The Good Samaritan

The contemporary psychological thriller often uses dual unreliable narrators. What techniques does Marrs use to signal the narrators’ unreliability? How do these dueling unreliable perspectives contribute to a cohesive whole?

To what extent does the novel suggest that Tony is morally culpable for the novel’s tragic outcomes? How does his role as both a victim and enabler of Laura’s manipulation contribute to the novel’s themes?

Consider the various meanings of “end of the line” (“line” as in “phone line,” “line” as in “route,” etc.). How does this wordplay support The Good Samaritan’s critique of the modern paradox of anonymous communication?

Discuss the significance of water imagery. How does this intersect with the “anchor” motif?

Consider the function of Laura’s maternal volunteer identity. What does her choice of persona reveal about the relationship between gender roles and violence?

Discuss the imagery the novel uses to characterize various domestic spaces, such as Laura’s suburban home and the house in Kenton. How does such imagery contribute to these spaces’ symbolic meaning?

What role does Johnny’s confrontation with Laura play in the novel? Why does Marrs adopt Johnny’s point of view for this conversation?

Does the novel suggest that Effie’s transformation from pawn to predator represents a form of justice, or does her adoption of Laura’s manipulative tactics merely perpetuate a cycle of trauma? What elements of her narration support this reading?