The Last Call

In the prologue, Laura, a volunteer at the End of the Line helpline, calmly guides two strangers through their final moments as they commit suicide together. Her voice is soothing, her words manipulative, and her satisfaction palpable as she orchestrates their deaths from afar. The scene is both intimate and disturbing, revealing Laura's dual nature: outwardly compassionate, inwardly cold and calculating. The aftermath is routine for her, and she quickly returns to her duties, hiding her true self behind the mask of a caring volunteer. This opening sets the tone for a story where empathy is weaponized, and the line between savior and predator is chillingly blurred.

Laura's Secret Agenda

Laura is introduced as the model volunteer and mother, beloved by her colleagues and family. Yet, her internal monologue reveals a darker purpose: she uses her position at the helpline to identify and manipulate vulnerable callers, steering some toward suicide. Her meticulous note-taking and emotional detachment contrast with her nurturing public persona. Laura's need for control and her thrill in orchestrating deaths are rooted in her own traumas and a deep-seated belief that she knows what's best for others. Her family life is a carefully maintained facade, masking her dissatisfaction and the secrets she keeps from those closest to her.

The Perfect Family Illusion

Laura's home life is revealed to be far from perfect. Her marriage to Tony is strained, her daughters are growing distant, and her son Henry, severely disabled, is in a care home. Laura's sense of alienation is palpable as she navigates the routines of motherhood, haunted by her own insecurities and the aftermath of illness. She obsesses over appearances, both in her home and herself, desperate to maintain the illusion of normalcy. Yet, beneath the surface, resentment and longing fester, fueling her need for control elsewhere—especially at the helpline, where she can play god with the lives of strangers.

Candidates and Control

Laura's process for choosing "candidates" is methodical and chilling. She listens for signs of genuine despair, dismissing those she deems unworthy or insincere. When she finds someone like Steven—a lonely, depressed man—she begins a calculated campaign of psychological manipulation, pushing him toward suicide while maintaining plausible deniability. Her rules are strict: she must be in control, the candidate must trust her, and the process must be efficient. Laura's sense of superiority is evident as she justifies her actions as acts of mercy, convinced she is saving her candidates from a life of suffering.

The Saviour Complex

Laura's internal narrative reveals her savior complex. She attends the funerals of those she's "helped," collecting orders of service as trophies. She rationalizes her actions by focusing on the suffering she believes she's ending, particularly in cases like Chantelle, a drug-addicted mother. Laura's manipulation is subtle, blending empathy with insidious suggestion. She sees herself as a necessary force in a world that refuses to acknowledge the hopelessness of some lives. Her pride in her work is matched only by her disdain for those who fail to see the "truth" as she does.

David's Final Request

Laura's relationship with David, a widower consumed by grief, becomes a turning point. Unlike her other candidates, Laura forms a genuine connection with him, even considering keeping him alive for her own emotional needs. But David's desire not to die alone leads Laura to orchestrate a suicide pact, pairing him with a pregnant woman she's also been manipulating. The event is meticulously planned, and Laura listens in as they leap to their deaths. The aftermath leaves her both triumphant and hollow, haunted by the loss of someone who understood her darkness.

The Anchor and the Void

Laura's visits to her son Henry, her "anchor", reveal the depth of her guilt and longing. She reflects on her inability to care for him after her illness and the choices that led to his placement in a care home. Henry's innocence and dependence are a stark contrast to the control Laura wields elsewhere. Her sense of loss is profound, and she clings to the idea that as long as she can feel his heartbeat, she has a reason to stay grounded. Yet, the void left by her actions and the unraveling of her family threatens to consume her.

The Hunter and the Hunted

Ryan, the husband of Charlotte (the pregnant woman in the suicide pact), becomes obsessed with understanding why his wife died. His grief turns to anger as he uncovers her secret calls to End of the Line and the existence of the "Helpline Heroine". Ryan's investigation is relentless, involving online forums, phone calls, and eventually surveillance. He adopts the persona of "Steven" to lure Laura out, setting the stage for a deadly game of cat and mouse. As Ryan closes in, Laura's carefully constructed world begins to unravel, and the roles of hunter and hunted blur.

The Helpline Heroine Unmasked

Ryan's persistence pays off as he identifies Laura and confronts her, both over the phone and in person. Their interactions are fraught with tension, each trying to outmaneuver the other. Ryan's grief and need for justice drive him to manipulate Laura's daughter, Effie, while Laura retaliates by framing Ryan for sexual misconduct. The psychological warfare escalates, with both parties exploiting the vulnerabilities of those around them. The truth about Laura's actions comes dangerously close to exposure, but her cunning and willingness to destroy anyone in her way keep her one step ahead.

A Game of Revenge

The battle between Laura and Ryan intensifies, drawing in their families and colleagues. Laura's daughter Effie becomes a pawn, manipulated into making false accusations against Ryan, leading to his suspension and public disgrace. Janine, Laura's rival at the helpline and Tony's lover, is also ensnared in the conflict. Laura's ability to weaponize secrets and exploit weaknesses is on full display, as she orchestrates events to eliminate threats and maintain her dominance. The cost is high: relationships are shattered, reputations destroyed, and the line between victim and perpetrator becomes increasingly blurred.

Effie's Downfall

Effie, initially eager to please her mother, becomes entangled in Laura's schemes against Ryan. As the consequences of her actions spiral out of control—leading to bullying, isolation, and guilt—Effie begins to see her mother's true nature. The realization that she has been used as a weapon devastates her, and she resolves to fight back. Effie's journey from manipulated child to avenger mirrors the generational cycle of trauma and control that defines Laura's legacy. Her decision to expose her mother sets the stage for the final reckoning.

The Trap is Set

Laura's confrontation with Janine culminates in murder. Using sedatives and a hammer, Laura kills Janine and meticulously stages the scene to frame Ryan. She exploits her knowledge of forensic procedures and her access to the office to plant evidence and manipulate the investigation. The aftermath is a masterclass in deception, as Laura positions herself as the grieving colleague and survivor, while Ryan becomes the prime suspect. The web of lies grows ever more complex, ensnaring everyone in Laura's orbit.

The Cottage Confrontation

Ryan, pushed to the brink by Laura's machinations, confronts her at her home. The encounter is explosive, with Ryan smashing his way inside, only to be arrested by police Laura had preemptively called. The public narrative is now firmly in Laura's control: she is the victim, Ryan the deranged aggressor. The psychological toll on both is immense, but Laura's victory is pyrrhic—her family is further alienated, and the seeds of her own downfall are sown.

Aftermath and Alibis

In the wake of Janine's murder and Ryan's arrest, Laura consolidates her power at End of the Line, leveraging her victim status to secure a promotion. Tony, her estranged husband, is drawn back into her orbit, but their relationship is irreparably damaged. Effie, traumatized by her role in Ryan's downfall and her mother's manipulations, begins to plot her own revenge. The cycle of control and retribution continues, with each character trapped by their own secrets and lies.

Ryan's Obsession

Ryan's life unravels as he is suspended from his job, ostracized by his family, and hounded by accusations. The evidence against him—planted by Laura and Effie—is overwhelming. Isolated and hopeless, Ryan contemplates suicide, haunted by the memory of Charlotte and the knowledge that he has been outplayed at every turn. His final act is to send a confession to his brother, Johnny, before traveling to the site of Charlotte's death to end his own life.

Effie's Confession

Effie, wracked with guilt and anger, decides to expose her mother. She retrieves the recordings of Laura's conversations with Ryan and begins to anonymously torment her, sending clips and threatening to reveal the truth. Effie's actions are both a cry for justice and an act of self-preservation, as she seeks to break free from her mother's toxic influence. The generational cycle of manipulation is laid bare, as Effie uses the very tactics she learned from Laura to bring her down.

Janine's Last Day

Janine's murder is both a personal and professional victory for Laura, who inherits her position at End of the Line. The charity's reputation is in tatters, donations plummet, and the staff are demoralized. Laura's public persona as a survivor and leader is at odds with the reality of her actions. The cost of her ambition is the destruction of everything she once claimed to value, leaving her isolated and increasingly unstable.

The House of Cards Falls

Johnny, Ryan's brother, confronts Laura with the truth about her past and her crimes. The confrontation is violent and cathartic, culminating in Johnny's death at the hands of Tony, who is manipulated by Laura into believing he is protecting his family. The aftermath is a hollow victory for Laura, who now holds the secrets and guilt of those around her as leverage. The family is reunited, but the foundation is rotten, and the specter of exposure looms ever larger.

The Final Reckoning

Laura's machinations have brought her family back under one roof, but the cost is unbearable. Tony is broken by guilt, Effie is consumed by hatred, and Alice is oblivious to the darkness around her. Laura's control is absolute, enforced by blackmail and fear. Yet, the seeds of her own destruction have been sown: Effie's campaign to expose her, the unresolved trauma of her past, and the ghosts of those she has destroyed. The story ends with the promise of more to come, as the cycle of manipulation and revenge continues.

The Family Reassembled

In the epilogue, Effie reflects on the lessons she has learned from her mother and resolves to use them against her. The family is together in name only, bound by secrets, lies, and mutual distrust. Laura's reign is precarious, threatened from within by the very daughter she sought to control. The final image is one of a family haunted by the past, trapped in a web of their own making, and poised on the brink of further tragedy.

Characters

Laura Morris

Laura is the central figure—a seemingly devoted mother, wife, and charity volunteer whose true nature is revealed through her chilling internal monologue. She is a master of control, using her position at the End of the Line helpline to identify and manipulate vulnerable individuals, often steering them toward suicide. Laura's actions are driven by a complex mix of trauma, guilt, and a savior complex that masks her sociopathic tendencies. Her relationships are transactional, and she views those around her—family, colleagues, and callers—as pieces on a chessboard. Laura's psychological depth is rooted in her childhood experiences of loss, abuse, and institutionalization, which have left her both deeply damaged and terrifyingly effective at hiding her true self.

Ryan Smith

Ryan is the husband of Charlotte, whose suicide (orchestrated by Laura) sets him on a path of obsession and revenge. Initially sympathetic, Ryan's grief curdles into anger as he uncovers the truth about Laura's role in his wife's death. His pursuit of justice becomes a mirror of Laura's own manipulations, as he adopts deception and psychological warfare to expose her. Ryan's descent into despair is marked by isolation, self-destruction, and ultimately, suicide. His journey is a tragic exploration of the corrosive effects of grief, the hunger for answers, and the ease with which victimhood can become villainy.

Effie Morris

Effie is Laura's teenage daughter, initially eager to please her mother and regain her affection. She becomes a key player in Laura's schemes, manipulated into making false accusations against Ryan. As the consequences of her actions become clear, Effie is consumed by guilt and anger, eventually turning against her mother. Her psychological arc is one of awakening and rebellion, as she uses the very tactics she learned from Laura to seek justice and reclaim her agency. Effie embodies the generational cycle of trauma and manipulation that defines the Morris family.

Tony Morris

Tony is Laura's husband, a man worn down by years of emotional turmoil, betrayal, and guilt. His initial attempts to shield his children from Laura's influence are ultimately undermined by her cunning and his own weaknesses. Tony's love for his children and sense of responsibility are weaponized against him, culminating in his involvement in Johnny's death. He is left a shell of his former self, trapped by Laura's blackmail and his own conscience. Tony's arc is a study in the limits of endurance and the corrosive power of secrets.

Janine Thomson

Janine is Laura's colleague and eventual manager at End of the Line, as well as Tony's lover. Her suspicion of Laura and her affair with Tony make her a target. Janine's murder is a turning point, allowing Laura to consolidate power and frame Ryan. Janine's role is that of both adversary and victim, her fate a testament to Laura's ruthlessness and the collateral damage of unchecked ambition.

Charlotte Smith

Charlotte is Ryan's wife, whose suicide (engineered by Laura) is the inciting event of the novel. Her struggles with depression and isolation are poignantly rendered, and her death reverberates through the lives of those left behind. Charlotte's vulnerability is exploited by Laura, and her fate serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of unchecked manipulation and the failure of those around her to truly listen.

Johnny Smith

Johnny is Ryan's brother, initially a voice of reason and support. As Ryan's obsession deepens, Johnny becomes increasingly involved, ultimately confronting Laura with the truth about her past and crimes. His death at Tony's hands is a tragic culmination of the cycle of violence and retribution that defines the story. Johnny's arc is one of moral clarity, sacrifice, and the limits of justice in a world ruled by deception.

Henry Morris

Henry is Laura and Tony's severely disabled son, placed in a care home after Laura's illness. He represents both Laura's guilt and her last tether to humanity. Henry's vulnerability and dependence are a stark contrast to the control and manipulation that define the rest of the family. His presence is a constant reminder of the consequences of Laura's actions and the fragility of innocence in a world of predators.

Olly (David Oliver)

Olly is Laura's childhood friend and fellow survivor of abuse. His life is marked by addiction, homelessness, and trauma. Laura's relationship with Olly is complex—part guilt, part codependency, part exploitation. His death, orchestrated by Laura, is both a mercy and a betrayal, underscoring the blurred lines between help and harm in Laura's worldview.

Mary

Mary is Laura's mentor at End of the Line, embodying the genuine compassion and selflessness that the charity aspires to. Her inability to see through Laura's facade and her own emotional fragility highlight the dangers of misplaced trust and the limits of good intentions. Mary's arc is one of disillusionment and retreat, as she is ultimately unable to confront the darkness at the heart of the organization.

Plot Devices

Dual Narratives and Shifting Perspectives

The novel employs a dual narrative structure, alternating between Laura and Ryan's perspectives. This device allows the reader to see the same events from opposing viewpoints, deepening the psychological complexity and heightening the tension. The shifting perspectives also serve to blur the line between victim and perpetrator, as both characters engage in manipulation, deception, and self-justification. The use of first-person narration immerses the reader in the characters' inner worlds, exposing their rationalizations, fears, and desires.

Psychological Manipulation and Gaslighting

Central to the novel is the use of psychological manipulation—both in Laura's interactions with her candidates and in the broader web of relationships. Gaslighting is a recurring motif, as characters are made to doubt their own perceptions, memories, and sanity. Laura's ability to weaponize empathy and exploit vulnerability is mirrored in Ryan's own descent into manipulation. The interplay of truth and lies, memory and fantasy, creates a sense of pervasive uncertainty and dread.

Foreshadowing and Red Herrings

The narrative is rich with foreshadowing, as early events and conversations hint at later revelations and twists. Red herrings abound, keeping the reader off-balance and unsure of whom to trust. The gradual unveiling of Laura's past, the true nature of her relationship with Olly, and the ultimate fate of key characters are all carefully seeded throughout the text, rewarding attentive reading and heightening the impact of each revelation.

The "Helpline Heroine" Myth

The legend of the "Helpline Heroine" serves as both a plot device and a commentary on the power of stories. Ryan's quest to unmask her drives much of the action, while the myth itself reflects the ways in which truth is distorted, concealed, and weaponized. The interplay between online anonymity, rumor, and reality underscores the dangers of unchecked narratives and the ease with which predators can hide in plain sight.

The Anchor Motif

The concept of the "anchor"—a person or thing that keeps one grounded—is a recurring motif. For Laura, Henry is her anchor, the last vestige of innocence and connection in her life. For others, anchors are lost or destroyed, leading to drift, despair, and self-destruction. The motif underscores the novel's exploration of dependency, control, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.

Analysis

John Marrs' The Good Samaritan is a masterful psychological thriller that interrogates the dark side of empathy, the dangers of unchecked power, and the generational cycles of trauma and manipulation. Through the dual narratives of Laura and Ryan, the novel explores how grief, guilt, and the hunger for control can warp even the most well-intentioned impulses into acts of profound harm. The story is a chilling meditation on the ease with which predators can hide behind masks of compassion, the vulnerability of those in crisis, and the corrosive effects of secrets and lies. Marrs deftly employs shifting perspectives, unreliable narrators, and a web of interconnected plotlines to keep the reader off-balance and engaged. The novel's ultimate message is a cautionary one: that the line between savior and destroyer is perilously thin, and that the true cost of control is often paid by the innocent. In a world where help can be a weapon and trust a liability, The Good Samaritan forces us to confront the uncomfortable truth that evil often wears a friendly face.

Last updated: October 22, 2025