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4.38 AVERAGE


Fantastic, Charles Martin chose to end it in a way where my author self loved but my reader self hated. It was a wonderful ending to the series.
dark emotional hopeful sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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.

I didn't read the other books in this series, but it doesn’t matter (although going back to read the first two might be a bit tricker). Martin does an excellent job of catching a reader up. He slowly weaves the character details into the storyline, so you end up with a flowing narrative instead of a recap of the previous books. Martin explains the backstory that makes up the story’s setting in his brilliant way. I’m sure others who have read the earlier books in the series would find it a refreshing take instead of a rehash of the others.
The Record Keeper tells the story of Murphy Shepherd and his partner Bones’ pursuit to stop human trafficking and the search for the leader of the largest human-trafficking crime ring. Freetown, an isolated town in Colorado, where young, rescued and mostly women can heal and move forward with their lives, sets the stage for the story. Shepherd and Bones’ lives start unfolding, and their backstories build the rest of the story.
The Record Keeper is an exciting story that kept me on edge, and I couldn’t wait to finish it. I enjoyed how Martin used the first half to explain the setting and story so that any reader can jump straight into the action-packed second half. Martin delicately handled this tough topic without using horrid details or harsh language. I wouldn’t say it was a “feel-good” story since human trafficking is horrible, but the story has admirable characters and a redeeming storyline, so I enjoyed it.

I also read and loved Martin’s book Chasing Fireflies, so I suspect the other books in the Murphy Shepherd series, The Water Keeper and The Letter Keeper, are winners too.
adventurous mysterious sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
fast-paced

I loved learning more about Bones and his life. It definitely was not an easy life, but he made it count and saved many lives. The conclusion to this installment of the Murphy Shepherd series was satisfying and sad. I look forward to reading the next book to see what becomes of Murph.

Once again, Jonathan K. Riggs did a great job narrating this series. I look forward to listening to more of Jonathan's work in the future.
dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous dark emotional medium-paced
adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

Honestly, this series is utterly gripping. An intense, yet tender storyline paired with a stud cast. Written with precise technical language and specific Gospel truth — absolutely loved.