'The Good Samaritan' by John Marrs is a dark and twisted thriller that follows Laura Morris, a volunteer at a suicide hotline, who manipulates callers into taking their own lives. As the plot unfolds, Laura's actions catch the attention of Ryan Smith, a grieving husband seeking revenge. The story cleverly alternates between Laura's and Ryan's perspectives, keeping the reader guessing about the outcome. Marrs weaves a tale of psychological suspense, exploring the depths of depravity and the battle between two disturbed characters.

The writing style of 'The Good Samaritan' is described as enthralling, gripping, and shocking from start to finish. Marrs skillfully builds tension and suspense, drawing readers into a rollercoaster of a narrative that is both captivating and intense. The book delves into dark themes with a unique premise, offering unexpected twists and a compelling exploration of complex and morally ambiguous characters.

Characters:

The characters are intricately developed, portraying Laura as a sociopath and Ryan as a relatable figure who seeks to understand and confront her.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is dynamic and engaging, utilizing a first-person narrative and alternating perspectives to draw readers into the minds of the characters.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a suicide hotline worker who manipulates and encourages vulnerable callers to take their own lives, leading to a tension-filled confrontation with a grieving husband seeking revenge.

Setting:

The setting is mainly in Northamptonshire, centered on a suicide helpline where dark secrets and complex interactions unfold.

Pacing:

The pacing is quick and suspenseful, creating a sense of urgency that draws readers deeper into the narrative.

Inside End of the Line’s call room, I counted five heads, all sitting in their individual booths. Some propped themselves up on their elbows as they sat listening to callers through their headsets; ot...

Notes:

The main character, Laura, works at a suicide hotline called End of the Line.

Laura actively encourages her callers to end their lives rather than helping them.

She considers herself a manipulator and enjoys the power she has over her callers.

Laura leads a double life, pretending to be a perfect mom and wife while secretly pushing people to suicide.

The story features a cat-and-mouse game between Laura and a husband named Ryan, whose wife is one of her victims.

The book is told from alternating perspectives, primarily Laura's and Ryan's.

Laura is depicted as a true psychopath with a troubled past that influences her actions.

The narrative explores themes of depravity, manipulation, and the complexities of mental health.

The book is known for its numerous twists and turns, keeping readers on edge.

It challenges readers' perceptions of morality and the nature of good and evil.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains high content warnings for topics related to suicide, mental illness, and manipulation.

From The Publisher:

She's a friendly voice on the phone. But can you trust her?

The people who call End of the Line need hope. They need reassurance that life is worth living. But some are unlucky enough to get through to Laura. Laura doesn't want them to hope. She wants them to die.

Laura hasn't had it easy: she's survived sickness and a difficult marriage only to find herself heading for forty, unsettled and angry. She doesn't love talking to people worse off than she is. She craves it.

But now someone's on to her-Ryan, whose world falls apart when his pregnant wife ends her life, hand in hand with a stranger. Who was this man, and why did they choose to die together?

The sinister truth is within Ryan's grasp, but he has no idea of the desperate lengths Laura will go to...

Because the best thing about being a Good Samaritan is that you can get away with murder.

Ratings (24)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (10)
Liked It (6)
It Was OK (4)
Did Not Like (1)
Hated It (2)

Reader Stats (65):

Read It (23)
Want To Read (36)
Did Not Finish (2)
Not Interested (4)

1 comment(s)

grrrargh

Hated It

7 months

As the book went on, the plot and actions just became ridiculous. I couldn’t bear to finish it and skimmed the last of it.

What can you read after
The Good Samaritan?

See the list (100 books)

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Activity

Recommendations

My Stuff

Account

More

The Good Samaritan

John Marrs