Description

USA TODAY and ECPA Bestseller

From beloved New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin comes a gripping novel of heroism, heartbreak, and the transformative power of love. With a thrilling pace reminiscent of John Grisham and emotional depth similar to Nicholas Sparks, Martin delivers a captivating tale that explores the battle between darkness and hope.

Murphy Shepherd is a man hiding many secrets. Living alone on a secluded island, he carefully maintains an empty church and dedicates himself to rescuing those in harm’s way. But grieving the recent death of his closest friend and mentor, Murph finds himself facing an emptiness deeper than he ever imagined.

Everything changes when Murph rescues Summer, a beautiful stranger he discovers drowning in Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway. Her arrival quickly transforms Murph’s personal quest—to honor his mentor’s final wishes—into a perilous journey through a dark underworld. Determined to locate Summer’s missing daughter, Murph becomes entangled in the dangerous reality of modern-day slavery.

Joined by an unlikely crew—including a loyal Labrador saved from the sea and Clay, a repentant former convict—Murph races against time and danger. As the search escalates, he grapples with haunting secrets from his past and the relentless memories threatening to overwhelm him.

With his signature poetic style and compelling characterization, Charles Martin weaves together a tender love story, a heartbreaking quest for freedom, and a powerful reflection on the grim realities of human trafficking. Ultimately, The Water Keeper is an unforgettable testament to the power of love to conquer darkness, inspire courage, and transform even the gravest circumstances.

Praise for The Water Keeper:

“Martin excels at writing characters who exist in the margins of life . . . Readers drawn to John Grisham and Nicholas Sparks will eagerly embrace Martin’s nuanced storytelling.” —Library Journal, starred review

“A profoundly satisfying novel, propelled equally by high-stakes action and authentic emotion. These vivid characters stay in the reader’s memory long after finishing the final chapter.” —Southern Literary Review

“Charles Martin fans rejoice: he delivers once again . . . a richly textured narrative full of suspense, redemption, and unforgettable characters whose struggles feel brilliantly real.” —Lauren Denton

Don’t miss the full Murphy Shepherd series:
Book 1: The Water Keeper
Book 2: The Letter Keeper
Book 3: The Record Keeper
Book 4: The Keeper (coming April 2025!)