3 Reasons for Reading the Pastor Stephen Grant Mysteries/Thrillers: Thumbs Up from Pastor Rod Zwonitzer, Retired “BookTalk” Host, for DEEP ROUGH

Pastor Rod Zwonitzer is the retired host of KFUO radio’s “BookTalk.” He recently offered a 5-star review of DEEP ROUGH: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL. Here are 3 reasons to read DEEP ROUGH from his review:

1. “Keating's latest Pastor Stephen Grant Series offering is fittingly titled: Deep Rough. Displaying his adeptness at developing existing and new characters, he weaves an intriguing story around a Chinese golfer on the PGA Tour and his father who is a Christian pastor in China. This unfolds with scenarios involving both governments, the FBI, the CIA, and POTUS...”

2. “The plot thickens and turns and ebbs in many directions, keeping the reader engaged till the very end.”

3. “Only thing left to say: will this Pastor Stephen Grant series end? Hope not, but if it does, hope Keating takes off in new novel direction, which he has become so masterful at. Read it. Gift it. Share it.”

Thanks, Rod!

3 Reasons for Reading the Pastor Stephen Grant Mysteries/Thrillers: Thumbs Up from KFUO Radio’s BookTalk

KFUO radio’s “BookTalk” show gave very nice thumbs up to various Pastor Stephen Grant novels. For example:

1. The River: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel was a KFUO “Book of the Year” finalist for 2014.

2. Murderer’s Row: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel actually was awarded the KFUO “Book of the Year” award for 2015.

3. Pastor Rod Zwonitzer, the now-retired host of “BookTalk,” has called Ray Keating “a great novelist.”

Spring Into Reading with Award-Winning Novelist Ray Keating

Enjoy the Pastor Stephen Grant novels this spring. Get them at Amazon, or signed copies (on sale!) at www.raykeatingonline.com

Keeps the Reader Hooked

Reviewer on MURDERER'S ROW by Ray Keating...

"The listeners have to understand that they're going to get some good theology, they're going to get some good mysteries, some very well done thriller writing... Murderer's Row keeps the reader hooked."  - Rod Zwonitzer, host of "BookTalk" on KFUO radio

Get the book at
http://www.amazon.com/Murderers-Row-Pastor-Stephen-Grant/dp/1514137615/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458414397&sr=8-1&keywords=murderer%27s+row+by+keating

Ray Keating’s “Murderer’s Row” Named “Book of the Year 2015”

Fifth Book in Pastor Stephen Grant Series Wins KFUO “BookTalk” Award

Long Island, NY – MURDERER’S ROW: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL by Ray Keating won “Book of the Year 2015” as awarded by “BookTalk” on KFUO radio.

Ten books were nominated for the KFUO “Book of the Year,” and listeners were able to vote. While making the announcement, Rod Zwonitzer, host of “BookTalk,” said this year saw a record number of votes, and it was an extremely tight race between the four top vote getters.

Ray Keating said, “I am stunned and blessed. Thank you to Rod Zwonitzer and KFUO; to all of my friends and readers who voted for MURDERER'S ROW; to my family for their support, love and most assuredly, patience; and to God for everything, including the joy of writing. This is particularly humbling given KFUO’s Christian mission.”

MURDERER’S ROW is a gripping, thoughtful thriller that ties together 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 formerly was a Navy SEAL and CIA operative.

About MURDERER’S ROW, Kirkus Reviews says, “The author packs a lot into this frantically paced novel... a raft of action sequences and baseball games are thrown into the mix. The multiple villains and twists raise the stakes...  Stephen remains an engaging and multifaceted character: he may still use, when necessary, the violence associated with his former professions, but he at least acknowledges his shortcomings--and prays about it. Action fans will find plenty to love here, from gunfights and murder sprees to moral dilemmas.”

SeriousReading.com proclaims, “This novel is a fascinating read with a murder mystery, unique and exceptional characters, and wit... With multiple layers and a complex plot, the novel moves forward with a smooth and even pace.”

And the Lutheran Book Review observes, “I miss Tom Clancy. Keating fills that void for me.”

This is the second year in a row that Keating has had a book nominated, as THE RIVER: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL was a KFUO “Book of the Year” finalist in 2014.

MURDERER’S ROW: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL is available in trade paperback and for the Kindle from Amazon.com

Ray Keating’s previous books include THE RIVER: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL, AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL, ROOT OF ALL EVIL? A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL and WARRIOR MONK: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL.

Review copies, interviews for the media, and author appearances are available upon request.

Contact: Ray Keating

Phone: 631-909-1122

E-mail: raykeating@keatingreports.com

PastorStephenGrant.com

Vote for Murderer's Row by January 30th for Book of the Year!

Ray Keating’s “Murderer’s Row” Nominated for “Book of the Year”

Long Island, NY – MURDERER’S ROW: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL by Ray Keating has been nominated for “Book of the Year 2015” by “BookTalk” on KFUO Christian radio.

MURDERER’S ROW is a gripping, thoughtful thriller that ties together 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 formerly was a Navy SEAL and CIA operative.

This is the second year in a row that Keating has had a book nominated, as THE RIVER: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL was a KFUO “Book of the Year” finalist in 2014.

Ten books have been nominated for the KFUO “Book of the Year,” and listeners get to vote by emailing the name of the book to Contest@kfuo.org. The contest ends on January 30. More information is at http://www.kfuoam.org/events/.

Ray Keating has been called “a great novelist” by the host of “BookTalk” radio. A Washington Times reviewer, who happens to be a pastor who once worked for the CIA, noted, "Mr. Keating also allows you to discover how each of his characters tick in a style and tone reminiscent of some of the best-loved books of all time.” Also, the editor-in-chief of WORLD magazine lists Ray Keating among his top 10 Christian novelists.

Ray Keating said, “I’m very appreciative, especially given the Christian mission of KFUO.”

MURDERER’S ROW: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL is available in trade paperback and for the Kindle from Amazon.com

Ray Keating’s previous books include THE RIVER: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL, AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL, ROOT OF ALL EVIL? A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL and WARRIOR MONK: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL.

Review copies, interviews for the media, and author appearances are available upon request.

Contact: Ray Keating
Phone: 631-909-1122
E-mail: raykeating@keatingreports.com
PastorStephenGrant.com

Book of the Year 2015 Nominee: Murderer's Row

BOOK OF THE YEAR 2015 NOMINEE!!

Big news! My latest book – MURDERER'S ROW: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL – has been nominated, along with nine other very noteworthy reads, for KFUO's BookTalk “Book of the Year” for 2015.

This is the second year in a row that I’ve had a book nominated, as THE RIVER: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL was a finalist in 2014.

I’m very appreciative, especially given the Christian mission of KFUO.

In addition, you can get in on the voting, if you like. The following information is from KFUO:

BookTalk’s Book of the Year
Its that time again!
Vote for your favorite book to be named BookTalk’s 2015 Book of the Year! Email your vote to Contest@kfuo.org. Contest ends January 30th.

Thanks and God bless!

Kindle Sale on "Great Novelist"

The host of KFUO’s “BookTalk” calls Ray Keating “a great novelist.” And for a limited time, each of Keating’s thrillers – MURDERER’S ROW, THE RIVER, AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY, ROOT OF ALL EVIL? and WARRIOR MONK – is available for only $2.99 for Kindle version.

Final 24 Hours of Big Labor Day Kindle Sale

Final 24 Hours of Labor Day Sale on Thrillers from a “Great Novelist.”

Save big on the Kindle versions of all five of Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant novels – MURDERER’S ROW, THE RIVER, AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY, ROOT OF ALL EVIL? and WARRIOR MONK. Buying all five would normally cost $34.95. Get them all now for only $19.95.

Regarding MURDERER’S ROW, Kirkus Review says, “Action fans will find plenty to love here, from gunfights and murder sprees to moral dilemmas.”

THE RIVER was a 2014 finalist for KFUO’s BookTalk “Book of the Year,” with the show’s host calling Ray Keating “a great novelist.”

Best-selling novelist Paul L. Maier declares, “ROOT OF ALL EVIL? is an extraordinarily good read.”

Marvin Olasky, editor-in-chief of WORLD magazine, lists Ray Keating among his top 10 Christian novelists.

And David Keene, opinion editor at The Washington Times, proclaims, “The Stephen Grant novels are great reads beginning with WARRIOR MONK, which aptly describes Ray Keating's engaging hero.”

A Big Lutheran Thumbs Up For Pastor Stephen Grant Novels

Attention Lutheran Book Lovers!

Pastor Rod Zwonitzer, host of KFUO radio’s “BookTalk,” calls Ray Keating "a great novelist" and gives big thumbs up for Keating's PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVELS. In a recent "BookTalk" show talking about MURDERER’S ROW: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL, Zwonitzer declared: “The listeners have to understand that they’re going to get some good theology, they’re going to get some good mysteries, some very well done thriller writing…” He added that MURDERER’S ROW “keeps the reader hooked,” and that there’s “intrigue going on at lots of levels.”

Zwonitzer also observed that Keating does “a really good job of weaving in faith, and Christ alone.”

Regarding all of Ray Keating’s PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVELS, Pastor Zwonitzer said: “I truly appreciate the ability … in this series to interweave economics, government affairs, and theology.” He also pointed out that each book serves up “a sterling, superb beginning and an even better ending.”

Get all five Pastor Stephen Grant novels – MURDERER’S ROW, THE RIVER, AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY, ROOT OF ALL EVIL? and WARRIOR MONK – at Amazon in paperback or for the Kindle.

Big Thumbs Up from BookTalk Host for Murderer's Row

Looking for an exciting thriller that embraces the Christian worldview? Pastor Rod Zwonitzer, host of KFUO radio’s “BookTalk,” offered big thumbs up for MURDERER’S ROW: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL by Ray Keating.

Zwonitzer declared: “The listeners have to understand that they’re going to get some good theology, they’re going to get some good mysteries, some very well done thriller writing…” He added that MURDERER’S ROW “keeps the reader hooked,” and that there’s “intrigue going on at lots of levels.” Zwonitzer also observed that Keating does “a really good job of weaving in faith, and Christ alone.”

Regarding all of Ray Keating’s PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVELS, Pastor Zwonitzer said: “I truly appreciate the ability … in this series to interweave economics, government affairs, and theology.” He also pointed out that each book serves up “a sterling, superb beginning and an even better ending.”

Get all five Pastor Stephen Grant novels – MURDERER’S ROW, THE RIVER, AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY, ROOT OF ALL EVIL? and WARRIOR MONK – at Amazon in paperback or for the Kindle.

Keating Talks Murderer's Row on the Radio

My conversation with Pastor Rod Zwonitzer about MURDERER'S ROW: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL on KFUO's "BookTalk" is available on the KFUO website. Thanks again, Rod!

Listen at
http://www.kfuoam.org/2015/07/31/bt-2015-07-31/

Ray Keating’s “The River” Named “Book of the Year” Finalist

Long Island, NY – Earlier this month, THE RIVER: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL by Ray Keating was named a “Book of the Year” finalist for 2014 by “BookTalk” on KFUO Christian radio.

Ten books were nominated, and then listeners voted. THE RIVER landed among the top three finalists.

Ray Keating said, “I’m honored, appreciative, and humbled to be considered by KFUO and by its listeners.”

THE RIVER has received praise from reviewers and readers. For example, a Washington Times reviewer wrote, “Mr. Keating also allows you to discover how each of his characters tick in a style and tone reminiscent of some of the best-loved books of all time.”

Ray Keating also has been called “a great novelist” by the host of “BookTalk,” and the editor-in-chief of WORLD magazine lists Ray Keating among his top 10 Christian novelists.

In THE RIVER, Keating offers an exciting, insightful story. Some refer to Las Vegas as Sin City. But the sins being committed in THE RIVER are not what one might typically expect. Rather, it’s about murder. Stephen Grant once used lethal skills for the Navy SEALs and the CIA. Now, years later, he’s a pastor. How does this man of action and faith react when his wife is kidnapped, a deep mystery must be untangled, and both allies and suspects from his CIA days arrive on the scene? How far can Grant go – or will he go – to save the woman he loves? Will he seek justice or revenge, and can he tell the difference any longer? Once again, in THE RIVER, Keating wields his formidable story-telling skills by serving up a fast-paced adventure, rich characters, faith, humor, big ideas, and murder. Amazon.com reviewers have compared Keating’s thrillers to the works of Clancy, Ludlum, Grisham, Cussler, and Morrell.

THE RIVER: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL is available in trade paperback and for the Kindle from Amazon.com

Ray Keating’s previous books include AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL, ROOT OF ALL EVIL? A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL and WARRIOR MONK: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL. In addition to being a novelist, Keating is a newspaper columnist with Long Island Business News and formerly with Newsday, economist, entrepreneur and adjunct college professor.

Review copies, interviews for the media, and author appearances are available upon request.

Contact: Ray Keating
Phone: 631-909-1122
E-mail: raykeating@keatingreports.com
PastorStephenGrant.com

"The River" Earns "Book of the Year" Finalist!

Ray Keating’s THE RIVER: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL was a 2014 finalist for KFUO radio's BookTalk “Book of the Year.”

In fact, all four of the Pastor Stephen Grant Novels – WARRIOR MONK, ROOT OF ALL EVIL?, AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY, and THE RIVER – reach beyond the usual Christian fiction.

One Amazon.com reviewer (also a pastor) declared: “It is a pleasure to recommend a book to my friends that promotes Christian virtues, is not stuffy, and is an exciting adventure.”

Best-selling novelist Paul L. Maier has observed, “Ray Keating writes brilliantly and convincingly.  Violating all rules of physics, he can turn novels of paper into iron magnets that you cannot put down.” Get all four thrillers at Amazon.com.

"The River" Nominated for 2014 Book of the Year - Please Vote!

Ray Keating’s latest book – The River: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel – has been nominated for KFUO's BookTalk “Book of the Year” for 2014!!

You can vote, if you like, by emailing the name of the book to Mary.Schmidt@kfuo.org.

Voting ends January 1st. 

More information is at http://www.kfuoam.org/book-of-the-year/.

A Top 10 Christian Novelist Presents a Kick-Butt Lutheran Pastor

Looking for an entertaining thriller that embraces your Christian faith and values, while not insulting your intelligence – oh yes, and features a kick-butt Lutheran pastor who used to be with the CIA?

Check out Ray Keating’s latest thriller THE RIVER: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL.

Ray Keating has been called “a great novelist” by the host of KFUO’s “BookTalk” radio, and Amazon.com reviewers have compared his thrillers to the works of Clancy, Ludlum, Grisham, Cussler, Griffin and Morrell.

The editor-in-chief of WORLD magazine, Marvin Olasky, wrote in the June 28, 2014, issue: “Most of my favorite detective or spy novel authors have written series of books. As it’s hard to declare one particular book in a series to be best of show, I’ll simply list 10 secular and 10 Christian authors.” And among his top 10 Christian novelists? Ray Keating, author of the Pastor Stephen Grant series – WARRIOR MONK, ROOT OF ALL EVIL?, AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY, and the latest, THE RIVER.

Like Stephen Grant, Kenneth V. Blanchard was with the CIA and is now a pastor. In a Washington Times review of THE RIVER, Blanchard wrote: “Mr. Keating's storytelling is so lifelike that I almost thought I had worked with him when I was at Langley. Like the fictitious pastor, I actually spent 20 years working for the U.S. intelligence community, and once I started reading ‘The River,’ I had to keep reading because it was so well-crafted and easy to follow and because it depicted a personal struggle that I knew all too well. I simply could not put it down… What Ian Fleming's 007 series has probably done for ex-MI-6 agents and Tom Clancy has done for retired CIA officers, Mr. Keating has done for the minority of former CIA agents who have served their country by working in the intelligence community, but now wish to serve God.”

Get all four PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVELS – WARRIOR MONK, ROOT OF ALL EVIL?, AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY, and THE RIVER – at Amazon.com

THE RIVER: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL has earned an average Amazon.com reviewer rating of 4.3 stars out of 5.

http://www.amazon.com/The-River-Pastor-Stephen-Grant/dp/1499514174/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1400091493&sr=8-2&keywords=The+River+by+Keating

WARRIOR MONK: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL has earned an average Amazon.com reviewer rating of 4.3 stars out of 5, and was ranked as a Top 10 book on a WORLD magazine June 2013 list.

http://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Monk-Pastor-Stephen-Grant/dp/1453801030/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1369414041&sr=1-1

ROOT OF ALL EVIL? A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL has earned an average Amazon.com reviewer rating of 4.6 stars out of 5.

http://www.amazon.com/Root-All-Evil-Pastor-Stephen/dp/1479112194/ref=pd_sim_b_1

AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL has earned an average Amazon.com reviewer rating of 4.3 stars out of 5.

http://www.amazon.com/An-Advent-Religious-Liberty-Stephen/dp/1480174491/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y

Check out our website at www.pastorstephengrant.com.

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

http://www.facebook.com/PastorStephenGrantNovels

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

Keating Called a "Great Novelist" on Christian Radio

Recently, Ray Keating has been a guest on KFUO radio three different times to talk about his three Pastor Stephen Grant Novels – Warrior Monk, Root of All Evil?, and An Advent for Religious Liberty

In each case, Pastor Rod Zwonitzer, the host of KFUO’s “Book Talk,” has given a big, enthusiastic thumbs up on these thrillers, calling Keating a “great novelist.”

Zwonitzer rated Warrior Monk as an “excellent book,” adding, “It grabs a hold of you so much that you want to keep reading. You want to figure out what happens.”

Listen to the KFUO “Book Talk” show on Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel at

http://www.kfuoam.org/2014/02/28/booktalk-warrior-monk-a-pastor-stephen-grant-novel/

About Root of All Evil?, Zwonitzer said, “I loved every second of it.” Later, he commented, “This is well done. The character development … is very nice. The story flows. It’s multi-themed… I’m a fan. I’m hooked.”

Listen to the KFUO “Book Talk” show on Root of All Evil? A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel at

http://www.kfuoam.org/2013/10/25/booktalk-root-of-all-evil/

About An Advent for Religious Liberty, Zwonitzer declared: “It is exciting reading, and tough to put down… There’s some really good stuff in here, and it does keep you on the edge of your reading seat.” He sums up that this is “good mystery writing.”

Listen to the KFUO “Book Talk” show on An Advent for Religious Liberty: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel at

http://www.kfuoam.org/2013/12/20/booktalk-266/

Root of All Evil? – “I Loved Every Second of It”

Ray Keating was a guest on KFUO radio recently to talk about Root of All Evil? A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel.

Pastor Rod Zwonitzer, the host of KFUO’s “Book Talk,” gave enthusiastic thumbs up on the Pastor Stephen Grant novels, with the focus of this show being Root of All Evil?

Zwonitzer said, “I loved every second of it… This would make a great Christmas gift. I guarantee it.”

In addition, he commented, “This is well done. The character development … is very nice. The story flows. It’s multi-themed… I’m a fan. I’m hooked.”

Listen to the KFUO “Book Talk” show at

http://www.kfuoam.org/2013/10/25/booktalk-root-of-all-evil/

Root of All Evil? A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel has earned an average Amazon.com reviewer rating of 4.6 stars out of 5.

http://www.amazon.com/Root-All-Evil-Pastor-Stephen/dp/1479112194/ref=pd_sim_b_1

Root of All Evil? is a breathtaking thriller in which money, murder and mystery reign. The story involves drug traffickers, politicians, the CIA and FBI, a shadowy foreign regime, and the Church. Money is used and pursued for both good and ill. Throughout, action runs high.

Get Root of All Evil? – as well as Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel and An Advent for Religious Liberty: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel – at Amazon.com.

Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel has earned an average Amazon.com reviewer rating of 4.3 stars out of 5, and ranked as a Top 10 book on a WORLD magazine June 2013 list.

http://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Monk-Pastor-Stephen-Grant/dp/1453801030/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1369414041&sr=1-1

An Advent for Religious Liberty: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel has earned an average Amazon.com reviewer rating of 4.3 stars out of 5, with one reviewer declaring, “The premise of the novel is one that is especially important today.”

http://www.amazon.com/An-Advent-Religious-Liberty-Stephen/dp/1480174491/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y

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

http://www.facebook.com/PastorStephenGrantNovels

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