The Water Keeper (A Murphy Shepherd Novel)

Wow! Wow! Wow! I wasn't sure I was going to survive this one. I am getting to old for this much suspense and action. Don't start this book if you have anything important to do because it won't get done until you have read the last page. I have no words. Really. Just no words.

From the time I first met Charles Martin, Christie & their three darling little boys at a hometown bookstore in Clayton, GA, I began a "love affair" with his writing. His writing style, his believable characters, his plots & subplots not to mention his mastery of the English language & beautiful underlying themes & messages all combine to make him one of the VERY BEST of our contemporary authors!WHERE THE RIVER ENDS has always remained at the top of my list if I was forced to choose my favorites, but, in all honesty, how can one possibly pick a favorite of Charles Martin's works? Well, THE WATER KEEPER has quickly slipped into contention with RIVER!I read Charlie's review...first, in disbelief because I still see him as one of those three cute kiddos Christie was trying to keep corralled in a rather small space while Dad kept signing books for fans who wrapped around the store forever.Secondly, his description of his Dad was truly heartwarming. A parent would be beyond proud to have a son or daughter write such thoughtful words.Then came Charlie's review...say no more..it says all that needs to be said. I did read it in one sitting...YES, Charlie, you were right!!!! Dad's book is PHENOMENAL! There are more twists & turns than either the Black Creek or the IC.All I can say is...once again, well done, my friend! Thank you, Christie, for playing such a large part in making all this possible! Charlie, keep writing reviews. You too have your own way with words.

Disclaimer: Charles Martin is ALREADY my favorite author and I adore anything he has ever written so giant bias is in effect. But, WOW! This book! I read it cover to cover in 24 hours. I simply could not put it down. Now I am sad I gobbled it all up quickly instead of savoring it. This man's talent has just got to be a gift straight from God. His style, characters, themes, EVERYTHING is near perfect. The DOG even has a distinct and loveable personality. The themes of brokeness and redemption are beautifully portrayed. Not going to recap the story, just trust me, it is beautiful and 100% worth reading! Well done Mr. Martin!

I started reading The Water Keeper last night and as I finished it this evening my first thought was to return to the beginning and start again. I've read most all of Martin's fiction over the years and have never been disappointed. While I do have my favorites (Wrapped in Rain, Water From My Heart) each book is a treasure. And each one consumes me from first to last page. They are not fast reads, and really should be savored, but I read them fast because they are so compelling. The Water Keeper had everything I love in a novel; characters to love and root for, locations that beg to be explored (and since I grew up on Florida's Intracoastal Waterway (the ditch) the locations were wonderfully familiar), a nuanced love story, redemption, the triumph of good over evil, and more than a few passages worth underlining/highlighting. There are some very hard and at times grim realities explored in this novel, but Martin's prose handles them in a way that ultimately points to hope and restoration. Highly highly recommend.

Save your $15 and wait for the library. Like most, if not all, the 3 star or fewer reviews, I am a definite Charles Martin fan. But this novel seems to take a good idea and fall flat with his attempt to construct a believable secret-ops-special operator hero. Not enough research. I've read enough action packed special ops novels that have been well researched, that this one is a laughable attempt. I'm willing to suspend my disbelief, but just couldn't get past it this time. I found it annoying. The details and action are so unconvincing: some kind of government agency work, is he a priest/agent and to what extent, who is the mysterious Bones/special operator/priest-government agent with connections? Yes, after reading Lone Survivor I know real special operators can endure incredible wounding and still fight on, but Murph just is not believable. Nor is the dog Gunner. While what's not to love about a good dog hero, he is no more believable that Murph is. There are echos of previous books, Mountain Between Us, Unwritten, etc. and certainly a boat named Gone Fiction? How does this boat reappear in different unconnected novels?? That utterly confused me at first. And enough already with describing the Florida coastal waters. I had to try to find a map, still got lost, and annoyed--not knowing if this might be relevant to the plot, so I tried to keep up. I loved some of the surprises, but the book is just too awkwardly unbelievable. Charles Martin, wonderful writer that he is, does not write a believable special ops kind of hero. Too little explanation and detail for that element of the plot. All in all it felt like the author was tackling two plot lines, the sex trafficking trade, and a love story. Neither one was developed convincingly. A good editor should have seen all these things. The book definitely has its moments and portions of elegant Charles Martin prose, but overall it just doesn't work.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Actually ,I've enjoyed all of Charles Martin's books, but this was one of the best. Can't wait until the next one is released, but not too long now!

My first Charles Martin book, and it won't be my last I have started the sequel The Letter Keeper - I love his style of writing so hope to read all of his books - this one is adventure, action, love just a great book

I had a hard time putting this book down. I did come to think of Murph as a kind of James Bond kinda guy. The not killable kind but we need those in our lives. Without a Saviour we all would be lost.

This book will hold you from start to finish. A story of love, forgiveness and adventure. Truly amazingTo be loved so deeply is shown in every word .

À believable story driven by love, exposing the racket of the trade of human lives, Corruption and the filthy rich. Well written and thought provoking.