hires a competent editor or, at the very least, a proofreader. It might help. Then again......
Not what I expected. I learned a few things in the forensic science segments, but the description of what each of the attorneys, jurors, and witnesses was wearing each and every day was just way, way too much. It was unnecessary and boring. IF the author continues writing, I hope he hires a competent editor or, at the very least, a proofreader. It might help. Then again......
May 26, 2018
A Courtship with Justice!
I enjoyed this journey, it allowed me a seat in the court room, during an intriguing trial. There were a few grammatical errors, such as repeated words, but they did not interfere with the flow. Definitely brought back memories of my jury duty. Looking forward to reading more from Mr. Sanders.
I enjoyed this journey, it allowed me a seat in the court room, during an intriguing trial. There were a few grammatical errors, such as repeated words, but they did not interfere with the flow. Definitely brought back memories of my jury duty. Looking forward to reading more from Mr. Sanders.
November 25, 2019
Wow!!
This book was so well written. I could not put it down. The murders of six innocent people was a lot to take in I did have to put the book down a few times. This story I think is a really important book for people to read. I hope to read all Paul Sanders books. What a great guy!!
This book was so well written. I could not put it down. The murders of six innocent people was a lot to take in I did have to put the book down a few times. This story I think is a really important book for people to read. I hope to read all Paul Sanders books. What a great guy!!
July 8, 2020
Well thought out, a testament to the victims
this is one of the saddest cases I have ever read. Paul Sanders does an incredible job describing the case from a juror’s perspective. However, I think the strength of his writing is in the way he treats the victims and their families.
I can’t wait to read Joseph’s story.
this is one of the saddest cases I have ever read. Paul Sanders does an incredible job describing the case from a juror’s perspective. However, I think the strength of his writing is in the way he treats the victims and their families.
I can’t wait to read Joseph’s story.
August 24, 2017
Sad story but well written.
I highly recommend!! Even though I was familiar with the case I learned so much more about it. If you like true crime books you need to read this book. Paul is a great writer and I look forward to reading his other books.
I highly recommend!! Even though I was familiar with the case I learned so much more about it. If you like true crime books you need to read this book. Paul is a great writer and I look forward to reading his other books.
May 28, 2018
Another good read!
This one comes from the spectators gallery and still gives you the feel of being in the courtroom. Detailed but not to the point of boredom. Keeps you on track to trials end. A good read.
This one comes from the spectators gallery and still gives you the feel of being in the courtroom. Detailed but not to the point of boredom. Keeps you on track to trials end. A good read.
August 24, 2017
While I was aware of this case, I had not really followed it. Appreciated the look "behind the curtain" in a well-written, easy to understand account.
October 22, 2017
Great read!
Amazing storyteller! I had a hard time putting this book down! A must read for true crime readers to read.
Amazing storyteller! I had a hard time putting this book down! A must read for true crime readers to read.
November 8, 2017
A Real Page Turner
Excellent read. Great detail. Holds your interest. I could not put it down. Very evident Sanders did his homework and research.
Excellent read. Great detail. Holds your interest. I could not put it down. Very evident Sanders did his homework and research.
April 26, 2018
This book was all about the trial itself. It had nothing to do with the actual investigation, other than what was brought up during the trial. Not my cup of tea.
December 25, 2024
Very detailed account of a famous murder trial You really get an appreciation of how the criminal justice system works.
March 2, 2018
Excellently written book! It is a sad story, but beautifully written. Watch for this author, he is great!
Read
March 30, 2019Shit I was next to the chick Michelle Anderson in a jail cell. She & her bf Joseph mcenroe shot 6 members of her family. Her parents,Her brother & his wife & there 2 young children on Xmas eve over a stupid financial dispute. Mind you her parents let her live on the property with her bf in a trailer in Carnation Wa.
I’ll never forget how distant she was but she did let me borrow one of my now favorite books The pillars of the earth/Ken Follet.
I just remember me & my mom had a fight over the phone clearly I was upset she asked what was wrong I told her my mom fucking mom gets on my nerves” She said that her mom used to get on hers too. Not knowing it was her at the time she did look kind of familiar & was wearing a different color (white) suit than most just assuming she was on suicide watch or something,but didn’t hit me till a day later & was I taken back like holy shit..
Smdh felt bad I even mentioned my mother to her like yeah but I’m not going to slaughter her & my my whole family including babies. I get shivers just thinking about it.
Also seen the Jewish federation killer while in jail but obviously we didn’t have contact..
I’ll never forget how distant she was but she did let me borrow one of my now favorite books The pillars of the earth/Ken Follet.
I just remember me & my mom had a fight over the phone clearly I was upset she asked what was wrong I told her my mom fucking mom gets on my nerves” She said that her mom used to get on hers too. Not knowing it was her at the time she did look kind of familiar & was wearing a different color (white) suit than most just assuming she was on suicide watch or something,but didn’t hit me till a day later & was I taken back like holy shit..
Smdh felt bad I even mentioned my mother to her like yeah but I’m not going to slaughter her & my my whole family including babies. I get shivers just thinking about it.
Also seen the Jewish federation killer while in jail but obviously we didn’t have contact..
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews