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How Can I Help You
A razor-sharp suspense about two local librarians whose lives become dangerously intertwined.
No one knows Margo’s real name. Her colleagues and patrons at a small town public library only know her middle-aged normalcy, congeniality, and charm. They have no reason to suspect that she is, in fact, a former nurse with a trail of countless premature deaths in her wake. She has turned a new page, so to speak, and the library is her sanctuary, a place to quell old urges.
That is, at least, until Patricia, a recent graduate and failed novelist, joins the library staff. Patricia quickly notices Margo’s subtly sinister edge, and watches her carefully. When a patron’s death in the library bathroom gives her a hint of Margo’s mysterious past, Patricia can’t resist digging deeper—even as this new fixation becomes all-consuming.
Taut and compelling, How Can I Help You explores the dark side of human nature and the dangerous pull of artistic obsession.
No one knows Margo’s real name. Her colleagues and patrons at a small town public library only know her middle-aged normalcy, congeniality, and charm. They have no reason to suspect that she is, in fact, a former nurse with a trail of countless premature deaths in her wake. She has turned a new page, so to speak, and the library is her sanctuary, a place to quell old urges.
That is, at least, until Patricia, a recent graduate and failed novelist, joins the library staff. Patricia quickly notices Margo’s subtly sinister edge, and watches her carefully. When a patron’s death in the library bathroom gives her a hint of Margo’s mysterious past, Patricia can’t resist digging deeper—even as this new fixation becomes all-consuming.
Taut and compelling, How Can I Help You explores the dark side of human nature and the dangerous pull of artistic obsession.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published July 18, 2023
About the author
Laura Sims
10 books510 followersLaura Sims is the author of HOW CAN I HELP YOU, a New York Times, Publishers Weekly, Book Riot, and CrimeReads Best Book of the Year; a LibraryReads Top Ten Pick of July; and an Amazon Editors’ Pick for Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense. Sims’s first novel, LOOKER, was included on “Best Books” lists in Vogue, People Magazine, Real Simple, Entertainment Weekly, and more, and is now in development for television by eOne and Emily Mortimer's King Bee Productions. An award-winning poet, Sims has published four poetry collections; her essays and poems have appeared in The New Republic, Boston Review, Lit Hub, and Electric Lit. She and her family live in New Jersey, where she works part-time as a reference librarian and hosts the library’s lecture series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,260 reviews
July 18, 2023
At a mere 256 pages, this was a UNIQUE novel of psychological suspense that can easily be devoured in just one sitting!
I got “Jane Doe” vibes! (Victoria Helen Stone)
Margo Finch was the newest Librarian at the Carlyle Public Library. Efficient and always cheerful-WHEN she knows somebody is watching.
But she is also the staff member who enjoys enforcing the rules-whispering “very convincing” warnings to Patrons who are “out of line”.
Nobody knows that she had no previous experience in the profession-and that prior to applying she was Jolly Jane Rivers, a Nurse with a penchant for 🛁 baths…and pushing her patients toward a premature death.
But, now Patrica, a recent graduate and failed Novelist has been hired to staff the Reference Desk. Her “writer’s curiosity” has her always observing others-and she notices Margo’s more sinister side.
When a Patron dies in the bathroom, Patricia witnesses Margo administering aid, but she has some questions about the kind of “help” that Margo was providing.
Patricia becomes fixated on Margo. Who knew that she would find her “muse” and the spark she needed to attempt another novel, in the Carlyle Public Library?
But, Margo isn’t going to allow Patricia to ruin the life she worked hard to build. Things were going SO WELL until Patricia joined the staff!!
Told in 5 parts, with each woman sharing their perspective in the first person POV, in alternating chapters, there is some repetition-but I always find it fascinating to read how two people can view the same events so differently…
It STARTS as a slow burn, but the pace picks up once the women become privy to each other’s secrets.
I actually had a different ending in mind which would have been MORE diabolical than the one the author wrote-😬
BUT- I was still surprised (though slightly underwhelmed) by the ending that was written!
A quick, FUN story! 🍿
AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank You to Penguin/ Putnam for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
I got “Jane Doe” vibes! (Victoria Helen Stone)
Margo Finch was the newest Librarian at the Carlyle Public Library. Efficient and always cheerful-WHEN she knows somebody is watching.
But she is also the staff member who enjoys enforcing the rules-whispering “very convincing” warnings to Patrons who are “out of line”.
Nobody knows that she had no previous experience in the profession-and that prior to applying she was Jolly Jane Rivers, a Nurse with a penchant for 🛁 baths…and pushing her patients toward a premature death.
But, now Patrica, a recent graduate and failed Novelist has been hired to staff the Reference Desk. Her “writer’s curiosity” has her always observing others-and she notices Margo’s more sinister side.
When a Patron dies in the bathroom, Patricia witnesses Margo administering aid, but she has some questions about the kind of “help” that Margo was providing.
Patricia becomes fixated on Margo. Who knew that she would find her “muse” and the spark she needed to attempt another novel, in the Carlyle Public Library?
But, Margo isn’t going to allow Patricia to ruin the life she worked hard to build. Things were going SO WELL until Patricia joined the staff!!
Told in 5 parts, with each woman sharing their perspective in the first person POV, in alternating chapters, there is some repetition-but I always find it fascinating to read how two people can view the same events so differently…
It STARTS as a slow burn, but the pace picks up once the women become privy to each other’s secrets.
I actually had a different ending in mind which would have been MORE diabolical than the one the author wrote-😬
BUT- I was still surprised (though slightly underwhelmed) by the ending that was written!
A quick, FUN story! 🍿
AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank You to Penguin/ Putnam for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
November 13, 2023
Wow! Two unreliable and exceptionally dislikable heroines play very smart cat-mouse game! You don’t exactly know which one is the prey or the hunter. It’s exciting, very smart, dark, entertaining!
Margo is running from authorities, is a female Charlie Cullen ( if you didn’t watch the movie and documentary about real life nurse who has killed his patients, check out Netflix immediately) meets Joe Goldberg. She’s definitely mad but when you read her POVs, you find yourself laugh so hard to her dark sense of humor and you’ll also want to take lonnnngg baths.
Margo leaves her old life that she was working as a nurse after being sacked from several hospitals and finally charged with misdemeanor. She changed her appearance and applied at public library, lying about her credentials. After two years she seems like she finally adapted into her fake like. Till a consultant named Pa-tree-see-ah is hired to work with them.
Patricia is recent graduate, failed novelist, reminding Margo of her ex colleague, dealing with her own secrets. She realizes many things are off with Margo and she starts digging out more dirt about her dark past. Her obsession and stalking tendencies get out of the control. She has no idea who she’s dealing with.
Overall: I devoured in one sitting. It’s absolutely enjoyable, keeping your attention intact, hooking you from the beginning.
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP PUTNAM/ G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
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Margo is running from authorities, is a female Charlie Cullen ( if you didn’t watch the movie and documentary about real life nurse who has killed his patients, check out Netflix immediately) meets Joe Goldberg. She’s definitely mad but when you read her POVs, you find yourself laugh so hard to her dark sense of humor and you’ll also want to take lonnnngg baths.
Margo leaves her old life that she was working as a nurse after being sacked from several hospitals and finally charged with misdemeanor. She changed her appearance and applied at public library, lying about her credentials. After two years she seems like she finally adapted into her fake like. Till a consultant named Pa-tree-see-ah is hired to work with them.
Patricia is recent graduate, failed novelist, reminding Margo of her ex colleague, dealing with her own secrets. She realizes many things are off with Margo and she starts digging out more dirt about her dark past. Her obsession and stalking tendencies get out of the control. She has no idea who she’s dealing with.
Overall: I devoured in one sitting. It’s absolutely enjoyable, keeping your attention intact, hooking you from the beginning.
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP PUTNAM/ G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
twitter<
July 18, 2023
3.5⭐
Meet Ms. Margo Finch – an upbeat, cheerful, and ever-helpful librarian at Carlyle Public Library – a position she secured based on false credentials and under an assumed name. Unbeknownst to everyone she works with, she has a sinister past– a past that she misses and believes was her true calling - and is wanted for a series of crimes.She seems to have found a sanctuary with her new life as a librarian, though she does spend most of free time alone, indulginging in reminiscence.
Enter Patricia, the new reference librarian, an aspiring novelist who is looking for a place to land after the "GREAT REJECTION" of her debut manuscript. She observes a few slips in her colleague’s carefully constructed façade and when Margo mentions her previous occupation in casual conversation, that is all Patricia needs to dig deeper into Margo's past and uncover her true identity. Not only does her research into “Margo” provide a thrilling angle to her otherwise boring job, her fixation with Margo also fuels her motivation to write – and so she writes and writes and writes – with hopes that this would lead to a great book, fulfilling her dream of becoming a successful writer and eventually exposing Margo for who and what she really is. But Margo is nobody’s fool, and exposing her won’t be easy, nor will it be easy to hide the fact that she is onto her.
How Can I Help You by Laura Sims is an engaging read with an intriguing premise. This is a slow-burn psychological thriller that revolves around two very interesting female characters. The narrative, shared through dual first-person PoVs in alternating chapters, is mildly repetitive but given that it is a short book (barely 250+ pages, easily a one-sitting read) and we get into the heads of both characters, it does not detract from the overall reading experience. Though the plot isn’t what I would call twisty (we know everything about the characters well before the halfway mark), I did enjoy the cat-and-mouse game between the two characters and the author does a good job of building up the tension as the narrative progresses. However, I found the ending a tad underwhelming after such an intense build-up, which is why I really can’t give this novel a higher rating. Overall, this is a good read that could have been better!
Many thanks to author Laura Sims, Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Meet Ms. Margo Finch – an upbeat, cheerful, and ever-helpful librarian at Carlyle Public Library – a position she secured based on false credentials and under an assumed name. Unbeknownst to everyone she works with, she has a sinister past– a past that she misses and believes was her true calling - and is wanted for a series of crimes.She seems to have found a sanctuary with her new life as a librarian, though she does spend most of free time alone, indulginging in reminiscence.
Enter Patricia, the new reference librarian, an aspiring novelist who is looking for a place to land after the "GREAT REJECTION" of her debut manuscript. She observes a few slips in her colleague’s carefully constructed façade and when Margo mentions her previous occupation in casual conversation, that is all Patricia needs to dig deeper into Margo's past and uncover her true identity. Not only does her research into “Margo” provide a thrilling angle to her otherwise boring job, her fixation with Margo also fuels her motivation to write – and so she writes and writes and writes – with hopes that this would lead to a great book, fulfilling her dream of becoming a successful writer and eventually exposing Margo for who and what she really is. But Margo is nobody’s fool, and exposing her won’t be easy, nor will it be easy to hide the fact that she is onto her.
How Can I Help You by Laura Sims is an engaging read with an intriguing premise. This is a slow-burn psychological thriller that revolves around two very interesting female characters. The narrative, shared through dual first-person PoVs in alternating chapters, is mildly repetitive but given that it is a short book (barely 250+ pages, easily a one-sitting read) and we get into the heads of both characters, it does not detract from the overall reading experience. Though the plot isn’t what I would call twisty (we know everything about the characters well before the halfway mark), I did enjoy the cat-and-mouse game between the two characters and the author does a good job of building up the tension as the narrative progresses. However, I found the ending a tad underwhelming after such an intense build-up, which is why I really can’t give this novel a higher rating. Overall, this is a good read that could have been better!
Many thanks to author Laura Sims, Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
September 29, 2023
I’m afraid I won’t be able to stifle a little snicker the next time I answer the phone or address a patron at the desk of the local library with the phrase “How can I help you?” Your friendly librarian is a book-loving, compassionate soul, right? Or maybe she’s not. There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to Margo, at least. Even Patricia has her own little idiosyncrasies.
“Margo is all gray, all shading; she shifts like the sky from one moment to the next.”
If you work at a library or even frequent one, then I can’t see how this little book could fail to make you laugh, rather inappropriately, here and there. So many little tidbits about patrons and coworkers are spot on. The author is a librarian, and it’s evident. You can’t make this stuff up!
Oh yes, this is a thriller. Of sorts. But I have to suspect that hard-core thriller fans won’t take to this quite as happily as yours truly. The thriller-y parts were good enough, but probably a little harder to fall for than the bits about libraries and the passion for reading and writing. There’s a piece in here when Margo finds a book that she absolutely can’t put down – and it’s none other than a Shirley Jackson novel (what else?!) Surely, we can all relate to this:
“I suddenly can’t wait to get out, close the day, and take my brisk walk home. An image comes to me then, of the book waiting right where I left it on the dining room table… A surge of happiness wells up, and I say it again, with jubilance in my voice this time: ‘The library will be closing in one hour!’”
Or this, after finishing the last page:
“I’m left sitting here, a dummy with a shut book. That’s it; the bubble I’ve been living in is popped, kaput, after a mere handful of days.”
It’s fun to watch the strange little dance between Margo and Patricia. I wasn’t quite sure where this was headed, but I know I had a pretty damn good time getting there. This isn’t a literary feat, but I can’t wait to fill in real names for the fictional ones here when I’m back with my partners in crime behind the desk!
“I was like someone chased by demons across the threshold of a church, stepping into the library that first time. I could have turned around, right there at the door, and stuck my tongue out at the world.”
“Margo is all gray, all shading; she shifts like the sky from one moment to the next.”
If you work at a library or even frequent one, then I can’t see how this little book could fail to make you laugh, rather inappropriately, here and there. So many little tidbits about patrons and coworkers are spot on. The author is a librarian, and it’s evident. You can’t make this stuff up!
Oh yes, this is a thriller. Of sorts. But I have to suspect that hard-core thriller fans won’t take to this quite as happily as yours truly. The thriller-y parts were good enough, but probably a little harder to fall for than the bits about libraries and the passion for reading and writing. There’s a piece in here when Margo finds a book that she absolutely can’t put down – and it’s none other than a Shirley Jackson novel (what else?!) Surely, we can all relate to this:
“I suddenly can’t wait to get out, close the day, and take my brisk walk home. An image comes to me then, of the book waiting right where I left it on the dining room table… A surge of happiness wells up, and I say it again, with jubilance in my voice this time: ‘The library will be closing in one hour!’”
Or this, after finishing the last page:
“I’m left sitting here, a dummy with a shut book. That’s it; the bubble I’ve been living in is popped, kaput, after a mere handful of days.”
It’s fun to watch the strange little dance between Margo and Patricia. I wasn’t quite sure where this was headed, but I know I had a pretty damn good time getting there. This isn’t a literary feat, but I can’t wait to fill in real names for the fictional ones here when I’m back with my partners in crime behind the desk!
“I was like someone chased by demons across the threshold of a church, stepping into the library that first time. I could have turned around, right there at the door, and stuck my tongue out at the world.”
September 6, 2023
Fancy meeting Margo at the local library?
She is there to do her best and serve patients, oops, I mean patrons. You see, she is a former nurse, currently running from her past. She also has a few screws loose! She is big on cliches, an expert story spinner, reading a Shirley Jackson (shout-out) and may even have a few souveniers from her hospital days. 💉
She is slighty obsessed with her new Shirley Jackson read and talks to it like she used to talk to her patients!
Patricia (Pah tree cee ah) is also a new hire and a wanna be author (with a cold writer's brain)! She still carries her little writing notebook wherever she goes. She is quickly enraptured by Margo and gets her to inadvertantly confide about her former job. Oopsy!
This was a quick, fun listen with wonderful narrators! Loved the library setting with the characters talking/shelving books, working scanners, and having lunchtime lattes. 📚
Libby listen
She is there to do her best and serve
She is slighty obsessed with her new Shirley Jackson read and talks to it like she used to talk to her patients!
Patricia (Pah tree cee ah) is also a new hire and a wanna be author (with a cold writer's brain)! She still carries her little writing notebook wherever she goes. She is quickly enraptured by Margo and gets her to inadvertantly confide about her former job. Oopsy!
This was a quick, fun listen with wonderful narrators! Loved the library setting with the characters talking/shelving books, working scanners, and having lunchtime lattes. 📚
Libby listen
February 24, 2023
It’s time for a career change for Jane! She needs to leave her nursing career behind, (mid-shift, mind you) due to some unfortunate past incidents.😉
Well, maybe she just needs to reinvent herself while still finding ways to “help” people. Perhaps a library would be a good place to start. But when a new employee, Patricia is hired at the library, Jane’s (now A.K.A. Margo) world is about to implode.
Old habits are hard to break, huh Jane…. I mean, Margo!🙊
What a fun read. And I’m always drawn to sociopaths named Jane! Lol! Seriously, is it me or does it seem like best thriller sociopaths in recent years all are named Jane!?🤣
A quick, easy read I flew through in just a few sittings. My first book by this author, and I’ll definitely be checking out more of her works in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam
Well, maybe she just needs to reinvent herself while still finding ways to “help” people. Perhaps a library would be a good place to start. But when a new employee, Patricia is hired at the library, Jane’s (now A.K.A. Margo) world is about to implode.
Old habits are hard to break, huh Jane…. I mean, Margo!🙊
What a fun read. And I’m always drawn to sociopaths named Jane! Lol! Seriously, is it me or does it seem like best thriller sociopaths in recent years all are named Jane!?🤣
A quick, easy read I flew through in just a few sittings. My first book by this author, and I’ll definitely be checking out more of her works in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam
September 24, 2023
A fun popcorn thriller….just enjoy, and don’t look too closely!
I’m a nurse and I’ve loved libraries since I was a little girl. So, what could be more fun than a killer nurse hiding in plain sight at a library?
Margo loved to “help” her suffering patients. When the trail leading to her turns too hot for comfort, she changes her appearance and identity and begins working at a library.
Life is going well for Margo. She even found a newfound love of reading when she comes across a Shirley Jackson book (of course!). She also LOVES to keep the library patrons in line.
Then Patricia (Pah-tree-see-ah) begins working at the reference desk. Patricia is a frustrated writer looking for her big break, and may also have a screw loose. When her suspicions are aroused after witnessing Margo “helping” a patron at the library, she’s found her new muse/research project.
And so begins a fun cat-and-mouse game, told in alternating points of view of both women. It's no secret that I enjoy reading about snarky psychos. Spending time in their heads made for a darkly funny engaging read.
The narrators of the audiobook, Carlotta Brentan, and Maggi-Meg Reed were excellent!
I’m a nurse and I’ve loved libraries since I was a little girl. So, what could be more fun than a killer nurse hiding in plain sight at a library?
Margo loved to “help” her suffering patients. When the trail leading to her turns too hot for comfort, she changes her appearance and identity and begins working at a library.
Life is going well for Margo. She even found a newfound love of reading when she comes across a Shirley Jackson book (of course!). She also LOVES to keep the library patrons in line.
Then Patricia (Pah-tree-see-ah) begins working at the reference desk. Patricia is a frustrated writer looking for her big break, and may also have a screw loose. When her suspicions are aroused after witnessing Margo “helping” a patron at the library, she’s found her new muse/research project.
And so begins a fun cat-and-mouse game, told in alternating points of view of both women. It's no secret that I enjoy reading about snarky psychos. Spending time in their heads made for a darkly funny engaging read.
The narrators of the audiobook, Carlotta Brentan, and Maggi-Meg Reed were excellent!
April 9, 2024
Laura Sims has done it again. After having loved her debut, Looker, I was eager to get my hands on her latest release and she did not disappoint.
Margo is a circulation clerk at the Carlyle Public Library. She loves her job and more importantly loves helping people. She enjoys her quiet life and daily routines until a new reference librarian is hired. Patricia is young, pretty, and stylish - all things Margo wishes to be. She's also intuitive so when Margo asks her out for a coffee and informs her that she used to be a nurse that left abruptly due to an investigation, of which she insists she wasn't guilty of, Patricia's mind starts simmering with curiosity of why this straight laced librarian would make such a career switch so late in life.
What Margo doesn't realize is that Patricia is a failed writer. Her first novel was rejected from every publisher which promptly ended her dream but Margo has sparked something in Patricia and with a little research she finds out just who Margo really is. Now the words are simply pouring out of her while she writes notes frantically on the page. This book could be it. The one to catapult her to stardom.
Margo suspects Patricia. Patricia suspects Margo. Who will prevail the victor in this game of cat and mouse? You'll need to read this to find out!
What a gem of a book. I was hooked on every word. Laura Sims fleshed these characters out perfectly and I assure you that you won't be looking at your local librarian the same way again. The ending is what did it though, what sealed the deal - I officially love this author! 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for my complimentary copy.
Margo is a circulation clerk at the Carlyle Public Library. She loves her job and more importantly loves helping people. She enjoys her quiet life and daily routines until a new reference librarian is hired. Patricia is young, pretty, and stylish - all things Margo wishes to be. She's also intuitive so when Margo asks her out for a coffee and informs her that she used to be a nurse that left abruptly due to an investigation, of which she insists she wasn't guilty of, Patricia's mind starts simmering with curiosity of why this straight laced librarian would make such a career switch so late in life.
What Margo doesn't realize is that Patricia is a failed writer. Her first novel was rejected from every publisher which promptly ended her dream but Margo has sparked something in Patricia and with a little research she finds out just who Margo really is. Now the words are simply pouring out of her while she writes notes frantically on the page. This book could be it. The one to catapult her to stardom.
Margo suspects Patricia. Patricia suspects Margo. Who will prevail the victor in this game of cat and mouse? You'll need to read this to find out!
What a gem of a book. I was hooked on every word. Laura Sims fleshed these characters out perfectly and I assure you that you won't be looking at your local librarian the same way again. The ending is what did it though, what sealed the deal - I officially love this author! 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for my complimentary copy.
July 18, 2023
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!
“The ones that die are the lucky ones.”
Margo is a librarian at a small town library. However, that’s just her cover story to avoid being caught by the police for the suspicious deaths of patients at a nearby hospital. But that was two years ago, and she is no longer Jane the nurse. Can she shed her past life?
Margo senses that the new Reference librarian, Patricia will be trouble. Patricia is a failed writer who moved from Chicago to a small town to escape her boring boyfriend and to try a new career. Will they become friends or foes?
When a patron is found dead in the library restroom, Margo exhibits very strange behavior. Patricia becomes fixated on her, finding a new research project, literary muse, and dangerous obsession.
How Can I Help You is a short read at just 256 pages. This suspenseful and macabre tale ultimately exposes the dark side of human nature. It will appeal to readers who enjoy character driven plots, such as Death of a Bookseller by Alice Slater and Mrs. March by Virginia Feito.
Be prepared to suspend your belief! I imagined a very different ending for this book, and would have preferred if it went in that direction. This caused me to lower my rating from 4 to 3.75 stars. However, it is an engrossing read that I do recommend, especially to librarians.
3.75/5 stars rounded up
Expected publication date: 7/18/23
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC of How Can I Help You in exchange for an honest review.
“The ones that die are the lucky ones.”
Margo is a librarian at a small town library. However, that’s just her cover story to avoid being caught by the police for the suspicious deaths of patients at a nearby hospital. But that was two years ago, and she is no longer Jane the nurse. Can she shed her past life?
Margo senses that the new Reference librarian, Patricia will be trouble. Patricia is a failed writer who moved from Chicago to a small town to escape her boring boyfriend and to try a new career. Will they become friends or foes?
When a patron is found dead in the library restroom, Margo exhibits very strange behavior. Patricia becomes fixated on her, finding a new research project, literary muse, and dangerous obsession.
How Can I Help You is a short read at just 256 pages. This suspenseful and macabre tale ultimately exposes the dark side of human nature. It will appeal to readers who enjoy character driven plots, such as Death of a Bookseller by Alice Slater and Mrs. March by Virginia Feito.
Be prepared to suspend your belief! I imagined a very different ending for this book, and would have preferred if it went in that direction. This caused me to lower my rating from 4 to 3.75 stars. However, it is an engrossing read that I do recommend, especially to librarians.
3.75/5 stars rounded up
Expected publication date: 7/18/23
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC of How Can I Help You in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2023
How can I describe "How Can I Help You?"????
I will start by saying that it is an engaging, fast-paced, compulsively readable, razor-sharp, snarky tale of an unhinged "killer nurse" who is hiding in plain sight in a small-town library.
A deadly "cat and mouse" web of intrigue between two librarians is brilliantly showcased.
I especially enjoyed the book because, in a sea of "same old, same old" thrillers, this book was was well-plotted and refreshingly different.
A shoutout to the author for her ingenuity and her accomplished and skillful control of the narrative.
I listened to the full-cast audiobook read by Carlotta Brentan and Maggi-Meg Reed.
Both narrators did a superb job with the narration.
Although the last few pages of the book were eye-rolling, overall, the book earned 5 enthusiastic stars and is one of my "besties" of 2023.
I will start by saying that it is an engaging, fast-paced, compulsively readable, razor-sharp, snarky tale of an unhinged "killer nurse" who is hiding in plain sight in a small-town library.
A deadly "cat and mouse" web of intrigue between two librarians is brilliantly showcased.
I especially enjoyed the book because, in a sea of "same old, same old" thrillers, this book was was well-plotted and refreshingly different.
A shoutout to the author for her ingenuity and her accomplished and skillful control of the narrative.
I listened to the full-cast audiobook read by Carlotta Brentan and Maggi-Meg Reed.
Both narrators did a superb job with the narration.
Although the last few pages of the book were eye-rolling, overall, the book earned 5 enthusiastic stars and is one of my "besties" of 2023.
July 21, 2023
Two trusted institutions are shaken and stirred by this thrilling new release: hospitals and libraries. Margo Finch has reinvented herself as a librarian to escape a shady past as a nurse who cared a little too much. When Patricia Delmarco joins the library staff, the two form an unsettled bond at work and at their apartment complex. As we see the story from their diverse POVs, we begin to wonder if either one sees the world in a healthy, well-adjusted way? If either of them asks if they can help you, you might want to skedaddle. Put on your sunscreen and take this one out to the pool for an engrossing summertime read. It is a short and shocking read.
Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2023
4 enthusiastic stars! I really did not expect to enjoy this title so much and was very pleased with it from the start! The library here & it’s inner-workings, staff & crazy train patrons are so well written in this disturbing tale of Margo, the library clerk with a hidden past & the new reference librarian and failed writer who suspects that something’s not quite right. Loved the shout-out to Shirley Jackson! Fast-paced & could barely put it down!
July 18, 2023
I’ve been eagerly awaiting another novel from Laura Sims, and How Can I Help You is everything I wanted and more. Like her excellent debut Looker, this is a sharp, nuanced character study about identity and obsession – but here, the stakes are altogether higher.
At the Carlyle Public Library, two women are not quite what they seem. Margo, who’s been a circulation clerk for two years, has a dark past, one that Sims wastes no time revealing to us. Her new colleague Patricia – a younger, more glamorous reference librarian – has somewhat bitterly given up her preferred career as a writer, having failed to sell her novel. Each woman senses something unaccountably intriguing in the other. Soon they are locked in a strange dance, trying to pry information from one another. Margo attempts to hide her true self, her mask slipping with increasing regularity; Patricia finds a new muse in her prickly coworker, and begins writing again. But this uneasy dynamic can’t last forever.
At points in the book, Margo and Patricia both find themselves transported by reading or writing – Margo with Shirley Jackson’s We Have Always Lived in the Castle (a book she, a non-reader, is drawn to because of Patricia’s love for it), and Patricia with her own manuscript (a fictionalised account of Margo’s life that is more true than she can know). I felt similarly enthralled by How Can I Help You, any thoughts of my own totally erased by the story. Margo in particular is a superb creation: repellent yet, in the oddest of ways, sympathetic; a villain with thrilling layers. Patricia’s fascination with her is entirely understandable. The community of the library is so well realised, too: the familiar patrons, the other staff with their own difficult relationships. These background characters contribute much to our understanding of the world Margo and Patricia inhabit.
If you loved Death of a Bookseller then this should be at the top of your wishlist; the energy between Margo and Patricia also reminded me of Eileen. It’s an utterly propulsive feat of literary suspense: gripping, complex, and unpredictable to the last (I thought I’d guessed how it would all end – and I was completely wrong).
I received an advance review copy of How Can I Help You from the publisher through Edelweiss.
At the Carlyle Public Library, two women are not quite what they seem. Margo, who’s been a circulation clerk for two years, has a dark past, one that Sims wastes no time revealing to us. Her new colleague Patricia – a younger, more glamorous reference librarian – has somewhat bitterly given up her preferred career as a writer, having failed to sell her novel. Each woman senses something unaccountably intriguing in the other. Soon they are locked in a strange dance, trying to pry information from one another. Margo attempts to hide her true self, her mask slipping with increasing regularity; Patricia finds a new muse in her prickly coworker, and begins writing again. But this uneasy dynamic can’t last forever.
At points in the book, Margo and Patricia both find themselves transported by reading or writing – Margo with Shirley Jackson’s We Have Always Lived in the Castle (a book she, a non-reader, is drawn to because of Patricia’s love for it), and Patricia with her own manuscript (a fictionalised account of Margo’s life that is more true than she can know). I felt similarly enthralled by How Can I Help You, any thoughts of my own totally erased by the story. Margo in particular is a superb creation: repellent yet, in the oddest of ways, sympathetic; a villain with thrilling layers. Patricia’s fascination with her is entirely understandable. The community of the library is so well realised, too: the familiar patrons, the other staff with their own difficult relationships. These background characters contribute much to our understanding of the world Margo and Patricia inhabit.
If you loved Death of a Bookseller then this should be at the top of your wishlist; the energy between Margo and Patricia also reminded me of Eileen. It’s an utterly propulsive feat of literary suspense: gripping, complex, and unpredictable to the last (I thought I’d guessed how it would all end – and I was completely wrong).
I received an advance review copy of How Can I Help You from the publisher through Edelweiss.
July 18, 2023
Update 7/18/23: Reposting my review to celebrate that today is publication day!
Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam Books for sending me an ARC of How Can I Help You in exchange for an honest review.
Margo has been working as a small-town librarian for the past two years. Hiding behind a vanilla facade, no one suspects that she’s a former nurse who disappeared when the authorities finally realized that she had murdered dozens of patients in her care. That is, until Patricia is hired as the new reference librarian. Patricia has sworn off writing after her inability to get her first novel published. But after seeing Margo’s unusual response to a patron’s death in the library bathroom, Patricia becomes obsessed with studying Margo. And as she collects clues that could lead her to Margo’s secret past, Patricia is inspired to begin writing a new novel about Margo ….
How Can I Help You is told in chapters alternating between Margo’s and Patricia’s perspective. I expected that I would enjoy Margo’s side of the story more—I mean, you read a book like this for the thrill of being inside the villain’s mind. But I was a bit let down by Margo’s perspective; it wasn’t bad by any means, it just felt like I’d read it all in numerous other similar stories (except the baths, that was new and creepy). Instead, I found Patricia’s parts of the story more compelling and original. Her slow comprehension that Margo has a hidden dark side, and the choices she makes once she learns the truth about Margo’s past, were both surprising and interesting.
How Can I Help You is on the shorter side, and is probably one of the rare books that could have been a bit longer. There are a couple of minor loose ends that could have been tied up (Dan, part’s of Margo’s past). And I think I’d have liked a little more time between Margo and Patricia’s full understanding of each other and the climax (which is also a bit rushed). Still, How Can I Help You is a fun, fast read. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Recommended.
I record the little things she does: the way she squints through her glasses at the screen, the way she laughs with her whole body, how she touches patrons lightly on the arm or hand when deep in conversation. It’s easy to capture her warmth, her cheerfulness; what interests me more, though, and what I’ve been struggling to find words for, is the vein of ice running through her, glimpsed only now and then.
…
I want to look her in her dreamy eye and tell her: We’re the same. Gripped by a lifelong passion, grinding our souls against the world’s unjust demands. Or something like that. Patricia doesn’t have to bury bodies when she’s finished, though.
Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam Books for sending me an ARC of How Can I Help You in exchange for an honest review.
Margo has been working as a small-town librarian for the past two years. Hiding behind a vanilla facade, no one suspects that she’s a former nurse who disappeared when the authorities finally realized that she had murdered dozens of patients in her care. That is, until Patricia is hired as the new reference librarian. Patricia has sworn off writing after her inability to get her first novel published. But after seeing Margo’s unusual response to a patron’s death in the library bathroom, Patricia becomes obsessed with studying Margo. And as she collects clues that could lead her to Margo’s secret past, Patricia is inspired to begin writing a new novel about Margo ….
How Can I Help You is told in chapters alternating between Margo’s and Patricia’s perspective. I expected that I would enjoy Margo’s side of the story more—I mean, you read a book like this for the thrill of being inside the villain’s mind. But I was a bit let down by Margo’s perspective; it wasn’t bad by any means, it just felt like I’d read it all in numerous other similar stories (except the baths, that was new and creepy). Instead, I found Patricia’s parts of the story more compelling and original. Her slow comprehension that Margo has a hidden dark side, and the choices she makes once she learns the truth about Margo’s past, were both surprising and interesting.
How Can I Help You is on the shorter side, and is probably one of the rare books that could have been a bit longer. There are a couple of minor loose ends that could have been tied up (Dan, part’s of Margo’s past). And I think I’d have liked a little more time between Margo and Patricia’s full understanding of each other and the climax (which is also a bit rushed). Still, How Can I Help You is a fun, fast read. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Recommended.
July 24, 2023
I first heard about this book when I was reading about it in Parade Magazine. Parade said, “a book lover’s dream…that culminates in a shocking climax.”
Well…
There you have it. What more did I need?
I put in my order request at my local library and I waited. And when it came, I began to read it.
Of course, I also liked the concept that the two main characters were librarians. One of my favorite kind of people.
But then…
Well, let me just give you the basic premise here.
We have Patricia a recent graduate who joins the library staff. She quickly notices Margo’s subtly sinister edge. When there is a death of a patron, she begins to wonder more about Margo, and so she starts to dig deeper into her background.
Where will this lead her?
The author sets it up with both Patricia and Margo being the narrator. And this is where the tension could have worked, but may have fallen flat because the timelines were off-center.
While told sequentially from two different perspectives (Patricia and Margo), there was some overlaps in time and a lot of backtracking too. As readers we would be reading Margo’s story, and then pick up Patricia’s story from 3 days before and then relive the same 3 days from a different perspective from Margo. Did that make sense? It just didn’t seem necessary to have to put readers through this.
And then…
The climax we were waiting for, doesn’t necessarily happen. (At least for me, it didn’t happen.)
And what about Margo’s history? Did we ever get to the psychology behind it?
And then…
By the end I didn’t feel satisfied by the conclusion. Just exhausted and frustrated by the overall story.
And for the first time ever, I didn’t like the librarian characters. How could an author do that?
Librarians are supposed to be the best people ever!
Well…
There you have it. What more did I need?
I put in my order request at my local library and I waited. And when it came, I began to read it.
Of course, I also liked the concept that the two main characters were librarians. One of my favorite kind of people.
But then…
Well, let me just give you the basic premise here.
We have Patricia a recent graduate who joins the library staff. She quickly notices Margo’s subtly sinister edge. When there is a death of a patron, she begins to wonder more about Margo, and so she starts to dig deeper into her background.
Where will this lead her?
The author sets it up with both Patricia and Margo being the narrator. And this is where the tension could have worked, but may have fallen flat because the timelines were off-center.
While told sequentially from two different perspectives (Patricia and Margo), there was some overlaps in time and a lot of backtracking too. As readers we would be reading Margo’s story, and then pick up Patricia’s story from 3 days before and then relive the same 3 days from a different perspective from Margo. Did that make sense? It just didn’t seem necessary to have to put readers through this.
And then…
The climax we were waiting for, doesn’t necessarily happen. (At least for me, it didn’t happen.)
And what about Margo’s history? Did we ever get to the psychology behind it?
And then…
By the end I didn’t feel satisfied by the conclusion. Just exhausted and frustrated by the overall story.
And for the first time ever, I didn’t like the librarian characters. How could an author do that?
Librarians are supposed to be the best people ever!
August 9, 2023
This was so dull. It felt lacking. The main character's motives could have been explored more. The only good thing is that it's a quick read.
November 29, 2023
4+
Once upon a time, Margo Finch is Jane, but they’re very different characters - maybe! As Jane, she works in a hospital, but that’s a whole other story but her only intention is to help, honestly. Margo applies for a job at Carlyle public library, she likes the calm working environment and on the whole that’s exactly what it is, as she surveys her surroundings two years later. Now, she tries to help at the library but will chaos erupt from the proverbial peace and quiet? All is going well until Patricia (Pa-tree-shee-ah) a wanna be author arrives. The story is told in alternating points of view by both women.
This is so good! It’s a well written psychological thriller that’s creative and different and which hooks me in from the beginning. The characterisation of Margo and Patricia is outstanding, though they’re not at all likeable and as far from reliable narrator as it’s possible to get! Margo’s anxiety and distinct unease at Patricia‘s arrival is palpable as her nerves are distinctly stretched. However, Patricia‘s reaction to Margo is, well, interesting. It’s fair to say they each become obsessed with the other but in different ways and for very different reasons. A fascinating game of cat and mouse begins as they try to “score points” off each other. Are they both chameleons or maybe even wolves in sheep’s clothing? Who is the harbinger of doom? Is a deliciously dark puzzle of lies and secrets galore as you try to figure it out.
The library setting is a perfect choice for the drama as it’s calm belies the storm building beneath the surface. I love the inclusion of Shirley Jackson’s “We have always lived in the castle” which is so appropriate and clever. It’s a well paced gripping novel which is darkly, entertaining and chilling on more than one occasion. The tension between the two of them radiates off the pages as situations escalate to a dramatic ending.
It’s a quick, easy, fun read and one I can recommend to fans of the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to VERVE Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Once upon a time, Margo Finch is Jane, but they’re very different characters - maybe! As Jane, she works in a hospital, but that’s a whole other story but her only intention is to help, honestly. Margo applies for a job at Carlyle public library, she likes the calm working environment and on the whole that’s exactly what it is, as she surveys her surroundings two years later. Now, she tries to help at the library but will chaos erupt from the proverbial peace and quiet? All is going well until Patricia (Pa-tree-shee-ah) a wanna be author arrives. The story is told in alternating points of view by both women.
This is so good! It’s a well written psychological thriller that’s creative and different and which hooks me in from the beginning. The characterisation of Margo and Patricia is outstanding, though they’re not at all likeable and as far from reliable narrator as it’s possible to get! Margo’s anxiety and distinct unease at Patricia‘s arrival is palpable as her nerves are distinctly stretched. However, Patricia‘s reaction to Margo is, well, interesting. It’s fair to say they each become obsessed with the other but in different ways and for very different reasons. A fascinating game of cat and mouse begins as they try to “score points” off each other. Are they both chameleons or maybe even wolves in sheep’s clothing? Who is the harbinger of doom? Is a deliciously dark puzzle of lies and secrets galore as you try to figure it out.
The library setting is a perfect choice for the drama as it’s calm belies the storm building beneath the surface. I love the inclusion of Shirley Jackson’s “We have always lived in the castle” which is so appropriate and clever. It’s a well paced gripping novel which is darkly, entertaining and chilling on more than one occasion. The tension between the two of them radiates off the pages as situations escalate to a dramatic ending.
It’s a quick, easy, fun read and one I can recommend to fans of the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to VERVE Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
February 5, 2024
See Jane Walk.
See Jane Run.
See Jane Hide.
Jane is hiding in plain sight as Margo the librarian. Due to Jane’s nefarious “assistance”, she is no longer welcome at any hospital and is unemployable in her vocation as a nurse.
Her next steps? The library seems like a safe quiet place for her to lie low from mounting suspicions and scrutiny. Will she be able to restrain her urges to be helpful?
This is a short read at 237 pages but packs a wallop from a twisted character and gallows humor.
Hardback purchased at Amazon.
See Jane Run.
See Jane Hide.
Jane is hiding in plain sight as Margo the librarian. Due to Jane’s nefarious “assistance”, she is no longer welcome at any hospital and is unemployable in her vocation as a nurse.
Her next steps? The library seems like a safe quiet place for her to lie low from mounting suspicions and scrutiny. Will she be able to restrain her urges to be helpful?
This is a short read at 237 pages but packs a wallop from a twisted character and gallows humor.
Hardback purchased at Amazon.
January 5, 2024
REREAD REVIEW: December 2023
I find it so interesting seeing the story first through Margo, then Patricia... first, you are simmered, then boiled in the unhinged like a frog...
Then, through the sane eyes, you watch how it unfolded, and it makes you think, "we truly have no idea what's going on beneath the surface of anyone else."
So quirky!!!!! This book is so compulsive....I just want to keep reading!!!! Utterly facinating!
Lovelovelove the library setting!!!
I have busted out laughing at least twice in uncontrollable, completely unexpected laughter. The narrator who does Margot's portions is so perfect 🔥
The tension is like a knife point!!!
I swear to goodness this rereading challenge was the best idea I've ever had. This has been the most rewarding reading I've ever done in my life.
I love Shirley Jackson so much so happy she's a large part of this one!!!!
I don't think there is a single boring part of this book.
It is just WILD.
I feel like Laura Sims probably had SO much fun writing these last 5 chapters!!! I can tell because I had so much fun reading them!!! 💯🙌🔥
*favorite of the year
Original review: 08/10/2023
Absolutely flew through this oh my gawd 🫨🫢🤯
Sharp. Punchy. Bold. Different.
60% LOVE THIS SO MUCH
Shirley Jackson shout outs...YESSSSS
Also that one quote in the start (I think it was "men can never keep their violence to themselves"....its been a month since I read this and I STILL remember that line)
Complex characters...fascinating conflict.
LOVE.
I love how short and sweet too. Just the perfect length. No criticisms.
I find it so interesting seeing the story first through Margo, then Patricia... first, you are simmered, then boiled in the unhinged like a frog...
Then, through the sane eyes, you watch how it unfolded, and it makes you think, "we truly have no idea what's going on beneath the surface of anyone else."
So quirky!!!!! This book is so compulsive....I just want to keep reading!!!! Utterly facinating!
Lovelovelove the library setting!!!
I have busted out laughing at least twice in uncontrollable, completely unexpected laughter. The narrator who does Margot's portions is so perfect 🔥
The tension is like a knife point!!!
I swear to goodness this rereading challenge was the best idea I've ever had. This has been the most rewarding reading I've ever done in my life.
I love Shirley Jackson so much so happy she's a large part of this one!!!!
I don't think there is a single boring part of this book.
It is just WILD.
I feel like Laura Sims probably had SO much fun writing these last 5 chapters!!! I can tell because I had so much fun reading them!!! 💯🙌🔥
*favorite of the year
Original review: 08/10/2023
Absolutely flew through this oh my gawd 🫨🫢🤯
Sharp. Punchy. Bold. Different.
60% LOVE THIS SO MUCH
Shirley Jackson shout outs...YESSSSS
Also that one quote in the start (I think it was "men can never keep their violence to themselves"....its been a month since I read this and I STILL remember that line)
Complex characters...fascinating conflict.
LOVE.
I love how short and sweet too. Just the perfect length. No criticisms.
September 6, 2023
4 Stars for How Can I Help You (audiobook) by Laura Sims Read by Carlotta Brentan and Maggi-Meg Reed.
This is creepy thriller that happens at the library. An evil nurse has changed her identity and is pretending to be a librarian. Who will be her next victim and will anyone catch on to her?
This is creepy thriller that happens at the library. An evil nurse has changed her identity and is pretending to be a librarian. Who will be her next victim and will anyone catch on to her?
November 21, 2022
How to describe this devilishly fun book? It’s dark, twisted, creative and very unsettling! So much fun, I hated to see it end and yet I really enjoyed the ending. I thank Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 8, 2022
As a librarian, I feel compelled to read any fiction books about libraries or librarians. And as a fan of the suspense genre, this book seemed perfect for me.
How Can I Help You follows two librarians, Margo and Patricia. Margo works at a small public library, and her coworkers and patrons see her as a charming and friendly librarian. They have no clue that she is a former nurse who has a long list of patients that she killed prematurely at her prior hospital. Enter Patricia, the new reference librarian fresh out of library school. She is unimpressed with her new position at the library, and is saddened by her failed writing career. When a regular patron is found dead in the library bathroom, Patricia gets suspicious of Margo and begins to dig into her past. With dual narration and alternating chapters, Patricia and Margo slowly become unhealthily obsessed with one another from afar.
Even though I read this book fairly quickly, I unfortunately did not enjoy it. While I found the premise extremely interesting, I felt that the story lacked background and the characters were not fully fleshed out. I understand that it can be difficult to write two main characters that are unlikeable, but this just did not work for me. The story's climax feels very brief, and I felt let down by the quick ending. I think the character's motives, urges, and backgrounds could have been more deeply explored.
Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
How Can I Help You follows two librarians, Margo and Patricia. Margo works at a small public library, and her coworkers and patrons see her as a charming and friendly librarian. They have no clue that she is a former nurse who has a long list of patients that she killed prematurely at her prior hospital. Enter Patricia, the new reference librarian fresh out of library school. She is unimpressed with her new position at the library, and is saddened by her failed writing career. When a regular patron is found dead in the library bathroom, Patricia gets suspicious of Margo and begins to dig into her past. With dual narration and alternating chapters, Patricia and Margo slowly become unhealthily obsessed with one another from afar.
Even though I read this book fairly quickly, I unfortunately did not enjoy it. While I found the premise extremely interesting, I felt that the story lacked background and the characters were not fully fleshed out. I understand that it can be difficult to write two main characters that are unlikeable, but this just did not work for me. The story's climax feels very brief, and I felt let down by the quick ending. I think the character's motives, urges, and backgrounds could have been more deeply explored.
Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 20, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
How Can I Help You.
I had something different in mind when I began reading.
I thought it was going to be more of a cat and mouse game between Margo and Patricia.
Instead, it was a tedious slog of perspectives between Margo and Patricia as they warily circle each other, trying to figure out if the other knows the secrets they're hiding.
Margo reminds me of Jane Toppan, the serial killer nurse from the early 20th century; her thoughts vary wildly from incandescent rage to mild calm, especially when she indulges in her favorite ritual, a bath.
Patricia is a failed novelist, doomed to take a boring day job to support herself and thinking about giving her equally dull boyfriend the heave-ho.
When she discovers Margo isn't who she claims to be, she's hit with a sudden burst of inspiration and begins writing again.
Despite Margo being a serial killer and doing serial killer-y things, the narrative lacks suspense and urgency.
Margo had fantasies about doing terrible things, and then the urge would abate for the time being, and the status quo would return to blahness.
I'm not saying she needs to go around waving a chainsaw in the air and outright terrorizing people, but make me care about Margo. Or not care.
Make me despise her. Make me feel something about these people.
Why was she like this? Has she always felt murder-y? Does she ever get lonely? Think about all the people she's killed?
The writing is fine, but the plot sounded repetitive since we're getting Margo and Patricia's reactions at events they're both experiencing.
I didn't like or dislike Patricia. I just didn't care about her, which is worse.
I did understand her desire and ambition to be a published writer and that she believed Margo's clandestine life was her ticket to achieving literary success.
I think if the author had worked that angle more, there would have been more suspense and tension.
Or, I would have been more invested in Patricia or Margo, or cared what happens to them.
The reader doesn't get to know either of them.
Instead, both women turned out to be dull, if not duller, than each other.
I had something different in mind when I began reading.
I thought it was going to be more of a cat and mouse game between Margo and Patricia.
Instead, it was a tedious slog of perspectives between Margo and Patricia as they warily circle each other, trying to figure out if the other knows the secrets they're hiding.
Margo reminds me of Jane Toppan, the serial killer nurse from the early 20th century; her thoughts vary wildly from incandescent rage to mild calm, especially when she indulges in her favorite ritual, a bath.
Patricia is a failed novelist, doomed to take a boring day job to support herself and thinking about giving her equally dull boyfriend the heave-ho.
When she discovers Margo isn't who she claims to be, she's hit with a sudden burst of inspiration and begins writing again.
Despite Margo being a serial killer and doing serial killer-y things, the narrative lacks suspense and urgency.
Margo had fantasies about doing terrible things, and then the urge would abate for the time being, and the status quo would return to blahness.
I'm not saying she needs to go around waving a chainsaw in the air and outright terrorizing people, but make me care about Margo. Or not care.
Make me despise her. Make me feel something about these people.
Why was she like this? Has she always felt murder-y? Does she ever get lonely? Think about all the people she's killed?
The writing is fine, but the plot sounded repetitive since we're getting Margo and Patricia's reactions at events they're both experiencing.
I didn't like or dislike Patricia. I just didn't care about her, which is worse.
I did understand her desire and ambition to be a published writer and that she believed Margo's clandestine life was her ticket to achieving literary success.
I think if the author had worked that angle more, there would have been more suspense and tension.
Or, I would have been more invested in Patricia or Margo, or cared what happens to them.
The reader doesn't get to know either of them.
Instead, both women turned out to be dull, if not duller, than each other.
November 18, 2022
Thank you NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam and Laura Sims for letting me read “How Can I Help You” in exchange for an honest review.
Margo has a secret. She is not really Margo. She is not really a librarian. She is an imposter hiding in a small town in Illinois, working in a library. Everyone knows her as the cheery and joyful Margo who enjoys her small town life.
Margo has tan two years ago from Chicago. In her job as a nurse, she left quite some destruction! Or shall I rather say death?! But now she has changed. for good! ?
That is until Patricia arrived. Patricia graduated recently and is searching a job away from Chicago and her boyfriend Dan. She wanted to be a writer, but failed to be one, in her eyes. Patricia soon gets suspicious of Margos behaviour.
Will there be more death?
Will Margi’s real identify be revealed?
Will se get away with it?
And what is up with all the weird questions research librarians get? Really?
That was a rough one. I neither liked nor disliked it. I think my problem was, that this is advertised as a mystery/thriller. I don’t find it very mysterious not thrilling?! It was very slow burn. The characters were incredibly unlikable (I assume that was on purpose).
I am torn. On the other hand I had to read on to know what happened, but I think I feel disappointed by the outcome and the whole construction of this. I was invested until halfway an and then my attention span dropped and dropped and dropped really really low.
I think the writing was not up to par and Patricia figured out things way too easy?!
Extra special thanks to Jayme, for reading this with me. ❤️
Margo has a secret. She is not really Margo. She is not really a librarian. She is an imposter hiding in a small town in Illinois, working in a library. Everyone knows her as the cheery and joyful Margo who enjoys her small town life.
Margo has tan two years ago from Chicago. In her job as a nurse, she left quite some destruction! Or shall I rather say death?! But now she has changed. for good! ?
That is until Patricia arrived. Patricia graduated recently and is searching a job away from Chicago and her boyfriend Dan. She wanted to be a writer, but failed to be one, in her eyes. Patricia soon gets suspicious of Margos behaviour.
Will there be more death?
Will Margi’s real identify be revealed?
Will se get away with it?
And what is up with all the weird questions research librarians get? Really?
That was a rough one. I neither liked nor disliked it. I think my problem was, that this is advertised as a mystery/thriller. I don’t find it very mysterious not thrilling?! It was very slow burn. The characters were incredibly unlikable (I assume that was on purpose).
I am torn. On the other hand I had to read on to know what happened, but I think I feel disappointed by the outcome and the whole construction of this. I was invested until halfway an and then my attention span dropped and dropped and dropped really really low.
I think the writing was not up to par and Patricia figured out things way too easy?!
Extra special thanks to Jayme, for reading this with me. ❤️
September 18, 2023
I was not too impressed or disappointed by this psychological suspense novel. There were some holes in the plot that I couldn’t ignore which would be a give away if I pointed them out, so I’ll shut up here 😉
It’s a slow burn cat and mouse story between Patricia and Margo. One supposedly a writer the other a serial killer. You learn early on who is who. Not much to wonder about there.
There were practically no twists or any kind of a big reveal. We are in the head of both women who thinks the other has no idea about what’s going on. I think both women were not exactly the sharpest tool in the toolbox. Both made silly assumptions and mistakes that ended with a really silly ending. I didn’t feel satisfied with the ending at all. Also Patrica figured things out way too easy where as the policeman was in complete darkness. Whattt??? Come on!
It was an OK read. I hope you will enjoy it more than me 🍷
It’s a slow burn cat and mouse story between Patricia and Margo. One supposedly a writer the other a serial killer. You learn early on who is who. Not much to wonder about there.
There were practically no twists or any kind of a big reveal. We are in the head of both women who thinks the other has no idea about what’s going on. I think both women were not exactly the sharpest tool in the toolbox. Both made silly assumptions and mistakes that ended with a really silly ending. I didn’t feel satisfied with the ending at all. Also Patrica figured things out way too easy where as the policeman was in complete darkness. Whattt??? Come on!
It was an OK read. I hope you will enjoy it more than me 🍷
February 7, 2024
This was a really good one to listen to while I have been working today.
January 18, 2023
I wish this was a book I could recommend, because it takes place in my home—I’ve been a librarian for years, and everything library related in this book is one thousand percent accurate. I feel completely seen. I just wish the plot had been…anything but this.
Two unlikable leads in a library are playing a game of cat and mouse with eachother. One is a former angel of death nurse who is on the run and hides out from authorities by working in a library for a few years? Alright, sure, government jobs don’t do background checks or anything. But aside from that suspension of disbelief, the other lead is an author turned reference librarian, who gives up writing because she hasn’t been published yet…and treats writing like it’s something she has to banish from her life, like she’s a recuperating alcoholic and the LITERAL PEN AND PAPER are her drug of choice. No keyboard for this woman, she prefers longhand. 🫠
Anyway, they’re suspicious of each other, then the nurse discovers the works of Shirley Jackson and for SOME GOD AWFUL REASON we’re subjected to chapters of this character pouring over We Have Always Lived in the Castle. My least favorite thing in a book is when it name-drops other novels to manipulate the reader. It serves absolutely no purpose to the plot whatsoever; it’s probably only there because the author really likes Shirley Jackson and wants us to know what it was like to discover her. 🫠🫠🫠
And then a very obvious murder happens, and the book ends. For real. It could not be more anticlimactic than Patricia getting what she wants, and Margo dying from a letter opener…that the author sneaks in “was put on her desk by Margo herself” isn’t it ironic don’t you think? Isn’t this a brilliant literary callback?
I wish this book could have relied more heavily on the setting of the library, rather than on the absence of a hospital. This was a story about a killer nurse who happened to work in a library for a while, but all the action really happened away from the stacks.
I know I’m being extra nitpicky and negative—the author is certainly a talented writer, and librarian I’m sure! One of my own! I’m bummed to be this disappointed, because I’m sure this book will find its readers. To every book, a reader—I’m obviously not the one.
Two unlikable leads in a library are playing a game of cat and mouse with eachother. One is a former angel of death nurse who is on the run and hides out from authorities by working in a library for a few years? Alright, sure, government jobs don’t do background checks or anything. But aside from that suspension of disbelief, the other lead is an author turned reference librarian, who gives up writing because she hasn’t been published yet…and treats writing like it’s something she has to banish from her life, like she’s a recuperating alcoholic and the LITERAL PEN AND PAPER are her drug of choice. No keyboard for this woman, she prefers longhand. 🫠
Anyway, they’re suspicious of each other, then the nurse discovers the works of Shirley Jackson and for SOME GOD AWFUL REASON we’re subjected to chapters of this character pouring over We Have Always Lived in the Castle. My least favorite thing in a book is when it name-drops other novels to manipulate the reader. It serves absolutely no purpose to the plot whatsoever; it’s probably only there because the author really likes Shirley Jackson and wants us to know what it was like to discover her. 🫠🫠🫠
And then a very obvious murder happens, and the book ends. For real. It could not be more anticlimactic than Patricia getting what she wants, and Margo dying from a letter opener…that the author sneaks in “was put on her desk by Margo herself” isn’t it ironic don’t you think? Isn’t this a brilliant literary callback?
I wish this book could have relied more heavily on the setting of the library, rather than on the absence of a hospital. This was a story about a killer nurse who happened to work in a library for a while, but all the action really happened away from the stacks.
I know I’m being extra nitpicky and negative—the author is certainly a talented writer, and librarian I’m sure! One of my own! I’m bummed to be this disappointed, because I’m sure this book will find its readers. To every book, a reader—I’m obviously not the one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2023
If a librarian and a nurse were the same person and that person was a killer
July 28, 2024
A short but entertaining story about Margo and Patricia, both librarians with a big secret. We meet Margo first and soon it is clear that she’s not Margo at all, she’s someone else, and she’s seeking shelter in the old library building as much as having to have a job. Later, the library staff is joined by Patricia, who actually studied to be a librarian, but she doesn’t want to be one in real life.
As soon as they meet, they both feel there is a strange bond between them – how strange, we read in alternating chapters in which some of the story behind the two women is revealed. The end is almost inevitable although a bit disappointing because it feels somewhat rushed.
I liked the descriptions of the old building and the regular patrons, and I can imagine it being a very fulfilling workplace (well, I practically lived in our local library from the time my father took me there when I was about four years old, until I moved to another town – I never found a more interesting one).
I would have loved for this book a little longer, with more background information about Margo and Patricia, but all in all it was enjoyable.
Thanks to Verve Books and Netgalley for this review copy.
As soon as they meet, they both feel there is a strange bond between them – how strange, we read in alternating chapters in which some of the story behind the two women is revealed. The end is almost inevitable although a bit disappointing because it feels somewhat rushed.
I liked the descriptions of the old building and the regular patrons, and I can imagine it being a very fulfilling workplace (well, I practically lived in our local library from the time my father took me there when I was about four years old, until I moved to another town – I never found a more interesting one).
I would have loved for this book a little longer, with more background information about Margo and Patricia, but all in all it was enjoyable.
Thanks to Verve Books and Netgalley for this review copy.
September 5, 2023
A beguiling cat and mouse slow burn that asks: how far would you go to create the perfect story? Through two unreliable and unsettling narrators, How Can I Help You is an intriguing study in what makes a monster versus what makes a muse. It is a exploration of writing both as a craft and as an outlet, a confession and an ever evolving pursuit to capture inspiration, desire, vignettes of fantasy colliding with reality. It is a quietly disturbing look into twisted minds and vague intentions, and a fascinating descent into obsession and deception. A riveting character study against a relatable and beloved backdrop: the library; where imagination leads with varying results.
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