Reviews

The Letter Keeper by Charles Martin

heidirgorecki's review against another edition

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5.0

Very few books make me tear up but this one did. So much profound and deep truth, and such a moving story, the whole series.

ms_emily's review

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challenging dark emotional tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

rachellherrington's review

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dark emotional informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

kbranfield's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 stars.

The Letter Keeper by Charles Martin is a reflective yet, action-packed mystery. This newest addition to the Murphy Shepherd series can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading the first book for important backstory.

Murphy Shepherd and his mentor Bones are Anglican priests who also rescue victims of human trafficking.  Murphy is taking some much-needed time off from his latest case when he is injured after someone attempts to kill him. His recovery takes place in Colorado at the safe compound he and Bones have built. Surrounded by his loved ones, Murphy reflects on his past decisions, his deep love for his first wife and his compulsion to save the unsavable.

Murphy is no stranger to loss or sacrifice. He and Bones will go to any lengths to rescue then provide a safe haven for those who fallen prey to human traffickers. Although Murphy has yet to forgive Bones for his unexpected betrayal, their lives are very closely intertwined. With a new woman to love, will Murphy finally make peace with his past?

Murphy and Bones are also attempting to figure out who tried to kill Murphy. They are also uncertain whether this person will try again. With security on high alert, they go about their daily lives as Murphy regains his strength. Just as Murphy is moving on to the next phase in his life, his loved ones are taken from him. Will he and Bones find them before it is too late?

The Letter Keeper is an absolutely riveting mystery with an engrossing storyline. Murphy and Bones are multi-layered characters with true to life strengths and weaknesses. The other characters are richly developed whose recovery from their pasts remains a work in progress. Murphy’s new love is heartwarming but not without a few obstacles to overcome. With pulse-pounding urgency, Charles Martin brings this suspenseful novel to a jaw-dropping conclusion. Old and new fans of the Murphy Shepherd series will be impatiently awaiting next installment due to a stunning revelation.

bmallen5668's review

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dark emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

jlworley's review

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5.0

4.5 stars rounded up

benitat's review

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tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

jdsutter's review

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4.0

Pretty slow in the first half but it picks up in the last half and turns out ok. Not as good as the first Murphy book but a twist at the end brought my rating back up a bit.

susanlbussey's review

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4.0

Book #2 tells us the story of how Murphy Shepherd became the man he is, right along with another suspenseful rescue of kids from human trafficking.
I'm pretty sure someone will make a miniseries from this set of books. It would make a great series on film if they do it well!
Book #3 due to be released in June 2022, and I'll be reading that one, too.

mallorystone's review

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

4.5