I cannot say enough about Charles Martin’s books! I have only read the three in his Murphy Shepherd Series but am looking forward to reading more of his other books in the future. The Record Keeper is the third (and final) book of the series and I recommend reading the first two (The Water Keeper and The Letter Keeper) before reading this one so you can have a full picture of the story that unfolds.

The Record Keeper is full of heart and action and mystery as Murphy Shepherd races against the clock to continue rescuing those that are lost. This book is about human trafficking so some parts are rather disturbing but I am thankful the issue is addressed as it is because trafficking is such a horrific industry that I feel is often overlooked. I am grateful to the author for shedding light on such an atrocity.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The Record Keeper will take you on a ride! Murph and Bones are back, in what may be the best of the series, yet. Charles Martin takes us to a different level, as he reveals the depths of where Bones comes from, who he is, and the overwhelming and incredible duties he carries in life. Packed with adventure, tenderness, grit and soul, The Record Keeper is a recommended read!

No words. There is such a powerful message in this book. This book elicited deep emotion, causing me to cry several times. To fully appreciate this story, you need to read the first two books, but they are absolutely worth your time. I really hope Murph's story continues.

The final (I think?) book of the Murphy Shepherd Novels, this one does not disappoint. We finally learn much of Bones’ backstory, and it is A LOT. With Murph barely recovered from what happened in book two - but lots of unfinished business to take care of, his world is turned even further upside down when a major rescue goes sideways.

I will be frank and say that it has been a challenge to review this series as so many serious-major-crazy-but-relevant-incredible things happen - AND THEY ARE ALL SPOILERS. The best I have for you is to say this is a series worth reading; I don’t care that they are dramatic, it works; and that you MUST read them in order. Also, the new secrets revealed in this book were an excellent way to tie up the loose ends.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Once again Charles Martin has immersed me from the first page in his action packed series where the heroes rescue the innocent from the clutches of evil and the depravity of sex trafficking.

I know this evil exists but to read about it in this story is to get a better understanding of how truly horrifying it is and how very traumatic. My heart breaks for the innocence lost and the way they are so evilly used.

Every faith has a certain percentage of people who are supposed to be moral role models when in fact they are the complete opposite. It is reprehensible. It is difficult to read about, and so horrific for the victims who will never be the same. This story focuses on the past abuse of certain Catholic priests in the US and Europe, as well as individuals around the world who partake in this reprehensible behavior.

I am truly grateful for the good and holy priests and religious that have been amazing role models to me. And I am deeply disturbed and saddened for those who suffer at the hands of trusted leaders.

The Record Keeper delves deeper into the heroic men who take a stand against this evil by rescuing the innocent and providing a place for healing.

It's so natural to want to kill the evil man at the top and exact revenge for all the evil he has done. Can mercy even be a part of that equation?

This is an amazing conclusion to the Murphy Shepherd series. Where we get to know even better a truly selfless person who is always on the lookout to do what he can to save others from their present circumstances. Where we encounter an amazing skilled team who provide support and love to the rescuers and the rescued.

This is a page-turning, thought-provoking story that I highly recommend.

Thank you to the publisher and net galley for allowing me to read an early copy.

I had heard of Charles Martin, but this was my first read. He is a master. Dense, smart, mesmerizing, chilling, anguishing, full of love and hate, distinguished. Well done, Charles Martin. This is the third of his Murphy "Shep" Shepard series. Shep and his buddy, Bones, are agents in an unknown, high up, super secret, government agency, about which there are rumors but no confirmed knowledge. They specialize in rescuing women, boys and girls from sex trafficking. Some traffickers are low-level scum bags, but many are high-level, associated with the church and other well known organizations. Shep and Bones take them all on with voracious appetites. Backstories are resolved in this episode, but I won't give them away. Shep is a hero, the old-fashioned kind, with modern day skills with the motto, "Love always shows up". There are references to people and situations relating to books 1 and 2. At times I was a little lost. While this book might be better read after the first two, I still found it interesting and intriguing. I am definitely going back and reading 1 and 2. Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. I recommend it!

The Record Keeper is the 3rd and final book in the Murphy Shepherd series. I have loved this series for the story on its face value, immersing me in the gritty world of human trafficking, for the thorough and complex character development as well as the adventure. But, on a deeper level this author wholly succeeds braiding the broader themes of redemption, faith, loyalty, unconditional love, what is family throughout all three books.

This novel opens in the aftermath of the fire that closed the second book "The Letter Keeper" where the team learns that Bones brother is the violent criminal behind the attacks on Murphy, the ranch as well as being the leader in the human trafficking world. Murphy is struggling in his recovery both physical, mental and faithful and wonders if he'll go back to his rescue mission and how it will affect his wife and family after the most recent events at the ranch.

Bones never waivers and is intent on finding his brother and bringing him down. This books fills in the backstories we've been missing and help fill out the character studies that were incomplete. The story pretty much comes to an end in this book with the author tying up many of the loose ends but not necessarily in a pretty bow. While I'd have like this series to go on, i can also see that this was a logical place to end.

I highly recommend this series as a whole and feel that just reading the last book would leave the reading not getting the benefit of the entire story and the broad themes that make it so special. Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Few authors can write a series and have each book better than the previous, but this is the case with The Record Keeper from Charles Martin. This book follows The Water Keeper and The Letter Keeper and the life of Murphy Shepard and his attempt to rescue more girls from sex trafficking rings.
This book can be read alone but I would highly recommend reading the other two first. The book has some tough subjects and can be uncomfortable to read at some parts, but the ending is satisfying.

This book continues with some characters from the past while incorporating strong new ones. Mr. Martin has written about a real problem and has done it in an honest way making it impossible to look away or ignore.

This is a story about redemption, love and finding oneself. The book moves smooth, and the writing is once again beautiful.

My sincere thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the advanced copy in advance for a review reflecting my honest opinion.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
There are no words to describe Charles Martin's books so I will steal a couple of lines from this book to explain how I feel. "I don’t know how you do it. How you string them together and suck us all in. I used to get so excited when I’d open my email and find your manuscript sitting unread in my inbox. I’d sit down and relish every word. The first of your fans to read the new work before anyone else. A delectable luxury."

I'm so thankful to have gotten to read them before they are released. This is the last book of the trilogy and what it ending it was. This is the story of Bones, Murphy Shepherds mentor. It explains his history and why he has chosen the work he does. The ending was heart wrenching and moving! I won't be able to pick up a new book for a few days because I will be processing this one. If you haven't read this series to so now!

I received a prerelease copy through NetGalley, Charles Martin, is a favorite author of mine and this book did not disappoint. Charles Martin knows how to write people and those people stay with you after you have finished the book. This is the third book in a series on a topic that is not easy to read but awareness is much needed. This book brings back the familiar faces of the other two books and more backstories of major characters while also bringing in some new people.

My first book to read by this author but definitely not my last! Such a gripping novel that made it hard for me to put his book down once I started it. Highly recommend!!

The Record Keeper by Charles Martin
Fans of Charles Martin won’t be disappointed by this book, the third in the series about Murphy Shepherd. To truly appreciate this book, it is best read after The Water Keeper. In this book, readers learn more about Bones, Murphy’s mentor and closest friend. The rest of our favorite characters are also there: Summer, Ellie, Clay, Gunner and Casey.
I won’t offer any spoilers but just let me say that this book will keep you on the edge of your seat (or couch—wherever you love to read.) The plot moves quickly, the adventure keeps you turning pages and the technology Martin writes about continues to amaze.
I don’t know if Martin had this in mind as he writes, but his character strikes me as a Christian James Bond—someone who works hard to thwart evil and can do it with one hand tied behind his back. I love that even though there are plenty of times when evil rages, Murphy Shepherd finds a way to right the wrongs that plague his world.
I am grateful to the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for this, my honest review.

The Record Keeper is the third book in a series by Charles Martin about human trafficking. The topic is a hard one to tackle, but Martin does so with sensitivity and grace. He also manages to weave in an amazing allegory about how our heavenly Father has rescued us from slavery to Satan and sin. Here's one of my favorite quotes from the book, "A record of my keeper. Who left the ninety-nine...for me." Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

I am a loyal fan of Charles Martin and his cast of endearing characters. I anxiously awaited this last book in the series, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The storyline kept me engaged from start to finish, with definite highs and lows along the way. The first book in this series (The Water Keeper) remains my favorite of the three, but The Record Keeper did not disappoint.

This book is very tough to read! To me, it was harder than the previous two, because of the subject. Some of Bones' story was kind of unbelievable to me, because who could really live through all of that? However, overall, it was a good story, with good character development, building on the last 2 books.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this advance e-copy! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I almost quit reading in the 2nd chapter. Even though it is a topic that everyone needs to know and be more aware, I was not ready for the topic of human trafficking. As I was contemplating giving it up something caught my attention and the next thing I know I am halfway through the book. This is the first book of Charles Martin that I have read but I can guarantee it is not the last. He slips in so many elements that seem to be just a part of the story but leaves you thinking things like how does one provide for everyone as they are saved, how does one overcome the horror and what is it like in total darkness. Martin gives new insight on the importance of finding the one lost sheep and most important of belonging and hope
Thanks to Netgalley , Thomas Nelson and Charles Martin for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Methinks, going by other reviews I've read, I'd have enjoyed this a lot more, had I read the preceding two books in the series. I kept thinking, "What did I miss here?"

Murphy Shepherd and his good friend, Bones, have, apparently, founded a community which they named "Freetown" and where they care for and rehabilitate girls who were, formerly, not free, as in victims of human trafficking. It started out too slow for my liking but was quite heart-warming with some mystery added in (my favorite genre) when a major character is missing.

Still trying to decide whether to go back and read the first two...

For those who are fans of Charles Martin, you will love this book. For those who do not know his work yet, the same is true. In beautiful yet furious fashion, Martin weaves a tale of anger (righteous and otherwise) love, loss and redemption in such a way that you want to yell and cry all at the same time. As a writer, I rarely find a book that makes want to be a better storyteller and a better person all at once. The Record Keeper does both.

This is a story of brokenness and healing that reminds us we all are broken and all need healing. "Then Bones" indeed.

What an amazing conclusion to the trilogy that started with The Water Keeper. It's a tough subject but I'm glad Charles Martin addresses this topic. I really enjoy Charles Martin books but this series is awesome!
I received my review copy from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson books, all opinions are my own.

Charles Martin is an amazing story teller, as this third book in this series proves. It is a beautifully written, captivating story, as well as heart wrenching.. The story deals with human trafficking, but also gives us hope and reminds of us God's grace and redemption. I do recommend the the first two books in this series be read before this one.

This book also focuses on the friendship between Murphy and Bones, along with some additional, interesting backstory about Bones.

In some places the book was a bit tense, however, this compelling story had me on the edge of my seat, turning the pages to the very end as I anticipated the outcome.

I received a complimentary copy of his book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.