Good Doing Evil

by Wilde Blue Sky

Arthur is a middle-aged, overweight, nonentity, but after a minor traffic accident he finds himself hunted by dangerous men and the Secret Service want to talk to him. Will he discover what’s happening and who he can really trust before it is too late?

Read ‘Good Doing Evil’ and find out.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.

80 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2017

About the author

Wilde Blue Sky is an English novelist and short story writer. His numerous short stories include Vengeance and Drawing God? These short stories can be downloaded for free from a number of websites.

A reviewer said of his short story, Drawing God?, "A charming, delightful, hilarious story with the best possible outcome. Having equal appeal to both atheists and believers, Wilde Blue draws a line between the two opposing views so taunt, so deft, I venture to say, it will support any who dare to walk across it!"

A reviewer said of his short story, Vengeance, "Very good. Quick and spooky."

A reviewer said of his short story, Mouse on a Motorcyle, "Love this book."

Wilde Blue Sky can be contacted through his Goodreads account.

Reviews

[Malia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Doing Evil may be short, but the plot is satisfying and full of action. It follows a man unhappy with his life and stuck in a rut. Then something happens, a man steps in front of his car and dies and Arthur's world is turned on its head. I think it was clever to make the protagonist an ordinary person, not a super capable spy/macho-man, because it adds dimension to the story and makes you wonder about what can happen to normal people when circumstances out of their control cause their lives to change so completely. My only niggle is that the length of the book - 81 pages - does not allow for a great deal of character development. Arthur does change, but I would have liked a little more. That being said, the story is fast-paced and clever with a twist I did not see coming in the end.

Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com

[Sara Claridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this story. Too often the hero of the day is a suave, good-looking man who knows exactly what to do and say. He does exist in this book and is even likable, but it's Arthur's unassuming nature that draws you in, that makes you hope that you'd be as canny as him.
From the beginning of the strange road traffic accident you could be forgiven for thinking that you know where the story will go. But it doesn't, at no point does it take the obvious path. And all the time you are left wondering and hoping - will Arthur have his moment of glory before the inevitable conclusion occurs?

[Ash Lingam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Doing Evil...A Penetrating Entrance...

Good Doing Evil was a great read. Wilde Blue Sky providing the unexpected throughout the story. Very good detail on our character Arthur bringing him immediately to life. A good guy bad guy classic with Dario, Arthurs' supposed mentor. Looking forward to reading another book by this author. Could have been a bit longer making it more enjoyable.

[Jessica Jesinghaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out this review, and many more, on my blog https://jessjesinghaus.wordpress.com

Good Doing Evil is a delightful novella (short story? 81 pages according to Amazon) featuring a very unassuming, unremarkable man thrust into an extraordinary situation. Arthur is a bit of an everyman. By that, I mean that all of us have a little bit of Arthur in us. He is insecure. He is 48 years old and still lives with his mum and dad. He is lonely, unhappy with his life, but too afraid to take any steps which might lead to an improvement in his situation. Sound familiar? Of course it does. We all have something of those issues in one degree or another. But in Arthur, they are a thick miasma that affects his every thought and action.

One fateful morning, while driving to work, a man literally lumbers in front of Arthur’s car, collapsing on its hood. The man clearly needs help so Arthur, doing good, trundles the giant into his vehicle and delivers him to hospital... where he dies! After this single act of good, Arthur finds himself entangled in a web of deceit, terrorism, spies and lies.

The story is very well constructed, peppered with internal dialogue fraught with Arthur’s insecurities. He reacts in much the way many of us would: by the seat of his pants and because he has to. Arthur, and we the reader, get to learn a lot about what he is (and we are) capable of. Watching him grown via these strange and frightening circumstances is a true joy. I applaud the author for creating a character we can really relate to and root for in such a short amount of time. The sparse supporting characters are also quite likable and contribute to the story every time they appear.

Good Doing Evil is a really enjoyable little tale. Billed as a spy thriller, readers of all genres are likely to find it quite appealing if for no other reason than the unassuming hero Arthur.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nifty quick-paced novella-length story featuring Arthur, an ordinary British fellow, who is driving to work one day when a man dashes out in front of his car. The thing that immediately connects you to Arthur is what an everyday guy he is. We’re not talking James Bond here. Pudgy. Not particularly tall. Middle aged and lives with his parents. Works a job he hates. Has a crush on a woman at work and can’t bring himself to act on it. Quite relatable.

So when Arthur hits this random stranger and he falls unconscious over the hood, of course he does the right thing and brings him to the ER. However, things get quite strange from there, and our main character finds himself quickly caught up in a bad situation just because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. But what’s really going on and who can he trust? Or can he trust anyone at all? This was well-paced, and had lots of good twists all the way to the end.

Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.

[Denise Larkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Doing Evil was a thrilling and captivating book to read. I couldn’t stop reading it for a minute. The main character of Arthur pulls you into the story right from the start. Arthur is a normal guy who doesn’t have any confidence and sees his life as being boring and uneventful until it is dramatically changed one morning on his way to work. This was an enjoyable story that I recommend.

[Kshitij · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hooked me instantly with a lot of action as the main character Arthur involved in a car crash that changed his life completely. Good Doing Evil is a thriller with likable characters. There is a strong suspense that is not revealed until the very last moment. There are few subplots that remind me of crime thriller movies.

Arthur is a man in his late forties. He’s single and living with his parents. He has low self-worth and he fantasizes about his life being stimulating, crazy and thrilling. But as they say be careful what you wish for, Arthur suddenly finds himself in the middle of all the actions involving cops, detectives, and criminals with his life in constant danger. He also has a crush on a woman in his office, but he couldn’t gather the courage to ask her out always telling himself how she was out of his league.

I can connect with Arthur on several levels. I liked how he is constantly evaluating himself against young and dashing detective Dario. Although he was jealous of Dario, Arthur liked Dario and wanted to become him. Arthur grows with the story and when the time came he man up to surprise himself. He never thought he could become the man he always wanted to be. Sometimes it takes a little push of fate to change things up. That push came when a man collided with Arthur’s car. I wouldn’t reveal the suspense, but I’ll definitely recommend this book- it's short and difficult to put down once you start reading it. If you like crime thrillers with a good suspense, Good Doing Evil is something you would like to check out.

[Jay Saph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read somewhere that a surefire way to engage your reader is to create a character that they can root for. Mr Sky has achieved this here in my view, more so than in Legacy and Dreams of Kratocracy (in my view).

The main character, lonely Arthur doesn't have much self-esteem. He lives with his elderly parents, has a 'boring' job, as an engineer, and wishes he was a hero. He also wishes he could be "tall, dark, and ruggedly handsome", so much so his sweetheart Jacquie might notice him more. Little does he know.

Arthur's world becomes more interesting when he inadvertently gets involved with a terrorist plot and works along with a dashing agent, Dario to thwart the bad guys. Things are never as they might seem in the murky world of counter-espionage. I'll leave that to the reader to work that out. There won't be much effort required because this is an easy read (mostly) and just a short, but charming novella. The romantic element was the favorite part for me.

The writing style wasn't really my thing as lots of sentences start with a dependent clause. e.g. trying to ignore the gun Arthur. But that is a personal thing for me and may have been a stylistic choice. You can also break into a cold sweat with comma use here.

Overall, it is short, witty and entertaining and I can see why people really like it.

Bottom line: certainly worth a go. 4 stars.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you like spy thrillers? If you do, Good Doing Evil is the book for you. The story revolves around an unassuming 48-year-old Arthur. Though he lacks confidence, is kind of nerdy, and works a dead in job, he is suddenly thrust into a deadly world. Driving to work one morning, a man unexpecting lumbers in front of his car and collapses. The man later dies after Arthur takes him to the hospital, but the mystery lies in the cause of death. This act of kindness forces the good Samaritan into a maelstrom of espionage, lies, and danger.
The overall plot is fantastic, and the dialogue does well to bring life to the characters. We really connect with Arthur and the others. The action is fast-paced and adds well to the circumstances Arthur finds himself in. Despite being shorter than I wanted, it was enough to build an honest connection with the main protagonist and, in a way, watch him grow.
I give this book a 5/5 for originality, character development, action and just being one of the best spy thrillers I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.

[J.J. Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Good Doing Evil" is one of those spy thrillers you sit down and read on a rainy Sunday afternoon. It reminded me a lot of Hitchcock's films where an ordinary man is suddenly thrust into an extraordinary adventure, such as Cary Grant's everyman in "North by Northwest". The protagonist, Arthur, is no James Bond as his whole adventure begins by him accidentally killing someone with his car. Arthur is the kind of unassuming man who would hover in a corner either by himself or with someone else quietly talking at a party. Arthur's insecurity is made obvious when it's revealed he still lives with his parents. And now this unassuming man is going to be thrust into a spy adventure?

When Arthur is suddenly entering a world of intrigue and murder he is mentored by an experienced spy named Dario. Dario teaches Arthur confidence and how to stay alive in a shadowy world where you can't trust anyone. The book features a number of action packed scenes and the suspense is palpable until nearly the very end. Arthur is a different sort of spy, one very unhappy at first to be brought into this crazy world. It's a short book and is never dull and I read it in one sitting. So if you enjoy a good, short, and funny spy page turner with an unusual protagonist for this sort of genre this is your ticket.

[Ian Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my kind of story, a thriller which immediately grabbed my attention.
Arthur, forty-eight years old, never had a relationship and still living with his parents, is stuck in a rut. He’s unhappy, life is passing him by, he lacks the confidence to break out, to take a few risks. A chance encounter with a mystery man who staggers out in front of Arthur’s car sets in motion a chain of events which will change Arthur forever. He’s catapulted into a foreign world of murders, secretive intelligence agents and terrorists.
I enjoyed the story, a believable plot written in a day by day format. There are just enough twists to keep the reader guessing. It is quite short, probably novella length and I’m guessing the ending leaves the door open for more ‘Arthur adventures.’

[Blake Colby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Doing Evil is a quick spy thriller with no frills, its prose sparse and to the point. The main character, Arthur, is a man who’s accomplished little in his life and finds almost no connection to the people around him. An encounter with a passerby eventually gets him tangled in a web of intrigue and espionage, and eventually puts him into contact with a secret service agent whose methods and intentions are never quite clear.

The characters are roughly sketched, save for the mysterious secret service agent whose background is told in chilling detail, and the action comes in short, sudden bursts. However, GDE is mostly concerned with the way normal people can do great and noble things when put in extreme circumstances.

I highly recommend this book.

[MISS M ALLES · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absorbing and totally engaging. It has a unique plotline that keeps you guessing. Wilde hooks you in from the first paragraph. The style is so easy to read, yet on every page you become more embroiled in a set of sinister circumstances that systematically come to light. I love how it is written from Arthur’s PoV which gives a totally absorbing insight into his character, motives and inadequacies, as he sinks deeper into a plot that is not of his making.
The relationship between Arthur and Dario is moving, intriguing and ultimately bizarrely satisfying – it unfolds slowly and cautiously to a strong conclusion. It is very positive book – and very different in plot line and structure from others, with some great twists and turns – not what you might expect and all the better for it!'

[Connie Lafortune · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Doing Evil was a short little novella that packed a big punch! It was thrilling, entertaining and kept me immersed until the very end.

Arthur was a middle-aged man who still lived at home with his elderly parents. His life was drab and dreary and the only excitement he had was going to work everyday. Until, a minor traffic accident turns his world upside down. Now Arthur finds himself in grave danger and he fears the only one who can save him is, himself. Will this timid and awkward man prevail or will evil conquer the World?

I highly recommend Good Doing Evil for anyone who loves a great suspenseful thriller!

[Matt Gianni · Rating 4 out of 5]

GOOD DOING EVIL by Wilde Blue Sky centers on Arthur, a short, out-of-shape, middle-aged man living with his elderly parents. While driving to work one day, a seemingly drunk man falls onto the hood of his car, and his life turns upside-down from that point on.
The writing point-of-view is in third-person-limited, which is a good choice to capture Arthur's low self-esteem and self-doubt. But plenty of action and internal monologue shows the interesting character arc that Arthur undergoes during the story's hectic seven days.
While the novella-length tale could have benefitted from a bit of line editing, GOOD DOING EVIL is recommended for readers who may wonder how the Tom Hanks Forrest Gump or the Don Knotts Luther Heggs characters might fare in James Bond situations.

[Jennifer Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short book captured my attention at the beginning and never let go. I loved Arthur, the protagonist, a milquetoast engineer in his 40's, who inadvertently becomes wrapped up in mystery and danger. Shot out to geeks who solve problems with their brains! I can't say much without giving anything away (and I don't want to spoil your read). Very clever quick read with great writing. I would definitely read about Arthur's future exploits.

I received a review copy of this book from the author.

[PanOrpheus PanOrpheus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arthur is a 48 year old very likeable nerdy guy who thinks that he’s a loser, has no confidence with women, still lives with his parents, has a dull dead end job. And he’s the hero of this unusual spy thriller! I loved the book. It’s a different take on a much-revered genre that needs a breath of fresh air like Arthur! What Arthur and the reader will find out is that this Everyman can rise to the occasion and using brains instead of brawn in key situations, do the right thing get the girl and change his life. His mentor is Dario, a mysterious, real, James Bond type Secret Service Agent who has loads of experience, wows the women when he walks into a room, and harbors secrets that eluded me, and I’m a great fan of this genre. A lot of the dialogue is an internal dialogue Arthur is having with himself, and it was a delight to see him grow and change into the role. A chance encounter with a passerby gets Arthur entangled in an intricate web of classic espionage. There are some choice lines. Dario: “Life is all about confidence.” Arthur: “I’m just a sad ugly Engineer.” This is a well-plotted, well-paced thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. It’s a page turner, and though it’s a relatively short book, it packs a punch in that its main character is fresh and new, and badly needed to keep the genre alive. Two Thumbs up, Five Stars and Three cheers for Arthur and Wilde Blue Sky for creating him.

[J.B. Trepagnier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short read, but it's action packed. It's a plot that has been used before. Ordinary, kind of nobody guy has 1 interaction in his day go wrong and it leads him into espionage and danger. In this case, we have Arthur, who hates his job and still lives at home. He hits a pedestrian, not very hard, and the man dies. Suddenly, strange things are happening to Arthur, like visits from the secret service and a car jacking.

While I was progressing through the book, the title was sticking out to me. I wasn't sure where the story would end up, if this would be a political commentary on current events, or really, how it would end. It ended with a twist that I will not reveal, simply because it would spoil the book. I will say that if you like spy thrillers with twists and turns, this would be the book for you

[Lynn Helton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, what an opening - definitely pulled me right into the story! And poor Arthur! He’s just an ordinary guy going about his ordinary life when he’s suddenly drawn into something completely unexpected and outside his ordinary existence. Little does he know when he heads out for work that day that he’s about to experience a week unlike any he has before, wilder than even his wildest daydreams of being heroic.

Elements I liked:
The smooth writing kept the action going, the pace very fast. Being inside Arthur’s thoughts so much gave me a very good sense of him and helped me like him even when he wallowed a bit in his self-doubt. With the questions piling up and the situation becoming more and more threatening, Arthur’s growth as a person was a delight to witness as he tried to decipher what was going on. While I figured out part of the final twist about 2/3 of the way through, the great storytelling kept me reading and still surprised me with the finale. And I loved that Arthur used his expertise in engineering to tackle some of the trouble he faced! “I’m an engineer. I know about balance and moments.” Beautiful!

Elements I struggled with:
The story ended with a slight cliffhanger when it could easily have continued. There’s plenty here for a longer book and I would have liked to see where events took Arthur next. Otherwise, nothing major, just a few word choices that hit me as a little off (for example, “floor” for the ground outside).

Overall:
This book is a great spy thriller, with a fast pace and enough twists to keep you reading, wanting to know how it’s all going to wrap up. The unlikely hero was fun to tag along with - I’d love to see more of him!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book’s ending is given straight off the bat. If you’re anything like me, you’ll spend most of the book thinking you know exactly how the story will turn out. But trust me, you haven’t a clue. That’s what makes this book (and others of its genre) so enjoyable. Lots of twists and turns leading you to a surprising reveal.

The main character of Arthur has a life that is much like Newton’s first law of motion: every object will remain at rest or in uniform motion in a straight line unless compelled to change its state by the action of an external force. Arthur’s life (his job, his relationships or lack thereof, his mindset, ect) follows the same humdrum pattern each day until he bangs into a pedestrian with his car and everything changes.

Overall, this was a quick and enjoyable read. I’ll admit that there were a few things here and there that I didn’t like. Most of them had to do with the words on the page (stiff and unnatural dialogue, sentence structure, repetitive phrasing). These are pet peeves of mine. They likely wouldn’t bother the average reader as they’re specific to my personal preferences. On a whole, the book was well written.

It also took me a while to warm to Arthur. He seemed uninspired. Droll. I found myself shouting at him to get up and do something if he was as dissatisfied with his life as he claimed. The more I thought about him, though, the more I realized that we all have a little (or a lot) of Arthur inside of us. Much like he did, we all harbor a sinking suspicion that everyone around us is living a better life and that we’ll never amount to anything. But Arthur learns that he’s more talented than he realizes and capitalizes on those talents to come out on top, inspiring the reader to do the same.

Good Doing Evil is labeled as a spy thriller. It is that, indeed, but I’d argue that it’s so much more. It’s a commentary on human life and is as thought-provoking as it is exciting.

[E.M. Jeanmougin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ideally, I would probably give this 4.5 stars but goodreads doesn't really give me that option.

Good Doing Evil is a fast-paced spy thriller about an everyman named Arthur. Arthur is a bright engineer and nice enough guy, but he suffers from a lack of confidence and unwillingness to stand up for himself. However, when a car accident leads to his getting mixed up with a group of terrorists, Arthur is forced to grow up and face his fears.

I thought this books was a good quick read. The two main characters, Arthur and Dario, are both interesting and relatable in their own ways. There's plenty of action and intrigue and even a few laughs.

I did feel that certain bits seemed a bit rushed, particularly towards the third act which I thought could have used a bit more breathing room, but was nonetheless satisfying. There are a few errors here and there, but nothing that bothered me so much it pulled me out of the story.

Overall a good, solid fish-out-of-water story. I'd recommend to anyone who is a fan of espionage or action.

[Sheena Macleod · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Good Doing Evil by Wilde Blue Sky a refreshing read. From start to finish, I enjoyed this book. Events happen over a one week period; from Monday, September the 2nd to Monday the 9th. Arthur, the main character, is an unlikely hero, in this gripping spy thriller. He reminded me a bit of Columbo, as he staggered from one set of troubles into another as he tries to solve the mystery surrounding the sudden events that happen to him. These events catapult him from his humdrum, everyday existence into an exciting life that forces him and others around him to re-examine just how much intelligence and inner-strength Arthur has. The love interest with Jacquie is a nice touch, and the reader is left to wonder, like Arthur, whether his feelings are reciprocated. Dario, a handsome and worldly special services agent provides a great contrast to Arthur. Between them, they set out to solve the case, but Arthur is never sure if Dario is who he says he is, or not? Although this book is short, at 81 pages, it is engaging and entertaining. But beware, this is not your usual spy thriller, with an experienced hero or sleuth .

[Jamie Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery and Espionage! This book is a non-stop, action-packed spy story, told from the perspective of an unsuspecting civilian drawn into a dangerous plot. The reader experiences the danger along with the protagonist as he pieces together clues and follows new leads. The story is well developed and makes for a fun read.

[L.N. Denison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good little thriller!

Arthur's week goes from bad to worse after he hits someone with his car. This sets off a whole chain of events that pull Arthur into a world of danger. Along the way, he gets caught up with Dario, who isn't quite as he seems.

The story comes together easily, and for the most part it is well written. I did find a few little bits that didn't sit right with me, but it was silly little bits that didn't stop me from enjoying the read.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good, short thriller. This one ticks all the boxes.

[M STRADFORD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging Thriller Left Me Wanting More

Good Doing Evil is a masterful spy thriller story, rich with characters I both grew to love and despise. As the self-effacing main character is unwittingly thrown into a world of spies and secret service, I found myself living vicariously through his adventures. I did not want this well written story to end and found myself immediately wanting to know more about what happens next.

[D.R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Good Doing Evil” by Wilde Blue Sky is the story of Arthur, a short, pudgy man in his forties who lives an introverted life, working as an engineer while residing at home with his parents. He has spent his entire life lacking confidence and taking abuse from most everyone around him.

Arthur’s life changes the day he accidentally bumps into a large man, staggering alongside the road. His car is barely moving when the hulking man ends up facedown on Arthur’s hood. After rushing the unconscious man to the hospital, he dies. His death is determined not to be caused by Arthur’s car, but his vehicle is impounded nonetheless. From this point forward is where the action picks up.

Arthur is befriended by a secretary at his work who offers him a ride to and from the office. Jacquie is someone Arthur admires from afar, but has never approached. He begins to wonder if she has any feelings toward him. Later that day, Agent Dario shows up at Arthur’s workplace to ask him questions about the man he hit. The good-looking agent immediately attracts the attention of Jacquie, setting the stage for controversy and trust issues between Dario and Arthur.

Dario encourages Arthur to take chances, initially with Jacquie but later with how he approaches his life. Arthur begins to develop more confidence and is excited by the secret world of Agent Dario. Just as Arthur begins to trust the agent, he learns there is more to Dario and his interest in the dead man than what he has been told.

Arthur’s relationship with Dario lands him in the middle of a deadly situation where the new Arthur is tested. Will Arthur return to his old submissive ways, or will he rise above the challenges he now faces?

“Good Doing Evil” is a fast moving, suspenseful story of novella length. With the exception of Arthur, who is compelling and could easily occupy a full-length novel, I found the length made it difficult to fully develop the other characters and plot. Still, the book was entertaining and kept me turning pages until I came to the end—sooner than I wanted.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little novella is a story about the brave swashbuckling hero that is (maybe) hidden inside even the most mild-mannered person. Mr. Wilde Blue Sky tells us the story of Arthur (seems very close to “author”), who is an intelligent guy, but his 48-year-old life has been a failure because he lacks confidence in himself and is terrified of taking a risk. He is awkward around women, jealous of other men, and resigned to the fact that his life is meaningless and boring. He is a real loser. And then, fate intervenes and he is thrust into an unlikely series of events involving terrorists and government agents. He finds himself in life-threatening situations and, surprisingly, handles himself well. Arthur is linked up with Dario, a tall, dark, handsome and confident agent. Dario is everything that Arthur wishes he could be. The experience has a profound effect.

The brief story is told well and at times the prose is brilliant. We really get a good look inside Arthur's head. But, the book is also peppered with editing errors that are annoying and distracting. For such a short book, the editing should be better. The story here has enough depth to support a full novel. It is a bit disappointing that the author chose to clip it so short. The title explanation of "Good doing evil" is explained at the very end in a summary exposition that could have been doled out more slowly over the course of a longer book. As written, it comes off a bit rushed and leaves the reader wanting more.

Despite the flaws, this is an interesting story and includes some good writing. I hope Wilde Blue Sky fleshes out his next story more fully and engages a good editor and we may have something special.

[Chele Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hooray for Geekdom!

Good Doing Evil celebrates the underdog. In this quick read of 81 pages, brains outsmart bullying in this tale of forty-something Arthur, an overweight engineer who believes he's worthless, slothing his way through a humdrum life. He buys into the negative thoughts inside and out that have been stomping his confidence. He's spent twenty years at a dead end job with a credit-robbing, abusive boss, and still lives with his equally dismal parents. He's so far into the dumps he constantly feels forgotten, fulfilling his own prophesy by putting up walls. Haven't we all done that from time to time!
He's also totally oblivious when office secretary Jacquie waggles friendly offers in front of his nose.

It's another boring day when a strange man staggers into the hood of his car --barely an accident since Arthur is driving only 5 miles an hour--and changes his life forever.
His daydreams of an exciting life come true as Arthur is swept up in espionage, whether he likes it or not. Courage and trust are put to the test when secret agent Dario arrives on the scene. He becomes the one friend Arthur lets in.
But then he fears Dario will win Jacquie's heart just as old Artie is making progress. Just whose side is dashing Dario on, anyway?
Things don't quite add up and Arthur's knowledge of physics gets him out of a few jams. Bravery points redeem his confidence bit by bit.
When the case ends, will Arthur have the guts to claim his rightful place in the world or will everything resort to the same old gray matter?
If you like spy stories and rooting for the average joe, I recommend this book!

[teaf0rtwo · Rating 4 out of 5]

We’ve seen this movie before: clueless, bumbling everyman (or woman) encounters suave, handsome spy and gets sucked into a world of intrigue and danger; mayhem ensues. Perhaps our hero rises to the occasion, perhaps he gets killed. I kept picturing Martin Freeman and Clive Owen as the two main characters throughout my read (Owen is even mentioned in the book!). However, just because the plot has been done before doesn’t mean it can’t be entertaining, and as far as entertainment goes, the book delivers. It’s a short, sweet, uncomplicated ride—perfect to while away an hour or two at the airport or on your daily commute.

The story moves at a brisk pace, the two main characters are as well-developed as can be in a novel of such short length, the interactions between the duo are enjoyable, and the twist at the end is satisfying. I will reiterate a common complaint from other reviewers: the book is too short. It felt like I was presented with a preliminary sketch for a painting that the artist didn’t get around to completing. Good Doing Evil has all the elements of a good book, but hasn’t been developed to its full extent—a story with so much stuff happening should really be a full-length novel. Writers like Le Carre have done more with far less material.

Another minor quibble is the author constantly reminding us about the protagonist’s loserhood—mostly through the character’s internal monologue which all starts to sound the same after a while. We get it, he is a loser. Does he have any other thoughts besides self-pity?

Long story short, I liked it enough to read a sequel if one ever comes out. But next time, I would want a fully fleshed out novel.

[Mariyam Hasnain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well written, crisp, and engaging read. The short length of the book didn’t bother me at all as the character development was complete and detailed. The scenes, narratives, and dialogues all felt well laid out and didn’t seem to be rushed at any place. I liked the way the author has drawn the character of the main protagonist. Arthur is in his late 40s. He lives with his parents. He goes to a job that he hates. He crushes on his colleague, Jacquie.
Life was monotonous for Arthur up until one day when a man lumbers in front of his car and goes unconscious. As a good Samaritan, Arthur takes the man to the hospital. The man dies but Arthur finds himself trapped into something more dangerous and threatening. Life would never be the same for Arthur anymore.
I liked this short book. My only criticism was the cover of the book. Like Arthur’s early life the cover art also seemed dull and boring. There’s a great scope of improvement in the cover image and the font. The bland cover and font don’t suite this otherwise lively and vibrant novella at all.
Arthur’s character as a flabby, middle-aged, geeky person is very much likeable and readers somehow feel a connect with him. Dialogues flow smoothly and there’s enough action to keep the readers from drifting away. A dash of romance here and a sprinkle of wit there make this novella even more gripping and enjoyable.
Not only those who prefer espionage and spy action packed books, Good Doing Evil has the potential of keeping anyone entertained, irrespective of the genre.