First of all, let's talk about the beautiful cover! The entire series has had gorgeous covers and this one is my favorite
Secondly, the narration is spot on. The narrator has done all four books and is perfect for Murphy Shepard/David Bishop. He really has done a masterful job of bringing the story to life.
Lastly, the story has the action, my husband loves (kickbut scenes) and the sweet moments of reflection that I love. Let's face it, Martin is a master storyteller and brings characters to life with his genius pen. My favorite parts though, are with Summer. She gets Murph and totally loves him and supports him in what he is called to do. And of course Gunner. He is a fan favorite. Actually, all the characters are great and it was good to be with them all on this last adventure. (Or is it?) There is a surprise and lots of reminiscing. Some may argue too much, but it didn't take away from the overarching message for me. Going for the one while leaving the ninety nine. It was a good ending to the series and I am glad I was here for it.
*I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers, and this is my honest opinion.

Let me start by saying I didn't realize this was book 4 in a series (yes, I know it says it but I missed that memo, apparently haha!!) That being said, I feel like I didn't miss a thing. I could very easily follow along with the characters and story. So, if this is your first book in the series, I promise it'll be okay.

I absolutely loved this book! The way Charles Martin story tells is absolutely incredible. I loved every single character. I loved the themes. I loved the pace. I loved the action packed moments and the beautiful moments the same. Listening to the audiobook - the narrator was fantastic. His voice was perfect for this story. This story broke my heart, made me smile, made me angry, made me laugh out loud, made my heart warm...you name it, I felt it while listening to this.

I have now downloaded the other 3 books in this series because I haven't been able to get enough of this author. This was amazing in every way possible!!

The Keeper by Charles Martin 🎧
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publication date: April 1, 2025
This series has forever captured my heart. 💙 Murphy Shepard is a human trafficking hero who stops at nothing to find the one. “Because the needs of the one outweigh the needs of the 99”. Although I loved the previous three books in the series, you can honestly read this 4th installment as a stand alone since the author reviews key items from previous books throughout this story. I think that is my only complaint - the presence of multiple exact quotes from previous books that made this book alot longer than it had to me. I still really loved it though and most likely if I hadn’t read all four books so close together I wouldn’t have noticed the recaps. Thank you to the author, HarperCollins Christian Publishing/Thomas Nelson Fiction, and NetGalley for the arc audiobook.

“Bones would not dismiss Frank. Never had. So, for the last time, he left the ninety-nine to attempt one more impossible rescue.“

I literally don’t understand how Charles Martin manages to make each book in this series better than the one before! He has a way of drawing me into the me heart of the story and making me feel every single emotion. One minute this story had me chewing my nails I was so stressed and just a minute later, I was crying. Just a few minutes later, I was laughing. Charles Martin is truly an amazing author and this series has easily become one of my favorites. In The Keeper, Martin doesn’t just deal with the dark world of human trafficking, he also brings in the shady underside of the political elite and the things some people will do to stay in power. The entire series had me enthralled but this one was absolutely my favorite. There were so many surprises, and even with the heavy, sad moments, there were some truly beautiful scenes. I really hope this isn’t the last of the series!

Thank you, Charles Martin, Thomas Nelson Publishing, and Netgalley for gifting me an e-arc of this book. My review was not affected by this.

Sometimes I think authors write mediocre books because they know people will buy them regardless. This is one of those times.
If you loved the other three books in the Murphy Shepherd series, you will very likely love this book. It's basically a walk down memory lane with multiple long passages from previous books woven verbatim into a new story line. Not only do these multiple long passages not add to the story, they're a big distraction. If you want to relive the whole Murphy Shepherd history, you might enjoy it.
It even rehashes scenes from THIS book later in the book. Like, come on.
The storyline itself is decent but I'm so over the Murphy Shepherd series after having listened to the previous three books just before starting this one that I may never pick up another Charles Martin book again.
At least this book FINALLY mentions Jesus Christ. Up until now, the only savior in sight has been Bones, and Murphy Shepherd is his Peter. I'm not sure how this is even considered Christian fiction.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins Christian Publishing for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Charles Martin delivers another poignant story regarding Murphy Shepherd in The Keeper. If you are new to this series, you will be able to follow along because Martin uses a lot of flashbacks from the previous three novels to guide the reader. Martin plunges Shepherd into the depths of grief and despair due to the death of Shepherd's mentor Bones. Moreover, Shepherd must process his grief while struggling to solve the abduction of the Vice-President's daughters. Can Shepherd answer the call to leadership and mentor others the way Bones did for him? Find out.

Audiobook: Jonathan K. Riggs continues to narrate the Murphey Shepherd series. He has a crisp, clear voice> He uses inflection and intonation to denote which characters are speaking. Riggs provides a pleasant experience for the audiobook listener.

Thank you #CharlesMartin, #HarperCollinsChristianPublishing, and #NetGalley for my audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.

It was my bad, I didn't realise it was the last book of a series and I requested it on NetGalley. I listened to the audiobook anyway, but I won't be picking up the rest of the series, because I kind of spoiled it for myself.. welp... Anyway! It was... fun? The book was well written and the story itself was also very interesting. It was like those action movies – enjoyable but with no deep message.

If you're looking for a lot of action, not a lot of thinking and... military men? then come and get it... I guess? Not my piece of cake though.

It's one of those books that are better in an audiobook though.

I'd like to send my thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free audiobook of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"Because the needs of the one, outweigh the needs of the ninety-nine"

As the 4th installment of Murphy Shepherd books I went into this book with high expectations. And I was not disappointed! Although I was slightly lost in the beginning because I had to think back and remember the characters and where we last left off (it has been a few years since I read The Record Keeper), these familiar characters came back with a bang, and I was thrown into where our last story ended (and oh so sad when I remembered). Charles Martin is a really beautiful writer. His stories are thoughtful, emotional, and always exciting. I'd like to think that there are Murph Shepherd's out there tracking down the lost and vulnerable. Loved the ending, or is it just a beginning?

4.5 stars

Oh. My. Stars. Get ready. As soon as you start this book, you will not be able to put it down. Grab your tissues, get comfy, and get ready for quite the ride. You will not be disappointed. Murphy Shepard proves once again that love shows up for the one. Even when he is hurting and not quite sure of what’s next, he does what he’s trained to do. He shows up. I was thrown for quite the loop, in the best possible way. Ashley and the team bring an awesome energy and new angles to explore the depth of evil, hope, and the power of love. There are so many poignant and noteworthy quotes and thoughts. Aside from being completely captivated by the story, prepare to be inspired and challenged. I am already waiting with bated breath for the next story. The hooks have been set…
The narrator did an excellent job capturing the energy, the urgency, and the emotions. I really enjoyed listening to this story come to life.
I received a complimentary audiobook from the publisher and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

This story was everything that the Murphy Shepherd series needed. I cried. I laughed. And I felt so much hope while listening to this story. I appreciated how Martin used the flashbacks of stories from the past to shed more light on the future and continue to round out the characters I've come to know and love. While there is so much darkness in this story, there is also so much hope and love and redemption.

The Keeper is a beautiful depiction of one man’s life changing another’s, and then the cycle continuing. The Keeper has a heartfelt depth and truth that would touch any soul. Love. Sacrifice. Freedom. Pain. Purpose. Murphy Shepherd.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishers and Net Galley for the ARC!

Charles Martin delivers another gripping, emotional, and thought-provoking novel in The Keeper, the fourth installment in the Murphy Shepherd series. With faith, family, and honor woven throughout, this book is as much a spiritual journey as it is a high-stakes thriller.

Murphy is reeling from the loss of his mentor, Bones, when he’s thrust into another mission: rescuing the kidnapped daughters of a presidential candidate. The race against time is intense, but the deeper battle—Murphy’s struggle to find his footing without Bones—is just as interesting. As always, Martin masterfully balances action with heartfelt reflection, though the novel leans a bit too introspective.

While the themes of faith and redemption shine, the book relies heavily on flashbacks. Readers new to the series might appreciate them, but for those who have followed Murphy’s journey, they can feel excessive. Martin’s tendency to repeat certain phrases is noticeable and annoying. That said, his deeply reflective writing and the way he infuses faith into even the darkest moments make this a powerful read.

I previewed both the book and the audiobook—Jonathan K. Riggs’ narration was strong. This is not a standalone novel—I highly recommend reading the first three books for the full experience. Though a bit long, it’s another strong, moving entry in the series.

** Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and HarperCollins for review copies of this novel. The opinions are my own.

Whew. This will break your heart 25+ times, but then heal it and put it back together again.

I can’t think of anything more horrible than human trafficking and those who engage in it. It is powerful to read about someone actively fighting against it. But whew, it’s so heavy.

This has several throw backs to previous books with extra details added in. I’m not sure that this series will ever truly be done. There will always be evil to fight and I pray there will always be strong fighters to actively stand against it.

Huge thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and Zondervan Fiction Audio for publishing this series and for providing the opportunity to enjoy this audiobook. I am so glad Jonathan K. Riggs has continued to narrate these books! Outstanding work!!

Murphy Shepherd #4
The Keeper
Charles Martin
Is one individual’s needs more important than the needs of many?
I have not read the previous books in this series.
The Vice President’s daughters have been kidnapped. There are no clues. The VP is the lead candidate in the next election. Whoever is responsible for the kidnappings must be someone at the highest level. Murphy and his crew are called upon to find the girls and return them. One of their team members, Bones, is deceased; the team is still mourning their loss.
There are a lot of flashbacks in this, the last book in the series. The main character, Murphy Shepherd, is well developed. The pace is slower than I expected. There is a strong Christian theme in this tale. This book is very intuitive.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

So hear me out. I'm going to state right up front that the first half of this book is repetitive of the first three books in The Keeper series. Like word for word repetitive. I assume the purpose of this is was to refresh the reader of the backstory and help to reinvest in the characters. Maybe it was so the book could be read as a stand alone. I don't know. I do know that I had reread the first three books in anticipation of this fourth one, so the repetition was super noticeable to me and honestly it was a little tedious at times. I thought the whole book was going to continue that way and that this was going to be the first Charles Martin book that I wasn't going to be head over heels in love with.

I WAS WRONG!!!

Through this reminiscing and repetition of the past, the overriding theme that Murph keeps wrestling with is the challenge of doing the "right" thing even if it is with great harm, and trying to learn how much is too much. How far is too far?

About halfway (?) through the book, Martin brings back the storytelling as we are are used to it in all new material. In hindsight, I realize that the internal struggle and back to the old content approach played a big part in portraying how "stuck" Murph was and then the transition towards the middle was representative of him moving on without Bones. It was about the grieving process and growth. At one point Murph says, "Will you cut me a little slack while I stumble through being human?"

This book did not disappoint. You have to hang in there and wait for the bigger picture Martin is painting. It all comes together and will leave you breathless (and hoping and praying there will be another book!).

I don't usually hold on to quotes from books too tightly but once again Martin nails it with his messages of Christ's love woven into his stories when he says, "To love is to become vulnerable." and "...his love was deeper than his hate."

Another 5 stars from me!

I am obsessed with this series, and I was so impressed with this one! Charles Martin has a way of brining the reader in that is unmatched. I loved this book so much, and it was a perfect fourth book to this series!

Another absolutely beautiful installment in this series. Charles Martin has long been a favorite author of mine but this series has been some of his best writing.

Murph is on the hunt for the Vice President’s daughter who were stolen by some “bad men with bad intentions.” Unfortunately this time he is without Bones. The journey made me laugh and cry. I won’t give it away but there is one spot where I was actually sobbing.

The narrator was great.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for allowing me to read and review this title. All opinions are my own.

The Keeper by @storiedcareer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


By far my favorite one of the series. It’s hard to put into words what these books do to my heart and my mind. This one had a few backstories mentioned previously in the series, but I would highly recommend reading all the books in order to fully understand all that happens.
I love the way the narrator reads, the way the story is woven together, and the beautiful unwavering love and hope threaded throughout.
This book is the 4th in the series and releases in April!

I received an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for a review. All opinions are honest and my own. @thomasnelson @storiedcareer @netgalley

#goodreads #netgalley #charlesmartin #thekeeper #murphyshepherd #bookstagram #literarypearlsof25

Thank you to #Netgally, #CharlesMartin, and #ThomasNelson publishers for the ARC of this book. I listened to the audiobook version. All opinions are my own.

Charles Martin is a master storyteller, and somehow he gets better and better. In this fourth book in the Murphy Shepherd series, his trusted mentor and treasured friend Bones is gone. Murph is devastated and at a complete loss, but knows somehow he has to continue their work, fighting evil and saving vulnerable people. When is dear friend and US vice president Aaron Ashley's three girls are abducted against all odds, Murphy knows he and his team are the most experienced and equipped to go after these bad guys and attempt to save the girls. While this book draws the reader in with drama and suspense related to their rescue, this is also a story of healing for Murphy Shepherd after experiencing one of the greatest losses of his life. Charles Martin's ability to convey humility, brokenness, unconditional love, vulnerability, authenticity, commitment, the importance of doing hard things--is remarkable. When I read his books it's impossible for me to have just one favorite character, or one person in particular I am pulling for. Each of his characters are so vital to the stories and there are many to root for, seeing in each of them (in the good guys, and maybe in even a few of the bad guys) qualities of sacrifice, deep investment in others' good, and love. This story of rescue, redemption, and valuing of others more than yourselves is one not to miss! I can't recommend it highly enough! Thank you, Charles Martin, for another winner!

Such an inspirational story and definitely brings and draws attention to human trafficking, which is much needed and more prevalent than anyone is aware.

Martin is such an exquisite writer, tons of details, research is out all of his topics and military type techniques that you can just almost feel like you are right there in the heart pumping action. I love a good rescue story in this book is several examples of that. Also does an excellent job of adding spiritual elements throughout the story that really tug at your heart. All the emotions!

Love following along in the series and think this is the next excellent installation. Excellent narration in this book as well!

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson books for my Audible early release copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.