The Water Keeper by Charles Martin is a poignant and thrilling novel that blends suspense, deep emotion, and lyrical prose to tackle the harrowing issue of modern-day slavery. The story follows Murphy Shepherd, a man with a dark past who lives a solitary life on an island, tending the grounds of a church long abandoned by parishioners. His life is dedicated to rescuing those in need, yet as he mourns the loss of his mentor, he finds himself lost in more ways than one.

Murph's life takes a sharp turn when he pulls Summer, a beautiful woman, from the waters of Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway. She’s desperately searching for her missing daughter, and Murph becomes deeply involved in her search. This journey draws him into the dangerous world of human trafficking, forcing him to confront his own painful past.

The novel is filled with unexpected allies, including a loyal Labrador and a reformed ex-convict named Clay, who join Murph on his mission to find Summer's daughter before time runs out. Martin's storytelling shines with heartache, hope, and redemption, highlighting the lengths one man will go to for love and justice.

What makes The Water Keeper so captivating is Martin’s beautiful writing, which elevates this story beyond a simple thriller. It’s an exploration of sacrifice, the weight of secrets, and the power of love to change lives. The novel is both an emotional journey and a thrilling race against time, leaving readers with a deep sense of connection to the characters and the cause they fight for. Fans of Martin's work will not be disappointed by this powerful, evocative narrative.

In this first book in the series we are introduced to Murphy Shepherd and get a glimpse into his many secrets. But when a beautiful woman named Summer who is searching for her daughter enters his orbit, he is drawn into a mission to do what he does best, seek and save the lost. He has made it his life's work to combat the evils of modern-day slavery, but this case has a larger ripple effect on his personal life.

I loved this introduction to the series and from the beginning I was so pleased to know I had more of these characters and scenarios to come. It's action packed without sacrificing or neglecting the character development and backstories.

Charles Martin knows the way to my heart. I just finished listening to The Water Keeper. It was stunning.

I couldn't stop. This was so captivating and it sucked me right in. This has made its way into becoming my favorite book of all time and is such an eye opener in human trafficking. I wept the second half of the book imagining what these poor girls go through. I wish I would have discovered Martin's writing sooner because he is so gifted with story telling. The narrator was phenomenal and I am glad to see he also narrates the rest of the series as well. Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the opportunity to listen and review this wonderful story.

This "Christian" book is a thriller. Get ready for a rough ride if that is your preferred genre. A gripping saga, not for the faint of heart. We didn't realize the nature of this novel.

The Water Keeper is the first novel in the Murphy Shepherd series and addresses the serious issue of human trafficking.
There is love, sadness, hope and friendship throughout the narrative. Charles Martin’s writing is rich in detail, which helps to create an immersive experience. He incorporates local history adding depth to the stories he tells. Additionally, Jonathan K. Riggs is the best narrator I’ve encountered so far in my new adventure with audiobooks