The Record Keeper

Murphy Shepherd #3

by Charles Martin, Jonathan K. Riggs (Reader)

With gripping action and heart-wrenching emotion, Charles Martin continues to explore the true power of sacrificial love. Murphy Shepherd's last rescue mission very nearly cost him his life. He'd like nothing more than to stay close to his wife and daughters for a while. But Bones's brother must be stopped, and there are so many who need to know that they are worth rescuing. As the cat-and-mouse game moves into the open, Murphy is tested at every turn―both physically and mentally. And then the unthinkable happens: his beloved mentor and friend is taken. Without a trace. Murphy lives by the mantra that love shows up. But how can he do that when he has no leads? With heart-stopping clarity, The Record Keeper explores the true cost of leaving the ninety-nine to find the one.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Audiobook, Mystery, Christian, Suspense, Thriller

Audio CD

First published July 5, 2022

About the author

Charles Martin is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. He and his wife, Christy, live in Jacksonville, FL. Learn more at charlesmartinbooks.com; Instagram: @storiedcareer; X: @storiedcareer; Facebook: @Author.Charles.Martin

Reviews

[Melissa (So Behind) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written conclusion to the Murphy Shepherd trilogy. I was moved to tears many times thinkin about the gorgeous analogy of how God seeks us out, even when we seem to be the only one lost.

So why not five stars? It's because this book really takes a long time to get going. The first 50% is a lot of rehashing of the storylines of prior books and inch-by-inch setup of what is to come. I rate the first 50% 3-stars, and the second 50% 5-stars, so an average of 4. It's still an absolutely stellar book and you definitely should read all three books in order, despite the recaps.

There are many things about the plots of these books that are incredibly difficult to read. The premise of the stories is that Murphy Shepherd and his counterparts work to rescue women and children from trafficking, and although it doesn't go into detail, enough is provided that will gut you and break your heart into a million pieces.

Although these books are an amazing allegory of God's love for people, you could read them and appreciate them for the stories themselves and not even notice the underlying message. Martin is such an excellent writer that his books appeal to a wide range of readers, whether they believe in God or not. However, one caveat is that some of the actions of the characters might not make much sense without a faith background.

Overall, I loved this trilogy and cannot wait to see what this writer comes up with next.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

[Lindsey Gandhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Record Keeper is the third and last book in the Shepherd Series. To get the full impact of this book, you need to read the first two - The Water Keeper and The Letter Keeper. Charles Martin has a true gift from God in his writing ability and this series is one I pray he will continue. As with all of his books, he weaves the themes of love, redemption, forgiveness, hope, resilience, sacrifice and faith in a magical and poignant way that leaves your heart full and your lungs breathless. This particular series (all three books) are really a story within a story within a story. In a masterful way Martin reveal layers that add such depth, amazement and intensity to the story all while gently nudging the reader to dig within their own soul for a stronger connection with God, to see the light within the darkness. And the main topic is a tough one - human trafficking. He shows you the evil, horrific nature of this topic with the most delicate of hands. While I know this is a work of fiction, I can't help but worry these are very real scenarios.

"We can no longer be content to rescue sheep. Or sit here and protect the flock. We need to hunt the wolf."

In real life, I pray we have people like Murphy and Bones out there who will continue to rescue those in need in such a selfless way, someone to show up when all hope is lost. Because everyone deserves to be rescued. In this final book we get the backstory of Bones - how he came to be the man he is, why this is his mission, why he leaves the 99 to go after the 1. In this case, the one happens to be the wolf and Martin shows us that even the most evil of characters needs rescuing. You can't help but be reflective in the most humbling way after reading this series. Martin takes some very important lessons from the Bible and crafts them in a way that leads the reader on a journey of understanding. He paints pictures with his words better than any other author I've read.

"From the beginning of time, light has shone into the darkness, and since that first spark, darkness - no matter how hard it tries, no matter what sword it wields or scheme it penetrates - has not been able to overcome it. ever."

This series is awe-inspiring, gut wrenching, emotional, moving, powerful. This is some of Charles Martin's best work, in my opinion. This is a story you don't want to miss out on. And while he has said this is the final book in this series, I pray he will continue on. The world needs more of Murphy and the team. Charles Martin is a phenomenal story teller. And the world needs more of Charles Martin's writing and insights. Every book of his I read, I walk away having not only learned a way to strengthen my faith, but be a better person.

"You can't know who you are until you've settled whose you are."

While this series is Christian fiction and Charles Martin's books have strong religious undertones, I encourage you to read these books even if this isn't your normal genre. I promise you won't feel like you're sitting in church listening to a sermon, but you'll walk away just as refreshed. And who doesn't like to read a book about the good guys chasing after the bad guys?

Check out Charles Martin's books, I promise you won't be disappointed!!

My thanks to Charles Martin, Thomas Nelson Publishing and Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a journey this series has been! Much like the first in the series, The Water Keeper, the conclusion is full of action and heart. For those that loved The Water Keeper, you are very likely to find The Record Keeper equally if not more compelling.

Murphy's mentor Bones discloses more about his background and the evil of his brother within the pages. Multiple times the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7) is mentioned and parallels made to the events in the novel.

I loved the new characters added including the process used to qualify them as worthy for the team. The existence of human trafficking is heart breaking. Reading about the good guys rescuing victims feels like a victory against evil. With such a heavy topic, it was good to have a few bits of humor sprinkled in.

Canine Gunner is one of the heroes of the series.

Heavy topic delivered with a message of hope.

My gratitude to publisher Thomas Nelson for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the beginning of time, light has shone into the darkness, and since that first spark, darkness--no matter how hard it tries, no matter what sword it wields or scheme it perpetrates--has not been able to overcome it. Ever.

The world where humans enslave others is a dark one indeed. Murphy Shepherd tackles that realm head on throughout this series. There is a dark overlord out there--the head of the snake must be chopped off to take out a pervasive network. Murphy's partner and mentor Bones has an intimate connection to the person who has become their nemesis. What and who will be sacrificed to win this battle? Have you been wondering about how the titles of the books in this series were chosen? Read this book and that question will also be answered. A satisfying end to a trilogy that reminds us of the power that light has to battle darkness. Ultimately in these characters we see echoes of the ultimate battle between good and evil that began in the Garden and was finished on the cross.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Dana Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I live in a bubble. There is so much evil in the world. And the subject of this book is the most evil. Sex Trafficking. I know this is a work of fiction. Yet I feel this doesn't even cover a drop in the bucket as to what is actually going on in the world. I thank the author for exploiting this evil and covering it the way he did. Like I said. I live in a bubble and I needed to know and recognize what is going on.

First off, Murph is like Daniel Craig, Tom Cruise, and Liam Neeson all rolled up into one. He is that tough! Kinda like a Timex watch, he takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'. I love his character. He and Bones represents the good against the evil. And they don't mind kicking butt and bringing some justice into the world. The light in the darkness. The shepherd going after the one. It seems like a never ending fight that no one will win. The struggle is real.

Secondly, the story line continues as Bones is the record keeper and his twin brother who owns an evil empire seems to come at them at every angle. It is a page turning-staying up all night kind of read.

Lastly, there is tenderness and love for the lost and hurting. There is healing and restoring. There is HOPE.

As I mentioned, it seems like a never ending fight. However, the sheep they find each time they rescue girls and boys from utter horror is a win.
This is the third book in the trilogy and I recommend reading them in order.
*I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers and this is my honest opinion.

[Oceana Reads Co. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible end.

This is the third book in Charles Martin's Murphy Shepherd trilogy. The Water Keeper (Book 1). The Letter Keeper (Book 2). This series must be read in order.

I was thoroughly impressed. I love how Charles Martin can write about such devastating circumstances and still highlight the hope that can always be found if you look for it. His message is that where there is love there is hope, and that really resonated with me.

This is a satisfying conclusion to an epic story. It's not a perfect end, but it is certainly hopeful.
I would definitely recommend it.

Trigger Warnings:
-medium details about sexual abuse of young children
-implied nakedness of adults and children

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading and loving the first two books in Charles Martin's "Murphy Shepherd" series I could hardly wait to get my hands on The Record Keeper. I was not disappointed! Like the others, The Record Keeper is a perfect page turner!
Once again we are in the world of Murphy Shepherd who has devoted his life to finding survivors of human trafficking.
Freetown, a town high in the mountains of Colorado is where he brings the young people he has rescued so that they can heal physically, mentally and hopefully emotionally. However the story becomes personal for Murphy as his world is shattered when Bones, his beloved mentor and friend, is taken. With no leads Murphy must leave Freetown to do battle with evil like no other in order to try to find Bones.
Multiple surprises, many plot twists, edge of your seat suspense and wonderfully endearing and unique characters make this novel unputdownable.
I am totally captivated with Charles Martin's story-telling!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and I don't know if this is the last book of the series or if there will be more. I'm hoping there could be more, but I will continue reading whatever Charles Martin writes because I love his lyrical voice.

This series has been full of the horrors of child slavery, amazing heroism and bravery, redemption and forgiveness, and most of all love. A sacrificial love that is deep and abiding. This book puts Bones (Murphy's mentor) and his twin brother who is evil to the core in the forefront. Although Murphy had come near death in his last rescue mission, he has no choice but to try to stop Bones' brother.

This book is tense and emotional. I think anyone wanting to read it should read The Water Keeper and The Letter Keeper first to get the background on Murphy and Bones. Their history is important to fully understand the relationship and what drives them. Gunner the dog is a hero too and is always present; he's a great character too. The philosophy taught by Bones and followed by Murphy runs throughout the book and in central to the story.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson--FICTION through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on July 5, 2022. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Silvia Ers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murphy Shepard is the protagonist in this captivating trilogy who has dedicated his life to rescuing children caught in the human trafficking trade. In the first two books we explore more about Murphy, his own experience, and his missions. The third book brings us to Bones, Murphy's mentor and close friend. The emotional story brought me to tears and took my breath away at times.

Although this (Audiobook Version) is a difficult listen, it does not shy away from the harsh reality of the human trafficking trade and it’s unimaginable challenges for its victims. The story is raw and real with details that make the story worth the reading.

Martin does not spare exposing the depth of the bad things that men do to mostly to other women is a poignant truth to sit with and wrestle but proves the important nature of the book. This book, as a thriller, will challenge the reader to think on issues of justice and hardship and the hope that takes us past all of it.

While the book can be appreciated as a thrilling plot alone, there is a more thoughtful depth to what Martin is doing in bringing layers that don’t disappear once we’ve finished. It’s Martin’s ability to tell a story that is both entertaining and a commentary on our society.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please tell me this isn't the end of Shep, Summer, Casey, Ellie, and Angel? I so need another book in this series.

Oh Bones! This was the story of Bones, the Record Keeper. His life was one of tragedy, unwantedness, and finding a place to belong. All of which he found with Shep and Freetown. But what he wanted most was his twin brother, Frank, who was anything but nice to him. This book found us seeking, searching, and find Frank but not without feelings bubbling up, and not always nice ones. But ever the Bones that he was, he always saw the good in evil.

Shep and his team did everything they could to find Frank, even recruiting new people to tap into his wild computer system. All the time Shep was thinking this was the end for him, who could he trust to keep it going. But first, he had to bring down the person who was the ringleader, and that was going to be hard to do.

I enjoyed this series so much, the stories of Shep, Bones, Summer, Angel, Casey, and Ellie. Their stories were tragic, heartbreaking, inspiring, and hopeful. I enjoyed it to the end.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third and final book of the Murphy Shepherd series. Murphy is feeling weary and defeated after almost dying from the wounds he received in their last mission to save innocent children from sex traffickers. He's questioning his ability and will to continue with the missions as shown here: "Those of us who stand in the light wonder sometimes, How much longer can it last? This onslaught. How much more can we take? This constancy. Those of us who walk in the light grow weary. Our hope wanes. Fades. Darkness rages and threatens to drown us. We look around and wonder What happened. Where'd it go? Where's the lights?
But when his mentor and friend Bones is kidnapped Murphy knows he and his team must do everything possible to save him. As the tensions build, more is revealed about Bone's childhood and what lead him to become the savior he became.
Not always easy to read due to the subject matter but a wonderful story of redemption, forgiveness and the boundless love of God.
4.5 stars.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Richly Told and Riveting Story

SUMMARY
Murphy Shepherd finds women and children who are victims of human trafficking. His mission in life is to help these victims find their freedom, but he goes the extra mile by assisting them to recover from the ordeal in a safely guarded location called Freetown. When his best friend and mentor Bones is kidnapped, Murphy will stop at nothing to find him. Murphy and his canine partner Gunner shift into high gear, racing across the country and the ocean to find Bones. Murphy quickly discovers that Bones' kidnapper is Bones’ jealous brother, who has eyes and ears everywhere. Murphy must up his technology game and hire computer experts if he wants to win the battle for Bones life.

REVIEW
The Record Keeper Is a richly told and riveting story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s both a heart-wrenching and action-packed tale with an admirable protagonist.

Murphy Shepherd, also known as David Bishop, will stop at nothing to save trafficking victims. He is bold, fearless, and determined. Gunner, the quintessential German Shepherd, takes the prize for the best partner/dog ever! The cast of characters is superb. I hesitate even to call them characters because, after three books they all feel like family. You can’t help but feel the intensity and heartache and even wonder how much of this story is true to life.

I love Charles Martin’s books and have read every one of them. This one, while stellar, gave me a little pause. There were a few portions of the story, such as Bones’ horrendous youth, that left me unsettled and uncertain. In this latest novel, Martin seems to push the envelope on the level of intensity of the drama that may have some readers needing an emotional rest.

The Record Keeper is a tale of two brothers, one good and one evil. One of these brothers is a major player in the sex trafficking of children, while the other tries to set these children free from this bondage. It is a well-told story of the shepherd who leaves his flock to go and find the one lost sheep. This book concludes the three-part series featuring the indomitable Murphy Shepherd. Other books in the series include The Water Keeper (2020) and The Letter Keeper (2021). You will want to read all three. Charles Martin’s stories are always eye-opening and fabulous.

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for an advance reading copy of this book. All opinions are my own.


Publisher Thomas Nelson
Published July 5, 2022
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com

[Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We can no longer be content to rescue sheep. Or sit here and protect the flock. We need to hunt the wolf.”

“A name is the singular thing that separates us from the ninety-nine. A name makes us the one. Without a name . . . there is no record.”

“Start with Water because that’s where he started with me. Move on to the Letters because of what they held. End with the Record because that’s what this will be. A record of my keeper. Who left the ninety-nine . . . for me.”

4.5 Stars Out Of 5

A great conclusion to a unique and satisfying trilogy. While not as good as The Water Keeper, I did think it was better than The Letter Keeper. I really enjoyed learning the backstory of Bones and his brother, though it was definitely heartbreaking. Charles Martin proves how good of a storyteller he is; in this trilogy, we often find a story within the story that really adds layers to his writing. Murphy was great as always with his faithful dog, Gunner. There are a lot of great action scenes where you will be rooting for Murph to rescue the victims and make the bad guys pay. And even more so, there will be a nice lesson near the end about love versus justice. I did find some typos in the book but since it is an ARC, hoping that will be fixed by final print.

* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and Thomas Nelson. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*

[Robin Hatcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to believe there are Murphy Shepherds in this world, men who risk everything to rescue the vulnerable and who can come back from bullets, explosions, and fires. I want to believe there is a Freetown somewhere in the Rockies. No, not just one in the Rockies. More of them in many hidden places. I want to see the Light win over darkness again and again and again.

This series isn’t for the faint of heart because the topic is about sex trafficking, and that is an ugly, ugly, ugly reality. But people should read this book if for nothing else than Casey’s speech to the press (Casey is one of the rescued and a survivor, but survivors still live with scars). It lays bare the evil lurking in places most would never think to look.

Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.

[Ronie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gracious--that ending! *gasp* Absolutely brilliant conclusion (?) to this series. Martin has a very unique voice that works so well with his brand of storytelling. I never feel let down, and always champ at the bit for the next story! Bravo!

[Sarah Grace Grzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending killed me. 😭

[eyes.2c · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sex trafficking and hope!

The subject matter, child and young persons trafficking is dark and heartbreaking. The first two titles in the series drew me in as wickedness and depravity ran riot. The insertion of Murphy Shepherd as broken healer and rescuer of these unsuspecting victims is brilliantly portrayed. I must admit I kept thinking of Liam Neeson in Taken, and of how much the film pales in comparison against Martin’s Murphy Shepherd series. This title opens up the backstory about Murph’s mentor, who guided him in these endeavors, Ezekiel Walker, always known as Bones.
The establishment of Freetown as a place for healing and redemption for the damaged, the idea of Murph carrying those he rescues as a list, a litany, tattooed on his back adds depth. As one victim explains, “the man with the tattooed back told me, ‘Wherever I go, I carry you with me.’ And at the sound of this, I almost smiled. I liked the thought of that. I said, ‘F-f-forever?’ The man nodded.”
Just an amazing thought that communicates the depth of Murph’s belief and commitment to finding the lost sheep—one at a time. The poignancy of that moment just so grabbed me.
A solid story that confronts the reader, carries them along, and gives hope in a desperate world.

A Thomas Nelson ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely incredible ending to this trilogy. This story is heart wrenching but hopeful and full or grace.

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bones now knows that it is time for him to go after his brother, Frank, who is the king pin of the sex trafficking that is continuing to haunt the world. Murphy Shepherd has recruited three new members of the team, and they will work together along with the other members from Freetown to shut Frank down. Will this be one of their most costly cases?

There were so many things to love in this last book in the Murphy Shepherd series, and I am really sad to say goodbye to this amazing series. First, the relationship between Bones and Murphy is so special, and they each have such a strong faith. I absolutely loved the three new characters and the role they each played. Their Australian Keltie, Gunner, was so extra special and knew exactly who he loved and who were his enemies. Finally, the recurring thread of the lost sheep and always looking for the "one," was so appropriate especially in this instance when searching for children who had been kidnapped for sex trafficking.

Although this felt like the end of the series, I am really hoping that Charles Martin will surprise his readers with a spin off of this series because it certainly has been an extra special one.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Christian Fiction. I like this author. He has a way with his messages and story telling that are impactful and memorable. He always reminds me of what is most important. In this one, my take away is that the bonds of friendship can be just as strong as family bonds and that faith sustains...always.

This book is book #3 in the Murphy Shepherd series/trilogy. My favorite of the three is the first one, The Water Keeper. I liked this one too but it wasn't my favorite. The ending felt so "high drama" and that isn't what I have come to expect from the author.

I love the MC and his band of friends. I thought the antagonist was perfectly sinister for this one .....especially since he always seemed like he was one step ahead and how far the tentacles of technology reach.

I wish I had liked this more....so 3 stars.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charles Martin pens literary bliss. The words sing on every page.

Murphy Shepherd is a series and character who's not to be missed. He has the smarts and bravado of Lee Child's Jack Reacher, and the humanity of a deep rooted person of faith.

Human trafficking appears heavily in this novel, as it does in this series. I found myself wiping tears away as the plight of the characters weighed on me.

He never fails to amaze me with his gut wrenching prose and storylines.

I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher and was under no obligation to write nor post a review.

[Judy Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

GOOD VERSUS EVIL

Bestselling author Charles Martin continues his popular Murphy Shepherd series following The Letter Keeper (#2) and The Water Keeper (#1) with THE RECORD KEEPER (#3), the final book with an emotional closure of two brothers of evil versus good.

Bones, mentor of Murphy Shepherd, has worked for years to take down evil pedophiles and victims of sex trafficking. They both have worked tirelessly fighting the evils of the world.

Shepherd is also a novelist writing under a pseudonym and wants to keep it a secret. Frank wants to tell the world. We also get to catch up with the gang: Summer, Ellie, Clay, Gunner, and Casey.

This novel focuses on Bones, his background, and his evil twin brother, Frank. He does not want to do good and is the opposite of his brother. He wants to take down his brother and Murphy.

This story is dark and intense; however, Martin blends powerful themes of hope, forgiveness, healing, and salvation. From sexual abuse within the church, plus other evils, the action and the tension heat up in the race against time to find Bones before it is too late.

Both heart-wrenching and action-packed. The shepherd leaves his flock to find the one lost sheep. I recommend reading the first two books in the series prior to reading this one. THE WATER KEEPER was my favorite in the series. I also recommend reading Charles's earlier books which I loved.

Even though I am a huge long-time fan of Charles Martin and have read all his books, this was my least favorite in the series. The usual stunning lyrical prose and evocative emotional letter writing that Charles is known for are missing here. It seemed too commercialized and reads more like an action INTENSE thriller like Greg Hurwitz versus literary fiction and not enough rich character development.

I hope that after this series, Charles will return to his earlier writing style with the books we all loved and cherished set in South Georgia, which are less action-centered and more people-focused. Would like to see more of Charles's beautiful prose and emotional stories—like Catherine Ryan Hyde books we love.

A special thank you to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelson for an ARC to read, enjoy, and review.

Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: July 5, 2022
My Rating: 4 Stars

[Tracie Gutknecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thriller

Oh my gosh, do I love this series! This is the 3rd book of the Murphy Shepherd series and is the absolute best of the best!

"Because the needs of the one outweigh those of the ninety-nine." This tenet is what Murphy and Bones live by. It's what makes them pursue a kidnapped and exploited person when they are bruised and broken and should probably take a break. Yes, they have religious training, but their goal is to rescue women and children who have been kidnapped and are being trafficked.

In this installment Murphy is still recovering from a wound that almost ended his life. But this time, they aren't just going after the victims they are going after the "head of the snake". By their estimations one man has been responsible for the trafficking of hundreds of thousands of people in the past twenty years. This man is Bones' brother, specifically his twin. They had a horrific childhood and suffered abuse at the hands of many men. At a major turning point in their lives Bones' choose goodness and Frank choose the dark.

Frank is very rich and very brilliant. He has enough money to have created his own internet and can hack anything with a processor. He began attacking Murph and Freetown and their friends to get to Bones. and they need to stop him once and for all. Trouble is a man rich enough to hack any device knows your plans as soon as you make them.

The intricacies of the search for Frank, the tension of the storyline and the overarching theme had me crying and gasping and turning pages as quickly as possible. Most of all, it made me think. What does being kind really cost? Can the smallest of actions really change the world?

Oh, what a book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC of this novel. I will be forever grateful to have read this one.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE RECORD KEEPER
Charles Martin

Well, leave it to me to start with the last book... OF COURSE, I DID.

But wow, I really enjoyed it. I wasn't aware when I started that it had a religious element, but I actually enjoyed it and felt it fit in well with the survival theme of the overall book.

As Melissa mentions and I agree (I like to follow her reading list) it is slow. This is a pet peeve for me and sometimes causes me to DNF a book. But I pushed through and am glad that I did. I really enjoyed the sniper aspect of the book. The main topic of this one was a tough topic, the human sex trade, and the team went off to rescue these victims from a huge boat. The action is amazing and once it gets going it is worth the read.

4 stars

Happy Reading!

[Becky Radke · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars: The story of Bones

"Sometimes, we become little more than the sum of our wounds, and it takes someone else to see what we can become instead of what we are."

I'm normally a big fan of Charles Martin but I'm not so sure about this series. I read all three books in a row so maybe it was just too much of the same thing but the books got more unrealistic as the series went along. For me, there was too much explaining things (that I don't understand or need to know to enjoy the story). I enjoyed the first book (The Water Keeper) the best. However, I still prefer Martin's usual books- that are less like a Jason Bourne movie -to this series and hope he goes back to those next.

[Carrie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a series! I pre-ordered this the day I finished "The Letter Keeper" and was thrilled when it arrived. I loved this last installment of the Murphy Shepherd series. Every time I'm convinced Charles Martin couldn't make me love Murphy any more, he finds a way. The beautiful depiction of self-sacrificing love throughout the series, the worthiness of each life to fight for, and characters that make your heart grow are second to none. Charles Martin never disappoints.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve never been more sad to see a book series come to an end. Written words are powerful. These stories are overflowing with truth. This final book brought me to tears even more times than the first two did.

“From the beginning of time, light has shown into the darkness, and since that first spark, darkness - no matter how hard it tries, no matter what sword it wields or scheme it perpetrates - has not been able to overcome it. Ever.”

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

his is the third book in the Murphy Shepherd series.

All of these books are fast paced and suspenseful. It is terrifying the things people will do to other people. I cannot imagine being in a situation where your child or family were taken.

There are times that I felt like I was learning a full lessons in this series. The sped and trajectory of a bullet, how to be bait, and how to love someone so much you would do everything to save them.

Unfortunately, the author loves to recap lot of moments from earlier in the book and the series. I grew tired of hearing the same thing over and over.

It is a good series just a tad long with the repeats.

[Skip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murphy Shepherd rescues victims of human trafficking, but beyond his noble calling, he provides a safe haven for them to recover from their ordeal in a safely guarded mountain location called Freetown. He was recruited for this work while in military training by a man nicknamed Bones.
Despite not being fully recovered from a near death experience, he and Bones go on a mission, ending in Bones being kidnapped. Murphy and his canine buddy Gunner, start dancing to the tune of the kidnapper, who was the same person who almost killed Murphy in the last book. The kidnapper seems omniscient, and so Murphy, Eddie and the team in Freetown recruit some high tech partners to find and rescue Bones.

The kidnapper is a major player in the sex trafficking, who is seeking retribution for the losses that Bones and Murphy have inflicted on his operations. Like the proverbial shepherd who leaves his flock to go and find the one lost sheep, Bones is trying to save the kidnapper from himself. We learn much about the hell in which Bones was raised and his motivation to help the one (and not the many this last time.)

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

After having finished the first two thirds of this book, I would have given it 4 1/2 stars, but after the last 1/3, can I switch that over to FIVE PLUS stars!!??!!?? Masterfully written with tremendous characters, plot, and incredible analogies- WOW!!!! I am just speechless…..