I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
There are no words to describe Charles Martin's books so I will steal a couple of lines from this book to explain how I feel. "I don’t know how you do it. How you string them together and suck us all in. I used to get so excited when I’d open my email and find your manuscript sitting unread in my inbox. I’d sit down and relish every word. The first of your fans to read the new work before anyone else. A delectable luxury."

I'm so thankful to have gotten to read them before they are released. This is the last book of the trilogy and what it ending it was. This is the story of Bones, Murphy Shepherds mentor. It explains his history and why he has chosen the work he does. The ending was heart wrenching and moving! I won't be able to pick up a new book for a few days because I will be processing this one. If you haven't read this series to so now!

I received a prerelease copy through NetGalley, Charles Martin, is a favorite author of mine and this book did not disappoint. Charles Martin knows how to write people and those people stay with you after you have finished the book. This is the third book in a series on a topic that is not easy to read but awareness is much needed. This book brings back the familiar faces of the other two books and more backstories of major characters while also bringing in some new people.

My first book to read by this author but definitely not my last! Such a gripping novel that made it hard for me to put his book down once I started it. Highly recommend!!

The Record Keeper by Charles Martin
Fans of Charles Martin won’t be disappointed by this book, the third in the series about Murphy Shepherd. To truly appreciate this book, it is best read after The Water Keeper. In this book, readers learn more about Bones, Murphy’s mentor and closest friend. The rest of our favorite characters are also there: Summer, Ellie, Clay, Gunner and Casey.
I won’t offer any spoilers but just let me say that this book will keep you on the edge of your seat (or couch—wherever you love to read.) The plot moves quickly, the adventure keeps you turning pages and the technology Martin writes about continues to amaze.
I don’t know if Martin had this in mind as he writes, but his character strikes me as a Christian James Bond—someone who works hard to thwart evil and can do it with one hand tied behind his back. I love that even though there are plenty of times when evil rages, Murphy Shepherd finds a way to right the wrongs that plague his world.
I am grateful to the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for this, my honest review.

The Record Keeper is the third book in a series by Charles Martin about human trafficking. The topic is a hard one to tackle, but Martin does so with sensitivity and grace. He also manages to weave in an amazing allegory about how our heavenly Father has rescued us from slavery to Satan and sin. Here's one of my favorite quotes from the book, "A record of my keeper. Who left the ninety-nine...for me." Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

I am a loyal fan of Charles Martin and his cast of endearing characters. I anxiously awaited this last book in the series, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The storyline kept me engaged from start to finish, with definite highs and lows along the way. The first book in this series (The Water Keeper) remains my favorite of the three, but The Record Keeper did not disappoint.

This book is very tough to read! To me, it was harder than the previous two, because of the subject. Some of Bones' story was kind of unbelievable to me, because who could really live through all of that? However, overall, it was a good story, with good character development, building on the last 2 books.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this advance e-copy! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I almost quit reading in the 2nd chapter. Even though it is a topic that everyone needs to know and be more aware, I was not ready for the topic of human trafficking. As I was contemplating giving it up something caught my attention and the next thing I know I am halfway through the book. This is the first book of Charles Martin that I have read but I can guarantee it is not the last. He slips in so many elements that seem to be just a part of the story but leaves you thinking things like how does one provide for everyone as they are saved, how does one overcome the horror and what is it like in total darkness. Martin gives new insight on the importance of finding the one lost sheep and most important of belonging and hope
Thanks to Netgalley , Thomas Nelson and Charles Martin for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Methinks, going by other reviews I've read, I'd have enjoyed this a lot more, had I read the preceding two books in the series. I kept thinking, "What did I miss here?"

Murphy Shepherd and his good friend, Bones, have, apparently, founded a community which they named "Freetown" and where they care for and rehabilitate girls who were, formerly, not free, as in victims of human trafficking. It started out too slow for my liking but was quite heart-warming with some mystery added in (my favorite genre) when a major character is missing.

Still trying to decide whether to go back and read the first two...

For those who are fans of Charles Martin, you will love this book. For those who do not know his work yet, the same is true. In beautiful yet furious fashion, Martin weaves a tale of anger (righteous and otherwise) love, loss and redemption in such a way that you want to yell and cry all at the same time. As a writer, I rarely find a book that makes want to be a better storyteller and a better person all at once. The Record Keeper does both.

This is a story of brokenness and healing that reminds us we all are broken and all need healing. "Then Bones" indeed.

What an amazing conclusion to the trilogy that started with The Water Keeper. It's a tough subject but I'm glad Charles Martin addresses this topic. I really enjoy Charles Martin books but this series is awesome!
I received my review copy from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson books, all opinions are my own.

Charles Martin is an amazing story teller, as this third book in this series proves. It is a beautifully written, captivating story, as well as heart wrenching.. The story deals with human trafficking, but also gives us hope and reminds of us God's grace and redemption. I do recommend the the first two books in this series be read before this one.

This book also focuses on the friendship between Murphy and Bones, along with some additional, interesting backstory about Bones.

In some places the book was a bit tense, however, this compelling story had me on the edge of my seat, turning the pages to the very end as I anticipated the outcome.

I received a complimentary copy of his book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Record Keeper is the third and last book in the Shepherd Series. To get the full impact of this book, you need to read the first two - The Water Keeper and The Letter Keeper. Charles Martin has a true gift from God in his writing ability and this series is one I pray he will continue. As with all of his books, he weaves the themes of love, redemption, forgiveness, hope, resilience, sacrifice and faith in a magical and poignant way that leaves your heart full and your lungs breathless. This particular series (all three books) are really a story within a story within a story. In a masterful way Martin reveal layers that add such depth, amazement and intensity to the story all while gently nudging the reader to dig within their own soul for a stronger connection with God, to see the light within the darkness. And the main topic is a tough one - human trafficking. He shows you the evil, horrific nature of this topic with the most delicate of hands. While I know this is a work of fiction, I can't help but worry these are very real scenarios.

"We can no longer be content to rescue sheep. Or sit here and protect the flock. We need to hunt the wolf."

In real life, I pray we have people like Murphy and Bones out there who will continue to rescue those in need in such a selfless way, someone to show up when all hope is lost. Because everyone deserves to be rescued. In this final book we get the backstory of Bones - how he came to be the man he is, why this is his mission, why he leaves the 99 to go after the 1. In this case, the one happens to be the wolf and Martin shows us that even the most evil of characters needs rescuing. You can't help but be reflective in the most humbling way after reading this series. Martin takes some very important lessons from the Bible and crafts them in a way that leads the reader on a journey of understanding. He paints pictures with his words better than any other author I've read.

"From the beginning of time, light has shone into the darkness, and since that first spark, darkness - no matter how hard it tries, no matter what sword it wields or scheme it penetrates - has not been able to overcome it. ever."

This series is awe-inspiring, gut wrenching, emotional, moving, powerful. This is some of Charles Martin's best work, in my opinion. This is a story you don't want to miss out on. And while he has said this is the final book in this series, I pray he will continue on. The world needs more of Murphy and the team. Charles Martin is a phenomenal story teller. And the world needs more of Charles Martin's writing and insights. Every book of his I read, I walk away having not only learned a way to strengthen my faith, but be a better person.

"You can't know who you are until you've settled whose you are."

While this series is Christian fiction and Charles Martin's books have strong religious undertones, I encourage you to read these books even if this isn't your normal genre. I promise you won't feel like you're sitting in church listening to a sermon, but you'll walk away just as refreshed. And who doesn't like to read a book about the good guys chasing after the bad guys?

Check out Charles Martin's books, I promise you won't be disappointed!!

My thanks to Charles Martin, Thomas Nelson Publishing and Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Another great story from Charles Martin.. This was a great wrap up to the series. Seriously, anything he writes is amazing. This one felt a little more technical on some things it was hard to put down. Highly recommend

I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review -
Charles Martin's books never disappoint.
Grab this book and follow the trail that leads to Bone's brother and to rescue the many.
Feel the emotions as Bone's is captured and Murphy must rescue his dear friend.
A wild and dangerous ride to the finish with much emotion mingled in.

This is a modern day superheros story. Very exciting and action packed. The subject matter is very relevant for today with a God parable solution. Great trilogy. Don't miss it.

Water Keeper was my first Charles Martin book, and I have since read several of his. I love how he draws you into the characters and makes you feel a personal connection.

While I was sad to read the culmination of the Murphy Shepherd story, it was so beautifully written and touching. I loved the picture of leaving the 99 to search for the 1, which is throughout the whole series.

This book has its tense moments, and a few chapters that were a little wordy and slow. But the main action of the book is compelling and made me stay up way too late to finish.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC!

What a journey this series has been! Much like the first in the series, The Water Keeper, the conclusion is full of action and heart. For those that loved The Water Keeper, you are very likely to find The Record Keeper equally if not more compelling.

Murphy's mentor Bones discloses more about his background and the evil of his brother within the pages. Multiple times the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7) is mentioned and parallels made to the events in the novel.

I loved the new characters added including the process used to qualify them as worthy for the team. The existence of human trafficking is heart breaking. Reading about the good guys rescuing victims feels like a victory against evil. With such a heavy topic, it was good to have a few bits of humor sprinkled in.

Canine Gunner is one of the heroes of the series.

Heavy topic delivered with a message of hope.

Another absolutely wonderful story from Charles Martin. This is the third book in the Murphy Shepherd series. As with all his books, this can be read as a stand alone novel but definitely worth reading all three. Murphy is still recovering from a devastating injury when this book starts. He will test his physical and mental strength during the story. The ending is a devastating tear jerker in true Charles Martin style.

I absolutely adore this author and have read everything he has written. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this title.

The third book in this series with a subject that was well written about.
Giving us a good ending, of how those caught in this , in faith to overcome.
Given ARC for Net Galley and Thomas Nelson for my voluntary review and my honest opinion