Intense! This is the second book in the Murphy Shepherd series dealing with human trafficking! I doubt if any human is able to endure all that Murphy Shepherd does and survive to fight some more but it makes for a great read! I learned a lot about the rehabilitation that has to be done after victims are rescued. Sometimes a person keeps a secret because more people will benefit from that action. We all need the love of an earthly father and, even more so, the love of our heavenly father! I recommend The Letter Keeper to others. I received a complimentary e-book through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

I finished this book several days ago. But I had to wait and absorb it before I could even think about writing a review. Once again, Charles Martin has ripped my heart out of my chest and made it ache for the characters you discover as you find yourself lost in the story. The author has an amazing gift of taking a current global issue and relating it to the Bible and Christian principles. Murphy Shepherd’s dedication and openness in helping to rescue and heal those who have suffered so much is inspirational.

I will warn you, make sure you have a box (or two) of tissues close by. You will need them! And make sure you’re in a place where you can sob out loud … I mean ugly girl crying … and gasp out loud. There are twists and turns, moments of intense agony, times of extreme joy, and pages of sitting on the edge of your seat in suspense. Charles Martin has written a story that delivers the ugliness of humanity but is cleansed by God’s love and sacrifice.

Be prepared for the last chapter! But don’t peak. It’s worth the wait.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

If anything can rob of you now, it is yesterday.

Murphy Shepherd continues on. Haunted by the past (see The Water Keeper, Murphy has a future with his daughter and Summer. This book is more character driven and it is driven by Murphy and what he does. He rescues victims from trafficking. He has a heart for it, he has a passion for it. His life has changed with finding his daughter and with Summer coming into life. He has found love. And with that, he knows that his operation can be shut down if his enemies want to go after him. He is also haunted by his daughter's mother and how their relationship ended. The plot is driven by these two fronts. Everything else is secondary.

For me personally, I always appreciate a struggle between good and evil. With emotions and fighting to do the right thing. Murphy Shepherd covers all that. However, the plot was lost and found again thru out Murphy musing and going back in time. You really need to read the first book to have any connection with the second. The third will tying up the lose ends and of the evil behind trafficking. Martin does a great job in putting a face in what trafficking does and who is behind it. Power and money. It is a Christian book but not heavy on theology but how love cast out all fear and evil.

A special thank you to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

In my opinion, the second installment of Murphy Shepherd was even better than the first. This book was full of excitement, suspense and was a page turner.

In this sequel, some of my questions were answered that I still had from the first book. The beginning of the book opens where THE WATER KEEPER left off. Throughout the novel, explanations of why Bones never revealed Marie's whereabouts were explained.

Bones and Murph are in a race against time to save others from sex trafficking. Murph and Bones explain more details about Freetown and how the rescued live in safety there. Some of the girls get kidnapped from Freetown and another rescue begins to save their lives. It means even more this time because Summer, Murph's new wife, is in the group.

I highly recommend this book! This one is a cliffhanger! Hurry up with the next one.

I am a big fan of Charles Martin and have read several of his books. This was a slower read for me and I found it more challenging to stay engaged compared to the first book in this series. I look forward to reading the last book in the series when it comes out, and hopefully it will hold my attention more.

I’m going to be honest. I was about 40% through the book and I didn’t really care to read anymore, which is weird, because I always love Charles’ books. But the first half is really a lot of backstory and narration. I was bored.

But I kept reading, and wow, I’m glad it did. I was up until 2am because I had to see how it ended. So push through that first half because the last half is well worth it and it does add a lot of depth to the overall story.

I would say I think you need to read The Water Keeper first, otherwise you will probably be pretty confused, but you won’t regret reading that one either.


A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

"He leaves the ninety-nine."

Charles Martin has a unique way of writing stories that stay with you long after you read them and this one is no exception. This is the sequel to his novel, The Water Keeper, which also deals with the horrific subject of human trafficking. There is the same edge-of-your-seat tension in this story, but it did slow down a bit to give you the back story of how Murphy came to be such a sacrificial hero. And I loved that.

I loved getting to know the characters better, especially Casey. Her story was so heart breaking, but Murphy gave her hope and a chance at a new life. I just finished this book last night and know that I will be thinking about it for a long time. It was just so powerful. Obviously, I highly recommend this book.

The Letter Keeper by Charles Martin
A Murphy Shepherd novel #2

Almost put this book down before finishing but decided to read the end, then a bit in the middle, and still unsatisfied with quitting I skimmed it all to find out if what I thought did not make sense might make complete sense by the last page. I felt, when I nearly stopped reading, that this is a series that probably should be read starting with book and I still feel that way after reading as I did although I did manage to get a sense of the main character, his calling, and the life he leads.

What I liked:
* Shepherd/Bishop: a man with a skill-set and life calling to be admired…although…at times he seemed to have a death wish or perhaps he was an adrenaline junkie.
* Bones: co-worker/boss/string puller of Shepherd
* The task that Shepherd & Bones have in common and the way they achieve their goal(s)
* The way Shepherd keeps track of the people his work has impacted
* Gunner: A dedicated, smart, and loving canine companion
* The lives saved and the hints about what they were saved from.
* Casey: one of the people saved
* The parts Marie, Ellie, Summer and Angel played in the story ALTHOUGH this is where having read the first book might have come in handy.
* The indestructible constitution Shepherd must have – and his ability to heal from death defying injuries.
* Finding out who Bones & Shepherd will probably be chasing in the next book

What I didn’t like:
* Knowing that there are traffickers in real life as evil or more evil than the ones mentioned in this book.
* Thinking about the pain and suffering that those trafficked must experience.
* Feeling that I should have read book one before reading this one – felt I must be missing things at times.

Did I like this book? Sort of
Would I read more by this author? Maybe

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

This is an amazing book. Love the continued story of Murph! Love the way Charles Martin writes. You can’t put the book down. Always thrilling and heartbreaking. Can not wait for the story to contiune!

As with The Water Keeper, this book deals with some sensitive subjects that might be hard for some readers; but they are handled well with Charles Martin's usual excellent writing. I think it's beneficial for the reader to read these books in order to get the full impact of the characters and to understand the story. This is another thought-provoking book.

Before you start this book, set aside about two days to do nothing but read because you won't want to put this book down. This has basically been the case with every Charles Martin book I've read, but I absolutely love this series. It's not because it gives me the warm fuzzies or makes me smile, but instead it makes me think. It affects me deep in my heart and mind. I feel so invested in Murphy Shepherd because the story is told completely from his point of view, so the reader is able to dive deep into his thoughts and feelings. I love this hero. He's a mix of a Jason Bourne/Jack Reacher type, but with a heart of faith and love. He's a protector, not only in the process of rescuing those trapped in human trafficking, but after their rescue.

This book, like the previous one, looks at Murphy's past and how it impacts his present. In the first book it focused a lot on his relationship with his first wife. This book explores that some more, but answers a lot of questions about his relationship with his mentor and how Murphy came to be who he is. The present intersects as this past connection impacts those he loves in the here and now.

This book, along with The Water Keeper, are two of my favorite books. I can't recommend them enough. After I read both I had to take a step back and just process all that happened. I really want to go back and read them again. Both have plot twists and turns that I didn't fully understand until the end. For me, that equals well written fiction.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in order to give an honest review, which I did.**

First things - I should have read the first one. I didn't realize this was the second in the series. Secondly - Trafficking of humans is the subject matter so if this triggers you, proceed with caution. It doesn't dwell on all the details and most of it is in the rescue phase, but it is handled well and it wasn't as heavy as I anticipated.

I couldn't put this one down. It was a rich story that moved around quite a bit. I was in it until the end which brought a twist that I wasn't expecting and the promise of another book in this series.

I admire the people that are strong enough to save others from this dire situation. I loved the relationships that were among those behind the scenes and the honest way it showed the healing process and the time that it takes for these victims to heal, if they heal.

The characters were complex and flawed humans in the best sense of the words. I was honored to receive an eARC through netgalley and give this honest review.

3.75 stars. First and foremost The Letter Keeper by Charles Martin must be made into a movie. It would be action packed, filled with good guys and bad guys, filled with love, sacrifice and undying friendship and filled with characters you want to be your friends. It would undeniably be better than a James Bond movie.

This book is a sequel to The Water Keeper, 5 stars, and as is usual for me I never like the sequel as much as the first book in the series. That being said I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. Also, I would read these in order or else I feel you will be lost.

Murphy Shepherd, super hero, is a selfless man who sacrifices his own life to find and rescue girls and boys from human trafficking. Not only does he rescue them he turns their life around and gains their trust. You will fall in love with all the good guys, Murphy, Bones, Casey, Summer, Angel and Ellie. They are all his family and adoptive family and in this book they are all in need of being rescued.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Now let’s make a movie!

4.5 stars rounded up

Another great read by Martin! This book had more of slow build than the first one in the series, however, once the action started, it didn’t stop. I highly recommend reading The Water Keeper before The Letter Keeper to get the necessary background to appreciate the developing relationships between the characters and the story as a whole.

I really enjoyed learning more about the characters that make up this book, each story is so powerful and unique. There are some hard parts to read, due to the series being about human trafficking, but this topic is one that needs light shone on it. Martin shines a light with heart and grace. Overall, Murph’s love and care for the women in his life is a beautiful picture of how God loves and rescues those He calls His own.

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

The Letter Keeper is the second book in the Murphy Shepherd novels. This book started off with a bang, and then it goes into the backstory of how Murph became the kick butt hero he became. It also slows down a good bit and reflects on Casey. A girl he rescued from the first book and all the traumatic and emotional issues that come from being trafficked. I cried tears through much of that section of the book. Then, it takes a turn and there is a lot of action at the end in true Charles Martin style. The ending leaves you wanting to read book 3.
4.5 stars
*I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson and this is my honest opinion.

The Letter Keeper is the second book in Charles Martin's Murphy Shepherd series. I'm a huge fan of Martin's novels and I've read almost all of them. This one was a bit of a challenge for me to get into, even though I'd read the first book in the series. I think it's great that the author and publisher are tackling such a difficult topic. We need more books that shine a light into the dark places in this world, and human trafficking is quite evil. The action is intense, the subtle message about God's love for his children reflected throughout the novel is well-written, and the characters are rich and dynamic. The relationship between Bones and Murph that's established in the first book is expanded upon in this book, which I really enjoyed. For me, the novel's one drawback is plausibility. At times, Murph seemed superhuman. I totally get that there is a need for suspension of disbelief in certain story worlds. In this one, there are several scenes where the actions taken by the hero aren't believable.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions shared here are my own.

After reading and loving The Water Keeper by Charles Martin I could hardly wait to get my hands on The Letter Keeper. I was not disappointed! Only that I now have to wait for this author's next book.
The Letter Keeper is a perfect page turner!
Once again we are in the world of Murphy Shepherd who has devoted his life to finding survivors of human trafficking.
Freetown, a town high in the mountains of Colorado is where he brings the young people he has rescued so that they can heal physically, mentally and hopefully emotionally. However the story becomes personal for Murphy when his world is shattered by the sudden disappearance of his new wife, daughter and two others. He battles good vs evil as he hunts the evil men out to destroy him.
Multiple surprises, many plot twists, edge of your seat suspense and wonderfully endearing and unique characters make this novel unputdownable.
I am totally captivated with Charles Martin's story-telling!
* I highly recommend reading The Water Keeper first *

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Murphy Shepherd finds the survivors of human trafficking, but then, it hits too close to home. As in, very up close and personal. His new wife, his stepdaughter and two other teen girls are taken. Such an unimaginable thing.
This was an emotional story for me. Wiped me out.
This is the second book in a series. It will leave you hanging and begging for the next book.
I was given an advanced copy by the publisher, Thomas Nelson and Netgalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

Murphy Shepherd continues with his mission to rescue people who are forced into human trafficking, all the while keeping Freetown, in the Colorado mountains, as a safe space for the survivors. His mentor, known as Bones, is a force to be reckoned with, and Murphy knows the strain Bones is under, with the immense responsibility of helping the residents heal. To his surprise, Murphy’s novel about one of the girls has hit the best-seller list, and with the furor surrounding Casey’s story, Murphy finds he has let his guard down a bit. Someone has breached the security at Freetown, destroyed the hospital, and stolen Murphy’s new wife, Summer, their daughters, and Casey.

The Letter Keeper is the second in a series, and it is an excellent story. Murphy’s selflessness, placing himself in grave danger over and over again to rescue victims of human trafficking, is admirable and I love his determination. The resilience and strength of the residents of Freetown, and the courage they demonstrate, is really humbling and I applaud their journey. This is a strong story, full of strong characters who continue to serve others with their time and talents, and I can’t recommend it strongly enough.

What a beautiful but heartbreaking book! I was recently introduced to Charles Martin's books by a patron at our library who kept requesting all his books. When I saw this title here on Netgalley I knew I had to read it. I rushed to get the first of this series from the main library and read it just as fast as I read this one. It's definitely best to read The Water Keeper first. Also, because I tend to prefer fun, fluffy books, this is a bit more heavy and took me two days to read instead of breezing through it in an afternoon.

Both The Water Keeper and The Letter Keeper are about human trafficking and a man who rescues those who were taken. It's a beautiful story of Murphy Shepherd who leaves the 99 to find the lost one. It's about his struggles, the women he loves, the men he's closest to and a faithful dog, Gunner.

I can't wait for book 3 that comes out in June 2022!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are mine and now I will be a faithful reader of Charles Martin!