The series continues in an amazing blend of action, introspection, romance, and the eternal battle between Good and Evil. Murph has lost his mentor and possible his direction. As the team continues to rescue the innocent, including the daughters of the sitting VPOTUS.,they seem to be without a leader. How can Murph continue? This is a moving story, in which the plots are moved by the depth of the characters who hurt, cry, laugh, and celebrate like real people.

What a story - you will be mesmerized by the chronicle of events! A computer text is sent out about three girls, a mom, the Secret Service and bodies and photographs to be taken.

The Vice Presidents' family is kidnapped, the Secret service guarding them is savagely killed along with their guard dogs.

You will be intrigued by who is sent to find them, for he has been trained for many years by a man who was trafficked himself you will weep at the inside look into human trafficking.

These books are so deep and so insightful! Murphy and the community at Freetown are left to deal with the world without Bones in the midst of trafficking of the vice presidents daughters. Murphy and his team fight to find the one sheep while flashing back to their own memories of Bones and trying to heal. This book has a wealth of insight.

Thanks to netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the arc. The opinions are my own.

This is an amazing story from one of today’s most incredible Christian authors. Human trafficking has become an increasingly criminal pandemic today. Charles Martin dives in with The Keeper showing that no one and no family is immune from being touched by this horrendous tragedy. The Keeper is incredible work from Charles Martin.

I received an advanced reader’s copy from Thomas Nelson and Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

If you thought the Murphy Shepherd/David Bishop story reached its conclusion with The Record Keeper, you're not alone. According to a video posted to Charles Martin's social media, he thought so too. But as he worked toward making the three existing books into movies that are expected to be made in the next few years, he said he realized that there was more to the story and he began the 4th installment.

The Keeper is every bit as good as the previous three books, and maybe even better. I could not put it down and finished it in a few days when the average book has been taking me over a week because of some intense real-life situations that are taking up a lot of my time right now. N0t only did I enjoy the unfolding of several important plot points, but I enjoyed seeing several characters grow and evolve through the events in the story.

Of course, the subject is human trafficking and sexual abuse of girls and women, so you have to be able to handle that. This series as a whole manages to convey the immense evil and tragedy of human trafficking without being graphic about it. That in itself takes a great deal of talent.

I can only hope that Martin doesn't stop with four and continues on with the saga of Murphy Shepherd and his tribe. I for one would eagerly read a fifth installment or as many as he wants to write.

I really enjoyed this as a romance and it worked with what I was looking for from the description. I was invested in what was happening to the characters and glad it was so well written. Charles Martin wrote this well and left me wanting to read more.

This is my first time reading anything by Charles Martin. Other than some references to earlier storylines, I wasn't lost in the story. It was written in such a way that it can stand on its own, although it is the latest in the series. Fans will obviously love the story. It is broad enough to fit into several categories. It has some romance, some intrigue, some action, and some moral direction. The subject matter is not bright and cheery, but the presentation of hope within a dark story is amazing. I would highly recommend this book to everyone!

This is book 4 of the Murphy Shepherd series. I have read the others; however, each story is basically a standalone, with enough background that the reader will pick it right up. These are captivating, engaging stories nearly impossible to put down.
This story is about rescuing, mainly female, children of all ages, from the ravages of child trafficking. Absolutely outrageous to know such a thing exists, however, because it does, thankful for those who put their life on the line, as the fictitious character of Murphy Shepherd and others do.
The story begins with Murph at Arlington National Cemetery, where his mentor and best friend, Bones, is laid to rest. Although he is dealing with an agonizing sadness, at the loss, he vows to continue with the mission of saving children. Unknown to him the plot to take three daughters of a high-profile friend will play out soon.
The character development is exemplary, and the characters are memorable. The reality of child trafficking is not discounted in any way. Sacrificial love as well as the healing power of love is a theme throughout this heartfelt story.
I believe this book will appeal to the mainstream market as well as evangelicals. Personally, I loved the occasional reference to scripture.
I received a complimentary copy of his book. All comments and opinions are my own.

The Keeper is book 4 in the Murphy Shephard series. Charles Martin is an amazing voice in today's Christian fiction genre. This may be the best book of the 4! The story starts with David/Murphy struggling after the death of Bones. More of their story and history is revealed and the story gets better as every page is turned! The twists in the story were completely unexpected. This is simply an excellent story that picks right up where #3 ended. Some have said this could be a standalone, but I think that all should be read in order to understand the full depth of what Murphy/David does and is and how all of his story fits together. I received a complimentary copy of this book, but all opinions are my own.

This book is amazing the fourth in his series each one I think is the best but the next one is even better.

I just love Charles Martin’s writing. His newest book, The Keeper, was just as great as his previous books.

Title:  The Keeper  
Author: Charles Martin
Genre:  Fiction    
Rating: 5 out of 5

Bones--Murphy Shepherd's teacher, mentor, priest, and friend--is gone. Devastated by the loss and unsure how to continue the rescue work they started, Murph has no choice but to jump back in when the worst happens. His longtime friend and current United States vice president, Aaron Ashley, has been a silent partner in the fight against trafficking. But in spite of having the best security available, his three daughters have been taken bound and blindfolded from their home by an extraction team that left no clues and no trace--just an empty house, a bereft mother, and nine dead Secret Service agents. Only Murph and his team have a hope of finding them.

Bones may have made the ultimate sacrifice taking down his own brother and the dark network he led, but there are still others in this network where evil is the currency and power is the prize. Soon Ashley drops out of the presidential race and a new candidate emerges--someone who is ready, too ready, to step into the race and the Oval Office.

Bones taught Murph that the needs of the one, the lost one, outweigh those of the ninety-nine. In his first rescue without Bones beside him, Murph's fight against human trafficking takes him across the globe and through the halls of government to destroy the network and save the lives and souls of those taken.

This book. Charles Martin is my favorite author, and I love the Murphy Shepherd books, so I was desperate to read this. And it did not disappoint me. The ending of The Record Keeper destroyed me in all the best possible ways—how was this going to live up to that? It did.

There was a lot of action, of course, as befits this series, but we got to spend a lot of time in Murphy’s head, too, watching as he struggled with what he’d been taught—the value of the one—and what he felt. His anguish and confusion and doubt spilled onto the page and the reader wrestled with them just as he did. Layer that with the action of the race to find the three girls and to figure out just who was behind the darkness that took them and this book was absolutely riveting, Charles Martin at his best.

Charles Martin is a bestselling author. The Keeper is his newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review.)

(Review will be live 3/18/25.)

So Charles Martin has come up with another book in the Murphy Shepherd series, after we all thought The Record Keeper was the final one. If you haven’t read The Water Keeper, The Letter Keeper, and the Record Keeper recently, you do not need to go back and re-read them. In this new book, Martin gives a lot of background to remind you what has happened in those 3 books. If you have NOT read them, you definitely want to read the series in order, because there’s a lot he doesn’t include in the flashbacks.

Once again, it is hard to read about the depths of evil involved in human trafficking and the awful, dark world of those who buy and sell the bodies of young boys and girls just to indulge in their perverse pleasures. After Bones’ death in The Record Keeper, his brother’s seven “generals” are ready to take over and continue expanding their power and reach. As Murphy grieves the loss of his mentor and friend, he keeps fighting, and the light shines through the darkness again and again, but at the cost of a love that gives sacrificially and completely.

The plot twists kept me gasping, and I had to take breaks now and then from the tension of the plot. New characters get introduced, more hope takes root, and I couldn’t believe how the book ends. I know you will love it like I did!

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."  #TheKeeper #NetGalley

Just when I thought Charles Martin’s books could not get any better, he proves me wrong. Such an engaging storyline involving human trafficking and hard to believe such evil exists. You will need to make sure to read the books in order so it is easier to follow along.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

Murphy Shepherd’s story continues with one of the most revealing and compelling installments yet! I love Charles Martin’s writing style and his latest book does not disappoint. So many loose ends tied up and explained, so many markers towards Jesus and what he has done for each of us. Great read, and hoping this means more to come for Murph and all the characters of Freetown.

I love Charles Martin! He is one of the best storytellers I've ever read! I love this series! I feel it's so important to bring light to this topic even though it makes me terrified for my 9 year old granddaughter! This book picks up where the last book ended with the death of Bones. But the Vice Presidents daughters are missing and Murphy Shepherd must find them while also navigating the grief of losing his mentor and best friend.

Murphy Shepherd is back! I was so excited to see Charles Martin wrote another book in this series. It’s one of the best series I have ever read and this was another great addition! In The Keeper Murphy has to work through tremendous grief while also finding a way to do his job and save the lost. As always Martin’s writing gets straight to the heart.


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

The Keeper is a moving story of love and redemption. Through the eyes of a soldier willing to pay any price by putting his life on the line to save young girls being sold into trafficking, you catch a glimpse of the emotional cost.
Plenty of action and suspense as the team follows leads to rescue the girls. No spoilers….but emotions run high and laid bare when adjustments must be made within the team. A must read!

This was my first time reading Charles Martin’s work, and I understand now why this author is so popular. Although this is the latest book in a series, I wasn’t lost in the plot, and I didn’t feel like I was missing important information, so I believe this is fine if read as a stand-alone book. The characters are all intriguing, and the storyline kept me hooked from beginning to end. I would highly recommend it, and I look forward to reading more of Martin’s work.

This book will stay with you. It will stay on your forever shelf and on your heart. A great book in the series or even as a stand alone. Murph and Bones share so much words of wisdom and inspiration overcoming the darkness within the world we live in. Tough subject that needs light to be shined on. Highly recommend this series. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Keeper is an introspective look at friendship, loss and overcoming the many facets of grief. In the fourth book of the Murphy Shepherd series, Murph must work without his beloved Bones to track down child traffickers who are very skilled at their jobs.

Charles Martin can weave one heck of a story. His writing is uniquely thoughtful and compelling. It’s near impossible to set the book down once you’ve started it. I highly recommend this 5-star book, which can also be read as a stand-alone.

Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the eARC.

Thank you, thank you NetGalley for an advance copy of The Keeper! I am a huge Charles Martin fan and couldn't wait to continue reading about Murphy Shepherd. I love Mr. Martin's style of writing and how he can take such a dark subject and make it eye opening and informative.I believe this book will appeal to the mainstream market as well as evangelicals. Personally, I loved the occasional reference to scripture but not overly preachy. I have already told many they have to continue reading this series. I sure do hope this is not the end of Murphy and we will hear from him again. Thank you Charles Martin for being the gifted writer you are!

Charles Martin always delivers an excellent novel and this one was no exception. The Keeper is the 4th book in the Murphy Shepherd series, and is based on human trafficking. The story has many twists and turns and will keep you guessing till the very end. Martin shows the web of deception and evil that is in our world today. The story is also about redemption, healing, sacrificing, love, and good against evil.

The keeper starts with Murphy mourning his best friend and mentor, Bones. He is trying to deal with such an enormous loss and carry on to rescue boys and girls who have been trafficked by evil people. Murphy is in a race against time to rescue the Vice Presidents 3 daughters. Will he be able to without Bones by his side guiding him. I liked the way the author talked about spiritual things in a natural way dealing with grief, healing, love, etc.

I highly recommend this book and all of Charles Martin’s books. He is an exceptional author. Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for an advanced copy of this book.

The Keeper
Charles Martin
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In this fourth book in the Murphy Shepherd series, Murphy is still reeling from the loss of his mentor, Bones. Knowing that Bones sacrificed himself to take down an evil empire created by his brother, Frank, doesn't make it any easier. Although Frank is gone, his underlings are not, and someone has kidnapped the three daughters of presidential candidate Aaron Ashley.

Murphy is called on to find the missing girls, but he's never completed a rescue mission without Bones. In spite of his grief, he assembles a team and determines to not only find the girls, but to take down whoever ordered their abduction.

The overwhelming theme of this book was love, but not in the romantic sense. Instead, it is the deepest love imaginable that overcomes darkness. Love that willingly sacrifices at great cost. Love that binds hearts together beyond friendship or family. Intentional love that invests in the lives of others. Love that invariably leads to deep pain.

Martin is a master storyteller writing on the outskirts of human depravity that crushes the soul. Somehow he makes his story about light and about love. He challenges our conceptions of true love and whether we are willing to risk all to gain something priceless. Martin illustrates the real truth of a shepherd leaving the ninety-nine in search of the one who is lost. It’s more about the shepherd being willing to leave the security and comfort of the flock to let the one sheep know he is valued. The shepherd must be willing to sacrifice himself.

The Keeper is a beautiful story that will make you long for a friendship like that between Bishop and Bones. More importantly, it is a story that produces great thankfulness for our Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who sacrificed Himself as the Lamb of God.

We received an advance copy from NetGalley. This is our honest review.

Fans of Martin will enjoy the 4th installment in this beloved trilogy. I'm not sure what I was expecting but this exceeded them. Well done.

I have recommended it on social media in a private group with thousands of members.

Charles Martin has written another fantastic book. The plot is based on human trafficking and is fast paced and a real page turner. I definitely recommend this book.

"The needs of the one outweighs those of the ninety-nine." Another stellar installment of the Murphy Shepherd series by Charles Martin. I was super excited to hear that a fourth book was coming after reading the trilogy of the Keeper series books. This book will keep you guessing and has many plot twists and lots of action. Similar to the others, the focus on the atrocities of trafficking are detailed in a way easily understood, although it is sickening to digest the horrors that befall so many who are subject to such terrible actions. Martin shows with great insight the web of deception and evil that is so prevalent in our world today, and he also does a wonderful job of sharing what is means to have redemption, healing, growth, and an understanding of unconditional love. "Identity precedes purpose. You can't know who you are until you know whose you are. Belongingness matters."

I highly recommend this book to not only give you insight into the dark side of evil, but also how those enmeshed in darkness cannot truly know they are in darkness, as Martin describes, unless someone turns on a light, or becomes the light for them! Exceptional depth pointing the readers to the true Savior. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the early review copy. All opinions are my own.

Charles Martin always delivers such excellent stories and this one was no exception. The Keeper was thought-provoking and kept me emotionally invested. Though the topic can be difficult to read about, Martin handles it with care and provides hope that there can be healing and restoration.

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

The ability Charles Martin has to give you an action packed story with wit and charm from the narrator, while also weaving in deep emotional and inspirational paragraphs always amazes me. The Keeper is the fourth installment in this series. While it did start out a bit slow for me with lots of backstory from the previous books it was needed for the story. The first half of the book was 3 stars and the back half was about 8! Do yourself a favor and start at book one of this series and enjoy the ride! I hope Martin keeps the The Keeper coming!

In the fourth installment of the Murphy Shepherd series, Murphy must confront the evil that has brought down his best friend and mentor Bones. He must face the loss that has almost crippled him as he fights to find the kidnapped daughters of his friend Ashley, the Vice President of the United States. Evil abounds through the world of trafficked boys and girls and Murphy must rescue Ashley’s daughters without Bones by his side.

I could not put this one down. The characters are so real that you become part of the story fighting the battle of evil right along beside them. I cried, I laughed and I cheered Murphy on through his quest to once again fight the evil that exists at the hands of sick twisted and most often powerful people.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for my ARC.

The plot reminded me a little of the film White House Down, in which the underground forces attempt to assassinate the President and his men. The President is unsure who to trust. Then the A team arrives to protect him, and they are unable to determine who all the bad guys are; their tentacles go deep, just like in this novel. The vice president would have preferred taking a bullet for his daughters, then have them abducted by evil forces.

This was a fast-paced action-adventure story I couldn't put down. The subject matter is serious, and important. The author does a great job of explaining how sex trafficking works, and why it exists. it’s something I've never understood. Charles Martin shows how it takes a collaborative effort to keep up and stop traffickers, which explains why they’re hard to catch, and how they get away with so much.

I also liked the way the author talked about spiritual challenges in a natural way, with themes of grief, healing, love, and recovery, just to name a few. This novel is heart-breaking, yet a hopeful must-read.

This book can be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend reading book one in the series first. You’ll have a richer experience. This novel makes for a wonderful book club pick. There is so much to talk about.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!

This is book 4 of the Murphy Shepherd series. I didn’t realise this until I was about 12% into the book. I felt a bit lost at first but fairly quickly caught up. Still, I wish I had read the first three, which I plan to do.
This story is about rescuing, mostly female, children from the atrocities of human trafficking. Murphy Shepherd puts his life on the line to rescue these children.
The Keeper begins with Murph at Arlington National Cemetery, where his mentor and best friend, Bones, is being laid to rest. Although he is dealing with his own agonizing grief, in Bones honor, he vows to continue with the mission of saving innocent children. Already in the works is a plot to take the three daughters of a high-profile family.

Lots of plot twists and tense scenes will keep you turning pages with themes of sacrificial love and the healing power of love in this heartfelt story.

Charles Martin just has a way with creating a story with emotion, action and an uplifting message that never disappoints. This book is the fourth in the series and dealt with loss and grief as well as the evils of human trafficking.

Murphy has lost his mentor and tries to build a team to help him take down the evil that has taken the daughters of the Vice President. I absolutely love Murphy Shepherd and I really enjoyed how deep Martin went into the life of faith a person lives. The addition of Camp to the series adds even more interest and another amazing character in the series. As each event happens you learn more and more about unconditional love and how Murphy grapples with some hard truths.

I highly recommend this book as a great page turner with twists and turns as well as some deep insights into dark topics.

I had the opportunity to meet Charles Martin last year and hear him speak. Needless to say I was doing summersaults and backflips when he told the crowd there would be a 4th Murphy Shephard book. If you are just discovering this book, please go back amd read the first three. There are several references that won't make sense without all of the backstory.

"Because the needs of the one outweigh those of the ninety-nine."

This has been the dominant theme over this series as Martin tackles the harsh, ugly and evil world of human trafficking. We all need a Murphy Shephard and Bones out there who will break down that door and go rescue the one suffering. As in the other books in this series, Martin shines a light on a subject that desperately needs attention with the most delicate hand and showing a way to hope, recover, live and still love.

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

This is another theme that resonates throughout all of the books in this series. Knowing we are all God's children. Without hitting you over the head with a Bible, Martin continues to write Christian lessons that make me dig deeper in my soul, make me think and at the end of the day bring me closer to God. Martin is a magical author in this aspect.

"We all lose our way. Sometimes it just takes somebody else to find us and bring us back. Remind us."

Murphy normally is the one searching for the Lost, but in this book he is lost and broken after losing Bones. While he is still going after those who were taken, he is also finding his way back, getting beautifully reminded of who he is. At some point in everyone's life, they go astray or feel lost. This is a reminder that we can all find our way back home.

There are some new characters introduced and a few unexpected twists that only add to the depth of the story. My only criticism is there is alot of repetition at times. However, for me, this did not detract from my overall view of the story. And it seems as if Martin has left the door open to future books in this series.

If you have not discovered Charles Martin or read any of his books, please do so. I promise you will not be disappointed.

My thanks to Charles Martin, Thomas Nelson Publishing and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

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

I was so thrilled to know that a 4th book was added to The Keeper series, and this one was just as much of a beautifully insightful, twisting journey as all of the others!! Murph is trying to get his feet under him after the loss of Bones, and struggling to do so. When he’s called upon to rescue the kidnapped daughters of the vice president, he throws himself into his natural role of rescuer, despite his grief. Deeper layers of evil are brought to light as Murph and his team do what they do best. The surprises in this one are delightful, and true to form, Charles Martin weaves Christ’s love for His Bride all throughout the story. I’m hoping for a 5th book (at least), as the ending seems to leave an opening for more to come!

I've been a Charles Martin fan for years, and he is very popular with our patrons. His writing is lyrical and he draws you right into the story. This one was excellent, and I am grateful for the advance copy. Looking forward to telling our patrons about it!
This can be read on its own, but I do think reading the first three books in the series would enhance the reading of this one.
*This book deals with human trafficking, as do the others in the series.*

The Keeper by Charles Martin
This book, number 4 in the Keeper series, was full of surprises. It does contain the same cast of characters as the previous book, with the addition of a few new ones. It rehearses much of the last book 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 the surprises take your breath away! And the author keeps the door open for more stories in the series.
Readers who enjoy some action-packed adventure with a true hero—one worthy of admiration—will be glued to this book. I am grateful to the publisher for the arc in return for this, my honest review.

Charles Martin is such a powerful storyteller! The Keeper picks up where the Murphy Shephard trilogy ended. This beautiful story of grace and redemption deals with the difficult subject of human trafficking with a mix of disgust (for the perpetrators) and compassion (for the victims). There are several flashbacks so you can easily follow this novel of forgiveness and mercy.

Thank you Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the early copy. All opinions are my own.

The Keeper is the fourth novel in the Murphy Shepherd series and hopefully not the last!
This has been an incredible action packed, suspenseful and emotional experience.
All of the stories addressed the serious issue of human trafficking of children and young women and what extreme measures others are prepared to take to save these innocent lives.
There is love, sadness, hope and friendship throughout the narratives. Charles Martin’s writing is rich in detail, which helps to create an immersive experience. He incorporates local history adding depth to the stories he tells. Jonathan K. Riggs is the most entertaining narrator I’ve encountered so far in my new adventure with audiobooks.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.