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.

Thursday, February 28, 2019

Spy Stuff: Guess Who Was Tweeting During the Oscars?

Guess who was tweeting during the Oscars? It was the CIA, according to a report from CNN.


It was noted that the CIA tweets were “part of the CIA's ‘Reel vs. Real’ series, which seeks to demystify the CIA's mission by comparing what's seen on screens to reality.”

The CIA tweets were focused on the tech on display in Black Panther.

For example, on holograms, the CIA noted: “They’re real-life hot tech right now & as they improve, intel practitioners in the future could incorporate holographic displays for operations or holographic projections to illustrate situations to the President or other policymakers.”

Check out the CIA’s deeper dive on Wakandan tech, based on questions posed to, as the CIA explained, “one of the CIA’s most innovative scientists. We will call her ‘Rebecca’” Rebecca not only has a background in the traditional sciences, but also in emerging technologies and digital innovation.”

Character Quote of the Week from SHIFTING SANDS: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT SHORT STORY


While driving into New York City, an exchange between Pastor Stephen Grant and Father Tom Stone:
     “Well, you were a Southern California guy,” observed Stephen. “Surfing, volleyball on the beach, and what else?”
     Tom smiled. “Cars and pretty girls.” 

LAST DAY! Book-of-the-Month Sale on REAGAN COUNTRY

REAGAN COUNTRY is the Pastor Stephen Grant Book of the Month for February. The Kindle price has been slashed from $5.99 to $2.99. 

This pulse-pounding thriller features Stephen Grant, a Lutheran pastor, a former Navy SEAL and onetime CIA operative, with conflict stretching from the Reagan Presidential Library in California to the White House to a Russian Orthodox monastery to the Kremlin. And REAGAN COUNTRY has received high praise, including…


• “Must read for any Reaganite.”   - Craig Shirley, Reagan biographer and presidential historian

• “It was my great privilege that Ronald Reagan and I were good friends and political allies. This exciting political thriller may be a novel but it truly captures President Reagan's optimism and principles.”  - Ambassador Fred J. Eckert

• “If political intrigue and expansive narrative threads fit neatly in your wheelhouse, then the writing of Ray Keating never fails to disappoint… Another deeply researched and action-packed gem from the author. While the details remain cloaked in secrecy for much of the novel - a specialty of Keating's, never giving away too much too soon - the artfully crafted suspense is palpable. If you're a political junkie, this book will not disappoint, but remarkably, REAGAN COUNTRY also works as an adrenaline-doused romp that any suspense lover will struggle to bookmark before the final page.”   - Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★★

• “Keating … has accumulated an impressive assortment of characters in his series, and he gives each of them ample opportunity to shine… Tight action scenes complement the suspense (uncertainty over when the next possible attack will be)… The villains, meanwhile, are just as rich and engrossing as the good guys and gals. The familiar protagonist, along with sensational new and recurring characters, drives an energetic political tale.”   - Kirkus Reviews

• “President Ronald Reagan's legacy will live on in the U.S., around the world and in the pages of history. And now, thanks to Ray Keating's REAGAN COUNTRY, it will live on in the world of fiction. REAGAN COUNTRY ranks as a page-turning thriller that pays homage to the greatest president of the twentieth century.”      - Tom Edmonds, producer of the official documentary of President Reagan,  Ronald Reagan: An American President

• "Reagan Country is a story of unexpected adventure. I have come to expect adventure for Rev. Stephen Grant in and beyond St. Mary's Lutheran Church (LCMS), but I did not expect this kind of plot. In an America where a large percentage of college students naively prefer and/or promote socialism over capitalism, 'Russia's Reagan' shows the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for the people who had been oppressed by socialism and communism. If only! ... Reflecting on the series to date, one strength is the knowledge and research of the author. He becomes, if he is not already, a subject matter expert on the topic at hand. Reagan. Comic books. Wine. Baseball. Everything comes off as authentic, accurate, and well-informed. Keating's creativity also avoids the formula of so much fiction in that we are not merely back to the 'status quo' at the end of each installment. He develops characters, relationships, and situations in believable, realistic, human ways. We are primed, wanting more."  - Lutheran Book Review

 For signed books and deals go to https://raykeatingonline.com/t/book-of-the-month

Monday, February 25, 2019

Ray Keating Talks about the New Edition of Warrior Monk


New edition of WARRIOR MONK: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL with a new Author Introduction and Epilogue, and the new edition of A DISCUSSION GUIDE FOR RAY KEATING’S WARRIOR MONK.






Book-of-the-Month Deals on Reagan Country End on Feb 28

Great deals on REAGAN COUNTRY as the Pastor Stephen Grant Book of the Month end later this week. Get REAGAN COUNTRY free when buying various sets of other Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers/mysteries - all signed by Ray Keating!

Friday, February 22, 2019

Reagan Country is the February Book of the Month

REAGAN COUNTRY is the Pastor Stephen Grant Book of the Month for February. The Kindle price has been slashed from $5.99 to $2.99. Go to https://www.amazon.com/Reagan-Country-Pastor-Stephen-Grant-ebook/dp/B07C6J8RB6/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
And signed books and sets are on sale at https://raykeatingonline.com/t/book-of-the-month


4 Cool and Quick Facts: History Lessons in the Pastor Stephen Grant Thrillers/Mysteries?

Stephen Grant isn’t the only one who loves history. So, does Ray Keating, the author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories. So, Keating often includes some moments from history in these books. Enjoy the following four excerpts – some of which turn out to be not so “quick.”


1. LIONHEARTS offers the most in terms of history lessons. Here’s an excerpt about the Crusades in an exchange between Pastor Richard Leonard and Madison Tanquerey, a television reporter...

     Then Tanquerey asked, “Pastor Leonard, I know that you’re also an accomplished historian and professor who has written and taught about Christianity, Islam and the Crusades. I realize how close you are to this, how raw it is, but what did you think about the claims made by this Jihad in America spokesman?” 
     “What did I think? The atrocities committed here and against other churches across the nation were pure evil. What that terrorist said in that video was evil. There is no other word for it.” 
     “I understand. But what did you think of claims like ‘American crusaders’ being ‘hostile to Allah and Muhammad’? For example, he also said,” she looked down at writing in a reporter’s notebook, “‘Jihad in America is carrying out his will against infidels, just as the prophet did. Through your imperialistic ways, and your embrace of Christians and Jews, you have made clear that you reject Islam. That is unacceptable to Allah.’” 
     Leonard paused, and then said, “I’m not sure exactly what your question is.” 
     “Given your scholarship and study, how does Islam get twisted in such ways by these and other terrorists, and what can be done to correct this?” 
     Leonard hesitated, and then said, “Unfortunately, your question is based on a dubious premise, Ms. Tanquerey.” 
     “Please explain that.” 
     “The overwhelming majority of Muslims around the world are peaceful and embrace the aspects of their religion that emphasize peace. And I think that is especially the case here in the United States. That, of course, is a positive thing, as we all need to work together to stop terrorists.” Leonard paused, and allowed his eyes to glance briefly away from the reporter and to the camera. Uncertainty seemed to cross his expression, but then it was gone and replaced by a look of resolve. His eyes returned to Madison Tanquerey. “The problem is that the essential writings of Islam, if you will, are contradictory, as they also provide ample material to justify these kinds of attacks, and the other atrocities that have come to the forefront of America’s consciousness since 9-11. This, again unfortunately, is not foreign to the history of Islam.” 
     “What do you mean?” 
     “Consider that while Muhammad early on basically taught ambivalence toward other faiths, that fundamentally gave way to him instructing followers that Islam must prevail, saying that Allah told him to fight against all people until they testify to Allah as the one god and himself, Muhammad, as Allah’s messenger.” Leonard plowed ahead. “And following Muhammad’s death, his instructions were followed. Most people have been taught that the Crusades, for example, were offensive actions undertaken by popes and knights seeking treasure, power, to convert Muslims at the points of swords, or other nefarious reasons.” 
     Tanquerey nodded, and interrupted, “That’s what I was taught. After all, isn’t much of what these radicals, these terrorists, are doing today – a kind of reaction to the Crusades? Many people claim that the Crusades really are to blame.” 
     Leonard was in full professor mode. “In reality, the Crusades were a defensive undertaking. And by the way, they weren’t called the Crusades at the time. They basically were pilgrimages. Yes, they were military exercises, but they were undertaken as acts of mercy. They were devotional and penitential in nature. Crusaders responded by noting what Jesus said, according to John 15:13: ‘Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.’” 
     As he tended to do during classroom lectures, Leonard started to use his fingers and hands to help emphasize points. “Specifically, the Crusades were a defensive act against several centuries of vast Muslim expansion. Think about this for a moment: By the year 1000, Muslims had conquered some two-thirds of the old Christian world, namely, Syria, Palestine, Egypt and all of North Africa, as well as Sicily and much of Spain. Remember, this is the birthplace of Christianity, and it had been overwhelmingly Christian. Later, in 1071, the Christian Byzantine Empire fell. Again, Asia Minor had been Christian since the time of St. Paul. And Jerusalem was conquered in 1073. In desperation, these conquered and persecuted Christians in the East called out to the Christian West for help. So, Pope Urban II called the First Crusade in 1095 to essentially defend Christianity from succumbing to Islam.” 
     Tanquerey seemed completely immersed in the conversation, and asked, “Is this when the Christian Crusaders came to victory over the Muslims, when Christianity ascended and Islam declined?” 
     “Well, no, not exactly. The First Crusade was an against-all-odds success, stopping the military advance of Islam and actually regaining the city of Jerusalem in 1099. But after that, Islam resumed its role as the expanding power of the Middle Ages, and actually into the sixteenth century. There was King Richard the Lionheart of England and his successes in the Third Crusade. He took back the coast in a string of victories, and secured a peace that gave access to Jerusalem for unarmed pilgrims. But he was unable to take back Jerusalem. For other reasons, he gave up and left, though promising to return. But that never happened.” 
     “So, what did happen?” 
     “The Muslim advance proceeded. By the fifteenth century, Christianity was fighting for its very survival. And by 1529, the Ottoman Turks, who had conquered other Muslims and unified Islam, besieged Vienna. In fact, in one of those strange, fascinating moments in history, rainstorms hampered their effort; otherwise, some say, Vienna would have fallen, perhaps followed by Germany and the rest of Europe. The threat of Christianity in Europe falling to Islam was real and clear at the time.” 

2. Later in LIONHEARTS, there was more history in another exchange between Leonard and Tanquerey...

    Tanquerey said, “Anwar said that was analogous to Jews and Christians writing off violent passages of their scriptures to the past, as well as undertakings like the Crusades and the Inquisition. He pushed the idea that Islam needed its own Martin Luther.” 
     “This is where Mr. Abdullah and I would disagree.” 
     Tanquerey smiled on the other end of the call, and said, “I thought so.”
     “You and I already spoke about the realities of the Crusades.” 
     “Yes.” 
   “So, that analogy does not really work. As for abuses and atrocities carried out by individuals during the Crusades, not to mention the Inquisition, which largely was carried out by the Spanish government, these can’t be ignored or downplayed. But they must be understood as sinful acts by sinful human beings. Such actions directly contradicted what Jesus called for and did.” 
     “Okay.” 
     “As for a ‘Martin Luther’ for Islam, I would counter that, in a very real sense, Islam needs the exact opposite of a Luther.” 
     “What does that mean?” 
     “Luther’s point was to bring the Church back to God’s Word. He wanted to correct where the Church had wandered away from, added to, or misinterpreted Holy Scripture. In a bizarre way, it seems to me that Muhammad presented himself as a kind of reformer in this sense. The Quran claims that Muhammad did not start a new religion, but instead, he was sent to reclaim the religion of Moses and Jesus that had been altered and corrupted by Jews and Christians. The Quran asserts that Allah sent Muhammad to tell the truth in the Quran.” 
     “Interesting.” 
     “It also should be understood that Luther, as he acquired more information about Islam, became more critical. He noted, for example, that while Christianity grew via miracles and preaching, Islam did so by the sword and murder. Luther also saw Islam as being invented by Muhammad, while the Gospel has been preached since the beginning of the world.” 
     “So, why are some looking for a Luther for Islam?” 
     “Unfortunately, many don’t really understand what Luther was doing. I would argue that Islam needs an anti- Luther. Martin Luther wanted to bring Christianity fully back to Holy Scripture, if you will. But in order to abide peacefully in the world, Islam needs the exact opposite of what Christianity needed.” 

3. In HEROES AND VILLAINS, during an exchange with Pastor Zack Charmichael, Pastor Stephen Grant provides a little Hollywood history...

     “I’m reminded of when director Elia Kazan received a lifetime achievement Oscar in 1999, and the reaction among Hollywood luminaries ranged from remaining seated and not applauding, to staying seated and applauding, to standing and clapping.” 
     “What was up with Kazan?” 
     “He was a great director, without a doubt. His films include On the WaterfrontViva Zapata!A Streetcar Named DesireEast of EdenGentleman’s Agreement, the list goes on. But he had the nerve, in Hollywood’s view at least, to oppose the communists infiltrating the movie business, especially labor unions, in the forties and fifties. The Left to this very day, of course, views that as an unforgiveable sin.” 

4. REAGAN COUNTRY also included bits from history, largely tied to President Reagan. For example, three young Russians listen to Reagan’s speech at Moscow State University in March 1988...

     As Reagan began, Grigory leaned back in his seat. His body language oozed skepticism and even disgust. On his left, Maya sat up straight with her face expressionless. And to her left, Vitaly’s look signaled anticipation. 
     There were four moments during the speech that produced very different reactions from Grigory and Vitaly. 
     At one point, Reagan said: 

      Like a chrysalis, we're emerging from the economy of the Industrial Revolution – an economy confined to and limited by the Earth's physical resources – into, as one economist titled his book, The Economy in Mind, in which there are no bounds on human imagination and the freedom to create is the most precious natural resource. Think of that little computer chip. Its value isn't in the sand from which it is made but in the microscopic architecture designed into it by ingenious human minds. Or take the example of the satellite relaying this broadcast around the world, which replaces thousands of tons of copper mined from the Earth and molded into wire. In the new economy, human invention increasingly makes physical resources obsolete. We're breaking through the material conditions of existence to a world where man creates his own destiny. Even as we explore the most advanced reaches of science, we're returning to the age-old wisdom of our culture, a wisdom contained in the book of Genesis in the Bible: In the beginning was the spirit, and it was from this spirit that the material abundance of creation issued forth. But progress is not foreordained. The key is freedom – freedom of thought, freedom of information, freedom of communication. 

     Grigory shook his head. Vitaly’s eyes grew wider. Maya looked back and forth between the two. 
     Reagan continued just a bit later: 

The explorers of the modern era are the entrepreneurs, men with vision, with the courage to take risks and faith enough to brave the unknown. These entrepreneurs and their small enterprises are responsible for almost all the economic growth in the United States. They are the prime movers of the technological revolution. In fact, one of the largest personal computer firms in the United States was started by two college students, no older than you, in the garage behind their home. Some people, even in my own country, look at the riot of experiment that is the free market and see only waste. What of all the entrepreneurs that fail? Well, many do, particularly the successful ones; often several times. And if you ask them the secret of their success, they'll tell you it's all that they learned in their struggles along the way; yes, it's what they learned from failing. Like an athlete in competition or a scholar in pursuit of the truth, experience is the greatest teacher. And that's why it's so hard for government planners, no matter how sophisticated, to ever substitute for millions of individuals working night and day to make their dreams come true. 

     Maya’s focus seemed to be off the speech altogether. Instead, she was taking note of her two friends. Grigory was gritting his teeth, while Vitaly smiled. 
     Reagan continued to speak of freedom in ways that the three had never experienced. He declared: 

      We Americans make no secret of our belief in freedom. In fact, it's something of a national pastime. Every four years the American people choose a new President, and 1988 is one of those years. At one point, there were 13 major candidates running in the two major parties, not to mention all the others, including the Socialist and Libertarian candidates – all trying to get my job. About 1,000 local television stations, 8,500 radio stations, and 1,700 daily newspapers – each one an independent, private enterprise, fiercely independent of the government – report on the candidates, grill them in interviews, and bring them together for debates. In the end, the people vote; they decide who will be the next president. But freedom doesn't begin or end with elections. 
      Go to any American town, to take just an example, and you'll see dozens of churches, representing many different beliefs – in many places, synagogues and mosques – and you'll see families of every conceivable nationality worshiping together. Go into any schoolroom, and there you will see children being taught the Declaration of Independence, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights – among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness – that no government can justly deny; the guarantees in their Constitution for freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of religion. Go into any courtroom, and there will preside an independent judge, beholden to no government power. There every defendant has the right to a trial by a jury of his peers, usually 12 men and women – common citizens; they are the ones, the only ones, who weigh the evidence and decide on guilt or innocence. In that court, the accused is innocent until proven guilty, and the word of a policeman or any official has no greater legal standing than the word of the accused. 

     Maya leaned to her right, as Grigory whispered, “Lies.” She sat back. To her left, Vitaly then leaned toward her, and he was barely audible in saying, “Fascinating. He’s not what I expected.” 
     Later, Reagan touched on faith: 

      Freedom, it has been said, makes people selfish and materialistic, but Americans are one of the most religious peoples on Earth. Because they know that liberty, just as life itself, is not earned but a gift from God, they seek to share that gift with the world. “Reason and experience,” said George Washington in his Farewell Address, “both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle. And it is substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government.” Democracy is less a system of government than it is a system to keep government limited, unintrusive; a system of constraints on power to keep politics and government secondary to the important things in life, the true sources of value found only in family and faith. 

     Grigory’s blue eyes narrowed, and stayed zeroed in on the U.S. president. As Maya watched his stare, her own eyes appeared a bit sadder than usual. She hung her head slightly, but then turned to see a combination of revelation and joy on Vitaly’s face. His eyes were wide open. She looked closer, and saw a small tear in the corner of Vitaly’s right eye. She faintly smiled, and then turned back to listen to the rest of Reagan’s speech. 
     A little more than 20 months later, the Berlin Wall came down, and by the end of 1991, the Soviet Union had disintegrated. Gorbachev, having lost control of glasnost and perestroika, resigned. 

Thursday, February 21, 2019

3 Reasons for Reading the Pastor Stephen Grant Mysteries/Thrillers: A Trio of Recent Thumbs Up from the Lutheran Book Review

The Rev. Paul Cain at the Lutheran Book Review has graciously given thumbs-up reviews to the Pastor Stephen Grant mysteries/thrillers. Here are parts of the reviews on three of the most recent novels and short stories...


1. About SHIFTING SANDS: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT SHORT STORY

“Plausible international intrigue is a hallmark of the Grant stories. Another is that there are consequences for the actions of our hero and his supporting cast. Grant is a second-career pastor, as one can easily discern from the book blurb. He has a history, forgiven in Christ, including past relationships. He still has to deal with those, yet this is our ‘Warrior Monk,’ an honorable man who has the trust of his wife and remains accountable.

“This adventure has much to do with pro sand volleyball and a certain daughter of a Saudi Prince. I don't like giving book spoilers in reviews, so let me merely advise you to pay attention to the action and "kills" off the court in addition to the aces in the sand.”

2. About HEROES AND VILLAINS: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL

“Most pastors that I know have extensive libraries. I had the bug early. My comic book library has 10,000 volumes at last count. That covered my main period of collecting from 1986-1996, largely Superman and Batman plus the West Coast Avengers and Silver Surfer. Before superheroes, I read G. I. Joe. Before that, I apparently learned how to read with the help of Bugs Bunny and Uncle Scrooge, Scrooge McDuck, that is.

"Heroes and Villains takes you inside all the drama of a comic convention, including that which only Stephen Grant can help with. It's an enjoyable romp complete with the gritty realism of the Burton Batman films, the camp of the Adam West adventures of the 60's, and the modern humor of LEGO Batman. 

"If you know the adventures of the Avengers from the movies or the pages, dream of the day of decent DC films, or love the experience of Comic-Con, Heroes and Villains is the read for you! 

"Gun-toting clergymen aren't only found in Wyoming. Keating's novels and short stories prove it with Pastor Stephen Grant and his adventures. May they continue! DC and Marvel are famous for telling stories of worlds like ours, yet different. This is the 'multiverse.' Somewhere, there is a world like ours where these stories have their own screen adaptations. How I'd love to see Pastor Grant on Netflix!" 

3. About REAGAN COUNTRY: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL

“Those who appreciate President Reagan may see this title and cover while browsing the many new books about our 40th President. Interest in the presidency is high given the contentious 2016 campaign, the recent death of President George H. W. Bush, and our nation's divided politics.

"Reagan Country is a story of unexpected adventure. I have come to expect adventure for Rev. Stephen Grant in and beyond St. Mary's Lutheran Church (LCMS), but I did not expect this kind of plot. In an America where a large percentage of college students naively prefer and/or promote socialism over capitalism, 'Russia's Reagan' shows the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for the people who had been oppressed by socialism and communism. If only!

“My favorite part of this novel is the worldview of this eight-novel extended universe. We see everything in the context of pastors (don't forget St. Mary's Assistant) who confess Luther's Small Catechism and the Lutheran Confessions, active in Word and Sacrament ministry to real people, regular reference to Scripture, properly distinguished Law and Gospel, and glimpses into occasions of pastoral care and weekly liturgy (using Lutheran Service Book). Pastor Grant and the whole cast of Keating characters have to live with the consequences of their actions under the forgiveness of Christ. I know of no other author of thrillers that does this. 

“Reflecting on the series to date, one strength is the knowledge and research of the author. He becomes, if he is not already, a subject matter expert on the topic at hand. Reagan. Comic books. Wine. Baseball. Everything comes off as authentic, accurate, and well-informed. 

“Keating's creativity also avoids the formula of so much fiction in that we are not merely back to the 'status quo' at the end of each installment. He develops characters, relationships, and situations in believable, realistic, human ways. We are primed, wanting more." 

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Spy Stuff: Working to Honor the Spies of WWII

The Washington Post published an important article on February 19 about the work of Charles Pinck, who is the president of the OSS Society. The OSS was the Office of Strategic Services, the U.S. spy agency during World War II and forerunner to the CIA. Pinck is a private investigator, and his father, Dan, served in the OSS.


What is Charles Pinck’s quest? “Raising $93 million to erect the National Museum of Intelligence and Special Operations. The 56,000-square-foot institution he plans to open by 2021 will honor the OSS legacy while also highlighting the ongoing importance of intelligence-gathering and special operations.”

Along the way, Pinck has made a difference. It was noted by the Post:

A major coup came in March 2018 as a five-year effort resulted in OSS veterans being recognized with a Congressional Gold Medal, tied with the Medal of Freedom as the nation’s highest civilian honor. After Speaker Paul Ryan lauded OSS members as American heroes “who struck a decisive blow to fascism,” Pinck and OSS and CIA veteran William Clarke accepted the medal on behalf of the group. Later, Pinck mailed bronze replicas to other OSS members — and delivered one to his father at his nursing home. (Dan Pinck died this month at 94 and was to be buried with his medal on Martha’s Vineyard.)

Now, here is a worthy cause.



- Ray Keating

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Character Quote of the Week from LIONHEARTS: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL


An exchange between Mike Leonard and Stephen Grant – when both were Navy SEALs – as a helicopter flew them to their next mission...

      Leonard added, “So, my philosophy on life kind of comes down to seven points. Do you want to hear them?”
      “Sure.”
      “Shit happens. Have faith. Stay strong. Love and take care of your family. Pursue excellence. Help others. And enjoy the gifts.”
      “Not bad, Lieutenant. For now, I’ll take it.”
      About an hour later, the Seahawk touched down on the amphibious assault ship. 

Friday, February 15, 2019

3 Reasons for Reading the Pastor Stephen Grant Mysteries/Thrillers: Thumbs Up from Kirkus Reviews

Kirkus Reviews has favorably reviewed the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories. Here are quotes from the most recent reviews.


1. Kirkus Reviews on SHIFTING SANDS: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT SHORT STORY: 

“Stephen is a well-rounded protagonist who’s skilled in combat but likewise vulnerable: He faces a bulky assailant who hardly acknowledges the pastor’s stranglehold. There’s an impressive mystery this time around, as readers may not easily discern the terrorists’ ultimate motivation or who exactly 11 is. Resolutions come to light during the rousing final act, rife with explosives, bullets, and a few bodies. Another solid thriller with the always welcome and dexterous hero.”


2. Kirkus Reviews on HEROES AND VILLAINS: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT SHORT STORY: 

“In this short story, Keating’s (Reagan Country, 2018, etc.) recurring cleric Stephen Grant steps up to help a popular comic-book creator targeted by armed assailants... An entertaining, immersive jaunt with a formidable protagonist.”


3. Kirkus Reviews on REAGAN COUNTRY: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL: 

“The villains, meanwhile, are just as rich and engrossing as the good guys and gals. The familiar protagonist, along with sensational new and recurring characters, drives an energetic political tale.”



Thursday, February 14, 2019

4 Cool and Quick Facts: Sports Moments from the Pastor Stephen Grant Novels and Short Stories

Sports have played parts in various Pastor Stephen Grant adventures. Here are 4 cool sports moments from these adventures:


1. Auto racing from WINE INTO WATER: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL:

     Stephen Grant decided to savor the moment. 
     He sipped the aromatic, earthy white Hermitage wine. Bottled 15 years earlier, it came from grapes grown on slopes above the French town of Tain on the banks of the Rhône River.
     While swallowing, Grant took in his surroundings from the rooftop of the Loews Hotel in Monte Carlo. 
     He looked down at the Formula One cars fighting an unnatural restraint in order to make hairpin turns. As was always the case when observing excellence, Grant admired the drivers’ skills, as well as the expertise of those who built and maintained these machines. His ears recognized the vast difference between these engines versus other so- called high-performance cars, not only in terms of power, but also the precision and responsiveness needed to compete in the Monaco Grand Prix. 

2. Baseball from MURDERER’S ROW: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL:

     Casey Granger peered at two fingers just over 60 feet and six inches away. Ty Beachamp called for the hook. 
     Granger nodded, and offered the faintest of smiles that few would have noticed. 
Beachamp shifted his crouch behind home plate slightly to his left, moving away from the left-handed batter. 
     With his glove just inches from his face, Granger set a curveball grip on the cowhide with his left hand. He pivoted on the rubber while kicking his right leg in the air, and pushed forward off his left leg and let the baseball go. 
     The 89-mile-per-hour rotating white sphere seemed headed for the batter’s head. In 0.45 seconds, the man in the batter’s box leaned back as his knees buckled, while the pitch broke down and across the plate. It snapped into Beachamp’s mitt, and the umpire called, “Strike three!” 

3. Golf from WARRIOR MONK: A PASTOR STPEHEN GRANT NOVEL. A moment on the course for the threesome of Stephen Grant, Ron McDermott and Tom Stone...

     Ron asked Stephen, “Shall I lead the way?”
     “Please do.”
     Ron teed his ball up high. The combination of his long 
driver with a huge head and a flat, aggressive, inside-out swing resulted in a long draw that landed in the middle of the fairway, but continued to run left and settled just in the light rough some 270 yards away. 
     “Nice ball,” observed Stephen, as he teed up his own. “Thanks.”
     Grant showed off a smooth swing, with his high, slight fade coming to rest on the right side of the fairway at a distance of 255 years. 
     “Even better,” said Tom, who finally arrived on the tee box with a hybrid in his hand and a shiny new ball. The look of Stone’s swing was not as polished as his friends’. A three- quarters back swing was followed by a hard, crushing move on the ball, with an abbreviated follow through. The result, though, was a high, straight projection that split the fairway at about 220 yards. 
     “And you do that without warming up,” Ron observed shaking his head. 
     “Clean living and concentration,” Tom responded. 
     “Really? We’ll see if that clean living and concentration help you sink a putt today,” said Ron. 

4. Beach volleyball on SHIFTING SANDS: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT SHORT STORY...

     Melissa Ambler took a stride forward, and tossed the white, blue and yellow ball high against the azure sky. She jumped in the air, and slapped a serve that skimmed just above the net. The ball hit the sand between the two frozen opponents, and just inside the end line. Ambler and her partner, Ranya Khan, pumped their fists, exchanged a high five, and urged each other forward. 
     Meanwhile, thumping, high energy music played on unrelentingly. The beat even continued during the action, though at lower decibels than between points. There was no indication that the players cared or were distracted, and the fans loved it. 
     Like many spots up and down the California coastline, the sands of Manhattan Beach ranked as familiar terrain for beach volleyball. Of course, this particular event was far beyond a local pick-up match or amateur league. This was professional beach volleyball, with men’s and women’s two- person teams competing for not-so-insignificant purses. And they played before a few thousand fans packed into a temporary stadium erected between the waves of the Pacific Ocean to the west, and palm trees and the city of Manhattan Beach to the east, while sitting alongside the famous pier. 
     Manhattan Beach had served as a stop for the pros since the 1980s, and the 928-foot Manhattan Beach Pier included plaques of the “Volleyball Walk of Fame.” 
     This new tour called itself “Bedlam on the Beach.” 


Reagan Country Hits First Sales Goal

Thanks!

Spy Stuff: Spying on the Soviet Embassy in West Germany

An interesting article from RealLife.com offers a glimpse at CIA operations targeted at the Soviet Embassy in West Germany during the late 1960s.

I particularly found the following points interesting:

The declassified document describes the embassy as a potentially target-rich environment: 89 Soviets were assigned to the diplomatic facility in some form, and an estimated 60 percent of those were suspected to be connected to Soviet intelligence.

And there’s this:

    For Project CATOPHAT, the CIA was working with 12 assets “selected from American, German and third-country nationals in witting contact with target personnel to whom they have natural access.”
    A helpful Annex that comes with the declassified documents describes the assets: from a husband and wife couple who happen to live next to a suspected KGB officer, to an Austrian-born American medical school dropout who spied on his neighbors. 
    Another asset, a French citizen, was apparently “recruited” on a trip to Moscow by Soviet intelligence officers who were apparently unaware he was already working for the West. The Soviets wanted the Frenchman, in turn, to get himself recruited by the Americans.


- Ray Keating

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Character Quote of the Week from WINE INTO WATER: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL


An exchange between Stephen Grant and Paige Caldwell from WINE INTO WATER...

       “This isn’t about spies sharing or stealing secrets. It’s not about national security.”
       Paige said, “Are you going to let me in on your revelation?”
       Grant hesitated, as he went over the theory one more time in his head. “It’s a heist. That’s Sir James Blasingame’s yacht. Tonight, after the race, Blasingame will be hosting an auction of some of the most expensive wines in the world. And he’s doing so on that yacht.”




Friday, February 8, 2019

Pastor Stephen Grant Fans Will Love "The Realistic Optimist TO DO List & Calendar"

Dear Friends of the Pastor Stephen Grant Novels: 
Thanks, again, for your support in purchasing and providing feedback on my novels and short stories. I’m hoping that you’ll also be interested in my latest nonfiction book - The Realistic Optimist TO DO List & Calendar 2019. The price was slashed from $27.99 to $19.99.
My creating The Realistic Optimist TO DO List & Calendar 2019 was driven by meeting a need in my own life. Specifically, I’ve seen the benefits of using “to do” lists to establish goals and get organized so I can better manage my book writing, my economist work, and all other aspects of life, such as family, faith, travel, special projects, friends, et al. It eventually occurred to me that there must be a better way to create “to do” lists, and that if I can benefit accordingly, others would as well.
The Realistic Optimist TO DO List & Calendar 2019 offers a simple, systematic combination of long run, weekly and daily TO DO lists that make a real difference in getting things done. For good measure, each page includes a quote from a leader or thinker that in some way reflects being a realistic optimist – providing inspiration, giving pause to think, helping you move ahead, generating a laugh, or eliciting agreement or a roll of the eyes.
You might ask, why a “realistic optimist”? The realistic optimist learns from life’s ups and downs, while maintaining a hope and confidence in successfully setting out and achieving goals. And I’ve become far better organized – though far from perfect – with the “to do” list becoming my main planning, organizing and execution tool. The act of putting together the “to do” list requires reflection on goals; forces prioritization; allows for being more realistic about time management; and generates serious thought on how to best get things done. Now, I hopefully offer a far more effective TO DO list that makes sense for career, business, education, family, fun, retirement, and pretty much everything else in life.
And the thumbs-up keep rolling in. The Lutheran Book Review declares, “This is a desk reference and encourager... Each page has a 2019 date, a quote, and spaces for your daily TO DO list. After the author's introduction of encouragement, there is an Annual TO DO Goal page. Special monthly pages help you keep on task toward your goals. Special weekly pages help you keep track of priorities for each week. I, too, am a realistic optimist. Want encouragement to keep on task in 2019? Get organized and make things happen with Ray Keating's 'The Realistic Optimist TO DO List and Calendar.'"
And Jim Blasingame, host of The Small Business Advocate Radio Show, observes: “It’s a hit around here... I think you’ll like it.”
A 5-star Amazon review declares, “It's clear and simple to use, not like one of those organizers where you have to practically have a degree in how it works. I started entering things in that I know I have coming up next year, and I'm looking forward to January! I have always thought of myself as a realistic optimist, too, and I'm glad to find this resource.”
And a Facebook reviewer says: “The inspirational quotes are well chosen. All of my to do lists in one place.”
The Realistic Optimist TO DO List & Calendar 2019 is available at Amazon.com at https://www.amazon.com/dp/1726842738/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539691316&sr=8-1&keywords=The+realistic+optimist+to+do+list.