Reviews tagging 'Violence'

The Good Samaritan by John Marrs

17 reviews

megan_wy's review

dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

This was my second John Marrs novel, and I loved the first one I read by him! However, this one was a little more of a let down for me. The dark concept was really intriguing to me and started out super strong. I was fully invested in the story in the beginning, but as the novel went on, I began to lose interest. There were so many characters to keep track of that I began to confuse some of the side plots and people. I also feel parts became unrealistic when Laurel began actually killing people in real life. Her whole MO was that she encouraged people to kill themselves, not actually murder people. Also, when Tony killed Johnny at the end, it really made me annoyed. It felt out of character for both of them, like the author was reaching. I did like how Effie got revenge at the end. I really felt for Ryan and wish he got a better ending than that. I know Marrs likes an unhappy ending though after reading two of his books, so I guess this was suspected. I liked the concept for sure and parts were very interesting and kept me invested. Overall, I’d give this about 2.5 stars. I would love to read another Marrs book still and see if I feel the same way.

 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, and Pregnancy

cierajb97's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Suicide attempt, and Murder

Moderate: Addiction

Minor: Sexual content

killmoore_'s review

dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This may be my favorite book by John Marrs, holy cow. I have never been so ANGRY at a character in my life. My heart broke for Ryan, despite his atrocities, and I nearly cheered during the epilogue - our MC deserves every bit of undoing that is coming for her.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Cancer, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Grief, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism

lthurman29's review

dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicide and Violence

Minor: Sexual harassment

midnightrose_reads's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The Good Samaritan is a fast paced thriller novel by John Marrs. The audiobook was narrated by Elizabeth Knowelden, Charlotte Cole, Matthew Lloyd Davies, and Tim Campbell. They were all excellent. This is my first time reading a John Marrs novel but it won’t be the last!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Animal cruelty, Drug use, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol

gnarlykaitlyn's review

dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Suicide attempt, Murder, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail

mairi99's review against another edition

dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, and Suicide attempt

Moderate: Stalking, Death of parent, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Animal cruelty, Bullying, and Cancer

bbethcasas's review

challenging dark sad tense medium-paced

• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

I did not like this book at all. I knew it within the first few pages. The main character, Laura, is a horrible person and has ZERO redeeming qualities. At no point in the story does she do a single selfless thing. She works at a mental health hotline where people who feel tempted to harm themselves can call and talk to someone who will be nonjudgmental and understanding. Laura instead encourages and guilts many people into following through with their plans. Nothing good about her. Of course there are so many twists and surprises, but overall, it just left a bad taste in my mouth. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Suicide attempt, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Pregnancy, and Fire/Fire injury

megbwood's review

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicide and Violence

Moderate: Child abuse, Mental illness, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis

keriseabby's review

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

 Though it is a different book from my usual reading preferences, I was pleasantly surprised by this book, which marked my first experience with this author. It reveals an entire genre of literature that I have been missing out on. The story revolves around Laura, a woman who works as a suicide helpline operator, but instead of providing assistance, she manipulates and convinces callers that suicide is the only solution. The novel is a thriller, evoking feelings of anger, frustration, and intense emotion. The plotline is captivating and engrossing, making it a perfect pick for those who enjoy the genre. I read it in a short span of time and cannot wait to explore more of John Marrs's work, as this book was exceptional. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Suicide attempt, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, and Abandonment