Pulse pounding! The Record Keeper is worthy of your attention, respect, and tears. Murphy Shepard is back, right where we left him in The Letter Keeper, and there is no easing into the story. Murphy’s mission in life is to rescue the one, at all costs. This time, his best friend and mentor is the one who needs to be rescued. If only the bad guys ever made it simple. Murphy is truly engaged in a moment-by-moment chase that is equivalent to a needle in haystack. He assimilates a new team, which is one of the things I really enjoyed, and leaves no stone unturned. If you have not read the first two books in the series (to which I ask “WHY NOT”), you can follow along as there are some recaps and summaries provided. I do love all the technical descriptions. They are not dry in the sense of a textbook, but truly woven into the story in a way that brings clarity to things I would never know about and simultaneously make me feel like I am experiencing the moment with Murphy and his team. The stakes are high, the action never stops, and all the while, the pursuit of the one is the theme because no matter what, love shows up.
The narrator did an excellent job capturing the energy, the urgency, and the emotions. I really enjoyed listening to this story come to life.
I received a complimentary audiobook from the publisher and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

More of the same with a Bones worshipping twist. If you've liked the previous two books, you will probably like this one. Something I've noticed (and feel kind of dumb), while there are references to faith themes, there is no mention of Jesus Christ, salvation, the Bible (yes, verses in the Psalms are used for silent hand signal communication). I saw that also in Th Mountain Between Us (the first Charles Martin book I read and the only book outside this series). In addition, this book is very much centered on Bones- and he's a Greek god super hero. I have to give props because my main dislike of this series so far is the genre- it's just not for me. The writing is okay and I actually found myself enjoying the story line in this one.

By far one of the most gut wrenching books I've listened to. Charles Martin has written a story about redemption that truly makes you think about what you believe and how well you are actually living out the idea that we should leave the 99 to rescue the one. To feel the love that Bones has for the one that the world deems irredeemable is truly a testament to the love that Jesus has for all of us. Martin has written a book that draws you in, immerses you in a world you never wanted to be exposed to, and expands your heart as you learn to love like Bones and rescue like Murph.

For those of you who don’t know, #TheRecordKeeper is book #3 of the Murphy Shepherd Series by the one and only, #CharlesMartin !!

If you have not heard of him, or by some chance, have not read any of his books…PLEASE… CHANGE THAT RIGHT NOW!
You will not be sorry, in any way shape or form. I can promise you that.
He is a truly gifted writer who not only gives you a story, but actually makes you feel that you are PART OF THIS STORY….AND…makes you think about your OWN STORY…its trajectory, and just maybe…how you might improve on it! ❤️

Take a deep breath, clear your mind, BUCKLE UP, and try to enjoy the ride… at least when you’re not shaking your head, gasping 🫢, or outright SOBBING 😭 through this one…

Murph and Bones and the whole crew are at it again… but this one REALLY hits home… and not in a good way. “Going after the one and leaving the 99 behind” is a Mantra you will NOT soon forget… especially in the crippling aftermath of this book… 😭😵🫣😢

Once again, we are faced with human trafficking… not a great story in any way… and this time, the tables have turned. Again.

As Murph and his crew try to get to the bottom of these twists and turns, he actually learns even more about himself and Bones… as he becomes more introspective… and tries to mirror Bones’ ways…

And once again, you WILL find yourself… laughing, crying, gasping to catch just ONE breath, shaking your head to try and clear it… and lastly, resolving to try to be just one iota like Murph and/or Bones.

This my friends is the true miracle of his books… in that you look more closely at both the main characters/the moral of the story, and at yourself. 😮🫢❤️

If you choose to read this series, please do yourself a favor and start at the beginning. Although you don’t HAVE TO, it will make much more sense, and flow a lot better…

Once again, ALL THE STARS, AND THEN SOME FOR ME!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫💫💫💫💫✨✨✨✨✨
He is just an incredible writer, and I have LOVED every one of his that I’ve read…because, yes, they bring out ALL the feelings and emotions within you! And then, some more…

#TheRecordKeeper by #CharlesMartin and narrated beautifully by #JonathanKRiggs.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #ThomasNelson and #ZondervanFictionAudio for an ARC of the audiobook. It has already been released, but I think because book #4 is being released in April 2025, this one was offered, and I was so happy to receive a copy! Please, look 👀 for it on shelves now!

You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
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My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

Honestly I like it and also enjoy the audio
The story hold me from the starting and I can't able to put it down

Thank you to Charles Martin, Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Charles Martin does it again! I have loved every book so far in the series and this one was no exception! Charles Martin has brought a very difficult subject to the forefront for readers to digest in manageable portions never loosing the gravity of this human tragedy and the horrors that comes with it. Well done!

Looking forward to reading book 4!

The Record Keeper by Charles Martin is the third book in the Murphy Shepherd series and is a sequel to The Water Keeper and The Letter Keeper. I recommend you reading both of those first before starting The Record Keeper. In the first two books, we as readers learn more about Murphy himself, his own experiences, and his missions - but in this third installment, Charles Martin shares more about Murphy's mentor, Bones. It is truly an emotional story that could bring you to tears.

I listened to the audiobook version and although it was difficult to listen to due to the harsh realities of the human trafficking business, it is a story worth hearing. This book is raw and real with details that are important and meaningful.

The way Charles Martin writes these scenes is so poignant and vivid, it will challenge you as a reader to ponder issues of justice and hope that will carry you through.In true Martin fashion, be prepared to begin a journey of multiple surprises, plot twists, and suspense all the while connecting you with some endearing and special characters.

Once again, Jonathan K. Riggs did a spectacular job of narrating and adding to my reading enjoyment. Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the opportunity to listen and review this book.

The Record Keeper by Charles Martin is an emotionally charged and suspense-filled audiobook that masterfully blends heart-wrenching moments with thrilling action. As the third book in the Murphy Shepherd series, it continues the journey of Murphy Shepherd, a man driven by the desire to rescue those caught in the horrors of human trafficking. After narrowly escaping his last mission, Murphy longs to stay with his family, but his sense of duty pulls him back into the fight.

When his beloved mentor Bones is abducted, Murphy’s world is turned upside down, and he must navigate a complex, dangerous situation with no leads and only his unshakable belief that love can drive change. Charles Martin’s writing is as poetic as it is gripping, creating an atmosphere that is both tense and emotionally stirring. The stakes are higher than ever as Murphy is pushed to his physical and mental limits, all while struggling with the cost of rescuing the vulnerable.

This book is not just an action-packed thriller; it’s a poignant exploration of love, sacrifice, and the deep scars left by human trafficking. With evocative prose and powerful themes, The Record Keeper is a captivating continuation of Murphy’s journey and a reminder of the enduring power of love and hope in the face of darkness. Fans of emotional, high-stakes suspense will find this audiobook impossible to put down.

This is the third and final installment in Martin's stellar Keeper series. This author never fails to produce rich characters and storylines eliciting deep emotion. I'll repeat it again after reading the others (definitely need to read in order to fully understand!), sex trafficking is an incredibly important issue worldwide and yet is often not openly discussed. I honestly think we can't possibly wrap our minds around how complex and far-reaching it actually is. Martin sheds necessary light on this and holds no punches. While this has an overarching faith-filled theme, it can definitely be read by anyone wishing to learn more...and simply to enjoy a well-written story.
Bones' story is told here and while redemption is always found, it is hard-won. New characters are introduced and conclusions are made. No one would surely be disappointed to see some of the characters continue in stand-alone books, though!
I especially enjoy the narrator's soothing drawl. I think he's done an amazing job with the series.
Next up for me on Martin's backlist is When Crickets Cry. I read it years ago and now will be doing the audio version. Highly recommended!

The third and last book in the Murphy Shepherd series. This is an intense series. This book focuses on Bones and his life. His life was one of tragedy, unwantedness, and finding a place to belong. All of which he found with Shep and Freetown. But what he wanted most was his twin brother, Frank, who was anything but nice to him. This series is about the topic of sex trafficking, something that needs much more focus to resolve and eliminate in the world. This is a fantastic series, well laid out, engaging and recommend for people who like to get to know the characters and invested in the story. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity.

This is the third book in The Keeper Series and this is my second time reading the book, first time via audiobook. Again, the narrator does an excellent job with the story. As I read this book this time, I was overwhelmed by the overriding theme of the sacrificial love of Christ portrayed by Bones, Murphy Sheperd's mentor. Martin does a bang up job of putting this indescribable gift into a more tangible way for our feeble minds to attempt to wrap around. This was originally going to be the last book in the series, from my understanding, but I was so happy to learn there is a fourth installment coming in April.

I really enjoyed The Record Keeper, the third book in the Murphy Shepherd series. It had been a while since I read the first two, so I appreciated the recap to help me reconnect with the characters. The story is beautifully written, and the emotions feel genuine. I especially like Shepherd’s respectful demeanor and his strong sense of purpose—his belief that love always shows up is something that really stands out.

I also liked that the author introduced new characters who weren’t just in need of rescue but brought valuable skills to the fight. And getting to know Boom on a deeper level was one of my favorite parts of this book. Seeing more of his personality and what drives him made the story even more compelling.

At times, it felt like this was the final book in the series, but I was happy to learn there will be a fourth. I’d love to read more about Freetown—it truly feels like a utopia, if there ever was one.

Title: The Record Keeper
Author: Charles Martin
Series: Murphy Shepherd #3
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Jonathan K. Riggs
Publisher: Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio
Genre: Christian Mystery
Audiobook Pub Date was: July 5, 2022 (Available now the four books in the series are available
My Rating: 3.3 Stars
Pages 343


In this four book series Murphy Shepherd and his team work to rescue women and children from trafficking. At times the details are too real and you may not want to read or in this case hear~ hearing usually is visual in our minds and can be more tragic.

These stories are in the genre of Christian as it show God's love; however, story isn’t religious,

Murphy Shepherd's last rescue mission very nearly cost him his life. He'd like nothing more than to stay close to his wife and daughters for a while. But Bones’ brother must be stopped, and there are so many who need to know that they are worth rescuing.

Murphy is tested at every turn—both physically and mentally. And then the unthinkable happens: Bones, his beloved mentor and friend is missing!

Story explores the cost of leaving the ninety-nine to find the one.

Want to thank NetGalley and Thomas Nelson &/Zondervan Fiction Audio this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date was July 5, 2022.

Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the gifted book I read along with the library audio!

After his last mission got wildly personal, Murphy Shepherd is now fully entrenched in a revenge mission that is making him use every fiber of his mental and physical acuity to defeat the enemy.

This third book in the series is the resolution I didn't even know I was craving. It is suspenseful and poignant at the same time. Martin is the kind of writer that wraps their arm around your shoulder and guides you through the ups and downs of the narrative. And in this third book his writing style really shines as he brings home the themes of this series in the most touching of ways and the resolution is so bittersweet that you can't help but feel all the feelings.

Charles Martin is a master with the pen. I just finished The Record Keeper and it was amazing. I loved it.

Review: The Record Keeper by Charles Martin

I went into The Record Keeper without realizing it was the fourth book in a series, and it took me about 100 pages to figure that out. As a result, I felt like I was constantly playing catch-up, missing key backstory and character relationships that were clearly established in earlier books. While the writing itself is strong, and Charles Martin has a clear talent for blending emotional depth with high-stakes action, I struggled to fully connect with the story.

Murphy Shepherd is an intriguing protagonist—both tough and deeply compassionate—but since I didn’t have the context of his previous missions or relationships, some of his choices and motivations felt unclear. The central plot, involving a dangerous rescue mission and the search for a missing mentor, had moments of tension and heartfelt emotion, but without the foundation of the earlier books, I found myself more confused than engaged at times.

That said, Martin’s writing is undeniably compelling, and the themes of redemption, sacrifice, and love are powerfully woven throughout. Fans of the series will likely find this a satisfying continuation, but for anyone new to Murphy Shepherd’s world, I’d recommend starting from the beginning to get the full experience.

The Record Keeper is the third novel in the Murphy Shepherd series and continues to address the serious issue of human trafficking. It is action packed the through the entire story!
Jonathan K. Riggs is such a wonderful narrator.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I loved this series so much and it so easily moved it's way into my #1 favorite series of all time. I have come to love Martin's writing and he is an auto buy/read author for me. I am looking forward to The Keeper but also dread that this series will be coming to an end. Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the opportunity to listen and review this wonderful book.

This "Christian" book is a thriller. Get ready for a rough ride if that is your preferred genre. A gripping saga, not for the faint of heart. We didn't realize the nature of this novel.