‘How Can I Help You’ by Laura Sims

Published by Verve Books,
25 July 2024.
ISBN: 978-0-85730-875-7 (PB)

Margo, real name Jane, has been working at a little known library for two years. Unknown to all her colleagues, she used to be a nurse. She had worked at several different hospitals, but always had to leave after several suspicious deaths. Margo has settled into a quiet untroubled life at the library, the only irritation being a couple of awkward patrons who visit there regularly.

One day however, a new member of staff, Patricia starts working there. She also is trying to start a new life after writing several novels but failing to get them published. At first, she and Margo get on fine, but she notices Margo sometimes acting rather strangely, making Patricia feel distinctly uneasy. However, at the same time she finds her fascinating and they become quite friendly. The only fly in the ointment is that Patricia reminds Margo of the head nurse at the last hospital she worked at when she had to leave hurriedly after a certain very suspicious death.

Then one of the “awkward patrons” dies in the library toilets. The police put it down to natural causes, but is it? Margo was found by the body insisting she was trying to help her, but was she really?

Unknown to Margo then, Patricia discovers some of the ex-nurse’s past and is so intrigued that she takes up writing again, using “Jane” as her main character. But what if Margo finds out?!

Then there is another death – this certainly cannot be put down to natural causes – the body is found in a dumpster!

What a deliciously creepy and eccentric thriller. Highly entertaining and absurdly amusing, especially as it is essentially a murder story. I found myself laughing out loud at the wonderful characters.

I cannot recommend How Can I help You, enough
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Reviewer: Tricia Chappell

Laura Sims is the author of the critically acclaimed novel, Looker. An award-winning poet, Sims has published four poetry collections; her essays and poems have appeared in The New Republic, Boston Review, Conjunctions, Electric Lit, Gulf Coast, and more. She and her family live in New Jersey, where she works part-time as a reference librarian and hosts the library’s lecture series. 

Tricia Chappell. I have a great love of books and reading, especially crime and thrillers. I play the occasional game of golf (when I am not reading). My great love is cruising especially to far flung places, when there are long days at sea for plenty more reading! I am really enjoying reviewing books and have found lots of great new authors.