I love this series and I don't know if this is the last book of the series or if there will be more. I'm hoping there could be more, but I will continue reading whatever Charles Martin writes because I love his lyrical voice.

This series has been full of the horrors of child slavery, amazing heroism and bravery, redemption and forgiveness, and most of all love. A sacrificial love that is deep and abiding. This book puts Bones (Murphy's mentor) and his twin brother who is evil to the core in the forefront. Although Murphy had come near death in his last rescue mission, he has no choice but to try to stop Bones' brother.

This book is tense and emotional. I think anyone wanting to read it should read The Water Keeper and The Letter Keeper first to get the background on Murphy and Bones. Their history is important to fully understand the relationship and what drives them. Gunner the dog is a hero too and is always present; he's a great character too. The philosophy taught by Bones and followed by Murphy runs throughout the book and in central to the story.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson--FICTION through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on July 5, 2022. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I would like to thank NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

First I will say that I really enjoy reading books by Charles Martin. When I came upon this offering I was so pleased. Since this is the 3rd book in the series, I obtained copies of the first 2 books. In my opinion, the Record Keeper is not really a stand alone, so much would be missed if the first two books weren’t read.

The story follows Murphy Shepard (not his given name) as he helps rescue young adults, mostly girls, from sex trafficking. He also is a writer, but his real name is not known initially. This will make sense while reading, I do not want to add a spoiler. Though the topic of these books might put some people off, to me it gave me faith that there are people out there who are trying to right the wrong.

I’m not sure I could read another book about sex trafficking but I do like Murphy Shepard so I guess I will just have to wait and see if another book comes out.

The book is very well written and the storyline does progress well.

Definitely worth the read. This author is awesome.

The Record Keeper
by Charles Martin
Pub Date: July 5, 2022
Thomas Nelson
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. This author was recommended to me years ago, and I have greatly enjoyed reading his books. This is a wonderful conclusion to the series and it is a must-read. I would recommend reading books 1 and 2 first, if possible.
I am so glad that Charles Martin chose to tackle the topic of human trafficking through this trilogy. Trafficking is something that is pervasive in every corner of our society but often overlooked or ignored. As with the other books I should mention that the subject matter is not easy to read. The story is action-packed and clearly calls out what is evil.
I highly recommend this book and will be purchasing it for our library.
5 stars

The Record Keeper gave us a fitting end to a beautiful trilogy. I pre-ordered this book as soon as it was available. I don’t want to give anything away, but if you have read the other two books you will know who Bones is - this is his story. I enjoyed learning more about this “larger than life” character and his brother. Bones story did seem a bit over the top at times, but succeeded in keeping me turning the pages. Murphy Shepherd is another character that I enjoyed watching. He has grown through each book and continues to be a wonderfully flawed main character that you can’t help but root for at every turn. Everyone has a history and a past that made them the person they are today. This book explores that theme.

I am so glad that Charles Martin chose to tackle the topic of human trafficking through this trilogy. Trafficking is something that is pervasive in every corner of our society, but often overlooked or ignored. As with the other books I should mention that the subject matter is not easy to read. The story is action-packed and clearly calls out what is evil.

I highly recommend this trilogy.

I enjoyed the first two books in this series, but unfortunately, this one not so much. It was just too heavy on action, and not heavy enough on character development. I definitely could have done without the lavish descriptions of firearms, for one thing. There are those who might enjoy the actions scenes, and maybe that who's this was written for, but definitely not my cup of tea.

If you don’t read The Record Keeper by Charles Martin, you’re going to miss an awesome book. Once you start reading, you are drawn into the story and don’t want to put it down. The book and author are both amazing. I highly recommend this book.

I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest opinion and review. All words are my own.

Thriller



Oh my gosh, do I love this series! This is the 3rd book of the Murphy Shepherd series and is the absolute best of the best!

"Because the needs of the one outweigh those of the ninety-nine." This tenet is what Murphy and Bones live by. It's what makes them pursue a kidnapped and exploited person when they are bruised and broken and should probably take a break. Yes, they have religious training, but their goal is to rescue women and children who have been kidnapped and are being trafficked.

In this installment Murphy is still recovering from a wound that almost ended his life. But this time, they aren't just going after the victims they are going after the "head of the snake". By their estimations one man has been responsible for the trafficking of hundreds of thousands of people in the past twenty years. This man is Bones' brother, specifically his twin. They had a horrific childhood and suffered abuse at the hands of many men. At a major turning point in their lives Bones' choose goodness and Frank choose the dark.

Frank is very rich and very brilliant. He has enough money to have created his own internet and can hack anything with a processor. He began attacking Murph and Freetown and their friends to get to Bones. and they need to stop him once and for all. Trouble is a man rich enough to hack any device knows your plans as soon as you make them.

The intricacies of the search for Frank, the tension of the storyline and the overarching theme had me crying and gasping and turning pages as quickly as possible. Most of all, it made me think. What does being kind really cost? Can the smallest of actions really change the world?

Oh, what a book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC of this novel. I will be forever grateful to have read this one.

I usually don’t like books in a series and started The Record Keeper with that thought in my mind. This is number 3 in the series.
I thought it would be difficult to follow this book if you haven’t read the previous 2 but not impossible. There are some key information that comes from the first 2 books that aren’t explained in book 3 that adds to the enjoyment and full understanding.
Overall having read his other books, The Record Keeper is an amazing read. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, storyline and lessons to be learned. I cannot recommend this book enough.

The Record Keeper, by Charles Martin, is the third and final book in the Murphy Shepherd series and is a highly emotional, enthralling story, and a gripping series on the whole. Charles Martin has an innate gift for writing and storytelling, as well as adding character depth, making a way for a genuine connection with the people you are reading about. His stories impart a deeper, essential message with clarity and insight.

The main theme in this story is human trafficking and decidedly a hard one to read. However, the message of persevering and finding the light in the darkness, the hope in the desolation, righteous ferocity when called for, and the difference between justice and loving acceptance is poignant and meaningful.

The Record Keeper is full of action and will keep you flipping pages, while also seizing your heart. It will leave you pondering the message long after you the close of the book. I eagerly look forward to reading more from this author.

An incredible conclusion to the Murphy Shepherd series! These books have imprinted themselves on my heart. Such beautiful writing about such a dark subject. I’m just awe struck at the depth, the humanity, the wisdom, the love, and all other emotions that pour out of these amazing books. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for the advanced copy.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the eARC of #TheRecordKeeper by Charles Martin.
The Record Keeper is the third book in the Murphy Shepherd trilogy, following The Water Keeper and The Letter Keeper. I read the first two books so naturally this was one of my most anticipated novels of 2022.
I loved all of these books! Charles Martin is one of my favorite authors. If you’ve read any of his books you already know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t then you can start reading the first two novels in this series and preorder The Record Keeper which has a
publication date of July 5, 2022.
Murphy Shepherd is such a great character and needs to be on the big screen. (Here’s hoping 🤗). Charles Martin will have you cheering for Murphy Shepherd and his team while they fight against the purveyors of human trafficking. This is a difficult and timely topic but Charles Martin tells it with heart, hope and great examples of sacrificial love.
Have you read these books or a different Charles Martin novel? What has been your favorite?

Again, thank you @storiedcareer for writing the Murphy Shepherd trilogy and also to @NetGalley for gifting me the eARC for review.

#TheRecordKeeper #NetGalley #ThomasNelson #juliawoodard #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #favoriteauthor #booksbooksbooks #currentlyreading #amreading #bookseries #booktrilogy

Another soul searching story with twists and turns. Charles Martin is an author who once you read one of his books you have to read everything he has written!

I cannot say enough about Charles Martin’s books! I have only read the three in his Murphy Shepherd Series but am looking forward to reading more of his other books in the future. The Record Keeper is the third (and final) book of the series and I recommend reading the first two (The Water Keeper and The Letter Keeper) before reading this one so you can have a full picture of the story that unfolds.

The Record Keeper is full of heart and action and mystery as Murphy Shepherd races against the clock to continue rescuing those that are lost. This book is about human trafficking so some parts are rather disturbing but I am thankful the issue is addressed as it is because trafficking is such a horrific industry that I feel is often overlooked. I am grateful to the author for shedding light on such an atrocity.

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

The Record Keeper will take you on a ride! Murph and Bones are back, in what may be the best of the series, yet. Charles Martin takes us to a different level, as he reveals the depths of where Bones comes from, who he is, and the overwhelming and incredible duties he carries in life. Packed with adventure, tenderness, grit and soul, The Record Keeper is a recommended read!

No words. There is such a powerful message in this book. This book elicited deep emotion, causing me to cry several times. To fully appreciate this story, you need to read the first two books, but they are absolutely worth your time. I really hope Murph's story continues.

The final (I think?) book of the Murphy Shepherd Novels, this one does not disappoint. We finally learn much of Bones’ backstory, and it is A LOT. With Murph barely recovered from what happened in book two - but lots of unfinished business to take care of, his world is turned even further upside down when a major rescue goes sideways.

I will be frank and say that it has been a challenge to review this series as so many serious-major-crazy-but-relevant-incredible things happen - AND THEY ARE ALL SPOILERS. The best I have for you is to say this is a series worth reading; I don’t care that they are dramatic, it works; and that you MUST read them in order. Also, the new secrets revealed in this book were an excellent way to tie up the loose ends.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Once again Charles Martin has immersed me from the first page in his action packed series where the heroes rescue the innocent from the clutches of evil and the depravity of sex trafficking.

I know this evil exists but to read about it in this story is to get a better understanding of how truly horrifying it is and how very traumatic. My heart breaks for the innocence lost and the way they are so evilly used.

Every faith has a certain percentage of people who are supposed to be moral role models when in fact they are the complete opposite. It is reprehensible. It is difficult to read about, and so horrific for the victims who will never be the same. This story focuses on the past abuse of certain Catholic priests in the US and Europe, as well as individuals around the world who partake in this reprehensible behavior.

I am truly grateful for the good and holy priests and religious that have been amazing role models to me. And I am deeply disturbed and saddened for those who suffer at the hands of trusted leaders.

The Record Keeper delves deeper into the heroic men who take a stand against this evil by rescuing the innocent and providing a place for healing.

It's so natural to want to kill the evil man at the top and exact revenge for all the evil he has done. Can mercy even be a part of that equation?

This is an amazing conclusion to the Murphy Shepherd series. Where we get to know even better a truly selfless person who is always on the lookout to do what he can to save others from their present circumstances. Where we encounter an amazing skilled team who provide support and love to the rescuers and the rescued.

This is a page-turning, thought-provoking story that I highly recommend.

Thank you to the publisher and net galley for allowing me to read an early copy.

I had heard of Charles Martin, but this was my first read. He is a master. Dense, smart, mesmerizing, chilling, anguishing, full of love and hate, distinguished. Well done, Charles Martin. This is the third of his Murphy "Shep" Shepard series. Shep and his buddy, Bones, are agents in an unknown, high up, super secret, government agency, about which there are rumors but no confirmed knowledge. They specialize in rescuing women, boys and girls from sex trafficking. Some traffickers are low-level scum bags, but many are high-level, associated with the church and other well known organizations. Shep and Bones take them all on with voracious appetites. Backstories are resolved in this episode, but I won't give them away. Shep is a hero, the old-fashioned kind, with modern day skills with the motto, "Love always shows up". There are references to people and situations relating to books 1 and 2. At times I was a little lost. While this book might be better read after the first two, I still found it interesting and intriguing. I am definitely going back and reading 1 and 2. Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. I recommend it!

The Record Keeper is the 3rd and final book in the Murphy Shepherd series. I have loved this series for the story on its face value, immersing me in the gritty world of human trafficking, for the thorough and complex character development as well as the adventure. But, on a deeper level this author wholly succeeds braiding the broader themes of redemption, faith, loyalty, unconditional love, what is family throughout all three books.

This novel opens in the aftermath of the fire that closed the second book "The Letter Keeper" where the team learns that Bones brother is the violent criminal behind the attacks on Murphy, the ranch as well as being the leader in the human trafficking world. Murphy is struggling in his recovery both physical, mental and faithful and wonders if he'll go back to his rescue mission and how it will affect his wife and family after the most recent events at the ranch.

Bones never waivers and is intent on finding his brother and bringing him down. This books fills in the backstories we've been missing and help fill out the character studies that were incomplete. The story pretty much comes to an end in this book with the author tying up many of the loose ends but not necessarily in a pretty bow. While I'd have like this series to go on, i can also see that this was a logical place to end.

I highly recommend this series as a whole and feel that just reading the last book would leave the reading not getting the benefit of the entire story and the broad themes that make it so special. Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Few authors can write a series and have each book better than the previous, but this is the case with The Record Keeper from Charles Martin. This book follows The Water Keeper and The Letter Keeper and the life of Murphy Shepard and his attempt to rescue more girls from sex trafficking rings.
This book can be read alone but I would highly recommend reading the other two first. The book has some tough subjects and can be uncomfortable to read at some parts, but the ending is satisfying.

This book continues with some characters from the past while incorporating strong new ones. Mr. Martin has written about a real problem and has done it in an honest way making it impossible to look away or ignore.

This is a story about redemption, love and finding oneself. The book moves smooth, and the writing is once again beautiful.

My sincere thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the advanced copy in advance for a review reflecting my honest opinion.