Pastor Stephen Grant?

Stephen Grant is the pastor at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church on eastern Long Island. Grant is one of the more unique second-career clergy around, as he once worked for the CIA. Besides theology, his interests include archery, golf, writing, classic films, the beach, poker, baseball, and history. Grant also knows his wines, champagnes and brews. Oh yes, he generally dislikes politicians, and happens to be an expert marksman with a handgun and a rifle, while being pretty handy with a combat knife as well.

Friday, July 31, 2015

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day: The River

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day:

Amazon review of THE RIVER:

"Pastor Stephen Grant is an enigmatic character. Ray Keating masterfully weaves his character's past and present lives, always keeping the reader involved in both the action and Grant's emotional struggle. Although I do not like the short chapter style, I was otherwise held captive from start to finish. I certainly recommend this book to anyone that likes a good, fast-moving thriller."

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day: An Advent for Religious Liberty

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day:

Amazon review of AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY:

"Once you pick up, you can't stop reading Keating's novels. Great read!"

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day: Root of All Evil?

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day:

Amazon review of ROOT OF ALL EVIL?:

"Who would have guessed that you could mix a CIA agent and a Lutheran pastor into one character, but Keating pulls this off. I enjoyed this one as much as his first book."

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day: Warrior Monk

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day:

Amazon review of WARRIOR MONK:

"Mr. Keating has done a fine job with his first book in the Stephen Grant series. The story will hold your interest and although there are a couple things for which you must suspend your vision of reality (the demise of the Pope on American soil?) there is much to say about his attention to details. What pleases me the most is his caricature of a Lutheran pastor. As I am also one, to see Stephen Grant as an actual minister of the Gospel isn't too hard to believe. Now, his previous background and his moving into a second career as a pastor--most of the men I know have not had such an exciting life! I also appreciate seeing a character such as Grant shown to have some control over his feelings and actions that represent his faith. The violence is subdued and there is a level of propriety about Grant's attitude toward women that is very refreshing and very much in character with what I would expect of a pastor. I am looking forward to the next installment of this series. It will be worth the wait!"

Big Hit Streak for New Thriller from Ray Keating Titled “Murderer’s Row: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel”

Ray Keating on 8 review hit streak with new thriller MURDERER’S ROW: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL.

How do rescuing a Christian family from the clutches of Islamic terrorists, minor league baseball in New York, a string of grisly murders, sordid politics, and a pastor, who once was a Navy SEAL and CIA operative, tie together? Find out in MURDERER’S ROW. The first eight Amazon reviews are stellar. Consider…

FIVE STARS: “Great book to read, hard to put down. Full of excitement with a Christian theme.”

FIVE STARS: “My review of Keating's previous book noted he was a good author and almost to the level of Clancy. Murderer's row puts him there. The plot is complex and multilayered. The tension is strong. The pace moves well, enough to keep me reading all day in order to finish. As an added plus, the plot involves crooked politicians, conservative philosophy, Lutheran LCMS theology, spies, guns, and -- best of all -- baseball. How could you ask for more?”

FIVE STARS: “I've been waiting for this book ever since I read the first four, and it did not disappoint. Now just waiting for the next one--what else can happen on Long Island?”

FIVE STARS: “Very well written, kept my interest and couldn't put it down.”

FIVE STARS: “Great read !!!”

FOUR STARS: “Like the combination of thriller, character development and religious input. I have read all the Stephen Grant novels and found them enjoyable.”

FOUR STARS: “Another very good novel in the Stephen Grant series… The plot was great, and as usual, the insight into the characters thoughts were very good.”

FOUR STARS: “I like his writing. I find his concept interesting.”

MURDERER’S ROW: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL is available in trade paperback from Amazon.com at



This thriller also can be purchased and downloaded for the Kindle at



Get the first four thrillers at Amazon.com.


WARRIOR MONK: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL has earned an average Amazon.com reviewer rating of 4.2 stars out of 5, and was ranked as a Top 10 book on a WORLD magazine June 2013 list.



ROOT OF ALL EVIL? A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL has earned an average Amazon.com reviewer rating of 4.5 stars out of 5.



AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL has earned an average Amazon.com reviewer rating of 4.4 stars out of 5.



THE RIVER: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL has earned an average Amazon.com reviewer rating of 4.2 stars out of 5. THE RIVER was named a 2014 finalist for KFUO radio's BookTalk “Book of the Year.”



In general, Amazon.com reviewers have compared his thrillers to the works of Clancy, Ludlum, Grisham, Cussler, Griffin and Morrell.


Website: Check out our website at www.pastorstephengrant.com.


Facebook: Please “Like” the Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Facebook page at:


Twitter: Follow Ray Keating, the creator of Pastor Stephen Grant, on Twitter @RevGrantNovel


Monday, July 27, 2015

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day: An Advent for Religious Liberty

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day:

Amazon review of AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY:

"I've enjoyed all of these Pastor Stephen Grant Novels. They're easy to read but make me think theologically about the issues that are raised."

Friday, July 24, 2015

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day: Root of All Evil?

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day:

Amazon review of ROOT OF ALL EVIL?:

"Having read 'Warrior Monk' earlier this summer, I was eagerly anticipating 'Root of All Evil?' from Keating. What a splendid follow-up to the first novel. It is shorter (just over 300 pages), and so it is a faster read than 'Warrior Monk', but doesn't lack for depth and creativity. Keating has a firm grasp of the Lutheran ethos and it shows itself time and time again throughout the book in the personal failings of all of the characters and the remarkable power of forgiveness when all else is lost. The main character is further developed as a pastor and does us 'real-life' LCMS pastors proud. I am already looking forward to 'An Advent for Religious Liberty'. Keep up the great writing, Mr. Keating, us pastors are loving every page of it!"

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Summer Reading Reminder #2


Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant had risen from his seat next to the Kings’ bench. As he looked out on what had unfolded, Grant said, “Dear Lord, please, not another one.”

                                                                                     - from Murderer’s Row

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day: Warrior Monk

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day:

Amazon review of WARRIOR MONK:

"Keating's protagonist, a CIA field operative who became a Lutheran parish pastor, is not far from reality... Among our brothers in ministry are men who in their former lives were military intelligence officers (one was KGB), military base security chiefs, Secret Service agents and organize crime prosecutors. I was one of them. There are professional church workers who were formerly in the technical end of the intelligence community."

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day: The River

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day:

From an Amazon review of THE RIVER:

"A fast moving action packed book.Great story. Have read all of the Stephen Grant novels and this is one of the best."

Monday, July 20, 2015

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day: An Advent for Religious Liberty

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day:

Amazon review of AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY:

"Having read the first three novels of the Stephen Grant series by Ray Keating, I'm impressed by the author's ability to have Pastor Grant sound like a real pastor."

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Summer Reading Reminder #1


Murderer's Row Locale: Oak Island

That's Oak Island in the background - a place that plays a role in MURDERER'S ROW: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL.


Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day: Root of All Evil?

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day:

Amazon review of ROOT OF ALL EVIL?:

"I am very inclined to like this book as I am a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod pastor just like the main character - without the CIA background. At the same time I would be very disappointed if Stephen Grant was not believable as a pastor. Fear not; he passes the smell test with flying colors. Grant would rather give pastoral care to those who are hurting, and it is only with the greatest reluctance that he must return to his CIA training and hurt people. This makes for a very interesting twist on the typical suspense thriller. You don't have to be a pastor - or even a Lutheran - to enjoy this book. It is an entertaining, easy read. It also provides a bit of insight into some of the theological issues and conflicts in American Christianity today, but manages to do so within the flow of the novel, and without getting heavy-handed."

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day: Warrior Monk

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day:

Amazon reviewer on WARRIOR MONK:

"I loved this novel. It was exciting and kept your attention. The way Ray Keating drew together two seemingly opposite occupations into Pastor Stephan's character, and the ethical problems that caused, was fascinating reading. As a Lutheran Pastor myself, I found that this novel is not that far off when it comes to some of the dilemmas I or any other pastor might face."

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day: The River

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day:

Amazon review of THE RIVER:

"It's true - Pastor Stephen Grant is REAL. Okay, not real in that there's a guy named Stephen Grant who worked for the CIA and is now an LCMS pastor, but rather, in this book, Pastor Grant undergoes serious character development, showing the anguish of the soul that knows right, loves right, loves God, and yet wants and does evil. Lutherans speak of it as the 'simul' and it is too often over simplified, but author Ray Keating gives it a healthy fleshing out in the novel without making it sound contrived or overly dogmatic. The things I've come to love about Pastor Stephen Grant novels are all here - friendly jokes amidst the characters, smooth integration of theology into the lives of the characters, and a thrilling plot! Definitely worth the wait since 'An Advent for Religious Liberty', and a super read for anyone interested in a well-written novel that goes deeper than most."

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day: An Advent for Religious Liberty

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day:

Amazon review of AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY:

"This third adventure in the life of Pr. Grant was good but brief. The use of Church/State issues in the public sphere as a key ingredient was wonderful."

5-Stars for Murderer's Row

A new Amazon 5-star review of MURDERER'S ROW: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL proclaims: "very well written, kept my interest and couldn't put it down." Thanks!

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day: Root of All Evil?

Reviewer/Reader Quote of teh Day:

Amazon review of ROOT OF ALL EVIL?:

"This book mixes great theological dialogue about contemporary issues, great action and suspense, and doesn't shy away from issues of morality. I would put it up there with Ludlum and just below David Morell (league of night and fog) on my authors list - definitely a must read!"

Monday, July 13, 2015

Reviwer/Reader Quote of the Day: Warrior Monk

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day:

Amazon review of WARRIOR MONK:

"I'm an LCMS pastor. I finished reading 'Warrior Monk' about a week ago (Kindle edition). What an enjoyable and fast-paced read. Whoever thinks a Christian protagonist can't be clever, sharp witted, and just a bit dangerous, needs to read this book. Can anyone say 'sequel'?"

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day: The River

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day:

Amazon review of THE RIVER:

"Again I couldn't put this book down. I truly enjoy the intrigue but also the hidden humor that only a member of the LCMS would recognize. The explanation on communion was also interesting and uplifting."

Friday, July 10, 2015

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day: An Advent for Religious Liberty

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day:

Amazon review of AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY:

"While shorter than his other novels, Keating writes about something that is at the forefront today - religious liberty. With marriage officially coming under fire now from the government, our religious liberties are quickly being called into question. The premise of the novel is one that is especially important today: the Church needs to continue to stand up and preach on that which God blesses and condemns."

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day: Root of All Evil?

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day:

Amazon review of ROOT OF ALL EVIL?:

"Keating has once again delivered a page-turning thriller. In an interesting way, he has shown the powerful influence that the love money has in international economics, politics, and in the Church. Pr. Grant continues to evolve as a lead character, and the supporting cast promises more opportunities for twists and turns in books yet to come. I highly recommend this book, no matter what your interests may be - there is something for everyone from action to romance to politics to religious thought. Make some coffee and clear your schedule...you won't want to put this book down!"

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day: Warrior Monk

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day:

Amazon review of WARRIOR MONK:

"When I received an email recommending Warrior Monk and explaining the gist of it, I figured for a $9.99 download to my Kindle I'd take a chance. As a Lutheran pastor and law enforcement chaplain (federal and local) I figured it would be probably be interesting but light-hearted, like the old Rev. Randolph series or like a Spencer novel.

"Not so! This was an authentic page turner. I spent every free waking moment for three days turning those electronic pages. I don't know how the author got into the head of a real Lutheran pastor, but he did. Not a the milk toast minister, or the thread-bare social activist with a collar, but a man's man! Pastor Grant does the Office proud. He is a genuine theologian, pastor and Christian, and an authentic tough guy when called for. It doesn't surprise me because of my unique vantage point, but few people get it. Few understand that cops and clergymen are cut from the same cloth. They both live in the public eye, both are held to a higher standard, both wear uniforms, both fight evil, save lives, hear confessions, keep secrets, guard the line that people dare not cross, and both are mis-understood by most people. One guards the body, the other the soul. As for weapons, one uses the sword, the other the Word, or the case of Pastor Grant, both. Many pastors I know are shooting enthusiasts, own firearms, and if put into the position would use them to defend their own lives, the lives of their families and of their flock.

"The book nicely weaves a number of moral issues into the story (divorce, self-defense, war, torture of enemy combatants, the mendacity of politicians to name a few) and answers them from Scripture and traditional Lutheran theology. It panders to no one while at the same time abhors Christian parochialism. I have it on good word that the author has a series in mind, and I can't wait for the next installment. I will recommend this book to all of my colleagues, and to my congregation and law enforcement flock as well."

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day: Murderer's Row

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day:

On MURDERER'S ROW, a Facebook reader wrote: "Just finished it this morning! Wow! Very surprising events, but superbly executed. Thanks again!"

Monday, July 6, 2015

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day: The River

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day:

Amazon review of THE RIVER:

"I've read all of Ray Keating's books so far. This is the best! ... As a Lutheran pastor and retired FBI chaplain I can say that this is about as real as it gets."

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day: An Advent for Religious Liberty

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day:

Amazon review of AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY:

"The third book in the Pr. Grant series did not disappoint. Although shorter in length than the other books, it still delivered a thought-provoking, fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat story with interesting twists and a heart-warming ending. This book is timely considering all the things happening in our country these days and enables one to consider once again the role of faith in the public square. I would recommend this book, as well as the other two, and I look forward to what is in store next for Pr. Grant and the fine cast of characters that support him both in the church and in his other 'endeavors.' Keep up the good work, Mr. Keating!"

Saturday, July 4, 2015

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day: Root of All Evil?

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day:

Amazon review of ROOT OF ALL EVIL?:

"This book reads like a Clancy or a Cussler, Pastor Grant has become Keating's Dirk Pitt. Furthermore, Keating has developed the characters around Pastor Grant and has set the stage for many more adventures for the Pastor / Ex-CIA Operative. Fast paced, edge of the seat read. I can't wait for the next installment in the saga. Keating deserves an 'atta boy' for his storytelling."

Friday, July 3, 2015

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day: Warrior Monk

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day:

Amazon review of WARRIOR MONK:

"Ray Keating has crafted a wonderful story. I love the writing style and the little details about life as a Lutheran pastor (LCMS) that have made it into the story. ... If you want a book that includes serious theological discussion and also 'gun play' as another reviewer put it, this book is for you."

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day: Murderer's Row

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day:

About MURDERER'S ROW, Facebook reader says: "Just finished Murderer's Row. Loved it!"

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day: The River

Reviewer/Reader Quote of the Day:

Amazon review of THE RIVER:

"As a pastor, I often explain that life really begins in baptism, as does this book. But often, we forget that, as we struggle with the details of life, the challenges of being sinners yet saints. We are challenged by our desire for justice on our terms, and we struggle with justifying our sin, or condemning our own sin as unforgivable. As Stephen Grant and his friends, and yes enemies and relatives, we see a picture of that kind of journey. Wrapped around a very well developed action adventure novel, this struggle of mankind is so well played out. Even if this wasn't a book with a pastor and faith, I would rate it a five, along with the best of WEB Griffin and Ludlum. But it is more than that - because the struggle of faith is revealed as well. The Christian life is revealed to be what it is, lived in the world, yet not of it. Challenged by being both being a sinner, and yet a saint. Ray Keating does a good job....a very good job in combining faith, adventure, guns, and real a real world relationship, that ends where it begins, united to Christ, and too His family. Of the Grant novels, I think this is Keating's best."