David Bishop, AKA Murphy Shepherd, is a best selling novelist; writing is the way he processes life's difficulties and its joys. However, that is not all he is. As Murphy Shepherd he rescues people who have been abducted and trafficked. Shepherd says he rescues them twice, once when he knocks the door down, and again when he works to help them to be able to love and trust again as well as to once again feel worthy of being loved. This has been Murphy Shepherd's goal in life, placed in his heart by his beloved mentor, Ezekiel Walker, better known as Bones, throughout Charles Martin's Murphy Shepherd series of novels. The difference in this novel and its predecessors is that this one takes place after Shepherd has watched Bones' bullet-riddled body falling a hundred feet down a well shaft into a rushing underground river. Being forced to do this job when a close friend, and highly public figure, called saying all three of his daughters were abducted from their highly-secured home, is almost unimaginable without Bones there to accompany him, but with the support of his family, friends and colleagues, Murphy manages to do the unimaginable.

The Keeper is no less intense than any of the other novels in this series, all of which evoke strong emotions from the reader. Research says fiction reading builds empathy. These books exemplify that. Sometimes the reader will want to stop reading just to catch their breath and let their emotions calm down, but putting the book aside even for a short time is easier said than done. This series is best read in order; much would be lost in doing otherwise. If you haven't read any of the books in this series yet, you have the advantage of not enduring the wait until then next one is published, at least not until you reach this fourth book in the series. I give The Keeper five stars. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

3.5 stars, rounded down for too much repetition.

I love Martin's writing and I really like this series, but I felt like this book was much too long and repetitive. There is a huge amount of backstory and lots of telling. There's a bit of action but it gets really lost in the reminiscing and remembering. It could have been 100 pages shorter and still been very impactful.

This is the fourth book in the series and I think it is necessary to read the first three before this one as you will be incredibly lost as to who the people are and how they are connected to each other.

The faith message is beautiful and the examination of human trafficking, loss, grief, and power is both fascinating and touching. I have really liked this series, but I feel like the story is been there, done that, we need to move on now. I listened to most of this series as audiobooks, and the narrator Jonathan Riggs does a fantastic job giving voice to David's first person storytelling.

Overall I do recommend this series with its beautiful message about how valuable and important each person's life is and is worth saving.

I have been hoping for a 4th story in this series for what feels like forever! I am so glad Charles Martin decided to continue and give us The Keeper! I absolutely love his stories and this series is one of my favorites of his! I love Murphy and Bones, and their mission and that each and every secondary character adds such depth to this series!

I can’t really say a lot about this story since it is book #4 and I don’t want to give anything away, so I’ll just say, I really loved how everything worked out in this book. The heartfelt way Mr. Martin writes just brings you into the story and has you rooting for these characters. Speaking of the characters, so many of them have grown and healed so much since the first book. I love to see the hope and the healing! My heart hurt for Murphy so much as he was trying to heal. The human trafficking parts, as usual, broke my heart and made me ache that this really happens.

I thought this was the final story in this series, but I love that the door was left open for more! I am so hoping this series continues. Do not miss these stories!

I received a complimentary copy of this story. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light. 4 stars.

The Keeper, book four in the Murphy Shepherd series, begins days after the events in The Record Keeper. Murphy is suffocating in grief and regret that he couldn’t save Bones. After both a private and a public funeral for Bones, Murph is asked to help find the kidnapped daughters of the VP who is running for president. With almost nothing to go on and continuous memories of losing Bones hounding his dreams, Murph and his team start the search.

Important to note: if you haven’t read the first three books in this series, you will be completely lost. Also, this series is about sex trafficking. While the descriptions are in no way graphic - most are just hinted at - this is not a series for you if you are easily triggered. And it is not for the faint of heart. These are tough subjects handled delicately and graciously, but the horror comes through loud and clear.

Murphy is completely overwhelmed by his grief which causes the story to drag in places. Flashbacks to his training with Bones occur often, giving a sense of who both men are and why they do what they do.

This is also a story about redemption, the value of a human life, and what it means to love. While this is not an allegory, Bones is a man who was willing to give his life out of love for a brother filled with evil and in need of salvation. If you are know anything about the Bible, that story will sound familiar.

This is Christian fiction so expect references to God and faith.

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to readers who like books that make them think.

Not family friendly due to the above mentioned storylines.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

In true Charles Martin fashion, The Keeper did not disappoint! The beginning of the book starts off slower, and a little repetitive. But after about 1/3 it picks up and turns into the dramatic, uncertainty that we have come to know & love. He leaves the ending wrapped up but yet set up for more books if he wants. Wonderful story!

A new to me author, I disliked this book , not because of the subject matter - human trafficking - but the writing style.

I found it filled with pages of repetitious, tedious sermonising, memories and lectures. The character Bones was eulogized like a superman of sorts as was Murphy. That turns me off right away.

I was looking forward to enjoying a well paced, excellently written novel on human trafficking - a subject dear to my heart, but was disappointed.

There are amazing twists and turns in the plot and it is beautifully dramatized, but the repetitious sermonizing blather turned me off completely.

I kept feeling the writing was trying to ape better secular writers of suspense, but it failed miserably as far as I'm concerned...

Storyline - excellent. Execution - lacking.

I was given an ARC for me reading pleasure by @NetGalley and publisher @Thomas Nelson Fiction. However, the opinions are my own.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

This was a deep emotional read and not one for the faint of heart but definitely an emotional read. It may have some sensitive topics for some. Murph is mourning his mentor but the work is never done and his mourning may need to be placed on hold as another group of girls have been taken. As him and his crew rush to solve and capture those who wish to harm the innocent in the name of power, he will learn and discover more about himself than he ever thought. Summer of course is a stronghold through it all.

This was a great read and I am hoping to go back and read the previous books in this series.

The Keeper by Charles Martin is the 4th book in his Murphy Shepherd series. I have read and loved Martin's previous books, but had not read any from this series. It took me a bit to understand and follow all the references to what happened in previous books in the series and how all the characters fit together. But I was instantly drawn into the action and suspense in this story. Charles Martin is such a gifted writer, one of my favorites.
Even though much evil exists in this storyline, Martin weaves a beautiful storyline with his Christian values evident. And he really knows how to engage his readers. This series is a departure from his earlier books which were more Romance, whereas this series was more Thriller. Same beautiful, amazing writing though. Glad I read it!
Thanks to NetGalley from the advance copy.

The epic story of Murphy Shepherd continues in this fourth installment. The action takes us as far north as Alaska and all the way to Majorca with time spent in Colorado at Freetown, Washington D.C., and more.

If you have read the other three books, you will find yourself right back in the fight for the lost. Gunner, the German shepherd, is especially faithful in his service and earns his share of grilled rib-eyes. Murphy Shepherd is truly the hands and feet of the Good Shepherd as he gives his all to rescue children and women who are enslaved by the depraved.

All of our old friends are here with new characters added and new missions to be accomplished. In addition to the high stakes of saving the vice president's daughters, they are mourning the loss of Bones. Will the spirit of their leader inspire them to keep the rescue work alive?

This series is a mix of James Patterson and Nicholas Sparks plus a large serving of John 15:3. You will laugh, cry, and be inspired to love and pray for your neighbors.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This is the 4th book in the Murphy Shepherd series. This entire series focuses on love overcoming evil and light casting out the dark. I love the whole meaning of this series, and how it has multiple heart wrenching messages throughout the books.

I really enjoyed this new installment to the series. The plot had multiple points to it that will keep you turning the page. I loved Murphy, Camp and Gunner being the main characters. I actually liked that this book focused on the main character's emotions and how much the ending of book 3 affected him. It also helped me have a deeper understanding of how and why Murphy can do what he does. I will never tire of these books!! They do focus on the topic of sex trafficking, so be aware of that before starting the books.

This one did seem a little repetitive a handful of times throughout the story. I felt like I read the same sentences and paragraphs a few times. But I still enjoyed it!

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the chance to read and review this story. This review is my own opinion.

I read The Keeper as a stand alone. I'm sure having read the first three books in the series would have enhanced this story, but characters and relationships were written in such a way that it was not essential. I do plan to go back and read the first books so I can get to know some of these fascinating characters better. Charles Martin is such a wonderful storyteller. His stories are deep and detailed, action-packed and emotional. The Keeper is about rescuers involved in the horrific, evil crime of human-trafficking with beautiful themes of faith, family, honor and sacrifice. I loved many characters but especially Murphy Shepherd and his deep desire to save the lost not just from their immediate imprisonment but from its long term impact. The book has many inspiring quotes, this being one of my favorite: “People in darkness don’t know they’re in darkness because it’s all they’ve ever known. It’s their world. They navigate by bumping off things that are stronger. Immovable. We, those of us who walk up here, have a tendency to look down our noses at them, but the truth is this: they don’t know darkness is darkness until someone turns on a light . . .” If you like a fast-paced, adventure story that is filled with unpredictable plot twists and heart-wrenching emotion The Keeper is one you won't want to miss.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read for my honest review.

Such an inspirational story and definitely brings and draws attention to human trafficking, which is much needed and more prevalent than anyone is aware.

Martin is such an exquisite writer, tons of details, research is out all of his topics and military type techniques that you can just almost feel like you are right there in the heart pumping action. I love a good rescue story in this book is several examples of that. Also does an excellent job of adding spiritual elements throughout the story that really tug at your heart. All the emotions!

Love following along in the series and think this is the next excellent installation.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson books for my Audible early release copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I have absolutely loved this series and was so excited to see that there was a book 4 since I thought it was ending with The Record Keeper. Murphy Shepherd is one of my favorite characters and it was amazing to see more of his past with Bones in this latest installment. Even with Bones gone, Murph jumps right back in to finding trafficked girls. It's a heartbreaking scenario and one I don't read about often but Charles Martin is a master story-teller and I can't resist his wonderful books! I'm not sure if there will be any more in this series, but if there are, I am definitely up for it!

If this looks interesting to you but you haven't read the first three books in this series, that is a definite must in order to get the most of them!

Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this fantastic book! All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 1 April 2025

So much depth and love the faith references. Any Charles Martin book I've read sucks me in quickly and makes me love the characters.

The Keeper by Charles Martin gives readers more Murphy Shepherd! Now I highly recommend you read the entire trilogy before jumping into book 4, but it's definitely worth it. For those that haven't read the series, Murphy isn't your average superhero. He's dedicated his life to seek and save the lost. He tracks down missing and trafficked women and children, and takes on some very dangerous criminals. He and Bones defend Freetown, a place where victims can recover and rebuild. But after Bones is killed, Murphy shoulders the burden alone. Will he continue the work he started? He's called in when the Vice President's children are abducted, and he has to choose to leave the ninety-nine to search for the missing.

I love this series! Martin weaves amazing tales filled with heart and grit, not to mention amazing spiritual threads. This story gives a little more history as to how Murphy Shepherd becomes the man he is today. I'm so glad we got a 4th installment in this series. I think we all needed some closure and time to reflect along with the characters in the story. But the action and fast-paced energy of the book is what keeps me reading. I love the adventure and suspense that Martin brings to the story.

I also received an advanced copy of the audiobook, which I love audiobooks. The narrator brought this story to life...and in order to catch up for Book 4, I had listened to the previous 3 books again (which I generally don't re-read books, if that tells you how much I love the series. It's the same narrator (Jonathan K Riggs) and I highly recommend the audio version.

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Murph is mourning the death of his friend and mentor Bones when word comes that the teenage daughters of the Vice President have been kidnapped. This blends a somewhat implausible plot (namely that Murph would be the only one to save them) with a genuinely gripping quest to find the girls. it's the latest in a series about combatting trafficking but entirely enjoyable on its own. As always, there's a strong faith component to the story. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Martin's fans will be pleased.

Charles Martin does it again - can he write a book this is not 100% amazing, heartbreaking, and healing at the same time? The Keeper was everything I needed to wrap up the Murphy Shepherd stories (but can we have another please?) The plot twists, the backstories . . . pure shock. Just when you think you have it figured out, there's another twist, another surprise. The storyline was so unique - it was fascinating for the story to be about such a high ranking politician, and I appreciated how the story opens the eyes of the reader to corruption high up within the government/politicians. (no spoilers). The Keeper broke me and healed me at the same time, and the storyline of true selfless agape love is so beautiful and healing. 10 stars!

First of all, let's talk about the beautiful cover! The entire series has had gorgeous covers and this one is my favorite
Secondly, the narration is spot on. The narrator has done all four books and is perfect for Murphy Shepard/David Bishop. He really has done a masterful job of bringing the story to life.
Lastly, the story has the action, my husband loves (kickbut scenes) and the sweet moments of reflection that I love. Let's face it, Martin is a master storyteller and brings characters to life with his genius pen. My favorite parts though, are with Summer. She gets Murph and totally loves him and supports him in what he is called to do. And of course Gunner. He is a fan favorite. Actually, all the characters are great and it was good to be with them all on this last adventure. (Or is it?) There is a surprise and lots of reminiscing. Some may argue too much, but it didn't take away from the overarching message for me. Going for the one while leaving the ninety nine. It was a good ending to the series and I am glad I was here for it.
*I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers, and this is my honest opinion.

Murphy’s grief is almost destroying him. After losing his mentor, Bones, he is given a challenge to rescue the 3 daughters of the Vice President of the United States. These girls were taken in an elaborate abduction that left their mom as the only survivor in the house. Murphy’s fight to bring them home will have you cheering him on!

The Keeper, by Charles Martin is the fourth and final book in A Murphy Sheperd Novel series. This story takes over where the previous one ends, so it is best to read them in order. This book is filled with action, suspense and mystery. The story gives a lot of background information about Murphy and his work with Bones.

I found this book to be interesting and caught my self wanting to keep reading to find out what happened with the girls and if they were found. I especially enjoyed the parts of the story when Murphy would return home. I found the book to be a little technical with the explanation about the different guns Murphy and Bones used.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.