Michael Paul Michaud

The Introvert Confounds Innocence by Michael Paul Michaud
The Introvert #2

Not having read book one was not a problem, but it did make me wonder just what I had missed in backstory about The Introvert. He is a man that is truthful to the extreme but also quite able to circumvent telling truths that might impact his life negatively. In this book he is happily living with the mother of his son, his son, and various pets. He works hard at his job selling vacuums and deals with life as it comes his way. At times he has a bit of an anger management problem but usually manages to control it.

What I liked:
* The Introvert: loving father, caring partner, animal lover, excellent salesman, sometimes sees people “open and red” when they anger him.
* The story, writing and plotting
* The logical way The Introvert thinks things through…though he gets distracted from time to time
* The way I smiled when he met Gordon, new salesman of vacuum cleaners
* The way he handled the police investigation
* That he is an anti-hero I like and came to care about – hoped he would come out okay in the end
* That this was new and different and a wee bit dark and unexpectedly drew me in and made me a fan of The Introvert
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* The person done away with
* The British Chap Rozzer dude…though I was not supposed to like him so that means the author did a good job

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to the author and BOTBS for the copy of this book – This is my honest review.

5 Stars… (meer)

When reading The Introvert one rainy Saturday afternoon, I really didn't want it to end and my wish was granted with The Introvert Confounds Innocence being next in my reading queue - hurrah! You could read this book as a standalone but I think it definitely works better as a series, after all, the introvert himself is a serial killer. He's not your traditional serial killer by any means; he doesn't go out looking for people to kill, it's more like they present themselves to him as people who deserve to become 'red and open'. As a literal thinking killer with feelings, I think of our nameless anti-hero as a cross between Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory and Dexter Morgan from Dexter.

I love the simple but clever covers of these books and The Introvert Confounds Innocence shows a new addition to our anti-hero's life. I think his partner, Donna, not standing along with the family says a great deal about how anti-social our anti-hero really is. Does he actually love her or is she simply a means to his 'achieving it'?

There is a lot going on in the 226 pages of this book: the introvert's son is being bullied, he has a new competitive colleague at work and his next door neighbour is the victim of domestic abuse. With many contenders for the next person to become 'red and open', I couldn't read fast enough to see how this story would play out. Some of the interactions with his new colleague at work had me guiltily laughing out loud as our introvert smashes several of the equality and diversity protected characteristics to smithereens in one fell swoop. You really can't be offended by it as he doesn't mean it in a derogatory way, he is just being literal and there's nothing wrong with that when that's the way you are made.

Although not a criticism by any means, there was only one thing I personally didn't like in the book and that was the way the weird English detective spoke, however, the repetitive, often lyrical nature of prose did fit well with the book. He just annoyed the hell out of me as it felt like he was talking to a dog most of the time but I think that was part of his character as he came across as a bumbling friendly guy but he was like a bloodhound that has the scent of blood.

Leading on very nicely indeed to Book 3: The Introvert Bears Filthy Witness, The Introvert Confounds Innocence is a wonderfully quirky instalment in this awesome series. I can't wait to see what happens next to the introvert and I have to confess that I am most definitely addicted to this highly original series; so just try and stop me reading the books again while I wait (im)patiently for Book 3.

I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.… (meer)

What a totally awesome book! I love something a bit different and boy, was this different! As a self-confessed introvert, I was attracted to this book by its simple cover as I've never been afraid to stand apart from the crowd, in fact I much prefer it! Thankfully, I don't share any of the dark traits of our nameless anti-hero but, rather like my favourite serial killer, Dexter, he only makes people 'red and open' who deserve it.

I knew from the start that I was going to enjoy this book as the introvert comes up against bureaucratic red tape when he attempts to renew his drivers licence. After queuing for 40 minutes he leaves empty handed but with dark thoughts of stabbing the clerk with her own letter-opener. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a horror story; it's definitely more of a black comedy as I found myself giggling at the situations the introvert finds himself in, especially when he attracts the attention of his colleague, Donna. He finds that although he can 'achieve it' on his own, it's much better when Donna helps him.

I suppose seeing the more human side of him as his relationship with Donna progresses made it easier to take his side when things go spectacularly wrong. I actually found him a little naïve with almost a childlike innocence when the reasons behind his actions become apparent. He does have a good heart but he can't control his impulses for making people who deserve it 'red and open'.

As a very literal person, which my family and colleagues will attest to, I found it quite hilarious to see how the introvert interprets things. I don't think I'm quite as bad as him but there are some scenes with a police officer and police inspector that had me both sniggering at the audacity and silently applauding the literal brain of our anti-hero.

With an anti-hero you can't help rooting for and an intriguing storyline of a strange life and a murder investigation, The Introvert is impossible to put down once you pick it up. At only 160 pages long, it's so easy to read this original and quirky book in one sitting, which is what I did, but I really didn't want the story to end. Thankfully, it doesn't end there with Book 2: The Introvert Confounds Innocence already published and Book 3: The Introvert Bears Filthy Witness in the pipeline.

The Introvert may very well be my new guilty pleasure and it's definitely a book I'd read again as I'm sure I have missed some of the nuances of this wonderful and darkly charming anti-hero. It's the perfect book to pick up if you're at a loose end on a rainy Saturday afternoon. Highly recommended for fans of Dexter and black comedy.

I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.… (meer)

The Introvert Confounds Innocence from Michael Paul Michaud is a rollicking (sorta) sequel to The Introvert.

I have been on the fence about both books, between really loving them or merely liking them a lot. Fortunately it is a padded fence, though this time I jumped onto the loving side. I think, as I get to know the Introvert I appreciate (not sure I can say like) him more.

After reading the first book and again after this one, I pondered how such a character could be someone we enjoy reading about. Perhaps he represents an extreme facet of what is in all or most of us. And to see the things that we would stop short of even considering carried out so straightforwardly gives us a jolt and a little bit of guilty association. Are we him? No, not by a long stretch. But might a very small version of him reside very deep within us? I think it is very likely.

That said, I do have one problem. I suggested the first book to friends and the ones that took me up on it started looking at me funny. I thought they didn't like it, but turns out they did. What concerns them is that I tend to be an introvert, so they are beginning to question whether they want to be alone with me. Wait, maybe that isn't a problem. I need to get people who irritate me to read this, maybe they will leave me alone then!

I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy dark comedy, or dark drama, or, well, maybe funny darkness? Anyway, I definitely recommend this.… (meer)