I have absolutely loved this series and was so excited to see that there was a book 4 since I thought it was ending with The Record Keeper. Murphy Shepherd is one of my favorite characters and it was amazing to see more of his past with Bones in this latest installment. Even with Bones gone, Murph jumps right back in to finding trafficked girls. It's a heartbreaking scenario and one I don't read about often but Charles Martin is a master story-teller and I can't resist his wonderful books! I'm not sure if there will be any more in this series, but if there are, I am definitely up for it!

If this looks interesting to you but you haven't read the first three books in this series, that is a definite must in order to get the most of them!

Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this fantastic audio book! All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 1 April 2025

This is one of my favorite Charles Martin series. Murphy Shepard and team has to tackle a tough assignment and rescue a friend's daughters after losing their beloved leader Bones. The book is mostly told from Murphy's point of view and we get a glimpse of how much he's sacrificed to track down missing children who have been subjected to human trafficking and his love for Bones. The novel is fast paced and many biblical themes of God's love are woven through out. You can read this one as a stand alone due to the recap of novels 1-4 through out the book, but it's better to read them in order to get the full effect.

The Keeper by Charles Martin gives readers more Murphy Shepherd! Now I highly recommend you read the entire trilogy before jumping into book 4, but it's definitely worth it. For those that haven't read the series, Murphy isn't your average superhero. He's dedicated his life to seek and save the lost. He tracks down missing and trafficked women and children, and takes on some very dangerous criminals. He and Bones defend Freetown, a place where victims can recover and rebuild. But after Bones is killed, Murphy shoulders the burden alone. Will he continue the work he started? He's called in when the Vice President's children are abducted, and he has to choose to leave the ninety-nine to search for the missing.

I love this series! Martin weaves amazing tales filled with heart and grit, not to mention amazing spiritual threads. This story gives a little more history as to how Murphy Shepherd becomes the man he is today. I'm so glad we got a 4th installment in this series. I think we all needed some closure and time to reflect along with the characters in the story. But the action and fast-paced energy of the book is what keeps me reading. I love the adventure and suspense that Martin brings to the story. 

I also received an advanced copy of the audiobook, which I love audiobooks. The narrator brought this story to life...and in order to catch up for Book 4, I had listened to the previous 3 books again (which I generally don't re-read books, if that tells you how much I love the series. It's the same narrator (Jonathan K Riggs) and I highly recommend the audio version. 

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

Murphy Shepherd is still reeling from the death of his mentor and friend, Bones. When the Vice President's daughters are abducted from their home, Murph must go find them something he's never done on his own. With his wife, colleagues and friends with him, Murph explores his grief and tries to find his way in this new world.

I first want to say that I love Charles Martin. He is a great writer and I have enjoyed the Murphy Shepherd series. I have read them all. With that said, the Keeper fell flat for me. I understand the premise of who is Murph without Bones, but the waxing poetic about the guns which felt endless to the endless monologues about how much he missed Bones,, it was a long, long, long book. I also found the accent of the narrator distracting. I might have enjoyed this better on the page, but it's hard to say. Here's to the next novel being better.

Wow, wonderful.
Having listened to all four books back to back, it felt a bit repetitive in places but it would be really useful if some time had passed between the stories.
Murph is grieving the loss of his best friend and mentor, Bones. Then suddenly a call from the vice president, who has taken his three daughters from their high security home? It’s a race against time.
Wonderful side stories going on. Easy to listen to, great story telling. Loved the combination of a thriller with a Christian element.
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Does this open up for a book 5? Please?

This is the 4th book in a series so i had a hard time following along when it goes to flash backs and past characters etc.
the story itself is well written and the narrator is great.

I plan on going back and starting at the beginning so I understand better what’s going on and what has been transpiring throughout each book.

Thank you NetGalley for the copy

AN ACTIO-PACKED AND HEART-WRENCHING DRAMA

SUMMARY
For years, two men have been side-by-side rescuing women and children who have been victims of human trafficking. But now Murphy Shepherd’s best friend, mentor, and spiritual advisor is dead. Bones was everything to Murphy, and though devastated, he realizes he must go on.

Shortly after Bones's funeral, Murphy gets a call from long-time friend, Aaron Ashley. Ashley, Vice President of the US has always been a behind-the-scenes supporter of the trafficking rescue work that Murphy and Bones have performed. Now, despite the best security in the world, Ashley’s three daughters have been kidnapped without a trace, and nine Secret Service agents are dead. Ashley needs Murphy to find his daughters and bring them home safe.


REVIEW
The Keeper is an action-packed and heart-wrenching book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Its characters and story will leave you speechless and yearning for more. The theme of human trafficking continues with this evil kidnapping, and despite his devastating loss, Murphy Shephard will stop at nothing to bring these three girls home.

Charles Martin is a great storyteller, and I loved the backstory of how Aaron Ashley and Murphy Shepherd became friends. You can’t help but feel the intensity of the drama of this epic story, particularly when Ashley is compelled to resign his position, unknowingly clearing a path for a man with no morals.

I have read and loved all of Charles Martin's works of fiction. In them, he writes of Christian themes in a soulful and meaningful way and a light touch. Martin is a depth, particularly in this series, at giving readers a look at both evil and love. While this book has innumerable flashbacks, I highly recommend reading this series from the beginning.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance reading copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

“…the needs of the one outweigh the needs of the ninety-nine”

Publisher Harper Collins Christian Publishing/Thomas Nelson
Published April 1, 2025
Narrated Jonathan Riggs
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com

Sometimes I read a book and wonder how the author has eluded me for so long. The Keeper, the fourth book in Charles Martin’s Murphy Shepherd series, is a political thriller that combines action with a profound sense of purpose, wrapped in compassion and love for one another. That may sound like a lot, but Martin has effortlessly crafted a book that stands out – because there is no other book quite like this one. It has been one of my favorite reads this year.
Murphy Shepherd, the protagonist, and his team have one of the most important jobs imaginable – finding kidnapped and trafficked people. This crucial mission underscores the author's emphasis on faith, family, country, and honor throughout the novel. Even more impressive is how Martin tells a compelling story without resorting to sensationalism. The narrative is rich with emotional depth, making the reader feel the weight of each rescue mission and the personal stakes involved.
When the three daughters of presidential hopeful Aaron Ashley are taken, Murphy and his team are called upon to bounce back from the loss of his mentor, find the girls, bring them home, and restore justice. Murphy finds solace with his family, friends, and his dog as he grieves the loss of his friend while simultaneously trying to figure out who would take Ashley’s daughters and who would benefit from their kidnapping. Thus, "The Keeper" begins its political thriller subplot, weaving a complex web of intrigue and suspense.
"The Keeper" is not only a superb thriller that tackles dark subjects like trafficking and kidnapping but also provides hope and light. Martin's writing shines a spotlight on the goodness that can emerge even in the darkest of times. The book is a testament to the power of community and the importance of standing up for what is right. Murphy’s interactions with his team and loved ones add layers of warmth and humanity to the narrative, making the reader root for their success. You won’t want to put this book down, and you’ll walk away feeling better about community and relationships. We need more Murphy Shepherds in this world. I highly recommend The Keeper by bestselling author Charles Martin.

The Keeper is the 4th book in the Murphy Shepard series. The books can be read standalone. I haven’t read the other books in the series and followed the story easily.

The book is told in duel timelines, present day and flashbacks. I enjoyed the characters and themes. I found this quick read to be a bit preachy at times. Charles Martin is a descriptive writer especially with the environmental settings. Jonathan K. Riggs did an excellent job with the narration.

Thank you to NetGalley & HarperCollins Christian Publishing/Thomas Nelson Fiction for letting me read this ARC.

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!