By: Charles Martin
Series: Murphy Shepherd #3
ISBN: 978-0785255901
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: 07/05/22
Format: Hardcover
My Rating: 4 Stars (ARC)
With gripping action and heart-wrenching emotion, Charles Martin continues to explore the true power of sacrificial love.
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.
As the cat-and-mouse game moves into the open, Murphy is tested at every turn—both physically and mentally. And then the unthinkable happens: his beloved mentor and friend is taken. Without a trace.
Murphy lives by the mantra that love shows up. But how can he do that when he has no leads?
With heart-stopping clarity, The Record Keeper explores the true cost of leaving the ninety-nine to find the one.
My Review
GOOD VERSUS EVIL
Bestselling author Charles Martin continues his popular Murphy Shepherd series following The Letter Keeper (#2) and The Water Keeper (#1) with THE RECORD KEEPER #3, the final book with an emotional closure of two brothers of evil versus good.
Bones, mentor of Murphy Shepherd, has worked for years to take down evil pedophiles and victims of sex trafficking. They both have worked tirelessly fighting the evils of the world.
Shepherd is also a novelist writing under a pseudonym and wants to keep it a secret. Frank wants to tell the world.
This novel focuses on Bones, his background, and his evil twin brother, Frank. He does not want to do good and is the opposite of his brother. He wants to take down his brother and Murphy.
This story is dark and intense; however, Martin blends powerful themes of hope, forgiveness, healing, and salvation. From sexual abuse within the church, plus other evils, the action and the tension heat up in the race against time to find Bones before it is too late.
Both heart-wrenching and action-packed. The shepherd leaves his flock to go and find the one lost sheep. I recommend reading the first two books in the series prior to reading this one. THE WATER KEEPER was my favorite. I also recommend reading Charles's earlier books.
Even though I am a huge long-time fan of Charles Martin and have read all his books, this was my least favorite in the series. The usual stunning lyrical prose and emotional letter writing that Charles is known for are missing here. It seemed too commercialized and reads more like an action INTENSE thriller like Greg Hurwitz versus literary fiction.
I hope that after this series, Charles will return to his earlier writing style with the books we all loved and cherished set in South Georgia, which are less action-centered and more people-focused. Would like to see more of Charles's lyrical prose and emotional stories that we love.
A special thank you to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelson for an ARC to read, enjoy, and review.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: July 5, 2022
My Rating: 4 Stars
Praise
'The adrenaline-pumping third entry in Martin's Murphy Shepherd series (after The Letter Keeper) explores human depravity and the healing power of love . . . Series fans will snap this up.'
— Publishers Weekly
About the Author
Christy and I married in 1993. If you include dating, I’ve known and loved her for more than half my life. She is and always will be the home for my heart. We have three boys. Charlie, John T. and Rives. Folks often ask me, which of my books do I like the best. You might as well line up my sons and ask me who I love the most.
My hobbies are bow hunting, working out (a blend of old school stuff and martial arts, called Fight Fit) and Tae Kwon Do. In October 2012 I earned my black belt but I’m still the least flexible person you’ve ever met. The guy that trains me, laughs everytime I start warming up. My boys are far better at Tae Kwon Do than I but I doubt they have as much fun – I get to do and watch. They just do.
I also like to write, but that’s another story.
Charles Martin is the New York Times bestselling author of fifteen novels. He and his wife, Christy, live in Jacksonville, Florida. Learn more at charlesmartinbooks.com; Instagram: @storiedcareer; Twitter: @storiedcareer; Facebook: @Author.Charles.Martin.
