A review by jon3535
The Good Samaritan by John Marrs

5.0

⚠️ TW: Suicide; Mental Health

This was my first experience with John Marrs’ work, and “The Good Samaritan” did not disappoint. Recently introduced to Marrs as a psychological thriller author, I’m now eager to explore more of his novels and will be adding several to my to-read list.

“The Good Samaritan” masterfully shifts between the perspectives of several key characters, with the central focus on Laura, a volunteer at an organization called End of the Line. This service provides anonymous, nonjudgmental support to individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts. Volunteers are trained to offer a sympathetic ear, with the goal of encouraging callers to seek help rather than succumb to despair. Laura, however, sees her role in a darker light, describing herself as “a saviour of lost souls.” But is every volunteer at End of the Line as benevolent as they seem? Or are there hidden motives at play? You’ll have to read to uncover the truth.

Marrs’ writing is skillful and compelling, particularly in how he navigates the first-person narratives, shifting from one character to another. This approach allowed me, as a reader, to piece together the broader, and perhaps distorted, truth behind the story. From the first chapter to the last, this psychological thriller kept me gripped, constantly questioning what was real and what was merely a twisted perception of the truth.

Have you read any of John Marrs’ books? If so, which one should I dive into next?

4.5 ⭐️