Reviews tagging 'Self harm'

The Good Samaritan by John Marrs

7 reviews

bbethcasas's review against another edition

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

nurse_travels's review against another edition

dark tense fast-paced

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

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Self harm, Mental illness, Gaslighting, Murder, Suicide, Child death, and Pregnancy

keriseabby's review against another edition

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

jlcannon's review against another edition

dark mysterious sad medium-paced

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

3.5

This book is depressing… there is absolutely no brevity in it and it feels very one note. That being said, after about 150 pages of thorough reading I switched to skimming and actually enjoyed the rest of the book. If you can get over the soul-crushing subject matter and events, there’s some fun twists and turns in it. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide

Moderate: Self harm, Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Addiction, Murder, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Mental illness

Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Animal cruelty, Rape, Drug abuse, and Bullying

janbee's review against another edition

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Bullying, Blood, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Self harm, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Abandonment, Body shaming, Chronic illness, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, and Toxic relationship

kmwolff's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious sad 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

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Drug abuse, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, Mental illness, Grief, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Death, and Bullying

Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Stalking, Self harm, Pregnancy, and Abandonment

Minor: Adult/minor relationship

theinstabookworm's review against another edition

adventurous dark 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

5.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Suicide, Murder, Infertility, Suicidal thoughts, Drug use, Mental illness, and Self harm

Minor: Cancer, Child death, and Death of parent