How Can I Help You - Laura Sims

Mystery & Suspense

I have been faced with many of the stereotypes that surround librarians in my time in the library. From questions like, “why did you have to go to school to do this?” to suggestions that the entirety of my job involved reading books and talking about them to the notion that we live to shush. So when I see a cover that has a flaming book card, the librarian rebel that I consider myself to be is drawn in pretty quickly. What could be happening?

I was equally intrigued by the title of this book. Quite quickly I was given a disturbing glimpse into the mind of a serial killer and the author who studies her- not perhaps, your typical librarians. Margo has started her new journey in the library as a result of fleeing her career as a nurse. Because, in an effort to “help” her patients she often hurries their deaths, and she gets caught one too many times. Patricia feels she has failed as a writer and leaves a stale relationship behind hoping to forge a new life as a reference librarian. Quite the pair - and when they become connected become even more so. Patricia figures out Margo’s secret past and decides that perhaps her writing career isn’t over after all.

So, initially, I questioned why Sims was just “giving” us everything - I couldn’t imagine being surprised. And yet, no spoilers, I was. The revelations just sort of creeped up on me. And when I say creeped, I mean creepy as well. Margo’s drive to kill was much more fully developed (sent me to google some things). Patricia’s fascination with her as a writer was explored as well. Suffice it to say, I was surprised more than once. Having just completed another suspense book that explored the mind of a writer (The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill), I was interested to see where this one might take me. First, I thought, I guess I don’t have it in me to be an actual writer. I don’t have the drive that Patricia has. As her fascination with her story grew, I thought, maybe, it was OK that I don’t. I am definitely intrigued to find more books about writers who are writing.

I started with librarians - ended with writers and would definitely recommend How Can I Help You to readers of suspense, no matter their profession, with the caveat that for me it was a slow burn. (Again, no spoilers, but no pun intended.) Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to evaluate the book.