Member Reviews
Absolutely wonderful. But please don't leave me on that cliffhanger! (Beware.) Yet somehow it was the perfect end to this unique and twisty, beautiful, and deep series. I was relieved to have the story finished yet I also wanted a twelve book series at the same time! Charles Martin writes like no other author I have ever read and I am in love with his books. Catch me reading his entire back catalogue. Keep writing, sir!
What an amazing triology of books! All three were amazing and definitely are books I am still thinking about long after having turned the last page. Highly recommend for realistic fiction and moving characters.
This is a beautifully written conclusion to the Murphy Shepherd trilogy. I was moved to tears many times thinkin about the gorgeous analogy of how God seeks us out, even when we seem to be the only one lost.
So why not five stars? It's because this book really takes a long time to get going. The first 50% is a lot of rehashing of the storylines of prior books and inch-by-inch setup of what is to come. I rate the first 50% 3-stars, and the second 50% 5-stars, so an average of 4. It's still an absolutely stellar book and you definitely should read all three books in order, despite the recaps.
There are many things about the plots of these books that are incredibly difficult to read. The premise of the stories is that Murphy Shepherd and his counterparts work to rescue women and children from trafficking, and although it doesn't go into detail, enough is provided that will gut you and break your heart into a million pieces.
Although these books are an amazing allegory of God's love for people, you could read them and appreciate them for the stories themselves and not even notice the underlying message. Martin is such an excellent writer that his books appeal to a wide range of readers, whether they believe in God or not. However, one caveat is that some of the actions of the characters might not make much sense without a faith background.
Overall, I loved this trilogy and cannot wait to see what this writer comes up with next.
The third in a series. Such a hard topic to read about and unfortunately very prevalent to today. Martin did a great job as he deals with human trafficking in this book. Have enjoyed all his writing.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy.
Apparently part of a series / a secret operative Murphy is also a novelist / he is often helped by Bines who has an evil twin . Deals with sex abuse in the church …
The Record Keeper, by Charles Martin, is book three in the Murphey Shepherd series. This one does take over after the second in the series, so it is best to read them in order. I did struggle a little getting into this story, so I should have gone back and re-read the previous book. This is a fast-paced, action filled suspenseful story. This story focuses on the topic of human trafficking and hurt and emotions of those who survive have to work through. While this is a hard topic to read about, this is a good story. There is a lot of specific information provided in this story and a lot of background information.
It is interesting to read of the differences between Bones and his brother. While Bones works to help others, his brother has found ways to track Bones and know is every movement. This story is follows the Parable of the Lost Sheep in the Bible. Especially when Murphey leaves to find Bones.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review.
I'm not sure if this is the last book in the series since new characters were introduced but it does tie up the loose ends with Bones and Murphy Shepherd. The series deals with the tough topic of human trafficking. The author does an excellent job of showing you what the victims have endured and how they are overcoming. Bones and Murphy are the two main characters and their bond of friendship is like none other. The leave the ninety-nine to rescue the one. I have enjoyed all three books. I have laughed, cried, mourned, and rejoiced with the characters. An excellent series.
Charles Martin write another amazing book. I really wonder, and hope, there is a team of people who are trying to stop trafficking like we see in this book.
This book is heart pounding from start to finish. The characters speak from the and therefore will touch your heart.
I would say you really do need to read the previous books in this series to fully enjoy this one. There is a lot of back story that you get from the other books that I think is important in this one.
A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
It is hard for me to wrap my mind around the thought of human sex trafficking and what a big business it probably is. I admire Murphy Shepherd and "Bones" for working so hard to catch the top guy and put an end to this horrible crime for, at least, a while. You will be amazed at the incredible feats of strength and endurance the two of them show. Charles Martin is able to write about rescuing kidnapped children and women in a tasteful way. I have found all three books in the Murphy Shepherd series extremely interesting. Because of love, Bones was able to leave the rescued 99 and go after the one who still needed rescuing! I recommend the fast paced Murphy Shepherd series to others. I believe both men and women will want to read these books. I received a e-book copy through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.
The Record Keeper
by Charles Martin
Pub Date 05 Jul 2022
Thomas Nelson--FICTION, Thomas Nelson
General Fiction (Adult)
I am reviewing a copy of The Record Keeper through Thomas Nelson and Netgalley:
Murphy Shepherd would like like nothing more than to stay close to his wife and daughters for awhile, but his last rescue mission very nearly cost him his life. And Bones brother must be stopped.
and there are so many who still need to know they are worth rescuing.
As the cat-and-mouse game moves into the open, Murphy is tested at every turn—both physically and mentally. Then the unthinkable happens: his beloved mentor and friend is taken.
Gone without a trace.
Murphy lives by the mantra that love always shows up. But how can he rescue Bones 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.
I give Gone Without a Trace five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
Charles Martin is one of my favorite authors, so when I got the chance to read the 3rd book in the Murphy Shepard series I was thrilled. As usual this one did not disappoint. The book is a tense and emotional read but very much worth the read. I highly recommend the book.
Thank you NetGallery for my ARC.
A tense and dark story about sex trafficking. Martin captivates through rich storytelling cat and mouse game. A riveting story that is raw and emotional.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the eARC.
#NetGalley
What a great ending to the Murphy Sheppard trilogy! The entire series is beautifully written, gut wrenching and thought provoking leaving you with hope for humanity and this one does not fall short. It's full of suspense and adventure but it's also a story of unconditional love. I will read anything Charles Martin writes, he's just that good! Don't hesitate to read this one and add all his previous books to your TBR list.
The newest installment of Charles Martin's Murphy series did not disappoint. Murph is looking for his missing partner, Bones, over the course of The Record Keeper. The plot is well developed, and a couple of new characters are introduced. Camp, Jess, and the other hacker are the perfect teammates for Murph to have to help save Bones and protect the safe haven they have created.
If you have read the other two in the series, I highly recommend The Record Keeper. Thank you NetGalley for an arc of this excellent book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Emotional raw and touching book. Loved the carryover of the characters in the three books in a series. Once you start reading you will want to finish, but I explore you to parse it out and enjoy!
Well, I had to wait until I stopped sobbing before I could write my review. I implore you to read the first two books in the series. The characters will touch your heart and you will feel such a connection to them. As always, Charles Martin will grab you emotionally and doesn’t let go until well after you have absorbed the last word, closed the cover, and wiped away the tears streaming down your face. While the subject of this series is difficult to read about, human trafficking is real and a horrendous issue across the world.
I loved the analogy of sheep and the wolf. (Read the book to see what I mean.)
There are so many beautiful expressions sprinkled throughout the pages. And while a Christian-focused book, it is not preachy. It is full of hope, faith, love, determination, support, and redemption. I cannot say enough positive things about this book or Charles Martin’s writing. He always manages to touch me deeply and yet give me the strength to be a better person and to allow God to use me in whatever way He desires.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
An exciting conclusion to the Murphy Shepherd series that will have readers wanting to read the whole series again and again!
Murphy Shepherd has been in the shadows his whole career. He stays off the radar and rescues those who have been taken for human trafficking. To cope with all the things he has seen, he began writing stories about his adventures using the pen name David Bishop that have become some of the most sought-after books in the world. But he owes everything to his mentor, Bones. After his last mission to rescue his wife and children, he very nearly died at the hand of someone who looked eerily similar to his mentor. When Murphy learns the truth about the mystery man, he and Bones vow to stop at nothing to finally dismantle the trafficking empire and keep those who have been rescued safe. But when Bones is taken and used as ransom, Murphy has just discovered this will be the most difficult mission that he has been preparing for throughout his whole life without even knowing it!
The Record Keeper is the third and final book in the Murphy Shepherd series. This has been one of the most intense series that I’ve read over the last decade. Readers are pulled in quickly during the first book and it doesn’t let up until the end of the third. Whereas the first book is just setting the stage with a little bit of Murphy’s history, the second book really dives into his past and what made him into the man he is. The Record Keeper is more about the story of his mentor, Bones, and how the organization that he and Murphy work for came to be. Word of caution, this series and this book are not for the squeamish. This dives heavily into human trafficking and sexual abuse, particularly at those who seem to live just and righteous lives. However, there is also a humbling truth of forgiveness and leaving the ninety-nine to find the one, regardless of who that one might be.
I would love this to become a movie or miniseries, but who knows if it will. The writing is real, raw, and very emotional at times. The characters are easy to connect with and quickly make readers love or hate them. To get the most out of this book, I recommend that the full series be read in order as it follows a timeline and storyline that need to read to fully understand what is going on. Hands down one of my favorite books of the year!
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
The Record Keeper is another incredible book by Charles Martin.
I read every book by him, have not been disappointed. His books will carry you away, and you will enjoy the ride!
The third in the series, The Record Keeper continues the story of Murphy Shepherd. I didn't read the first two book in the series and it would have been beneficial. There were characters and side stories that were a little confusing to me. And the book as a whole would have probably been more satisfying, as it has a very conclusion feel to it. That being said, the story line was quick paced. Sort of like the movie "Taken" meets "Bourne" and I really enjoyed that! It was a good change from my usual genres.
THE RECORD KEEPER
CHARLES MARTIN
This good versus evil story covers a multitude of subjects from sniper stats to high tech computer hacking. Combine these sciences with a caring main character who wants to save the world and you have a standout journey that will grab your interest! Very well developed characters travel through the good and bad. Will the few be able to outsmart the large evil juggernaut? Above water, in the water, under the water, you will be holding your breath.
5Stars
Spencer Birt