“The Record Keeper” by Charles Martin and narrated by Jonathan K. Riggs is the third book in the The Murphy Shepherd series, with Book 1 being “The Water Keeper” and Book 2 being “The Letter Keeper.” This book is not a stand-alone book, it would be much betterl to read the first two books first in order to understand the story. I enjoyed all three books a lot, but by the second half of the third book I was beginning to feel the story of Murphey Shepherd was going on just a bit too long. Perhaps I shouldn’t have listened to them one after another but have given myself more of a break in between. Having said that, it shows how compelling the stories are and what a good writer Charles Martin is. This isn’t the type of book I would normally read, but I’m glad I did.

Many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC. My opinions are my own.

Title: The Record Keeper
By: Charles Martin
Pub. Day: July 5, 2022

Genre:
Fiction, Mystery, Christian, Audiobook,

Trigger Warnings:
Human Trafficking, Sucide, Drugs, Intimate Scenes

Memorable Quotes:
“People in darkness don’t know they’re in darkness because it’s all they’ve ever known. It’s their world. They navigate primarily by bumping off things that are stronger. Immovable. They don’t know darkness is darkness until someone turns on a light. Only then does the darkness roll back like a scroll. It has to. Darkness can’t stand light. And it hasn’t. Not since God spoke it into existence.”

“I, as much as anyone, knew that hope is what feeds us. It's the currency of mankind. The fuel of the soul. Without it, we wither and die.”

“...every man has a basement. Some lay dark. Unlit. Concealed. Others sprawl like airport runways for all the world to see. The difference is determined by whether he is hiding something or digging it up. Hammer or shovel says much about a man.”

Summary/Review:
The Record Keeper is the third book in the Keeper Series by Charles Martin. Over the last several years, Murph has learned all he knows, from the “Great” Bones. This latest narrative is the story of Bones, his purpose, place, and ultimate sacrifice all comes to light in “The Record Keeper.”

Charles Martin masterfully creates action-packed novels that keep the reader on the edge of their seats from the very first page. Beyond the fast paced suspense, his stories take the reader on an emotional roller coaster—diving deep into the depths of love, loss, and the bonds that tie us together. With every twist and turn, the narrative explores meaningful themes like the purpose of life, the strength of family, and the ache of family. Through moments of heartbreak and redemption, Martin creates powerful messages of hope, forgiveness, and deep love, leaving readers deeply moved. The narrator did a great job for voice variations, pacing and using excellent tone quality for ease of understanding.

Thank you to Charles Martin, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the opportunity of an Advanced Readers Copy. I am voluntarily leaving my review.

#TheRecordKeeper
#CharlesMartin
#reluctantreaderreads
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#ThomasNelson
#ZondervanFictionAudio
#NetGalley

The third book in the trilogy finds Murphy being tested again. We've seen him go from a man with nothing to lose but chooses to save others to the present where he has so much, yet knows he's destined to give his life to save the innocent.
Charles Martin is one of the few authors who can wring every last emotion you have and still leave you feeling as if you have taken the trip along side Murphy and will do it as many times as needed.

I also listened to the audiobook. The narration adds so much to the overall feeling of the story. If you can, both read and listen, you'll appreciate them both so much more.

The Record Keeper by Charles Martin
This was a gripping, heart-destroying volume! Full of emotion and inspiration!
This continues the mission of Murphy Sheperd and Bones with Gunner right by their side. This is such an important subject matter and I appreciatively applaud Charles Martin for pouring so much heart and soul into his stories.
I thought this was a beautiful volume of love, sacrifice, and dedication to saving those who need saving, finding purpose and recognizing loss. Brilliant!
I have become a true fan and I can’t wait to read more! Murphy Sheperd is my hero and Gunner is brilliant!
I had the privilege of reviewing a copy of the audiobook through NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley!
A stellar experience and analogy of God seeking us out where we are and taking us to where we need to be. Phenomenal storytelling and writing! The narrator does such a great job capturing and setting the mood and tone for this series. He gives voice and character to each individual and the mellow tone just carries the listener through. Loved it! 5/5⭐

I struggled to be engaged with this book and it was hard to finish. The plot didn’t hook me and neither did the narrators.

These books pull at the heart strings! The book follows a man working to bring down trafficking rings across the US and surrounding countries. When his hideout for the victims and there families are compromised he works to find the lost and bring down the criminals. These books are beautifully written and deserve way more attention!!! Love Love Love this series!

4.5 stars rounded up

I absolutely love this series! I've listened to these books in quick succession and finished each within 2–3 days. The stories are full of hope, love, and reflection and there's plenty of action as well. The writing is very descriptive, which I love, and each novel plays out like a movie. The characters are well-developed, and I enjoy the 'peeling back of the layers' as the author slowly reveals the history of the main characters. Although you can enjoy this as a standalone novel, I think it's best to read the series to improve your enjoyment of each book.

As always, the narration by Johnathan K. Riggs is excellent. He has become one of my favorite narrators.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, and the author for a complimentary arc for review. All opinions are my own, and my review is voluntary.

N0t my favorite of the series. I think I just really liked the second book so much. About ready to start the 4th book. I find the characters interesting. Jack Reacher like but with a tender side.

I was so excited to read this series! It's a gripping story from the beginning, and it's perfect for the reader who wants a mystery that still holds lots of emotion and depth. This is a beautiful story and absolutely worth the read!

I really enjoy how each story goes more in depth with the character backstories. This is the third book in the series, and they seem to just keep getting better. In this story, Bones is missing and Murphy and his crew do everything they can to find Bones.

There are some hard parts to listen to in this book but the story deals in harsh realities and shows how evil unfolds in the world. With the difficult parts also come love, hope and inspiration. I found this book to be gripping and suspenseful in many spots and uplifting and encouraging in others.

The narration by Jonathan Riggs was really great. His voice and characters really stood out and made it easy to follow along, you always knew who was speaking.

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book, as with the rest of the series, is so deeply moving and so heartrending. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator does such an amazing job of bringing you right in to the action, letting you feel everything that's happening in such exquisite detail. I cannot give this book enough stars and, as with all of these books, I never want it to end. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

In The Record Keeper: A Murphy Shepherd Novel, book 3, Charles Martin has done it again! This action/adventure series not only has heart, it's packed with all sorts of danger. This book seemed to move a bit faster than previous books in this series and I enjoyed this one better, as well. And It still has all sorts of details just like all the previous books.
I read the audible version of this book. The narrator, Jonathan K. Riggs, does a good job managing each of the characters and keeping the story going at a fairly steady pace. I found his voice to be calm and soothing in a way that worked well with the story.

This is a review of the audiobook.

This is Bones’ book-

The pursuit to discover the extent of the evil Shepherd’s crew has uncovered brings new cyber-experts to the team. The chase is on when Bones is taken…

The themes of this series remain intricately woven and brilliantly built upon with every book.

Another fast paced, heartwrenching installment to this series, Jonathan K Riggs infuses his narration with intrigue and evil undertones as we encounter the sick mastermind behind the heinous debauchery he propagates.

This book is suitable for mature teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this audiobook from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review. I also purchased the ebook version.

This is the third book in the Murphy Shepherd series.

All of these books are fast paced and suspenseful. It is terrifying the things people will do to other people. I cannot imagine being in a situation where your child or family were taken.

There are times that I felt like I was learning a full lessons in this series. The sped and trajectory of a bullet, how to be bait, and how to love someone so much you would do everything to save them.

Unfortunately, the author loves to recap lot of moments from earlier in the book and the series. I grew tired of hearing the same thing over and over.

It is a good series just a tad long with the repeats.

Book 3 in A Murphy Shepherd Series was another audio read for me. Jonathan K Riggs is the reader and again he does a stellar job.

Continuing shortly after book 2, The Letter Keeper, The Record Keeper begins. This was such a gripping novel that I listened to it in record time. And even though the first half of the book is very much a tell story, the action in the last half kept me on the edge of my seat with an ending that was both shocking and heartbreaking.

Again, Charles Martin’s weaved a story that goes back in time to the history of both Bones and Murphy Shepherd. Though most of it does centre around Bones and his upbringing. I won’t say too much more just that he was a man who saw good even in evil. The one who always asked, tell me what you know about sheep, which has become a trademark in the series.

The Record Keeper is another emotional read into the world of human trafficking along with the power and search for love and freedom. This is book 3 and I highly recommend, to get the full enjoyment and impact, you need to start at the beginning of the series. At present there are three books but come April 1 book 4 entitled The Keeper will be released. I am listening to it right now

My thanks to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan fiction audio for a digital arc in exchange for a honest review.

Following a near-fatal rescue mission, Murphy yearns for peace with his family. However, the disappearance of his mentor, Bones, propels him back into action. Determined to dismantle the human trafficking network, Murphy confronts adversaries, testing his resolve and faith. This conclusion to the trilogy explores the true cost of leaving the ninety-nine to find the one, highlighting the power of sacrificial love and the enduring fight against evil.

Third in the series, the fast past and emotional storyline persist. I actually liked the underlying story of this one a little better than the second in the series since we get to learn more about Bones. However the first half was a little slow. I loved the introduction of some newer characters. And look forward to the next one.

This is more of Bones’ story. His background and his twin brother, and how they turned out so differently because of their childhood.
Bones is still out to leave the 99 to save the one.
When Bones goes missing, all at Freetown are distraught. Murph is on a mission to find and save him, but Frank (Bones’ brother) seems to be always one step ahead.
Compulsive listening.
Loved it.

The third book in Charles Martin’s Murphy Shepherd series is packed with adrenaline and dives into the real cost of leaving the many behind to save just one. It once again explores human depravity and the harsh realities of trafficking, while also showing how love can heal even the deepest wounds. Fans of the series won’t be able to put it down, and it’s a must-read whether you’re new to the books or already hooked.

The Record Keeper by Charles Martin
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Then Bones 💔 oh my heart. Book 3 in the Murphy Shepherd series really tugs on the heart strings. Somehow this series keeps getting better and better. Thank you to the author, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, and NetGalley for this audiobook.

Interesting summary:
With heart-stopping clarity, New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin continues to combine the heart-wrenching emotion of Nicholas Sparks with the edge-of-your-seat tension of John Grisham in this third book in the Murphy Shepherd series--exploring the true cost of leaving the ninety-nine to find the one.