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The Good Samaritan
An ITW Thriller Award finalist.
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 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.
Revised This edition of The Good Samaritan includes editorial revisions.
The Good Samaritan returns with a fresh cover. This version incorporates an exclusive epilogue; while this enhances the reading experience, the main narrative is unchanged from earlier editions.
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 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.
Revised This edition of The Good Samaritan includes editorial revisions.
The Good Samaritan returns with a fresh cover. This version incorporates an exclusive epilogue; while this enhances the reading experience, the main narrative is unchanged from earlier editions.
Audible Audio
First published December 1, 2017
15505 people are currently reading
90532 people want to read
About the author
John Marrs
29 books27.1k followersJohn Marrs is an internationally bestselling author of psychological thrillers and speculative fiction. Before becoming a full‑time writer, he spent more than two decades as a freelance journalist interviewing celebrities for national publications.
He self‑published his early novels while commuting to work, building a passionate readership through social media that helped attract Amazon Publishing and Penguin Random House.
His breakout book, The One, became a No. 1 Netflix series, has sold over a million copies, and is published in 35 languages. His other bestselling titles include The Good Samaritan, What Lies Between Us, The Passengers, The Marriage Act, and The Stranger in Her House.
John continues to explore the darker sides of human nature across both genres. His next thriller, Dead In The Water, publishes in January 2026.
You can subscribe to his newsletter at JohnMarrsAuthor.com.
He self‑published his early novels while commuting to work, building a passionate readership through social media that helped attract Amazon Publishing and Penguin Random House.
His breakout book, The One, became a No. 1 Netflix series, has sold over a million copies, and is published in 35 languages. His other bestselling titles include The Good Samaritan, What Lies Between Us, The Passengers, The Marriage Act, and The Stranger in Her House.
John continues to explore the darker sides of human nature across both genres. His next thriller, Dead In The Water, publishes in January 2026.
You can subscribe to his newsletter at JohnMarrsAuthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 7,688 reviews
November 6, 2017
Oohh what a dark and oftentimes uncomfortable read this one was, but I really do love to be pushed to my limits while reading and I always appreciate reading about a new, fresh subject and The Good Samaritan most definitely provides all of the above. It’s also disturbing, dark and filled with characters that you will alternate between hating and even sympathizing with, but they are all highly complex and incredibly well drawn making for a truly enthralling read.
This is told via dual narratives, that of Laura a volunteer at a suicide hotline and Ryan, the husband of a woman who killed herself and who has his suspicions about Laura. The first half of the book is really laying the groundwork for what’s to come and while I was engaged, I wasn’t as drawn in as I ended up being later on. Then the second half begins and that’s when I was well and truly gripped, by this point I wasn’t putting my Kindle down for any reason as I just had to know how this dangerous game Laura was playing would end.
I don’t want to discuss the plot because this went in several directions that I wasn’t expecting and I don’t want to lead any future readers down a path too early, it’s best if you experience it all on your own. I do want to mention again that parts made me uneasy as reading about someone who actively encouraged others to kill themselves is not easy reading but it didn’t upset me to the point where I had to stop reading or anything, in fact it was quite the opposite and I was totally caught up in the twisty plot and finding out more about the deranged Laura and what motivated her. She simultaneously fascinated me and sickened me, I honestly couldn’t get enough of her! Fans of original stories about manipulation, obsession, lies and delusions will love this one!
This is told via dual narratives, that of Laura a volunteer at a suicide hotline and Ryan, the husband of a woman who killed herself and who has his suspicions about Laura. The first half of the book is really laying the groundwork for what’s to come and while I was engaged, I wasn’t as drawn in as I ended up being later on. Then the second half begins and that’s when I was well and truly gripped, by this point I wasn’t putting my Kindle down for any reason as I just had to know how this dangerous game Laura was playing would end.
I don’t want to discuss the plot because this went in several directions that I wasn’t expecting and I don’t want to lead any future readers down a path too early, it’s best if you experience it all on your own. I do want to mention again that parts made me uneasy as reading about someone who actively encouraged others to kill themselves is not easy reading but it didn’t upset me to the point where I had to stop reading or anything, in fact it was quite the opposite and I was totally caught up in the twisty plot and finding out more about the deranged Laura and what motivated her. She simultaneously fascinated me and sickened me, I honestly couldn’t get enough of her! Fans of original stories about manipulation, obsession, lies and delusions will love this one!
July 4, 2020
It's nice to know that when you or a loved one have reached the end of your rope, there is someone you can call to talk you through those feelings and help you know that there is still life worth living. That's where End of the Line comes in, a suicide prevention hotline that has had the misfortune to hire Laura. Needing talk to people who feel worse off than her, Laura is there to walk them the path least expected when a person calls a suicide prevention hotline. She's done it before and she plans to keep on doing it until a devastated husband catches on to what she is doing. His pregnant wife called that hotline and now she and their unborn baby are dead.
John Marrs knows how to rack up the tension and it is psychotic evil that you will find in this book. This was my first John Marrs read and hasn't been the last. A Kindle Unlimited choice.
John Marrs knows how to rack up the tension and it is psychotic evil that you will find in this book. This was my first John Marrs read and hasn't been the last. A Kindle Unlimited choice.
June 27, 2025
**This has been re-released with a new epilogue. Original narrative has not been changed.
Contemplating ending your life? Call "The End of the Line" hotline. They are there to listen, to be supportive, to be understanding, to be nonjudgmental. They have sympathetic volunteers whose jobs are not to talk you out of suicide, but to listen, to let you know you have options. But what happens when the kind, sympathetic, caring person on the other end has ulterior motives?
Laura loves the work she does at "The end of the line". This is where she shines. She is made for this. Oh, how she loves what she does! She doesn't feel fulfilled at home but at work she has found her purpose, her calling if you will.
Ryan is devastated. His pregnant wife has committed suicide with a stranger. Who was this man? Did his wife know him? Was she having an affair? He will do anything to get the answers he so desperately wants. He wants to know the truth but at what cost?
We get both Laura and Ryan's narratives in this book. Both have their own agendas, and both are little devious. This book had a couple of twists and turns along the way which kept things interesting. This is a dark book which deals with heavy subject matter. Suicide is not an easy subject and may be a trigger for some. What I enjoyed the most was one revelation which lets the reader know that not everything is as it seems. This provided for a nice "aha" moment for me.
I enjoyed this dark twisted book from the beginning but felt it really picked up steam around the halfway mark when one character realized the truth. From there is just got better. This is seriously one messed up book! Again, this book will not be for everyone. Those readers who enjoy twisted dark books with twist and turns, this book may be for you!
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer/Amazon Publishing (UK) and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
Contemplating ending your life? Call "The End of the Line" hotline. They are there to listen, to be supportive, to be understanding, to be nonjudgmental. They have sympathetic volunteers whose jobs are not to talk you out of suicide, but to listen, to let you know you have options. But what happens when the kind, sympathetic, caring person on the other end has ulterior motives?
Laura loves the work she does at "The end of the line". This is where she shines. She is made for this. Oh, how she loves what she does! She doesn't feel fulfilled at home but at work she has found her purpose, her calling if you will.
Ryan is devastated. His pregnant wife has committed suicide with a stranger. Who was this man? Did his wife know him? Was she having an affair? He will do anything to get the answers he so desperately wants. He wants to know the truth but at what cost?
We get both Laura and Ryan's narratives in this book. Both have their own agendas, and both are little devious. This book had a couple of twists and turns along the way which kept things interesting. This is a dark book which deals with heavy subject matter. Suicide is not an easy subject and may be a trigger for some. What I enjoyed the most was one revelation which lets the reader know that not everything is as it seems. This provided for a nice "aha" moment for me.
I enjoyed this dark twisted book from the beginning but felt it really picked up steam around the halfway mark when one character realized the truth. From there is just got better. This is seriously one messed up book! Again, this book will not be for everyone. Those readers who enjoy twisted dark books with twist and turns, this book may be for you!
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer/Amazon Publishing (UK) and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
April 17, 2018
My reviews can also be seen at:
https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpress.com/
This is my first read from John Marrs. After reading the description, I realized that this was probably going to be an intense read. Oh and I was right, it was definitely intense. It was also very dark and disturbing….and extremely hard to put down.
"Good afternoon, you've reached the End of the Line, this is Laura speaking. May I ask your name?"
She has a friendly voice and it sounds like she really cares. You can trust her… right?
But Laura has her own agenda.
Laura Morris has been volunteering at the End of the Line helpline for more than four years. Every time the phone rings she wonders who might be on the other end.
"The expectation, the thrill of picking up that telephone and never knowing what direction the conversation might take: the next call is everything."
Around her colleagues, Laura is helpful, polite, and even maternal. She makes herself indispensable. She’s a devoted mother of three who bakes lovely treats for everyone. She’s raised the most money for the helpline. Nobody would consider her a threat. But little do they know…
"Because when you're not considered to be a threat, you can get away with much, much more."
Laura doesn’t think she’s doing anything wrong. She's just helping people, just like she’s supposed to do.
"For the more vulnerable out there, once the darkness falls, so do their barriers. Night-time is their enemy because with fewer visible distractions there's more opportunity to dwell on how hopeless their lives have become. It's when they reach out for somebody's hand"
Then she gets a caller who requests something she never expected. At first, she’s annoyed at what she’s been asked…but also excited. She’s anxious and can’t get the request out of her head.
Will she accept the offer?
Wow! This was a diabolical read. I was only a couple pages in and realized how dark this was. This may not be for everyone and could be quite triggering for some readers. This seems like a book that many will either love or hate…. I’ve landed somewhere in the middle.
I was definitely intrigued by this disturbing and creepy read. Suspending disbelief was necessary, but I found it really hard putting this novel down. I was confused about a few things and wasn’t always sure what was going on but I was definitely gripped.
A story filled with twists and turns that kept me guessing from beginning to the very end.
I’m curious to see what John Marrs will come up with next!
This is my first read from John Marrs. After reading the description, I realized that this was probably going to be an intense read. Oh and I was right, it was definitely intense. It was also very dark and disturbing….and extremely hard to put down.
"Good afternoon, you've reached the End of the Line, this is Laura speaking. May I ask your name?"
She has a friendly voice and it sounds like she really cares. You can trust her… right?
But Laura has her own agenda.
Laura Morris has been volunteering at the End of the Line helpline for more than four years. Every time the phone rings she wonders who might be on the other end.
"The expectation, the thrill of picking up that telephone and never knowing what direction the conversation might take: the next call is everything."
Around her colleagues, Laura is helpful, polite, and even maternal. She makes herself indispensable. She’s a devoted mother of three who bakes lovely treats for everyone. She’s raised the most money for the helpline. Nobody would consider her a threat. But little do they know…
"Because when you're not considered to be a threat, you can get away with much, much more."
Laura doesn’t think she’s doing anything wrong. She's just helping people, just like she’s supposed to do.
"For the more vulnerable out there, once the darkness falls, so do their barriers. Night-time is their enemy because with fewer visible distractions there's more opportunity to dwell on how hopeless their lives have become. It's when they reach out for somebody's hand"
Then she gets a caller who requests something she never expected. At first, she’s annoyed at what she’s been asked…but also excited. She’s anxious and can’t get the request out of her head.
Will she accept the offer?
Wow! This was a diabolical read. I was only a couple pages in and realized how dark this was. This may not be for everyone and could be quite triggering for some readers. This seems like a book that many will either love or hate…. I’ve landed somewhere in the middle.
I was definitely intrigued by this disturbing and creepy read. Suspending disbelief was necessary, but I found it really hard putting this novel down. I was confused about a few things and wasn’t always sure what was going on but I was definitely gripped.
A story filled with twists and turns that kept me guessing from beginning to the very end.
I’m curious to see what John Marrs will come up with next!
December 19, 2017
Laura is a mom, she is a wife, she has a 'picture perfect' life...she also works at End of the Line. End of the Line is a phone center for people that have reached the end of hope. They have no good days (that they can see).
You would think this would make Laura a good woman wouldn't you?
You would be wrong. Because Laura is a batshit crazy woman.
She uses her job at End of the Line to find her special people, the ones that have no will to go on. Then she talks them into killing themselves with her on the phone. She wants their last moments to be with her.
I'm getting mad just recapping this character. She is the character that you don't even love to hate. YOU JUST LOATHE HER. I need a shower after reading her character.
Then Laura "helps" a pregnant woman to end her life. The woman's husband is devastated and begins to try and find a reason that his wife choose to die. And he ends up finding Laura.
Has Laura finally met someone who is going to give her what she truly deserves?
This dang book gave me extra gray hair.
Now I almost gave it a lower rating because there were some things that bugged me. But after sleeping on it last night and having a freaking nightmare I got scared of damn Laura and gave her four stars.
The things that bugged me actually made me mad. To me a book that either makes you happy or angry as heck means something. It may mean that I'm off my rocker but then we knew that anyways.
Now for the buggy stuff. I'm going to put it under a spoiler tag so don't go and click it and then whine because I spoiled. Yes, people do that.
So would I recommend? Yes, if you are the type of reader than can deal with a book of hateful, evil characters that have no redemption. Just get your shower ready when you finish it.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
You would think this would make Laura a good woman wouldn't you?
You would be wrong. Because Laura is a batshit crazy woman.
She uses her job at End of the Line to find her special people, the ones that have no will to go on. Then she talks them into killing themselves with her on the phone. She wants their last moments to be with her.
I'm getting mad just recapping this character. She is the character that you don't even love to hate. YOU JUST LOATHE HER. I need a shower after reading her character.
Then Laura "helps" a pregnant woman to end her life. The woman's husband is devastated and begins to try and find a reason that his wife choose to die. And he ends up finding Laura.
Has Laura finally met someone who is going to give her what she truly deserves?
This dang book gave me extra gray hair.
Now I almost gave it a lower rating because there were some things that bugged me. But after sleeping on it last night and having a freaking nightmare I got scared of damn Laura and gave her four stars.
The things that bugged me actually made me mad. To me a book that either makes you happy or angry as heck means something. It may mean that I'm off my rocker but then we knew that anyways.
Now for the buggy stuff. I'm going to put it under a spoiler tag so don't go and click it and then whine because I spoiled. Yes, people do that.
So would I recommend? Yes, if you are the type of reader than can deal with a book of hateful, evil characters that have no redemption. Just get your shower ready when you finish it.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
March 28, 2018
this book was beyond infuriating - im still angry just thinking about it. i had thought about putting this down multiple times but, for some reason, i just had to know what happened. silly me. there was a slight twist that i appreciated, but goodness me, i could not stand the main character.
2.5 stars
2.5 stars
July 2, 2020
⬇ if this here is reality, then this here is me ➡ 🤫 choosing to ignore it!
This book reinforced my admiration for Marrs' creativity. His work is always unique and, as long as I go in reminding myself that the story won't have a lot of realism - more of a soap opera on steroids 💪 - I always love it!
Laura is a 𝙛𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘 villain. She's so evil and deranged and complicated. Her character is so well written. The game of cat and mouse between her and Ryan is both awesome and hard to handle!
The plot (after the first 50 pages, which needlessly droned on 💤) is fast paced, dark and made me feel happily uncomfortable. The twists are relentless! and the ending has left me to believe a sequel is possible 🤞
This book reinforced my admiration for Marrs' creativity. His work is always unique and, as long as I go in reminding myself that the story won't have a lot of realism - more of a soap opera on steroids 💪 - I always love it!
Laura is a 𝙛𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘 villain. She's so evil and deranged and complicated. Her character is so well written. The game of cat and mouse between her and Ryan is both awesome and hard to handle!
The plot (after the first 50 pages, which needlessly droned on 💤) is fast paced, dark and made me feel happily uncomfortable. The twists are relentless! and the ending has left me to believe a sequel is possible 🤞
December 12, 2017
HOT DAMN!!!
What a deliciously devious little novel this is. John Marrs has created a wicked villain in Laura. She is absolutely awful but you will love to hate her. I was completely gripped from beginning to end.
Laura works at the End of the Line call center where you're a friendly voice and comforting shoulder to potential suicide victims. Unbeknownst to all around her but this is where she gets her kicks by convincing people that they are not worthy of life and essentially assisting them in their suicide. She has one caller, David, in which she has become a little too attached. He doesn't want to die alone. He wants someone to do it with him and because Laura isn't going to do it she'll need to find someone else. Along comes Charlotte a pregnant woman with pre-natal depression and she fits the part perfectly for Laura and here she instigates a plan for the dual suicide and succeeds. What she doesn't count on is Charlotte's husband , Ryan. In his grief and desperation to figure out why his pregnant wife would kill herself with another man he begins to put the pieces of the puzzle together and it leads him right to Laura. I'm going to leave it at that because this is when the roller coaster ride begins and it was FUN!!!
My first John Marrs book but certainly not my last. I enjoyed this immensely. 5 Fantastic stars!
.Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
What a deliciously devious little novel this is. John Marrs has created a wicked villain in Laura. She is absolutely awful but you will love to hate her. I was completely gripped from beginning to end.
Laura works at the End of the Line call center where you're a friendly voice and comforting shoulder to potential suicide victims. Unbeknownst to all around her but this is where she gets her kicks by convincing people that they are not worthy of life and essentially assisting them in their suicide. She has one caller, David, in which she has become a little too attached. He doesn't want to die alone. He wants someone to do it with him and because Laura isn't going to do it she'll need to find someone else. Along comes Charlotte a pregnant woman with pre-natal depression and she fits the part perfectly for Laura and here she instigates a plan for the dual suicide and succeeds. What she doesn't count on is Charlotte's husband , Ryan. In his grief and desperation to figure out why his pregnant wife would kill herself with another man he begins to put the pieces of the puzzle together and it leads him right to Laura. I'm going to leave it at that because this is when the roller coaster ride begins and it was FUN!!!
My first John Marrs book but certainly not my last. I enjoyed this immensely. 5 Fantastic stars!
.Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 12, 2020
Wow! This book gives new meaning to the words "Assisted Suicide"!!
"End of the Line" has a mandate that is clear and simple. It is a phone number that you can call if you are troubled, and it believes that everyone has the right to live or die on his or her own terms.If a caller has decided to end his or her own life, the volunteer on the other end of the call won't try to talk you out of it. The volunteers are there to listen, not to act.
Unless you get Laura..."she has her own agenda".
"Good Afternoon, you've reached the End Of The Line, this is Laura speaking, May I ask your name?"
So, starts a dark, chilling psychological thriller with plenty of twists and turns.
This was the first novel by John Marrs that I read and although I have LOVED them all, this remains my very favorite! ❤️
"End of the Line" has a mandate that is clear and simple. It is a phone number that you can call if you are troubled, and it believes that everyone has the right to live or die on his or her own terms.If a caller has decided to end his or her own life, the volunteer on the other end of the call won't try to talk you out of it. The volunteers are there to listen, not to act.
Unless you get Laura..."she has her own agenda".
"Good Afternoon, you've reached the End Of The Line, this is Laura speaking, May I ask your name?"
So, starts a dark, chilling psychological thriller with plenty of twists and turns.
This was the first novel by John Marrs that I read and although I have LOVED them all, this remains my very favorite! ❤️
December 13, 2017
5+++ Wonderful Stars
Wow, such an amazing story! I loved LOVED it! It was my second read by this author but as my previous read by him wasn’t that good, this one compensated it! This book took me out of my comfort zone (pushed me so hard) and let me tell you this one was an uncomfortable read but I’m glad I read it, it was definitely worth it! It was a really good psychological thriller, a page turner one, I couldn’t put it down and I was on the edge of my seat all the time! Well done Mr. Marrs!
Laura works for The End of the Line. The End of the Line’s purpose is to be some one a caller can unload their problems onto and help them to get through it but at the end it’s the callers’ decision to do the right/wrong thing!!
"It believes that everyone has the right to live or die on his or her own terms … We believe it’s absolutely their decision to end their lives and we won’t try to talk them out of it … We listen, we don’t act."
But Laura has her own agenda. She manipulated them and used it in her own favor. She is so smart and so cruel. Everything is fine with her (or it’s better to say she thinks that way) until Steven called her and said he doesn’t want to be alive anymore. And it’s not just this, the story turned in other unexpected ways. First you think you know her well enough, but then everything chaned and you realized that you know nothing about her! The author did a good job to bring so much hatred in me!
"Reading people’s misery and answering questions often helped to relax me."
The writing was amazing, the characters were so perfect and the story line was well-written. my only complaint was the ending. I just wanted to see Told in dual POV (except the epilogue), 1st person. All in all, I loved it so much and I hope you enjoy it just like me!
Thanks to John Marrs, Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the advanced digital copy in exchange an honest review.
Wow, such an amazing story! I loved LOVED it! It was my second read by this author but as my previous read by him wasn’t that good, this one compensated it! This book took me out of my comfort zone (pushed me so hard) and let me tell you this one was an uncomfortable read but I’m glad I read it, it was definitely worth it! It was a really good psychological thriller, a page turner one, I couldn’t put it down and I was on the edge of my seat all the time! Well done Mr. Marrs!
Laura works for The End of the Line. The End of the Line’s purpose is to be some one a caller can unload their problems onto and help them to get through it but at the end it’s the callers’ decision to do the right/wrong thing!!
"It believes that everyone has the right to live or die on his or her own terms … We believe it’s absolutely their decision to end their lives and we won’t try to talk them out of it … We listen, we don’t act."
But Laura has her own agenda. She manipulated them and used it in her own favor. She is so smart and so cruel. Everything is fine with her (or it’s better to say she thinks that way) until Steven called her and said he doesn’t want to be alive anymore. And it’s not just this, the story turned in other unexpected ways. First you think you know her well enough, but then everything chaned and you realized that you know nothing about her! The author did a good job to bring so much hatred in me!
"Reading people’s misery and answering questions often helped to relax me."
The writing was amazing, the characters were so perfect and the story line was well-written. my only complaint was the ending. I just wanted to see Told in dual POV (except the epilogue), 1st person. All in all, I loved it so much and I hope you enjoy it just like me!
Thanks to John Marrs, Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the advanced digital copy in exchange an honest review.
May 18, 2018
EXCERPT: I listened with blissful satisfaction right until her final breath. That's the one sound that matters to me above all others. . . that one precious moment when someone breathes their last, then slips away. People in pain, like Chantelle, place themselves in my hands because I understand them better than anyone else in the world. I know more about what they need than their brothers, sisters, parents, spouses, best friends or children. I understand them because I know what's best for them. If they place their trust in me, I'll reward them by going to the ends of the earth to help them. I'll alleviate their suffering. I'll bring all that is bad in their lives to an end. I will save them from themselves. That is what I am: a saviour of lost souls.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: 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.
MY THOUGHTS: The Good Samaritan by John Marrs should have been a chilling read, sinister, but it was all a bit flat. The premise oozes potential, the plot is brilliant, something that hasn't been done before, but it just never quite all came together for me. I never became invested in the characters. It took me until I was halfway through the book before I had an OMG! moment and my interest sparked. But it was fleeting.
I have been trying to determine just why this book was almost a failure for me. I had gotten to the point where I was skimming and starting to wonder if I might abandon this read when I got to that first OMG! moment. Then there were a few of these moments in quick succession. Yes! I thought. It's a slow burner that has finally taken off. I was excited. Briefly. By the time I was 70% through, my spark was extinguished.
As I said, the premise oozes potential and the plot is great. It was the execution that lacked that 'certain something' for me. It's not a bad book. It's okay. But nothing more. Which is a pity. 2.5 stars
Thank you to Thomas and Mercer via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of The Good Samaritan by John Marrs for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT THIS BOOK: 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.
MY THOUGHTS: The Good Samaritan by John Marrs should have been a chilling read, sinister, but it was all a bit flat. The premise oozes potential, the plot is brilliant, something that hasn't been done before, but it just never quite all came together for me. I never became invested in the characters. It took me until I was halfway through the book before I had an OMG! moment and my interest sparked. But it was fleeting.
I have been trying to determine just why this book was almost a failure for me. I had gotten to the point where I was skimming and starting to wonder if I might abandon this read when I got to that first OMG! moment. Then there were a few of these moments in quick succession. Yes! I thought. It's a slow burner that has finally taken off. I was excited. Briefly. By the time I was 70% through, my spark was extinguished.
As I said, the premise oozes potential and the plot is great. It was the execution that lacked that 'certain something' for me. It's not a bad book. It's okay. But nothing more. Which is a pity. 2.5 stars
Thank you to Thomas and Mercer via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of The Good Samaritan by John Marrs for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
December 13, 2017
There is a suicide hotline called End of the Line, and you'll know when you've reached it. The volunteers who man the lines are there to listen. One of the volunteers is Laura, wife, mother of three, non-threatening, helpful, and always in control. She cares. You have no idea how much.
A riveting game of cat and mouse, who is the victim and who is the prey? Changeable, or one and the same? Great psychological suspense that hit all the right notes for me.
A riveting game of cat and mouse, who is the victim and who is the prey? Changeable, or one and the same? Great psychological suspense that hit all the right notes for me.
March 27, 2022
Trigger warning: suicide
Writing: 5/5 | Plot: 5/5 | Ending: 4/5
THE PLOT
Laura is 40-yr-old woman who has overcome sickness and marriage troubles all while volunteering her free time to talking people off the ledge. Except she's not really dedicated to talking them off the ledge more then she is talking people to JUMP off of it and plummet to their untimely deaths. She's been doing it for year, seemingly for fun, until one of her victim's bfs, Ryan, figures it all out. Told in three parts: Laura's POV and Ryan's, and then the third which jumps between the two characters, it's the ultimate tete-a-tete.
MY OPINNI
JOHN MARRS YOU SICK MF!!!! I hate that I LOVED this so much, I've recommended it to anyone who will listen.
I adored "The One" (I'll never forgive what Netflix did to it), and I was excited to read another book by John Marrs. Just like "The One," the plot is so original... It's truly SICK. You have to wonder about John Marrs' mental health to come up with this LOL. It's the most sinister novel I've read.
I truly HATED Laura. The way John wrote her character was incredible; she's deeply unlikeable. The ultimate Karen. I was definitely Team Ryan; you really had to feel for the guy. He was just a man in love who got tangled up in Laura's sick shit. The pig fetus thing in his home... disgusting. She's beyond deranged. Kudos John, for creating a character that no one could possibly like.
My only "complaint" is there were one too many surprise twists at the end. Weird complaint, I know. But it just went a little too far at the end. It felt like an ankle-breaking crossover. Anyways... If you haven't read it, or you're looking for a change of pace, or you're so conditioned nothing shocks you anymore, READ THIS!!!!
PROS AND CONS
Pros: Sinister and sick af. Great character development. Some of the reveals were :o
Cons: Too many twists crammed in at the very end.
Writing: 5/5 | Plot: 5/5 | Ending: 4/5
THE PLOT
Laura is 40-yr-old woman who has overcome sickness and marriage troubles all while volunteering her free time to talking people off the ledge. Except she's not really dedicated to talking them off the ledge more then she is talking people to JUMP off of it and plummet to their untimely deaths. She's been doing it for year, seemingly for fun, until one of her victim's bfs, Ryan, figures it all out. Told in three parts: Laura's POV and Ryan's, and then the third which jumps between the two characters, it's the ultimate tete-a-tete.
MY OPINNI
JOHN MARRS YOU SICK MF!!!! I hate that I LOVED this so much, I've recommended it to anyone who will listen.
I adored "The One" (I'll never forgive what Netflix did to it), and I was excited to read another book by John Marrs. Just like "The One," the plot is so original... It's truly SICK. You have to wonder about John Marrs' mental health to come up with this LOL. It's the most sinister novel I've read.
I truly HATED Laura. The way John wrote her character was incredible; she's deeply unlikeable. The ultimate Karen. I was definitely Team Ryan; you really had to feel for the guy. He was just a man in love who got tangled up in Laura's sick shit. The pig fetus thing in his home... disgusting. She's beyond deranged. Kudos John, for creating a character that no one could possibly like.
My only "complaint" is there were one too many surprise twists at the end. Weird complaint, I know. But it just went a little too far at the end. It felt like an ankle-breaking crossover. Anyways... If you haven't read it, or you're looking for a change of pace, or you're so conditioned nothing shocks you anymore, READ THIS!!!!
PROS AND CONS
Pros: Sinister and sick af. Great character development. Some of the reveals were :o
Cons: Too many twists crammed in at the very end.
February 22, 2022
Laura is the safe, friendly voice on the other end of the line when you're thinking of ending your life. Her coworkers love her. Her three kids and husband are perfect. Life is bliss. Or those are things that Laura believes. Truth is, Laura doesn't wish to save anyone. She wants them to die, hopefully with her on the phone. Ryan's pregnant wife is one of those people that Laura helps usher to the other side. He is mad and wants revenge. It turns into a mouse and cat game with no winners. Just death and the truth about Laura's existence.
What did I just read? I am dumbstruck with the character Laura. The audacity she had and how deluded she is. Mars, wrote the heck out of one psychotic woman, that is for sure. Recommend. You might need therapy afterwards.
What did I just read? I am dumbstruck with the character Laura. The audacity she had and how deluded she is. Mars, wrote the heck out of one psychotic woman, that is for sure. Recommend. You might need therapy afterwards.
December 19, 2017
I think this is one of the few times where an author has left me speechless. In all honesty, I really do not know how I feel about this book. I even slept on it hoping that my feelings would become clearer.
The reason for my dilemma? I loved the book but at the same time I hated it. Why? Laura! I hated everything about her and the further into the story I got the more wound up and angry I got. She preys on people at their weakest time. Having suffered with depression myself, I could easily relate to people that were calling End Of Line. To be enveloped in that darkness is such a horrible place to be and the fact that Laura got pleasure out of this just infuriated me.
The story flicks between Laura and Ryan. I have to say getting into Laura and Ryan’s heads was not a very nice place to be. Laura is a seriously sick and twisted individual and thinks of no one other that her self. God help anyone who gets in her way in what she wants from life. Ryan, to a certain extent I could relate to. To lose a loved one to suicide is just horrendous. The stages of grief he goes through, I felt myself going through also. I do have to say that some of Ryan’s actions I didn’t agree with but I could understand the why’s.
The Good Samaritan is a novel that will stand out in my mind for a very long time to come. It is dark, twisted and had me going through so many emotions. It certainly left me craving for something warm and fuzzy as it did leave me some what melancholy. One of the most unique and stand out story lines I have ever read! A story that you will love to hate.
My thanks to the author and Tracy Fenton for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
The reason for my dilemma? I loved the book but at the same time I hated it. Why? Laura! I hated everything about her and the further into the story I got the more wound up and angry I got. She preys on people at their weakest time. Having suffered with depression myself, I could easily relate to people that were calling End Of Line. To be enveloped in that darkness is such a horrible place to be and the fact that Laura got pleasure out of this just infuriated me.
The story flicks between Laura and Ryan. I have to say getting into Laura and Ryan’s heads was not a very nice place to be. Laura is a seriously sick and twisted individual and thinks of no one other that her self. God help anyone who gets in her way in what she wants from life. Ryan, to a certain extent I could relate to. To lose a loved one to suicide is just horrendous. The stages of grief he goes through, I felt myself going through also. I do have to say that some of Ryan’s actions I didn’t agree with but I could understand the why’s.
The Good Samaritan is a novel that will stand out in my mind for a very long time to come. It is dark, twisted and had me going through so many emotions. It certainly left me craving for something warm and fuzzy as it did leave me some what melancholy. One of the most unique and stand out story lines I have ever read! A story that you will love to hate.
My thanks to the author and Tracy Fenton for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
December 10, 2017
A great, unpredictable thriller
I have read literally hundreds of books from the suspense/ thriller genre and most of them come up short on both writing ability and plot twists. I wasn’t expecting much from a free kindle first book but it was free so what the heck. Boy was I wrong. “The Good Samaritan” had some of the most richly drawn characters I have read in a while. Psychotic sociopath doesn’t begin to describe the main character but predicting her next move was impossible for me and then the twisted ending didn’t disappoint either. I was so impressed I will be buying John Mars two earlier works and hope he delivers half as many twists and turns in those novels. A solid A from me
I have read literally hundreds of books from the suspense/ thriller genre and most of them come up short on both writing ability and plot twists. I wasn’t expecting much from a free kindle first book but it was free so what the heck. Boy was I wrong. “The Good Samaritan” had some of the most richly drawn characters I have read in a while. Psychotic sociopath doesn’t begin to describe the main character but predicting her next move was impossible for me and then the twisted ending didn’t disappoint either. I was so impressed I will be buying John Mars two earlier works and hope he delivers half as many twists and turns in those novels. A solid A from me
August 23, 2019
A dark, crazy, story with many plot twists!
OMFG I'm exhausted after having read this! That was one crazy ride! Most of the characters were unlikeable, but Laura...there's a special place in hell for her!! I don't think I have ever hated a character as much as I hated her...and yet I kept devouring the book?! I was gripped, and just had to know what happened! I think that shows the strength of the writing, that I thoroughly detested her, but just couldn't put the book down. Laura is totally on the 'I'm scared shitless of you and NEVER want to meet you list,' and will probably haunt my dreams tonight...
I'm not going to go into the plot because I don't want to ruin anyone's wtf moments. BUT it was very entertaining that was for sure! It was so dark...really quite disturbing actually. Very uncomfortable reading-it definitely won't be everyone's cup of tea! Suicide is not easy to read about, so be wary of that.
I haven't rated this quite as highly as John Marrs' other books, purely because the last few chapters were a bit too crazy for me? It was very unbelievable, and you just kind of have to go with it. There were definitely some huge coincidences thrown in there too! I liked the actual ending, but the few chapters before it were a bit too much for me.
I cant give it lower than 4 stars though because I was just enthralled (in a sick way) the whole time. It was so twisted, and even though I thought I knew where the plot was going, I did not. It was insane!!!
So if you like an unreliable, deranged characters, creepy, twisty plotlines that have you by the throat, maybe give this one a try?
I will definitely be thinking about this one for a while....
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Can John Marrs make it 3/3 great reads this year?! No pressure John! 😂
OMFG I'm exhausted after having read this! That was one crazy ride! Most of the characters were unlikeable, but Laura...there's a special place in hell for her!! I don't think I have ever hated a character as much as I hated her...and yet I kept devouring the book?! I was gripped, and just had to know what happened! I think that shows the strength of the writing, that I thoroughly detested her, but just couldn't put the book down. Laura is totally on the 'I'm scared shitless of you and NEVER want to meet you list,' and will probably haunt my dreams tonight...
I'm not going to go into the plot because I don't want to ruin anyone's wtf moments. BUT it was very entertaining that was for sure! It was so dark...really quite disturbing actually. Very uncomfortable reading-it definitely won't be everyone's cup of tea! Suicide is not easy to read about, so be wary of that.
I haven't rated this quite as highly as John Marrs' other books, purely because the last few chapters were a bit too crazy for me? It was very unbelievable, and you just kind of have to go with it. There were definitely some huge coincidences thrown in there too! I liked the actual ending, but the few chapters before it were a bit too much for me.
I cant give it lower than 4 stars though because I was just enthralled (in a sick way) the whole time. It was so twisted, and even though I thought I knew where the plot was going, I did not. It was insane!!!
So if you like an unreliable, deranged characters, creepy, twisty plotlines that have you by the throat, maybe give this one a try?
I will definitely be thinking about this one for a while....
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Can John Marrs make it 3/3 great reads this year?! No pressure John! 😂
November 21, 2017
This is unquestionably one of the best books I have read this year ... and I am now the newest fan of John Marrs.
Laura volunteers her time at the End Of The Line suicide line. She's there to listen, not to try to talk people out of committing suicide. The people who call are looking for someone to care, to tell them that life is worth living. Some call just to say goodbye.
However, Laura is a little different. She doesn't want them to turn away from the thought of suicide ... she actually wants to help them. She can tell them what combination of pills will work the fastest, the strongest rope and how it should be tied, what poison to use, what cliff is the easiest to access to jump.
She has quietly sent many people ... men and women ... to their deaths .. but she's always looking for the next person to 'help'.
But someone has discovered her secret ......
There are so many twists and turns and they don't stop coming until the very last page. The characters are deftly defined in this well written psychological thriller. The story premise is excellent, dialogue is realistic.
If you read nothing else this year, you need to read this one.
Laura volunteers her time at the End Of The Line suicide line. She's there to listen, not to try to talk people out of committing suicide. The people who call are looking for someone to care, to tell them that life is worth living. Some call just to say goodbye.
However, Laura is a little different. She doesn't want them to turn away from the thought of suicide ... she actually wants to help them. She can tell them what combination of pills will work the fastest, the strongest rope and how it should be tied, what poison to use, what cliff is the easiest to access to jump.
She has quietly sent many people ... men and women ... to their deaths .. but she's always looking for the next person to 'help'.
But someone has discovered her secret ......
There are so many twists and turns and they don't stop coming until the very last page. The characters are deftly defined in this well written psychological thriller. The story premise is excellent, dialogue is realistic.
If you read nothing else this year, you need to read this one.
May 10, 2018
This book is so dark and devious I had to follow it up with a much lighter read when I finished. It's not really graphic, so don't worry about that - it just takes you deep inside some twisted brains, and just when you think you know what's going to happen next, you're dead wrong.
Laura is a survivor, she beat cancer. Laura is a devoted wife and mother to her three children. Laura bakes lovely treats to share with her co-workers. Laura likes to encourage people to kill themselves.
Abusing her position as a call-taker for End of the Line, a hotline for people who desperately need someone to talk to, Laura hasn't just encouraged one or two people to die. Her numbers have been steadily growing. End of the Line is supposed to be judgment-free, and they don't contact authorities if they think someone is in danger of taking their own life. However, they certainly aren't supposed to encourage it... snip at someone's thread of hope until it severs completely. But that's Laura's thing. It's what she does. She doesn't count on the husband of one of her projects looking deeper into the suicide of his pregnant wife and getting increasingly suspicious. His wife died holding the hand of another man as he ended his life at the same time, and he is determined to know how it came to that. Ryan is willing to do damn near anything to figure it out, and it can't be long before he starts to find answers.
I think the whole story was really engaging, and the characters will stay with me for awhile. The last few chapters started going a little off the rails for me, which kept it from being five stars. The very ending, however? Whoa. This one really got to me - I caught myself cringing a few times. It might be difficult for some to read. Overall, I was super absorbed in this one and so glad I picked it up.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and Thomas & Mercer, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
Laura is a survivor, she beat cancer. Laura is a devoted wife and mother to her three children. Laura bakes lovely treats to share with her co-workers. Laura likes to encourage people to kill themselves.
Abusing her position as a call-taker for End of the Line, a hotline for people who desperately need someone to talk to, Laura hasn't just encouraged one or two people to die. Her numbers have been steadily growing. End of the Line is supposed to be judgment-free, and they don't contact authorities if they think someone is in danger of taking their own life. However, they certainly aren't supposed to encourage it... snip at someone's thread of hope until it severs completely. But that's Laura's thing. It's what she does. She doesn't count on the husband of one of her projects looking deeper into the suicide of his pregnant wife and getting increasingly suspicious. His wife died holding the hand of another man as he ended his life at the same time, and he is determined to know how it came to that. Ryan is willing to do damn near anything to figure it out, and it can't be long before he starts to find answers.
I think the whole story was really engaging, and the characters will stay with me for awhile. The last few chapters started going a little off the rails for me, which kept it from being five stars. The very ending, however? Whoa. This one really got to me - I caught myself cringing a few times. It might be difficult for some to read. Overall, I was super absorbed in this one and so glad I picked it up.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and Thomas & Mercer, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
March 1, 2024
”Because when you’re not considered to be a threat, you can get away with much, much more.”
important: trigger warning for suicide and suicidal ideation.
John Marrs is a mostly dependable author for me when i want a easy to read thriller that’ll keep me at the edge of my seat and he delivered again with The Good Samaritan. i don’t think i have ever read a thriller with this specific concept before, so i had no idea what to expect.
”For the more vulnerable out there, once the darkness falls, so do their barriers. Night-time is their enemy, because with fewer visible distractions there’s more opportunity to dwell on how hopeless their lives have become.”
the story follows Laura, a responder for this suicide hotline called End of the Line. but instead of giving healthy advice and trying to steer the callers from suicide.. Laura encourages and flat out pushes them to take that final step. she’s racked up a list of people she’s “helped”, but all that changes when one woman’s husband catches on to Laura’s sick behavior. from then on we get a almost cat and mouse dynamic where Laura and Ryan continue to try and out the other in any way they see fit. there’s plenty of manipulation, shocking reveals and unreliability packed into this book and i couldn’t stop listening. it was all so fast paced and i just HAD TO KNOW what would happen.
”While seeking revenge, dig two graves – one for yourself.”
important: trigger warning for suicide and suicidal ideation.
John Marrs is a mostly dependable author for me when i want a easy to read thriller that’ll keep me at the edge of my seat and he delivered again with The Good Samaritan. i don’t think i have ever read a thriller with this specific concept before, so i had no idea what to expect.
”For the more vulnerable out there, once the darkness falls, so do their barriers. Night-time is their enemy, because with fewer visible distractions there’s more opportunity to dwell on how hopeless their lives have become.”
the story follows Laura, a responder for this suicide hotline called End of the Line. but instead of giving healthy advice and trying to steer the callers from suicide.. Laura encourages and flat out pushes them to take that final step. she’s racked up a list of people she’s “helped”, but all that changes when one woman’s husband catches on to Laura’s sick behavior. from then on we get a almost cat and mouse dynamic where Laura and Ryan continue to try and out the other in any way they see fit. there’s plenty of manipulation, shocking reveals and unreliability packed into this book and i couldn’t stop listening. it was all so fast paced and i just HAD TO KNOW what would happen.
”While seeking revenge, dig two graves – one for yourself.”
November 19, 2024
4 - A lot more slow burn than John’s’ normal style and absolutely the darkest of his books. Like I had to take breaks !! as a thriller girl !! I feel like that says a lot
Definitely a unique plot, nothing copy and paste about it - do recommend but wasn’t my favourite x
Definitely a unique plot, nothing copy and paste about it - do recommend but wasn’t my favourite x
December 9, 2017
Holy shit, this is a really poorly written book. It reads like something written by a child. Time passes with no rhyme or reason, just so the author can avoid having to actually write. There is absolutely no descriptive language, scene-setting, or flow; rather, it's all "I was upset after my wife committed suicide, but as the months went by I got better. Now it's all behind me!" Everything happens "a few weeks later" so that the actual meat of the story is already over, and the reader is only learning about events through follow-up dialogue. Speaking of dialogue, it's about 75% of this book. It's how we learn everything. Also, the epilogue is honestly just a recap of everything we already knew, told from (yet another) perspective.
Finally, if you're going to write a story about suicide hotlines and psychological disorders, maybe do even the barest of research into those areas before trying to get your shit published. A helpline that just listens to people die, and then hangs up and complains about it to their colleagues with no emergency protocol or follow up, is not a thing. And sociopaths don't feel overwhelmed with love for their disabled children and desperate for affection from their husband, and then go home and step on their cat for fun. That's also not a thing.
This book is an embarrassment to real books that aren't written by self-important idiots who are trying to recreate Gone Girl.
Finally, if you're going to write a story about suicide hotlines and psychological disorders, maybe do even the barest of research into those areas before trying to get your shit published. A helpline that just listens to people die, and then hangs up and complains about it to their colleagues with no emergency protocol or follow up, is not a thing. And sociopaths don't feel overwhelmed with love for their disabled children and desperate for affection from their husband, and then go home and step on their cat for fun. That's also not a thing.
This book is an embarrassment to real books that aren't written by self-important idiots who are trying to recreate Gone Girl.
January 13, 2026
A dark tale of psychological suspense packed with heavy themes, The Good Samaritan was yet another binge-able stunner by the insanely talent John Marrs. Starting off with a bang as the sociopathic villain showed off how she loves to play with people’s lives, I had a blast getting to know the various characters as they were fleshed out before my eyes. You see, not only were they relatable and convincing, but they were also deliciously unhinged in the best possible way. Thanks to their revenge-seeking cat-and-mouse games, my mind had to work double time to figure out who was the worst one in this duo. After all, morally gray would be an understatement when describing either one of these characters. Twisted, manipulative, and hellbent on getting their own way, I had a blast being a fly on the wall as they went after one another determined to win at all costs. Bravo, Mr. Marrs! You’ve done it yet again!
All said and done, despite a somewhat slow start as the background was established, the palpable tension in this whip-cracking plot kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Don’t get me wrong, the series of *chef’s kiss* twists halfway through were what won me over completely. Causing me to shout “No f***ing way?!” out loud, the plot-shifting revelations shocked me but good. From there the pace picked up steam and had me flying through the pages just to learn what was going to happen to these characters. I mean, how could you not love a psychotic unreliable narrator like Laura? Complex, deluded, and yet also somehow oddly riveting, she was the kind of character I love even if I never want to meet a person like her for real. So if you love twisty plots that explore serious topics like mental health, loss, and revenge, grab this book now. It was an absolute humdinger of a read. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
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.
PUB DATE: July 8, 2025 (rerelease)
Content warning: suicide, depression, suicidal ideation, knife violence, bullying, violence, mention of: cancer, stalking
All said and done, despite a somewhat slow start as the background was established, the palpable tension in this whip-cracking plot kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Don’t get me wrong, the series of *chef’s kiss* twists halfway through were what won me over completely. Causing me to shout “No f***ing way?!” out loud, the plot-shifting revelations shocked me but good. From there the pace picked up steam and had me flying through the pages just to learn what was going to happen to these characters. I mean, how could you not love a psychotic unreliable narrator like Laura? Complex, deluded, and yet also somehow oddly riveting, she was the kind of character I love even if I never want to meet a person like her for real. So if you love twisty plots that explore serious topics like mental health, loss, and revenge, grab this book now. It was an absolute humdinger of a read. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
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.
PUB DATE: July 8, 2025 (rerelease)
Content warning: suicide, depression, suicidal ideation, knife violence, bullying, violence, mention of: cancer, stalking
December 19, 2017
This is the 4th book I’ve read by John Marrs and those eagle eyed readers will notice that it’s the 3rd book I have a cameo part in and a lovely mention in the acknowledgements. I was asked to read this book months ago before the editing and proof readers had been through it, but I declined because if I’m honest I love John’s stories so much I wanted to wait for the final version and enjoy it like any other reader would.
Boy am I glad I waited. The Good Samaritan has all the trademarks of a “Marrs Novel”, disturbed psychopaths, intricately woven plotlines, clever character development and twists by the bucket load.
It takes a talented author to bring such damaged characters to life and then to get the reader to feel empathy towards them and this is something John Marrs has a knack for. My sympathy and emotions for the two main characters were alternating back and forth so much I actually felt giddy.
In my opinion this is another superb 5 star book written by a truly talented author who I also have the honour of calling my friend.
Boy am I glad I waited. The Good Samaritan has all the trademarks of a “Marrs Novel”, disturbed psychopaths, intricately woven plotlines, clever character development and twists by the bucket load.
It takes a talented author to bring such damaged characters to life and then to get the reader to feel empathy towards them and this is something John Marrs has a knack for. My sympathy and emotions for the two main characters were alternating back and forth so much I actually felt giddy.
In my opinion this is another superb 5 star book written by a truly talented author who I also have the honour of calling my friend.
March 16, 2018
Disappointed
I was really looking forward to reading this, but for me, it didn't live up to expectations.
I didn't connect with any of the characters, and couldn't really care what happened to them. Maybe I missed the point, but at almost any point in the book I could of walked away. Even on the one day when I didn't have time to read, it didn't bother me that I hadn't read.
The only thing going for it was the pace of the chapters. Just about good enough for 2 stars.
I was really looking forward to reading this, but for me, it didn't live up to expectations.
I didn't connect with any of the characters, and couldn't really care what happened to them. Maybe I missed the point, but at almost any point in the book I could of walked away. Even on the one day when I didn't have time to read, it didn't bother me that I hadn't read.
The only thing going for it was the pace of the chapters. Just about good enough for 2 stars.
October 16, 2024
3.75 rounded up to 4 stars (but for the first 60% I would give 5 stars)
From the blurb: “… a gripping and enlightening thriller that will captivate readers who enjoy complex, dark, and suspenseful stories that explore the complexities of human nature, particularly those who are drawn to themes of mental health, mortality, and the blurred lines between good and evil.”
Although this book was published in 2017, only now I have decided to read it. This was my 9th or 10th book by this author, who has not yet failed to keep me entertained, even though some of his stories are farfetched.
I thought that the writing was solid, but repetitive when switching POV, and the storytelling was enthralling and well structured in terms of timeline and POV.
During the first 30% I believed that I was reading a book written by Liz Nugent.
It was one of those books that I wished to read in one sitting.
What a great concept. And thought provoking. The storyline was original and so well executed in the first 60% (things took a different turn, after that, becoming a bit over the top and even including a very gory scene.
The author conveyed pain with an incredible level of emotion and believability.
And the development of the characters were skillfully executed.
And that ending? I did not see it coming.
Comparing to the ones I have read to date, this one is probably my favourite book by this author.
It wasn’t flawless, but most of the time I was impressed.
There is one thing that always bother me in a book: convenient coincidences. I do not like when authors cheat the laws of probability. It loses one star, in my opinion.
From the blurb: “… a gripping and enlightening thriller that will captivate readers who enjoy complex, dark, and suspenseful stories that explore the complexities of human nature, particularly those who are drawn to themes of mental health, mortality, and the blurred lines between good and evil.”
Although this book was published in 2017, only now I have decided to read it. This was my 9th or 10th book by this author, who has not yet failed to keep me entertained, even though some of his stories are farfetched.
I thought that the writing was solid, but repetitive when switching POV, and the storytelling was enthralling and well structured in terms of timeline and POV.
During the first 30% I believed that I was reading a book written by Liz Nugent.
It was one of those books that I wished to read in one sitting.
What a great concept. And thought provoking. The storyline was original and so well executed in the first 60% (things took a different turn, after that, becoming a bit over the top and even including a very gory scene.
The author conveyed pain with an incredible level of emotion and believability.
And the development of the characters were skillfully executed.
And that ending? I did not see it coming.
Comparing to the ones I have read to date, this one is probably my favourite book by this author.
It wasn’t flawless, but most of the time I was impressed.
There is one thing that always bother me in a book: convenient coincidences. I do not like when authors cheat the laws of probability. It loses one star, in my opinion.
November 1, 2022
The hype lived up to its reputation.
March 10, 2018
Author John Marrs tied my stomach into knots with a sordid tale of deception from those we instill a great deal of trust. The storyline had several well-placed characters but trickled down for the most part to two. They were well-drawn. The heading of the chapters were a time-saver by identifying which character was speaking. No time was lost trying to figure it out. Needless fillers or slow moving scenes never entered the narrative. As the plot progressed so did the action and intensity.
End of the Line is a suicide help center that offers their services for free to those in need of a helping hand. A friendly voice. Someone who will not place judgement. The trained volunteers are there to listen, not try to convince distraught people to go in a specific direction. Though certainly never persuade anyone to follow through with suicide. But as frequently happens, this barrel had its proverbial rotten apple.
Laura Morris paraded herself before family, friends and colleagues as the perfect mother, wife and volunteer worker. If only that were true. The only thing she thrived on was manipulating people at their worst of times - when they were at their most vulnerable. I quickly developed an immediate dislike for her. It soon turned to loathing.
In reality she was estranged from her family and not very well liked by her fellow volunteers. Friends, she had none. Her entire life was a sham. She thought that if she told herself and others outright lies enough times, eventually it would become the truth. All that mattered was that she believed it. Eventually everyone else would too. Anything and everything she did was for her benefit only. And only her.
She rated her success as a volunteer by the number of suicides she had driven some of her callers into. She even attended all the funerals and kept a collection of the services announcements. This gave her great joy. The callers that were not serious about suicide showed no promise to her.
She was conniving, devious and planned everything out. Laura had not gotten this far by being careless. She wasn't about to start now. Little did she know that she had put herself in the crosshairs of a caller intent with revenge. Now the predator had become the hunted. It finished with an ending that left me thirsting for more.
My thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer/Amazon Publishing (UK) for this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
End of the Line is a suicide help center that offers their services for free to those in need of a helping hand. A friendly voice. Someone who will not place judgement. The trained volunteers are there to listen, not try to convince distraught people to go in a specific direction. Though certainly never persuade anyone to follow through with suicide. But as frequently happens, this barrel had its proverbial rotten apple.
Laura Morris paraded herself before family, friends and colleagues as the perfect mother, wife and volunteer worker. If only that were true. The only thing she thrived on was manipulating people at their worst of times - when they were at their most vulnerable. I quickly developed an immediate dislike for her. It soon turned to loathing.
In reality she was estranged from her family and not very well liked by her fellow volunteers. Friends, she had none. Her entire life was a sham. She thought that if she told herself and others outright lies enough times, eventually it would become the truth. All that mattered was that she believed it. Eventually everyone else would too. Anything and everything she did was for her benefit only. And only her.
She rated her success as a volunteer by the number of suicides she had driven some of her callers into. She even attended all the funerals and kept a collection of the services announcements. This gave her great joy. The callers that were not serious about suicide showed no promise to her.
She was conniving, devious and planned everything out. Laura had not gotten this far by being careless. She wasn't about to start now. Little did she know that she had put herself in the crosshairs of a caller intent with revenge. Now the predator had become the hunted. It finished with an ending that left me thirsting for more.
My thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer/Amazon Publishing (UK) for this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
March 31, 2018
I really like The One by John Marrs and was delighted to receive a copy of his book The Good Samaritan. Laura is a volunteer at a suicide helpline called End Of The Line. Laura desperately wants the help the callers who phone for reassurance but not in the way that you would expect. This is an excellent psychological thriller that had me hooked from the first page. I could not put it down and read it in one day. This is the best book I've read this year, highly recommend. I would like to thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2024
If you are after possibly the nastiest character you will ever come across and a bunch of other unsavoury people then The Good Samaritan by John Marrs should be right down your alley.
Laura works for a phone service called “The End of the Line” for people struggling with life, people at the end of their tether, people thinking about ending it all. One would think the volunteers answering the phones, would be there to support, listen, empathise, and try and assist these poor souls through their darkest moments. However, Laura takes an entirely different approach.
”I looked at the suicide message boards on my tablet, because reading people’s misery and answering questions often helped to relax me”
To be fair, Laura has had a rough upbringing. In addition, Laura’s marriage is on the rocks, her kids are a handful, and she expends considerable energy grooming various callers to encourage them to suicide. She even likes to get a bit more intimate than that – but I’ll leave the details alone. This gets really interesting when one of her survivors is onto her. But the lengths Laura will go to, to cover her tracks, needs to be read to be believed. Anyone and everyone is fair game.
Each chapter alternates between first person narrators, giving this dark story a nice bit of intimacy. I liked that. There are also surprises (some big “gosh” moments) along the way – you will be horrified at times.
The author will grab you by the hair from page one and won’t let you go until the last page.
The ending is beautifully done and very credible. Often stories such as this can end up being ridiculous affairs – not this one.
I really enjoyed this and highly recommend it.
5 Stars
Laura works for a phone service called “The End of the Line” for people struggling with life, people at the end of their tether, people thinking about ending it all. One would think the volunteers answering the phones, would be there to support, listen, empathise, and try and assist these poor souls through their darkest moments. However, Laura takes an entirely different approach.
”I looked at the suicide message boards on my tablet, because reading people’s misery and answering questions often helped to relax me”
To be fair, Laura has had a rough upbringing. In addition, Laura’s marriage is on the rocks, her kids are a handful, and she expends considerable energy grooming various callers to encourage them to suicide. She even likes to get a bit more intimate than that – but I’ll leave the details alone. This gets really interesting when one of her survivors is onto her. But the lengths Laura will go to, to cover her tracks, needs to be read to be believed. Anyone and everyone is fair game.
Each chapter alternates between first person narrators, giving this dark story a nice bit of intimacy. I liked that. There are also surprises (some big “gosh” moments) along the way – you will be horrified at times.
The author will grab you by the hair from page one and won’t let you go until the last page.
The ending is beautifully done and very credible. Often stories such as this can end up being ridiculous affairs – not this one.
I really enjoyed this and highly recommend it.
5 Stars
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