The Record Keeper is the third book in Charles Martin's Murphy Shepherd series. The books are best read in sequence in order to aid comprehension and to increase the reading's impact and pleasure. The series addresses the themes of leaving the ninety-nine to find the one, human trafficking, and restoration. This book also addresses the theme of being a light in the darkness. Each book in the series is filled with heroic rescues complete with gun battles and hand-to-hand combat, but also with deep love and compassion. It is a series that I enjoy recommending to both men and women. It was my introduction to Charles Martin's work; his books are now among those I won't pass up.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Record Keeper from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Murphy Shepherd struggles to recover from the injuries which almost cost him his life. But when he hears of a new mission, he leaves his wife and daughters and joins his mentor, Bones, to save kidnapped children from a life of slavery.

As he works to rebuild Free Town and provide security and healing for those who escaped slavery, Shepherd finds himself experiencing writer’s block for the first time. But the success of his novels funds his mission in life: to rescue the vulnerable and imbue them with truth—they are loved and worthy of love.

When Bones vanishes without a trace, Shepherd knows who to hold responsible—Bone’s own brother. How will Shepherd find and extricate Bones from his evil genius brother?

What I Loved About This Book

I had no idea I had jumped into reading the final book of a trilogy, and at times I struggled to keep the characters straight. I would advise readers to read the books in order. Martin unveils a side of evil most Christians know nothing about. Like the Pharisees of old, we tend to push up our noses at the sinful prostitutes instead of asking ourselves how we can help.

Women don’t choose a life of prostitution. Girls and young women and even boys are trafficked (sometimes targeted and trafficked to meet the supply demands of wealthy clients). Murphy Shepherd and those who believe in his cause have developed a formula for helping trafficked people recover and reenter society.

Readers can’t help but wonder how the world would change if we all acted more like Murphy Shepherd and Bones and loved sacrificially. What would happen if we never gave up on the lost?

This thought-provoking and action-packed novel will keep readers on the edge of their seats and pondering possibilities long after closing the covers of the book.

Charles Martin's books are truly remarkable and leaves the reader inspired and wanting more at the end. He is a true storyteller! I always look forward to his new books!!! As always, thank you for the advanced copy.

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.

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.

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 go and 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. I also recommend reading Charles's earlier books.

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 emotional letter writing that Charles is known for are missing here. It seemed too commercialized and reads more like an action INTENSE thriller versus literary fiction.

I hope that after this series, Charles will return to his earlier writing style with the books we all loved and cherished with lyrical prose and emotional stories, and less action. He will continue to be a favorite author and look forward to his next book.

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

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Pub Date: July 5, 2022
My Rating: 4 Stars

A great conclusion to the Murphy Shepherd series. A great representation of the Gospel and Christ's love for us. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and wondering what would happen to the characters. Charles Martin's writing has elements of redemption and light overcoming darkness all throughout the book. Highly recommend, especially for lovers of suspense.

"When light walks into a room, the darkness rolls back like a scroll. It has to. Darkness can't stand light. And while we live it in real time, it happens too fast so we watch it in memory. To know the joy, we shut our eyes and remember having seen it."

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is a fast paced action packed read that you don't want to miss. It's one of those books you hate to see end but you just have to know what happens next. It's a wonderful conclusion to an awesome series. Just a word of warning, once you start reading this book you won't be able to put it down. Highly recommend this book and the entire series!
I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson--FICTION via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Despite the fact that I enjoyed the first two books in this series, I decided this book wasn’t for me at the 25% mark and did not finish. The main character is tired and discouraged in the first few chapters and it rubbed off on me. Then the action builds and there is a lot of detailed description of various weapons, multiple murders (albeit of “bad guys”) and intense reminders of the depravity of sex trafficking. Not for me and I’d have a hard time recommending this one. Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an early copy to read and review; all opinions are my own.

This is an action packed, fast paced read, compelling read. Book 3 in this series with Murphy Shepherd and his much loved trustworthy dog Gunner.
The author is very skilled and as the reader I could feel the myself right there in the midst of this dramatic, powerful, intense read.
Sex trafficking is evil, Murphy and his mentor Bones are rescuing as many young boys and girls as they can, putting their own lives at risk. As with any book from Charles Martin there is always another story within and this is the story of Bones’s estranged brother, their horrendous, brutal childhood, and the stark difference in in how the have both turned out
In among the evil in this book there is a tremendous amount of hope, strong friendships, sacrifice, faith and love.
Thanks to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson—Fiction for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishers. The honest opinions expressed here are completely my own.
What a heart-stopping, heart-wrenching conclusion to this powerhouse trilogy of action-adventure dramas like no other series I've ever read.
The mixture of genres in these books still stuns me.......a blend of the brutal, non-stop action you'd encounter in a Jack Reacher book combined with the emotion, humanity and beating warm heart of a Nicholas Sparks novel.
All three of these novels, starting with "The Water Keeper" and "The Letter Keeper" present a timeless, virtually biblical clash between unfathomable evil and the fundamental human spirit of goodness. And Charles Martin's presentation of both the very best and very worst of humanity is pure, raw, and unflinching in the depiction of horrific depravity and those who survive it......and the champions of those survivors.
The champion I speak of here is Murphy Shepherd, survivor of his own backstory of heartbreak and brutality. He's a relentless rescuer of the victims of worldwide human trafficking and in his rescues, shows no mercy whatsoever to those who enslave, abuse and exploit innocent women and children.
Unlike other series, I'd strongly recommend you start these books from the beginning with "The Water Keeper: in order to fully immerse yourself into the eye-popping revelations and final showdowns that unfold in "The Record Keeper". And after the previous two books, you'll have come to know and deeply love the supporting characters now surrounding Murphy Shepherd from his previous adventures.
I don't know when I've ever come across a series that takes you on a such a jarring, back-and-forth voyage between adrenalin-pumping, violent action and the pathos of enduring love, faith, kindness and friendship. Charles Martin set a very high bar here for any other author who'd attempt to duplicate the experience of this one-a-kind trilogy. Depending on what part of the books you read, you could end up either raising your fist in triumph or crying your eyes out. Or maybe both.
A five star 'must read ASAP' all the way.

I admit it. I had a severe book hangover with this book, as I do with all of Charles Martin's books. This man is a genius and the conclusion to this trilogy was no different.

This trilogy is a collection of books that are by no means fluff and giggles. They cut to the heart of the matter. Murphy Shepherd and his mentor, Bones are compelling, gritty characters that take us on a journey of courage and hope.

These books address the hard truths of human trafficking and essentially the battle for redemption. The idea that leaving the 99 to go rescue the one is always worth it.

I could not turn the pages fast enough to get the conclusion. No spoilers, but it ended the way it always meant to.

Highly recommended trilogy, start at book 1! (The Letter Keeper) You won't regret it.




An advance copy of the book was provided by the publisher via Netgalley. My opinion is my own.

The Record Keeper is the riveting conclusion to an incredible series! Murphy Shepherd is back, and this time he and Bones are on a mission to finally put a stop to the criminal mastermind they have been fighting for so many years. The raw, gritty truth of human trafficking is contrasted with the unconditional love and sacrifice that marks Bones' life. The ending is heart-wrenching and bittersweet - everything wasn't tied up in a neat bow, but it was the perfect, fitting ending. You will remember this powerful story long after the final page!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I was provided a free ARC copy of this book by @netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Wow! This is the third instalment in this series and it is a doozy! The whole series follows Murphy Shepherd as he and his team battle against the horrors of modern day slavery, sex trafficking. All while providing an immense amount of recovery, love, and hope!
In this story we see one of Murphy's worst fears realized and how he works through that, continuing the message that the needs of the one outnumber the 99. We learn more of Bones' backstory and come to understand him better!
This one is also pretty action packed from the beginning! It will be hard to put it down.
This is definitely not a stand alone. You need to have read the first two books (The Water Keeper and The Letter Keeper) to know what is happening and appreciate the characters. But since this one won't be published until July 5th you have time to read those, and grab this one on publication day! 😁
I also could clearly picture many locations along the GA coast that were mentioned, as I have family there!
#NetGalley #TheRecordKeeper

Charles Martin has become one of my favorite authors. The Record Keeper is the third book in the Murphy Shepherd series about sex trafficking young boys and girls. This is a very difficult topic to read about. The Water Keeper and the Letter Keeper were two of my favorite reads and I was so looking forward to book three. I loved all the characters, Murphy, Bones, Summer, Angel, Gunner and Casey and couldn’t wait to see what they had accomplished later in their lives. Unfortunately The Record Keeper felt short in character development and I feel like I was somewhat cheated in seeing these characters growth.

I am not usually a fan of series books, but since I liked The Letter Keeper as much as The Water Keeper I expected to thoroughly delve into this book. After reading several reviews I must confess that I am an outcast when it comes to rating this book. For me, The Record Keeper, missed the mark on deeper character development and focused too much on the details of the cat and mouse chase. I almost stopped reading after the first 4 chapters but am happy I stuck with it because it did get better.

I suggest reading these books in order. They are not stand alone books. I am sad to have to rate this book three stars, but saying that, no matter what I would have read this third book in the series and I will continue to read all Charles Martin’s books.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Whose you are matters more to the soul than who you are or what your are. There is hope.

The series of Murphy Shepherd are not stand alone books but need to be read in the order that they were written to get the most out of them. Murphy is many things. His life centers around rescuing those that have been trafficked. Each book centers around a point in his life and this one is no different. Bones is more than partner in rescuing, he is the one that saw something in Murphy and started a large force to be reckon with. His story is riveting and answers many questions including who is the powerful force against them and the personal ties to Bones. Murphy's greatest rescue will be his greatest test.

A couple of things about these series that are worth noting. First I would call these books a series of parables. Hidden truths that those with ears to hear and eyes to see will feel the burden of sin (the sex trafficking) and the motivation of Murphy's team. What stirs their cup as one of my pastors use to say. There is not much of God this or God that but the condition of our world and how it affects us for better or for worse. It does not leave anyone behind that desires to be rescued but it does show why we may not want that rescue.

I call Charles Martin the Nicholas Sparks of Fictional Christian books. You may want to see why.

A special thank you to Thomas Nelson Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

this is a book about sex trafficking, it wasn't and easy read, but Charles Martin came highly recommended, this is my first book of his, looking foward to reading more.

Wow! Such a fantastic conclusion to an amazing series! This was my favorite of the three books. I do recommend that you read the series in order. It's not easy reading about human trafficking, but it's very important. I know I haven't thought enough about the horrors that so many innocent people live through each day. The author brings this truth to light in a way that grabs your attention and pulls at your heart strings. The story is full of action, love, forgiveness and grace.

I love Charles Martin's books. He has such a wonderful way with words. I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series.

Right off the bat, I'll tell you I'm giving this third-in-a-series of Murphy Shepherd novels a full 5 Star value! Charles Martin, the author, deserves every single one! That's not because it's a happily-ever-after story, because it isn't entirely, and because it's as close to sobering reality as one could get despite being fiction. Martin'll blow your mind with his ingenius work that gives poignant awareness of an insidious evil that is human trafficking for commercial sex exploitation; truly a travesty in real life.

There are several layers in this faith based narrative that are kept strong throughout, right there alongside the strong righteous characters. The residient evil character is strong too, but - well, in an evil way. The layers include weapons, extreme workout; technical 'eyes' controlling; full blast rescue missions (These will likely appeal greatly to male readers - pardon the sterotyping but I think it's true); some tightly held secrets; compassion and love, and so much more. A very serious and solemn message here regarding greed, lust, evil and darkness. The author also tweaks his pen and drops articulate spiritual lessons, somewhat akin to Hansel and Gretel's bread crumbs, only these are faith gems that wait for the reader to retrieve en route to the story's conclusion.

Bones, the mentor, and Murph, the mentee, along with Karen, Clay, Casey, Summer, Gunner, Angel and others are a force to be reckoned with against the tsunami of evil perpetuated by, 'whom could it be' (a secret, so I'm not telling) at the opposing helm. They await that reading tryst with you.

P.S. You'll really love the record keeper!

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. They are my honest opinion based on this review copy sent by NetGalley and Thomas Nelson (publishers).

The Record Keeper takes another gritty look at sex trafficking. It's not an easy book to read, but worth exploring this hidden human abuse.

The Record Keeper by Charles Martin is the third installment of the Murphy Shepherd series. I highly recommend reading the series in order or you’ll miss key parts. This story centers around Bones – where he came from and what he overcame to lead an operation that rescues people from human slavery/trafficking. This story is dark and intense, but Martin weaves such powerful themes of hope, freedom, and salvation throughout every word on the page.

The Record Keeper follows Murphy as he tracks down Bones. He hires a new team of hackers to help him scour the earth to find his friend and mentor. I love the new characters (and hope maybe some of them get a spin-off series of their own someday.) And many characters return from the previous stories (like Summer, Clay, and Gunner.) But just like the first two in the series, this story has lots of action and intense moments that kept a suspense fan like me hooked. I appreciate the overall themes of The Record Keeper. The sacrifices both Bones and Murphy make to find the lost and forgotten is powerful.

The whole series is so well done! This releases on July 5th – and what better way to celebrate Independence Day than with a story about a Shepherd seeking that one lost sheep, bringing freedom to the hopeless and lost.

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.