Excellent next installment in this series. I do hope this means it is going to continue. These characters are great, and I love the thematic truth that is shared throughout this book and the series as a whole. Make sure you start at the beginning of the series.

This was an absolutely amazing book that will bring you to tears, horrify you and somewhere along the way, leave you a better person for having read it.

Murphy Shepherd is in a very dark place following the death of his mentor and friend Bones. They've been together for many years, saving people from horrible situations, facing death themselves to accomplish the rescues. Without Bones, Murph is adrift. He and his team continue the work Bones started, and one day they are faced with a challenge to one of their own.

I can't and won't go any further with a description because to do so would be not only spoiling the book for other readers, but removing the magic of reading it themselves first hand. First time in a long time a book has gutted me like this one did. Highly recommend, even if you haven't read the other books in the series.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

Yet another beautiful offering from Charles Martin. His writing style always paints a picture I can see clearly in my mind’s eye and never fails to elicit an emotional response. The way he uses his writing to illustrate matters of love, faith and truth always speaks to me. That said, the story and plot of this book just didn’t land for me. The reminiscing about Bones and their relationship was beautiful but often so extensive that the plot line of the rest of the book felt forgotten and failed to feel interwoven when it was finally revisited. I also felt like the details about weaponry and technology was a bit excessive but another reader may appreciate that level of detail and knowledge so perhaps just personal preference for me.

I will always recommend this author’s work and this one is no exception to that but overall it didn’t add to the beautiful series already created and written, in my opinion.

The Keeper is a fantastic addition to the Murphy Shepherd series. Through flashbacks and more vignettes, Charles Martin reminds us of the story of Bones and Murph and brings us forward into the future. Throughout this story I cried, I laughed and fell even more in love with the characters of this story than I was before.

I enjoyed The Keeper by Charles Martin. I thought the series was over and was excited when I heard about #4 being released. He is such a gifted writer and always draws me in his storytelling! The book starts off refreshing the reader of what happened in book 3.

'Because the needs of the one outweigh the needs of the ninety-nine.' This quote is the basis of what Murphy and his guys set out to do. Rescue those abducted into child trafficking. This book begins where book #3 left off when his good friend and mentor Bones died and Murphy is struggling to pick up the pieces and move on. He pulls it together when the two daughters of the VP are kidnapped and he is requested to again be a rescuer. I love that the lifelong mission for Murphy is to rescue the vulnerable and bring justice to the evil ones.

The story is filled with action and adventure to keep your interest in the story. It is a story of brokenness, grief, perseverance, redemption, and love!


The end of the story did leave an opening to a possible addition to this series, but we will see! I recommend starting at book 1 and reading through the series!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. I have always been a huge Charles Martin fan. However this book was a bit of a disappointment to me. There was a lot of looking back to his experiences with Bones and it felt too long. However I look forward to what he does next.

The Keeper is a beautiful depiction of one man’s life changing another’s, and then the cycle continuing. The Keeper has a heartfelt depth and truth that would touch any soul. Love. Sacrifice. Freedom. Pain. Purpose. Murphy Shepherd.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishers and Net Galley for the ARC!

The Keeper is book 4 in the Murphy Shepard series. Charles Martin doesn't disappoint. The Vice President's daughters have been taken. Murph rushes to his friend's side to help find the girls. With Bones gone, Murph struggles. He has a hard time accepting Bones isn't there to help him in these times. The government will never be the same. The Vice President drops out of the Presidential race. He can't be everything the county needs while missing his girls who were taken under his watch. And in this time, the most obvious people show their true colors. Murph doesn't discount anyone. Anyone could have been behind the kidnapping.
Charles Martin is one of my favorite writers. He takes on the tough subject of human trafficking and does it with such grace. He also brings the element of love. Part action, part love story, this book does it all. I will always look for new work by Charles Martin and will always recommend his work to others. Special thanks to NetGalley, Charles Martin, and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion. 4 stars for me. #TheKeeper #NetGalley

Charles Martin continues his breathtaking storytelling in The Keeper, the next chapter in the Murphy Shepherd series. From the very first page, the novel is packed with heart-wrenching emotion, high-stakes action, and the kind of deep, unshakable love that makes this series unforgettable.

Murphy Shepherd—also known as David Bishop—has spent his life rescuing the lost, the broken, and the innocent. He carries the weight of a painful past, yet his purpose is clear: to save those who cannot save themselves. Through all the darkness he has faced, one light remains constant—Summer.

One of the most beautiful aspects of this novel is the relationship between Murphy and Summer. Their love is not just romantic; it is a testament to healing, trust, and unwavering devotion. Summer’s strength and steadfast faith in Murphy make their relationship one of my absolute favorites in any book. She is his anchor, his reason to keep fighting, and the perfect balance to his wounded, warrior heart. The way Martin writes their love is breathtaking—it’s raw, real, and filled with the kind of depth that makes you believe in the power of love to overcome even the darkest battles.

Beyond the romance, The Keeper is a powerful continuation of Murphy’s mission, filled with pulse-pounding moments and deeply emotional reflections. Martin’s writing is as poetic as ever, drawing readers into a world where love, faith, and sacrifice collide in the most meaningful ways.

Most importantly, this book doesn’t feel like the end of the journey. If anything, it leaves the door wide open for more—more healing, more battles, and more of Murphy’s relentless pursuit of justice. I truly hope this isn’t the last time we get to walk alongside these characters.

For anyone who loves a story filled with action, heart, and a love that withstands every storm, The Keeper is a must-read.

The Keeper
by Charles Martin
Pub. Date: April 1, 2025
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Martin is one of my favorite authors and this series is so good!
I highly recommend reading it!
The Murphy Shepherd series is simultaneously a tender love story, a heartrending search for freedom, an exploration of the terrible cost of human trafficking, and an anthem to the power of love to create change when it shows up regardless of the cost. The Keeper raises the stakes even further, so be ready--you won't want to put it down until you reach the very last page.

The Murphy Shepherd series: Book 1 The Water Keeper, Book 2 The Letter Keeper, Book 3 The Record Keeper, Book 4 The Keeper (coming April 2025!)

I was given an ARC of this book by the author and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is the first book of Charles Martin I've ever read. And holy cow. From the absolute first paragraph, I was completely hooked. The series of turns in this book that I didn't see coming continued to surprise me. While this book contains a very hard-to-read subject, knowing there are actual people like Bones and Murph finding those ones who needs rescuing is amazing. At times, I was in tears. Then I would laugh. Then be on my toes waiting for the next chapter. I was shocked at how this book came together and it only made me want to read the earlier books, while impatiently waiting for the next book to come out! I highly recommend you taking time to read this book and many more by this author!!!

The Keeper, number 4 in the Keeper series, was full of surprises. It continues the story as it left off in book 3, with the addition of a few new characters. Often it reminded me of the "previously on..." for some tv shows, using flash backs to refresh the reader’s memory about the end of Bones’ life. I found that helpful because it had been awhile since I had read the third book, but also it is annoying when an author just jumps in without giving any back story so the reader is a little bit lost. There are a few surprises in the final third of the book and since it ended on another cliff hanger, I hope there is another book in the series coming next year.
Readers who enjoy some action-packed adventure with a true hero—one worthy of admiration—will enjoy this book, but be aware it covers some tough topics like human trafficking.
I am grateful to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the arc in return for this, my honest review.

The writing in this book is truly something special. From the first few lines, I found myself completely drawn into the world the author created. There’s an authenticity to the way the characters’ emotions are portrayed—everything felt genuine, from their struggles to their quiet moments of reflection. The author has this incredible ability to capture the complexity of relationships and personal growth in such a natural, unforced way.

I especially appreciated how the emotions weren’t rushed or overly dramatized. The story unfolded in a way that felt real—no shortcuts, no gimmicks—just honest moments between characters that left a deep impact. Even the smaller, more intimate exchanges carried weight, and that’s something I don’t come across often in stories like this.

The narrator’s voice truly brought the characters and the emotions to life, adding depth and resonance to the writing. The way they brought out the subtleties of the dialogue made each moment feel even more poignant. It wasn’t just a performance—it was an experience.

As this is the last book in the series, it was clear that the author put everything into giving the characters and their journey the proper resolution. It felt like a fitting end, with everything wrapping up in a way that felt earned and fulfilling.

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Suspensefilled!!! Murphy's story never ceases to amaze. Murphy is dealing with so much grief from loosing Bones. One can see that grief is a powerful emotion and can derail one's purpose if not properly handled. Even in the throes of grief, Murphy and all the other characters fight the strong hand of evil determined not to allow evil triumph over good. The fight to rescue the Vice President's daughters, the deep love of a father is beautiful to see. Ready to give up everything, Ashley shows strength of character and resolution to conquer evil.
Murphy's fight against evil as he navigate through his grief brings about a delightful unexpected gift, one which brings peace and joy to all of his loved ones. This book is a must read for anyone who has followed Murphy and Bones journey from the beginning. As the men fight against the wickedness, hope and faith keeps being renewed. Good is always triumphant over evil irrespective of how deep the tentacles of evil is embedded. Beautiful story.
I received a copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Another absolutely beautiful installment in this series. Charles Martin has long been a favorite author of mine but this series has been some of his best writing.

Murph is on the hunt for the Vice President’s daughter who were stolen by some “bad men with bad intentions.” Unfortunately this time he is without Bones. The journey made me laugh and cry. I won’t give it away but there is one spot where I was actually sobbing.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for allowing me to read and review this title. All opinions are my own.

This is the fourth book in the Murphy Shepherd series, where Murphy is attempting to move on without Bones. He receives a call after the three daughters of the Vice President of the United States are kidnapped and there are no clues about who or why they were taken. This book had quite a few passages of reflection as Murphy remembers working similar cases with Bones in the past. I was at first put off by these longer passages, but after the first 20% of the book it felt like the present storyline took over more.

There is suspense, action and lots of good work from Murphy and his counterparts as they root out the evil behind the kidnapping of these girls and others.

The Keeper by Charles Martin is a fast-paced suspense novel. It is the fourth entry in the Murphy Shepherd series but can be read as a stand-alone. The character of Murphy is reflective but with this writing style, the reader understands the richness and depth of Murphy. It also helps the new reader of this series to jump right into the plot and take the ride. The relationship between Bones and Murphy is complex and intriguing helping to move the plot and suspense in this novel. Mr. Martin is a master storyteller and grabs the reader from the first chapter.

Highly recommended but, read the first in the series The Water Keeper to really enjoy the ride!

I received an ARC ebook from NetGalley and the publisher, Thomas Nelson, in exchange for an honest review.

The Keeper is the fourth book in the Murphy Shepherd series. I had read the first book in this series and had very much enjoyed it. I didn't realize that I had not yet read the second and third books, and I do think that that impacted my enjoyment of this one. It was a well-written story with characters who I was certainly intrigued by, as has been the case with Charles Martin's other books... but I did struggle to get into this one. There was a lot of information thrown at readers, and I found myself feeling a little lost at times. Realizing now that I'd missed a few books, that definitely makes more sense, and I think having that history would have made a big difference for me. As such, I do think this is one that is absolutely going to be best read in order to really get the most out of it. Charles Martin is a captivating storyteller, I'd just missed some of the story!


**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

I read absolutely everything Charles Martin writes. He is a fantastic author in every way, especially his skill at describing the inner movements and thoughts of each of his powerful characters’ hearts. The Keeper is no exception to this—the reader is given wide-open windows into deep human emotions, like grief, in a way that makes you deeply feel the story, not just read it.

In the end, and not surprisingly, I enjoyed The Keeper as the next novel in the gripping “Keeper” series. I did find this book less fluid than others due to the number of flashbacks in the storyline—too many, in my opinion. At times I felt frustrated by them, because the book felt like it was just borrowing content from previous books. It felt a bit bogged down in the looking-back, which is why I would not rate this particular Charles Martin book a 5, which I usually do.

Still a good read. Looking forward to the next one.

** Thank you to Thomas Nelson publishing for giving me an ARC of this book via NetGalley! These thoughts are my own.**

So, I didn't realize this was a series.... Oops! I did jump into this (book 4) without knowing that this was a series, but honestly, I don't think I really needed to. Charles Martin did a great job reminding the readers of the characters enough for me to not be totally lost while reading (though I was a little lost in the beginning). I will probably go back and read the rest of the series, though, because I love the characters and I want more backstory!

I really enjoyed this book, but I had a few minor qualms with it. I think there were improvements that could have been made with the writing. It was repetitive, especially towards the end, and the chapters ended at weird spots sometimes (in my opinion). It also felt like it was trying too hard to be profound (there was so much fluff about love and evil that kept showing up). The plot also could have been paced better in my opinion.

However, the characters are so awesome, and I loved each and every one of them! This book is so cute and heart-wrenching and beautiful, and it was really clean as well! It was really good.