The Record Keeper

Author: Charles Martin

Series: Murphy Shepherd #3

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: July 5, 2022

An exciting conclusion to the Murphy Shepherd series that will have readers wanting to read the whole series again and again!

Murphy Shepherd has been in the shadows his whole career.  He stays off the radar and rescues those who have been taken for human trafficking.  To cope with all the things he has seen, he began writing stories about his adventures using the pen name David Bishop that have become some of the most sought-after books in the world.  But he owes everything to his mentor, Bones.  After his last mission to rescue his wife and children, he very nearly died at the hand of someone who looked eerily similar to his mentor.  When Murphy learns the truth about the mystery man, he and Bones vow to stop at nothing to finally dismantle the trafficking empire and keep those who have been rescued safe.  But when Bones is taken and used as ransom, Murphy has just discovered this will be the most difficult mission that he has been preparing for throughout his whole life without even knowing it!

The Record Keeper is the third and final book in the Murphy Shepherd series.  This has been one of the most intense series that I’ve read over the last decade.  Readers are pulled in quickly during the first book and it doesn’t let up until the end of the third.  Whereas the first book is just setting the stage with a little bit of Murphy’s history, the second book really dives into his past and what made him into the man he is.  The Record Keeper is more about the story of his mentor, Bones, and how the organization that he and Murphy work for came to be.  Word of caution, this series and this book are not for the squeamish.  This dives heavily into human trafficking and sexual abuse, particularly at those who seem to live just and righteous lives.  However, there is also a humbling truth of forgiveness and leaving the ninety-nine to find the one, regardless of who that one might be. 

I would love this to become a movie or miniseries, but who knows if it will.  The writing is real, raw, and very emotional at times.  The characters are easy to connect with and quickly make readers love or hate them.  To get the most out of this book, I recommend that the full series be read in order as it follows a timeline and storyline that need to read to fully understand what is going on.  Hands down one of my favorite books of the year!

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher.  The views and opinions expressed within are my own.