The Keeper by Charles Martin

In this fourth book in the Murphy Shepherd series, Murphy knows Bones didn't hesitate to give his life to stop the evil perpetuated by his brother, but there's still work to be done. Though Frank is gone, his organization is not, and almost even before Bones's funeral in Arlington is complete, Murph receives a call that the three daughters of presidential hopeful Aaron Ashley have been taken and there are no leads.

The girls' lives on the line and time is of the essence. But Murphy has never done this without Bones. How can he grieve his friend and mentor, figure out who he is without Bones, and navigate a new role for himself with team . . . all while putting total focus into finding these daughters?

When his daughters are finally rescued, Ashley steps back from the presidential race. But Murph knows something about the timing is a little too convenient for the senator who steps in to take his place. The far-reaching tendrils of Frank's organization are entangled even here, and Murph and his team will stop at nothing to root them out.

Audiobook, 14 hours, 51 minutes

Publication date - April 1, 2025

by Harper Collins

4.5/5 stars

Tell me what you know about sheep...they are lost without their Shepherd

The 4th book in the Murphy Shepherd series was yet again another emotional read. Following the death of Bones, Murphy is at loose ends. Bones wasn’t just his best friend, he was his teacher and mentor.

Even though in the previous book the head of a human trafficking ring was killed. That doesn’t mean the end of this barbaric group. What follows here in The Keeper is a prime example of how powerful it is. This was a gripping story that is slightly repetitive in that it goes over things from the previous books which would work for those that have not read them or those who have not binge read this series like myself. However, I feel for this series  you really do need to start with book 1 to really feel the emotional impact as each story continues.

Again, this was a telling story that does come with some action. There are the great characters that I have come to love, including Gunnar the dog who is part of the gang. A twisty story that took this reader on a ride that felt a little bit more predictable than his previous books. 

Will there be a sequel to this one? I’m not sure. But for now I will dive into Charles Martin's backlist, though I wish Jonathan K. Riggs was the narrator of some of those because he did an awesome job with this series.

My only criticism about the series is that the endorsements state two well known authors that combined is what the series is made of. To me that is off-putting as one of the authors is one I do not read anymore, and I feel that could be a deterrent for possible readers.

My thanks to Harper Collins for the e-audio (via Netgalley) in exchange for a honest review.

The Record Keeper by Charles Martin

With gripping action and heart-wrenching emotion, Charles Martin continues to explore the true power of sacrificial love.

Murphy Shepherd's last rescue mission very nearly cost him his life. He'd like nothing more than to stay close to his wife and daughters for a while. But Bones's brother must be stopped, and there are so many who need to know that they are worth rescuing.

As the cat-and-mouse game moves into the open, Murphy is tested at every turn—both physically and mentally. And then the unthinkable happens: his beloved mentor and friend is taken. Without a trace.

Murphy lives by the mantra that love shows up. But how can he do that when he has no leads? With heart-stopping clarity, The Record Keeper explores the true cost of leaving the ninety-nine to find the one.

Audible Audio, 10 hours, 6 minutes

Published July 5, 2022 

by Thomas Nelson

5/5 stars

Book 3 in A Murphy Shepherd Series was another audio read for me. Jonathan K Riggs is the reader and again he does a stellar job.

Continuing shortly after book 2, The Letter Keeper, The Record Keeper begins. This was such a gripping novel that I listened to it in record time. And even though the first half of the book is very much a tell story, the action in the last half kept me on the edge of my seat with an ending that was both shocking and heartbreaking.

Again, Charles Martin’s weaved a story that goes back in time to the history of both Bones and Murphy Shepherd. Though most of it does centre around Bones and his upbringing. I won’t say too much more just that he was a man who saw good even in evil. The one who always asked, tell me what you know about sheep, which has become a trademark in the series.

The Record Keeper is another emotional read into the world of human trafficking along with the power and search for love and freedom. This is book 3 and I highly recommend, to get the full enjoyment and impact, you need to start at the beginning of the series. At present there are three books but come April 1 book 4 entitled The Keeper will be released. I am listening to it right now

My thanks to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan fiction audio for a digital arc in exchange for a honest review.

The Letter Keeper by Charles Martin

Combining heart-wrenching emotion with edge-of-your-seat tension, Charles Martin explores the true power of sacrificial love.

He shows up when all hope is lost.

Murphy Shepherd has made a career of finding those no one else could—survivors of human trafficking. His life’s mission is helping others find freedom.

But then the nightmare strikes too close to home .

When his new wife, her daughter, and two other teenage girls are stolen, Murphy is left questioning all he has thought to be true. With more dead ends than leads, he has no idea how to find those he loves.

After everything is stripped away, love is what remains.

Hope feels lost, but Murphy is willing to expend his last breath trying to bring them home.

Audiobook, 9 hours, 49 minutes

Published June 8, 2021

 by Thomas Nelson

5/5 stars

This is booked 2 in Charles Martin’s Murphy Shepherd Series. The Letter Keeper pretty well continues where The Water Keeper ended. This is definitely a series that you need to read in order.

This is only my second Charles Martin book, but already I know that he writes emotional stories with heartbreaking subject matter. His writing again tackles the subject of human trafficking, but done with respect and compassion, while at the same time tells it like it is.

No longer on the Florida coast Murphy has returned to Freetown with those he rescued in The Water Keeper, there is hope for these women in Freetown, however evil is still crowding in on him. Here we get more backstory into his relationship with Bones and his first wife Marie. I have found that his stories tend to have a tell verse show to them which works perfectly fine here. Especially since I was given the audiobook from the publisher, it's like Murph is telling me his story.

Not to say too much about The Letter Keeper, because honestly, I am still reeling from the next book in series (review coming soon)..

I highly recommend the audiobook which is read by Jonathan K Riggs, who did another amazing job.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Audio for the audiobook 

in exchange for a honest review.

The Water Keeper by Charles Martin

A riveting new story of heroism, heartache, and the power of love to heal all wounds.

Murphy Shepherd is a man with many secrets. He lives alone on an island, tending the grounds of a church with no parishioners, and he’s dedicated his life to rescuing those in peril. But as he mourns the loss of his mentor and friend, Murph himself may be more lost than he realizes.

When he pulls a beautiful woman named Summer out of Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway, Murph’s mission to lay his mentor to rest at the end of the world takes a dangerous turn. Drawn to Summer, and desperate to find her missing daughter, Murph is pulled deeper and deeper into the dark and dangerous world of modern-day slavery.

With help from some unexpected new friends, including a faithful Labrador he plucks from the ocean and an ex-convict named Clay, Murph must race against the clock to locate the girl before he is consumed by the secrets of his past—and the ghosts who tried to bury them.

With Charles Martin’s trademark lyricism and poignant prose, The Water Keeper is at once a tender love story and a heartrending search for freedom.

Audiobook, 11 hours, 35 minutes

Published May 5, 2020 

by Thomas Nelson

4/5 stars

This is my first time reading a Charles Martin book, this was an audio read for me.

I didn’t know what to expect and honestly I didn't even read the blurb. Charles Martin is an author I have been debating about reading and I jumped at the chance to grab this audio from NetGalley . It is book 1 with book 4 coming out April 1, and yes, I have the series loaded and waiting for me.

Beginning with a scene that grabbed my attention. I was captivated with this audio. It is the story of Murphy Shepherd, a man of many secrets. His life is dedicated to rescuing those that are taken no matter how dangerous the situation is.

The Water Keeper is a fitting start as people are introduced, a bit of their past is shown, and the author has made me like all of them, not just Murph, but Clay, Ellie, Summer, and of course, to round everything up there is a dog named Gunner. Having cruised on the intercoastal waterways in Florida it wasn’t hard to feel the setting, envision things and get a real sense of what was taking place.

The Water Keeper is a heartbreaking story, it was emotional given that what takes place is so relevant these days. It is a story of love, danger and new beginnings. There is a cliffhanger ending which had me opening up book 2, The Letter Keeper right away.

If you haven’t started the series, I highly recommend the audio, Jonathan K Riggs was the narrator who brought the story to life.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the audiobook in exchange for a honest review.