”Love shows up..”
”Because the needs of the one outweigh those of the ninety-nine…”
Apollumi – That which was lost…”

This is the third book in the trilogy featuring Murphy Shepard who spends his life rescuing boys and girls who have been taken for the sex trade. Books one and two tell the story of Murphy Shepard and his past among the rescues. Book three tells the story of Bones, his mentor, trainer, and friend. I found myself close to tears in this last book a number of times. Also holding my breath occasionally as I was reading.

It’s not an easy read. The facts of the sex trade are difficult, and I believe there’s probably not much that’s made up. The depravity of men (and that’s not sexist – it’s usually men) is hard to digest. And, although this can be read just concentrating on the thriller aspect of the book, Martin slips in deeper meanings and questions to be noticed and thought about.

Kay (RidegewayGirl) wrote recently in a review of the third book in a trilogy, that the “final book has to pull everything together while also providing larger stakes”. I think this book does that extremely well. The epilogue even alludes to the book titles and why they are named as they are: “The Water Keeper”, “The Letter Keeper”, and “The Record Keeper”. ( )

It's always a plus when the last installment of a series is the favorite. The Record Keeper provides a deep example of redemption, woven within a gripping, fast-paced narrative. Without giving too much away, I'll just say that the author is effective at connecting events and places across the three books of this trilogy. For a book that rivals it's contemporaries in the tech-thriller category, this one has a much deeper spiritual message that transcends even what was in the second book, which also lacked the pace of this one. ( )

The Record Keeper, by Charles Martin, is book three in the Murphey Shepherd series. This one does take over after the second in the series, so it is best to read them in order. I did struggle a little getting into this story, so I should have gone back and re-read the previous book. This is a fast-paced, action filled suspenseful story. This story focuses on the topic of human trafficking and hurt and emotions of those who survive have to work through. While this is a hard topic to read about, this is a good story. There is a lot of specific information provided in this story and a lot of background information.

It is interesting to read of the differences between Bones and his brother. While Bones works to help others, his brother has found ways to track Bones and know is every movement. This story is follows the Parable of the Lost Sheep in the Bible. Especially when Murphey leaves to find Bones.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review. ( )

Sex trafficking and hope!

The subject matter, child and young persons trafficking is dark and heartbreaking. The first two titles in the series drew me in as wickedness and depravity ran riot. The insertion of Murphy Shepherd as broken healer and rescuer of these unsuspecting victims is brilliantly portrayed. I must admit I kept thinking of Liam Neeson in Taken, and of how much the film pales in comparison against Martin’s Murphy Shepherd series. This title opens up the backstory about Murph’s mentor, who guided him in these endeavors, Ezekiel Walker, always known as Bones.
The establishment of Freetown as a place for healing and redemption for the damaged, the idea of Murph carrying those he rescues as a list, a litany, tattooed on his back adds depth. As one victim explains, “the man with the tattooed back told me, ‘Wherever I go, I carry you with me.’ And at the sound of this, I almost smiled. I liked the thought of that. I said, ‘F-f-forever?’ The man nodded.”
Just an amazing thought that communicates the depth of Murph’s belief and commitment to finding the lost sheep—one at a time. The poignancy of that moment just so grabbed me.
A solid story that confronts the reader, carries them along, and gives hope in a desperate world.

A Thomas Nelson ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change ( )

The Record Keeper is the third book in Charles Martin's Murphy Shepherd series. The books are best read in sequence in order to aid comprehension and to increase the reading's impact and pleasure. The series addresses the themes of leaving the ninety-nine to find the one, human trafficking, and restoration. This book also addresses the theme of being a light in the darkness. Each book in the series is filled with heroic rescues complete with gun battles and hand-to-hand combat, but also with deep love and compassion. It is a series that I enjoy recommending to both men and women. It was my introduction to Charles Martin's work; his books are now among those I won't pass up.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Record Keeper from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. ( )