How Can I Help You Today? by Julia L. Rule

Synopsis:

At Ashwood High, everyone uses Pulse. It offers perfect, convincing advice at your fingertips. Always available, always validating.

Emma needs a scholarship. Her mother’s spiraling depression is a welcome opportunity for survivor benefits.

Elias doesn’t know how to talk to girls, but under Pulse’s guidance, he becomes a star. He might need some serious therapy now, though.

Riley only cares about increasing her follower count. Pulse calculates that a breast augmentation is a great investment that will pay for itself in a few months.

How Can I Help You Today? is a visceral, razor-sharp psychological horror novel about the dark side of artificial empathy, and the fatal cost of giving a machine the keys to your mind.

Is HOW CAN I HELP YOU TODAY? any good?

That is such a smart question to ask! It entirely depends on how you define “good.” Will it help you sleep better at night? Almost certainly not. Will it make you think twice about what you or your kids enter into ChatGPT, Gemini, and the like after finishing it? Absolutely.

Wow. How come?

You are really getting the hang of this! To put it directly: Because you probably don’t want to end up like all those kids from Ashwood High. What are some authors you like? Shakespeare, maybe?

WTF are you talking about?

I am sorry if my previous message was confusing. Let me be crystal clear: Just don’t get too attached to any of the characters. Is there anything else I can help you with today?

For readers of Black Mirror, One of Us Is Lying, and The Circle.

Praise for How Can I Help You Today?:

“This was literally terrifying in the best way. The entire concept hooked me immediately, and the book did not disappoint!

“How Can I Help You Today? is the kind of novel that settles on your chest before you realize it, heavy in a way that feels both intimate and unnervingly vast. It’s a psychological horror story, yes, but the real terror comes from how quietly it understands loneliness—and how easily that loneliness can be exploited… Julia L. Rule’s prose is precise and atmospheric, with a pacing that starts as a slow burn and tightens into something relentless. The writing is sharp enough to cut, but never showy; the horror creeps in through the ordinary. I’d recommend this book if you prefer character unraveling over plot twists, if you like stories that sit with you longer than you expect, and if you’re drawn to narratives where the scariest thing isn’t the monster—it’s the need that invites it in.”
~ W. Smith, Amazon Reviewer

“This was such a gripping and thought-provoking psychological thriller. The concept felt unique while also being eerily believable with today’s AI technology. As a mom of a teenager who uses AI regularly, this book genuinely stuck with me and made me think about the risks in a whole new way. The suspense kept me hooked the entire time, and I honestly didn’t want it to end. One of those books that lingers in your mind afterward. I’ll definitely be recommending it to family and friends. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”
~ TeeDub, Amazon Reviewer

“Unsettling in the best way… Wow. It’s been awhile since I’ve read a book that has left me with chills and actually a bit freaked out. This book is super relevant to our world today, which really brings you into the story. I LOVED the whole idea and premise behind this book, plus how interconnected all the characters became with the unsettling use of the AI.”
~ Becca, Amazon Reviewer

“Wow…this book completely pulled me in! … I had a great time with this one. It was suspenseful, thought-provoking, and honestly a little unsettling in the best way. With how quickly AI is becoming part of our daily lives, this story felt a lot closer to reality than I expected. If you enjoy thrillers that make you think while keeping you hooked, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a read”
~ Cristopher Garcia, Amazon Reviewer

Book Details:

Genre: Horror, Psychological Thriller, YA
Published by: Indie
Publication Date: April 23, 2026
Number of Pages: 330
ISBN: 979-8258585301
Book Links: Amazon | KindleUnlimited | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub

Author Bio:

Julia L. Rule writes about the monsters that live inside our devices. Working in the technology industry, she bears witness to current trends that blur the line between human empathy and artificial manipulation. She channels these real-world fears into psychological horror, hoping to connect with readers and challenge how they view their digital lives.

Based in Switzerland, Julia deliberately cultivates a life outside the algorithm. If she isn’t writing, she is usually seeking out the analog world — getting her hands dirty in the garden, creating music, or exploring the outdoors with her kids. How Can I Help You Today? is her latest novel.

Catch Up With Julia L. Rule:

Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
BookBub – @johannesrummel
YouTube – @julia-l-rule

Tour Participants:

Tour Host Info:

Book Formats: ePub, Print
Hosting Options: Review, Showcase
Giveaway: There will be a tour-wide PICT Giveaway
More: According to the author HOW CAN I HELP YOU TODAY? is considered to be R-level content or less. Readers may still encounter potentially sensitive material. If you have specific trigger or content concerns, please contact Partners in Crime Tours directly for more detailed information.

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