Spy Stuff: Bond 25 Starts Filming

If you missed it, the announcement that the 25^thJames Bond movie was beginning principal photography came recently. 

I not only immensely enjoy the James Bond films, but Ian Fleming and Bond played a role in terms of getting me started writing the Pastor Stephen Grant novels. As I noted in the new Introduction to the second edition of Warrior Monk:

     As for deciding to write Warrior Monk, my work as an economist did come into play. Many years ago now, a colleague mentioned that a new priest at her parish formerly worked for the Central Intelligence Agency. That caught my attention, and I filed it away just in case I ever did delve into the fiction realm. 

     A few years later, in 2007, I received word that Hofstra University on Long Island would be hosting a conference titled “Bond, James Bond: The World of 007.” My editor at Newsday agreed that I should cover the event for my column. At that gathering of Bond experts and fans from around the world, I learned that Ian Fleming was 44 years old when his first Bond novel, Casino Royale, was published. That happened to be how old I was at the time of the conference. So, I took that as some kind of sign. I filed my Newsday column on the conference, and then started working on my first novel, featuring a Lutheran pastor who had been a Navy SEAL and a CIA operative. Stephen Grant was born. 

I truly have gotten excited and humbled when a reviewer here and there has compared the Grant novels to Fleming’s Bond. How freaking cool is that?

Bond 25 – the movie has no title as yet – will be released on April 8, 2020. What do we know about it? Here’s the summary from the Bond people:

Bond has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica.  His peace is short-lived when his old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA turns up asking for help. The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology. 

The return of Felix Leiter is most welcome.

I’m definitely ready for Bond 25. How about you?

- Ray Keating

Pastor Stephen Grant Character Quote of the Week from THE RIVER

From THE RIVER: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL, an exchange between Paige Caldwell and Stephen Grant form Grant's CIA days...

     “Why aren’t you sweating – at all?” asked Grant.      

     Caldwell smiled seductively. “I did enough of that last night. Didn’t you?” 

3 Reasons for Reading the Pastor Stephen Grant Mysteries/Thrillers: Vintage Moments in WINE INTO WATER

Here are three moments from Wine Into Water having to do with, well, wine...

1. A wine heist?

     Following his gaze, Caldwell asked, “And who owns that lovely yacht?” 

     Indeed, who? The answer came to Grant as he absentmindedly took another drink of his wine. He looked at the glass, and what Lafleur and Pudovkin were doing became clear. 

     “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.” 

2. A very special wine tasting...

     For opening such a rare, expensive bottle, the group at Banner’s spacious Upper West Side apartment in Manhattan was unusually small. In addition to his daughter and son-in-law being in attendance, Colin Wiggs, a well-known New York master sommelier, and Pearson Gerards, a columnist for a premiere wine-tasting website, waited to savor a bottle of Merlot from 1929. The website also sent along a photographer, who would be taking pictures but not tasting. 

     The five were seated at a large round table in Banner’s high-ceilinged library. The photographer had taken shots of the bottle. He then clicked away as Banner relayed the history of how this bottle, along with two others he had purchased at auction, had been taken from the Bordeaux region of France by the Nazis. The three bottles were found at the end of the war among Hitler’s massive stash of stolen wine – some half-a-million bottles – hidden in his Eagle’s Nest high in the Bavarian Alps. Banner smiled, and added, “In one of those moments of fitting justice in history, this wine was found and liberated by de Gaulle’s soldiers.” 

     The photographer took pictures of the smiles and anticipation on each person’s face while Wiggs opened the bottle with some ceremony. Of course, as the owner who paid $405,000 to purchase the bottles at auction, the first glass was Banner’s to swirl, eye, smell, and finally, taste. He said nothing; his face expressionless. 

3. Some very expensive wine...

     Holden hesitated, pulled over another glass, and looked up once again at Grant with the silent question. Stephen Grant briefly, and almost completely, returned to the man who served the CIA many years before. 

     I’ll probably never have another chance in my life to sample a $200,000-plus wine. 

     Grant nodded. 

     Holden smiled with far less sadness, and poured the wine. 

     With the Glock still in hand, Grant picked up the glass. Holden raised his own in salute. Stephen eyed the color and clarity, and breathed in the aromas. He then took more than a mere sip, moved the liquid around his mouth and swallowed. “Impressive.” 

     Holden declared, “Worth the money.” 

Spy Stuff: The Valuable U-2 Spy Plane

When the Soviet Union detonated its first atomic bomb, the U.S. was taken completely off guard. It suddenly became very clear that the U.S. needed the ability to gather information on what the Soviets were doing across their massive nation. As noted in a fascinating article in The National Interest, part of the answer came in the form of a new airplane:

“By the mid-1950s, though, an incredible new aircraft was about to change the odds of successful overflights and break through the Iron Curtain around the USSR. Built by the famous Lockheed ‘Skunk Works’ in Burbank, Calif., and designed by the legendary Kelly Johnson, the U-2 revolutionized the art of reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering. Flying over 14 miles high and able to photograph objects just a few inches across, the U-2 was the ideal tool to help open up the secrets of the Soviet heartland.”

Read “Forget the B-2 Bomber or F-15 Eagle: The U-2 Was the Best Plane of the Cold War.”

REAGAN COUNTRY at Amazon.com

Pastor Stephen Grant Character Quote of the Week from AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

An exchange between Father Ron McDermott, Father Tom Stone and Pastor Stephen Grant in An Advent for Religious Liberty: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel...

     Ron, who was eating the oatmeal, said, “So, what do you make of this guy elected mayor in the city yesterday? The news this morning seems split on his huge margin of victory, and his stupid-ass comments on religion.”
     Tom replied, “An atheist winning big for mayor of New York City? Not exactly surprising territory.”
     “But based on his, as Ron put it, stupid-ass comments last night, he’s more than just an atheist,” commented Stephen. 

A Blessed Easter to All!

Jesus Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!

3 Reasons for Reading the Pastor Stephen Grant Mysteries/Thrillers: 5-Star Love for SHIFTING SANDS at Amazon.com

Here are three big thumbs-up reviews for SHIFTING SANDS: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT SHORT STORY from Amazon reviews...

1. 5 stars

“It is hard for me to imagine what impression this this novella might make on a first time reader of the Pastor Grant stories. Now that I am addicted to the series, it is like catching up with interesting friends and traveling with them to interesting places like the touring beach volleyball exposition in New York City where we learn that security has been alerted to emerging threats, and we recognize agents from previous stories on duty. Then, in the person of Pastor Grant, we get sucked into the action due to past associations/present skills and... I do not want to spoil the story for you.

“I enjoyed the ensemble aspect of this story, the broadened perspective beyond that of the main character. The fact that this is a shorter story made the narrative more vivid for me as there were fewer moving parts to keep track of than in the longer Pastor Grant novels. The character descriptions and development were satisfying and on one occasion surprising. The setting was also vivid to me conveying some of the excitement of such events where we know some of the competitors in a big venue.

“I had read that a short story had a single point, or strove for a single impression. That is not the obvious case here and it struck me as a novella rather than a short story in the tradition of Poe or Chekhov. Poe did write a series (3?) of detective stories, the most famous being "Murders in the Rue Morgue," but the Pastor Grant stories are more in the tradition of Fleming's "James Bond" with the novel addition of the world of Missouri Synod Lutherans.”

2. 5 stars

“With so many titles under his belt already, I have come to really enjoy and feel a connection to many of the characters in the Keating 'universe', and I'm glad to hear about Melissa Ambler again. There's always a pleasant suspension of disbelief while reading Ray Keating's Stephen Grant novels, but that doesn't take away from the way he weaves together the importance of faith as the foundation for everyone who faces challenges, both big and small. And Keating's writing keeps getting better and better! He has a knack for these short stories along with the novel-length pieces. Another enjoyable read!”

3. 5 stars

“I'm blown away by Keating's creativity and writing/research skills. Now he ventures out of his novel genre with the Pastor Stephen Grant series with this short story. With this considerable shorter format, he still manages to pack his usual skill in unloading a mystery involving Grant's two careers. Here it revolves around beach volleyball, American dominance vs. terrorism, and on top of all that, his theological acumen. Keating's typical, excellent, surprising, twisting ending is worth the read. Anyone looking for short read packed with action and written in clear, moving prose, would do well in getting this. Make great gift as well.”

Spy Stuff: Edinburgh Spy Week

Did you know that in Edninburgh, Scotland, something occurs each year called “Edinburgh Spy Week”? Well, I didn’t until I was just looking at some recent email I saved. 

According to an article in The Herald, “It was a talk by a modern day spy novelist, who just happened to be former head of MI5, that inspired Edinburgh Spy Week, the week-long event organised by three dedicated academics at the University of Edinburgh, that examines not only spy fiction but the history of spying, real life espionage and how the genre has seen crossover with detective and science fiction.” 

This year’s Spy Week ran from April 5 to April 12.

There’s more information at http://www.spyweek.ed.ac.uk. As explained on the website:

“Edinburgh Spy Week focuses on espionage literature, history and film and the ways in which secrecy and spying run through our history and culture. We bring together creative practitioners and academic researchers to talk about books, films and ideas in public and accessible ways.  Spy Week is organised by the English Literature and Film Studies departments at the University of Edinburgh and we work with other cultural bodies in Edinburgh to bring the very best of contemporary spy fact and fiction to the city.”

- Ray Keating 

Pastor Stephen Grant Character Quote of the Week from ROOT OF ALL EVIL?

From Root of All Evil? A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel...

"'Oh, that’s right, Larry’s dead.' Audia smiled and fired the weapon." 

Perfect Easter and Mother's Day Gifts for Readers

Get our best deals on signed Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories at https://raykeatingonline.com/t/book-of-the-month

4 Cool and Quick Facts: Nice Rides in the Pastor Stephen Grant Thrillers and Mysteries

Check out four moments in the Pastor Stephen Grant adventures that feature some sweet rides...

1. From Root of All Evil?...

Jennifer got into her red Thunderbird, turned the key, and as she lowered the convertible top, called Stephen. 

He answered, “Hello, Jen. Did you survive your lunch with Drew? I just realized that it’s almost three.” 

“We wound up having a great conversation. Stephen, he’s just a very lonely, sad man.” 

“Well, apparently you did have quite a conversation.” 

“We really did. He’s coming over on Tuesday for dinner and to take a look at the sword collection. If that’s okay?” 

“Okay? That’s spectacular. I’ve never been able to connect with Drew. What did you do?” 

“I’ll explain later tonight?”

“Fair enough. By the way...”

“Yes, I have a quart of lobster bisque and a piece of toasted almond cream cake for you.”

“Great. Love you.”

“Love you, too. Bye.”

With the top down, Jennifer Grant loaded the new Beach Boys CD into the car radio/CD player, flipped over to the “That’s Why God Made the Radio” track, and made a right onto Main Road. 

2. From Shifting Sands...

Stephen Grant had mastered an assortment of skills as a Navy SEAL. Later, his repertoire of abilities was both fine- tuned and expanded while at the Central Intelligence Agency. And then came four years of very different training at the seminary, and his subsequent extended period of time as a parish pastor. 

But his prowess over a wide breadth of abilities – from profiling to prayer – mattered little right now. There was no way out. Traffic on the Long Island Expressway crept ever so slowly toward the Midtown Tunnel, leaving Grant no alternatives or escape routes for his Mojave Sand-colored, four-door Jeep Wrangler. But it really didn’t matter. Grant was in no hurry. He enjoyed the company. 

His wife, Jennifer Grant, sat next to him on the passenger side, and in the backseat was Father Tom Stone, one of his closest friends. 

3. From Heroes and Villains...

The four stopped at the closed front door. Guy, Diane and Stephen were beaming. And then Stephen opened the door. Jennifer stepped outside and saw the car that the Nodells had delivered. It was a red 1957 Thunderbird with its top down. Jennifer stood still and put a hand over her mouth. 

Guy asked, “This is the one, right? Stephen said that growing up you were a big fan of the TV show Vega$ with Robert Urich.” 

Jennifer still didn’t move or reply. 

Diane explained, “And this is the car he drove in the show. Well, not the exact car, but you know what I mean.” 

4. From Murderer’s Row...

After the SUV drove off and Victor entered the home, Paige Caldwell pulled up and parked her blue Mustang GT. 

Charlie Driessen, sitting in the passenger seat, said, “A stakeout in an attention grabbing Mustang, with the top down no less. I still don’t see how this makes sense.” 

“Like I said before, look at the view of the water and these houses. A couple sitting in a convertible, looking out at the water, enjoying two coffees, and generally not bothering anyone is more likely to fit around here, as opposed to a nondescript white van.” 

Great Gifts for Easter and Mother's Day!

Get our best deals on signed Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories at https://raykeatingonline.com/t/book-of-the-month

3 Reasons for Reading the Pastor Stephen Grant Mysteries/Thrillers: Loving LIONHEARTS at Amazon

Here are three big thumbs up from reviewers at Amazon.com for Lionhearts: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel. Lionhearts also is the Pastor Stephen Grant Book of the Month, with deals on signed books at https://raykeatingonline.com/t/book-of-the-month, and the Kindle edition price cut form $5.99 to $2.99 here.

1. 5 stars: “I have really come to appreciate Keating's writing of late; the tone is very good for our time. We all realize that these are entertaining novels, but their message is highly on point with contemporary issues facing Christians and Lutheran clergy in particular. Without spoiling anything, this book faces one of several nightmare scenarios for pastors and churches and mirrors the various approaches churches have (or haven't) taken to address those issues. Aside from the seriousness, however, which I deeply appreciated, it was another very engaging read, another page-turning thrill from Keating!”

2. 4 stars: “Typical Ray Keating . Realistic, exciting, inspiring, I look forward to the Pastor Grant releases.”

3. 5 stars: “Best of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels! Can't put them down!”

An Amazon.com Review Helps!

A Business Plan – An Action Plan – for Your Book!

A Business Plan for Your Book, Manuscript Assessment, and/or Copyediting - Visit www.authorsandentrepreneurs.com 

Ray Keating provides a personalized, 12-point business plan for your book, including identifying your market; ideas for using social media to promote your book and interact with readers; a media release for your book created by Ray Keating; suggested advertising options based on various budgets; specific actions you can take for working with the media; identifying a variety of promotional tools that fit with your book; steps for identifying speaking opportunities; and more, depending on the specifics of your book. This is a a roadmap for you to follow.

Additional services...

Manuscript Assessment and Feedback on Your Book

Ray Keating will read your book, and provide an “Assessment and Feedback” memo that offers thorough thoughts and suggestions, such as on story, plot, characters, dialogue, clarity, consistency and structure. Throughout his career in writing, business and teaching, Keating has always appreciated constructive feedback for his own efforts, and believes that such feedback is critical for authors and entrepreneurs. Ray Keating’s “Assessment and Feedback” service focuses on the complete book, pointing out the positives and suggested areas for improvement.

Copyediting for Your Book

Perhaps your book simply needs a quality round of copyediting. Ray Keating offers that service as well. The copyedit will not touch the content of your book, but instead will focus on issues like spelling, punctuation, grammar, terminology, and capitalization, along with matters of continuity when it comes to plot and characters. This is especially critical for authors who plan to take the indie or self-publishing path.

Go to www.authorsandentrepreneurs.com

Character Quote of the Week from REAGAN COUNTRY

The character quote of the week comes from Reagan Country: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel...

Tony Cozzilino: “When it comes to sex, people talk themselves into all kinds of things. That’s why honey traps are such old stories.” 

Facebook Reviewer Calls Shifting Sands "Awesome!"

A new Facebook review of Shifting Sands: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story says: "Just finished it! Awesome!"

That adds to the many positive reviews of this exciting tale about beach volleyball, danger and international intrigue.

For example, Self-Publishing Review also said: "Keating compresses what could be a full-length novel into a tightly packaged and page-turning mystery that hums with energy - as is always the case with this series. Rich descriptions, detailed background research, and a confident storytelling tone continue to serve Pastor Grant and his loyal readers exceptionally well. Recommended for fans of the series or as an introduction to Keating's engaging protagonist."

Spy Stuff: Amateur, Adventurer Spies of WWII

RealClearLife.com serves up a fascinating article about three amateur spies during World War II. They were known as GBT group, “a secret operation that worked alongside, but not for, Allied intelligence agencies during the Japanese occupation of what was then called Indochina. In a part of the world where the Allies were struggling to get any useful information, the GBT group’s network of amateur informants became one of the most effective spy rings of the war.”

This is fascinating and exhilarating stuff.

Read the RealClearLife.com article here, or the CIA report that it was based on here.