“Number One Fan” by Helen Aitchison

David loves books. They help him escape the reality of his not-always-sunny life. Like so many other people, he seeks refuge between the pages of imagined stories. What sets David apart from most readers is that he is also in love with someone who writes books. Since for him, fiction means so much more than for anyone, isn’t it logical that his heart has chosen a person who brings to life the stories that make his life brighter? That make it bearable.

David is in love with a local writer. Alas, Emily is totally unaware of being worshipped by one of her faithful fans. Luckily, David’s work allows him to be close to her. Still, for him, it isn’t enough. He wants them to have a life together. And David is ready to show his idol that he isn’t some spineless man who only wants to lure her into bed with pretty speeches and other tricks that arrogant bastards use. He will be a knight in shining armour, eager to protect his fair lady in any situation. Whenever they meet, David follows with an eagle eye every remark and every gesture that can be considered a threat to the queen of his heart. Moreover, he doesn’t simply detect the offenders; he acts upon the discovery of abuse. Everyone who upsets his Emily doesn’t deserve to live. These sorry excuses for human beings must die. And die they do, one by one, sending local police into a frenzy of trying to solve the seemingly unconnected crimes.

Polly McCardle loves her job. Even when she is so tired, she doesn’t have the strength to enjoy simple pleasures like an evening meal cooked lovingly for her. Even when, yet again, her division is left without the additional human and financial resources it sorely needs. Even when self-doubt torments her with the question, “Am I good enough for the job?” Despite all these drawbacks, Polly cannot imagine her life without doing what she loves best. Solving crimes and bringing offenders to justice.

Northumbria Police is buzzing with several serious crimes committed in the area over a short period. At first, since there isn’t an obvious pattern, no one connects them together. Yet, Polly McCardle feels that they are missing something, and she is the kind of person who will dig out the truth no matter the cost.

As it always happens with Helen Aitchison books, I was totally immersed in the lives of her characters. The routines of the police station came alive. I was there, sitting next to Polly’s subordinates in a cramped meeting room, listening to the policemen report on their findings. I was drinking just-enough-good-to-be-drinkable coffee with her and eating delicious pastry brought by her ex-colleague, but never ex-cop Ronnie Ericson. My heart leapt and thumped when Polly and her team were so close to solving the heinous crimes that shocked the whole local community, but the crucial details were still missing to save the victim who had a chance to be saved. And getting into the culprit’s head was an even more absorbing experience.

The author managed to show what led a grown-up man, who, considering all the obstacles set for him since childhood, did rather well with his life, to lose the ties with reality. The process of gradual but steady disillusionment that moved David towards the edge is skilfully and realistically depicted. Moreover, and I am not ashamed to admit it, I felt sorry for him and wished that someone or something would help him set his head right.

“Number One Fan” by Helen Aitchison, among its numerous merits, is a cautionary tale for all authors out there. Speaking in front of an adoring audience, look closer at the faces of your admirers. Among them might be your own ‘number one fan,’ who is ready to do anything to win your attention. Even to kill.