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.

Showing posts with label political fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label political fiction. Show all posts

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Getting Started with DEEP ROUGH: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL by Ray Keating


DEEP ROUGH starts...

Serious doubts never really entered the mind of Zhu Gao – until this particular night. 
During his previous five years with the Ministry of State Security, or MSS, Gao had lost some nights of sleep wrestling with various actions he had taken. But in the end, his justification always fell back on working for the Communist Party, for the State, and for the common good. Gao knew the threat that counter-revolutionaries posed, and that they often had to be dealt with harshly...

Get the paperback and Kindle edition of DEEP ROUGH at Amazon via

Signed books are at www.raykeatingonline.com

Friday, February 14, 2020

New Edition of "Root of all Evil? A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel" Just Published!

This Thriller/Mystery from Award-Winning Novelist Ray Keating Arrives with a New Author Introduction

Long Island, NY – Ray Keating has just published a second edition of ROOT OF ALL EVIL? A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL. The new edition of this gripping political thriller not only features an outstanding new cover, courtesy of Tyrel Bramwell, but a new Author Introduction.


Stephen Grant, pastor at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church on Long Island, former Navy SEAL and onetime CIA operative, came on the thriller/mystery scene in WARRIOR MONK: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL(a second edition of Warrior Monk arrived early last year with a new Epilogue, new Introduction and an exciting cover). The tale continues to develop in page-turning fashion in ROOT OF ALL EVIL?

In ROOT OF ALL EVIL?, Keating asks: Do God, politics and money mix? As the reader comes to realize, the combination can turn out quite deadly. This breathtaking thriller features drug traffickers, politicians, the CIA and FBI, a shadowy foreign regime, the Church, and money. Charity, envy and greed are on display, with the action running high. 

In this second edition of ROOT OF ALL EVIL?, Ray Keating has written an Author Introduction focused on some of the challenges of penning a political thriller, including maintaining an edge-of-your-seat feel while not annoying the reader with the petty real world of politics. Keating also talks about how some key characters fit into ROOT OF ALL EVIL?, as well as how his own experiences fed the story.

Keating has penned 12 Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, and received widespread praise. For example, the Lutheran Book Review has declared, “I miss Tom Clancy. Keating fills that void for me.” 

The publication of a new second edition of ROOT OF ALL EVIL? is part of a yearlong celebration throughout 2020 marking 10 years of Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries. 

Paperbacks and Kindle editions of ROOT OF ALL EVIL? A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL are available at Amazon.com, and signed books at RayKeatingOnline.com.

Indeed, all of Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers/mysteries are available at Amazon.com and at RayKeatingOnline.com – THE TRAITOR (2019), DEEP ROUGH (2019),SHIFTING SANDS(2018)HEROES AND VILLAINS(2018)REAGAN COUNTRY(2018)LIONHEARTS(2017)WINE INTO WATER(2016)MURDERER’S ROW(2015)THE RIVER(2014)AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY(2012),ROOT OF ALL EVIL?(Second Edition 2020 – originally published2012)andWARRIOR MONK (Second Edition 2019 – originally published 2010) 

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

“Celebrating Pastor Stephen Grant Thrillers & Mysteries for 10 Years – 2010 to 2020 – and Beyond!”

Contact: Ray Keating
Phone: 631-909-1122
Twitter: @KeatingNovels
Website: PastorStephenGrant.com
Blog: www.pastorstephengrant.blogspot.com

Friday, August 30, 2019

Check Out a Stellar Review of DEEP ROUGH

On DEEP ROUGH: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL, Self-Publishing Review declares: 

“Pastor Grant continues to be one of the most entertaining heroes in the political thrillers and suspense genre. With occasional pop-ins from fan-favorite recurring characters, DEEP ROUGH fits in perfectly with the rest of the series – quirky, tightly woven, and difficult to put down. Keating manages to keep his writing fresh and surprising with every new Pastor Grant book. This series satisfies yet again, finding unique ways to entertain and enlighten along the way."

Monday, August 26, 2019

3 Reasons for Reading the Pastor Stephen Grant Mysteries/Thrillers: MORE Thumbs Up from Reviewers for the Pastor Stephen Grant Book of the Month – ROOT OF ALL EVIL?

Why buy ROOT OF ALL EVIL?, which is the Pastor Stephen Grant Book of the Month for August? Of course, the Kindle price has been reduced from $6.99 to $2.99. 


And signed books and sets are on sale at  https://raykeatingonline.com/t/book-of-the-month.

But consider three thumbs-up from noteworthy reviewers...

"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."  - Rod Zwonitzer, host of KFUO's "BookTalk"

"... storylines converge in D.C. with Stephen Grant's CIA past. He is called back into service as an expert shot and has ample opportunity to provide pastoral care."  - Lutheran Book Review

“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.” - 5-Star Amazon Review

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

3 Reasons for Reading the Pastor Stephen Grant Mysteries/Thrillers: Thumbs Up from Reviewers for the Pastor Stephen Grant Book of the Month – ROOT OF ALL EVIL?

Why buy ROOT OF ALL EVIL?, which is the Pastor Stephen Grant Book of the Month for August? Of course, the Kindle price has been reduced from $6.99 to $2.99. 


And signed books and sets are on sale at  https://raykeatingonline.com/t/book-of-the-month.

But consider three thumbs-up from noteworthy reviewers...

"Root of All Evil? is an extraordinarily good read.  Only Ray Keating could come up with a character like Pastor Stephen Grant... As trouble mounts in this page-turner, Grant will need both skills  - martial and theological - to punish evil and save the good.  Even though the Bible says that it's the love of money which is the root of all evil, Grant will find that even a casual appreciation of the U.S. dollar is enough to corrupt church men, government officials, and foreign agents.  Yet Grant can also save souls in whatever den of inequity he finds them."  - Paul L. Maier, author of A Skeleton in God's Closet, More Than A Skeleton, and The Constantine Codex

"Well written, fast paced, it held my attention well while merging drama, adventure, theology, and economics."  - Mary Moerbe, author of Blessed: God's Gift of Love and Family Vocation

"Ray Keating's second Pastor Stephen Grant novel, Root of All Evil?, is a fantastic follow up to Warrior Monk. It's a well crafted political thriller full of intrigue and theological truth. Keating's world has proven profitable for contrasting good theology with bad."  - Tyrel Bramwell, author of The Gift and the Defender

Thursday, August 1, 2019

ROOT OF ALL EVIL? is the Pastor Stephen Grant Book of the Month for August

Since ROOT OF ALL EVIL? is the Pastor Stephen Grant Book of the Month for August, the Kindle price has been CUT from $6.99 to $2.99. And there's a big sale on signed books and sets at  https://raykeatingonline.com/t/book-of-the-month


Do God, politics and money mix? In ROOT OF ALL EVIL? A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL by Ray Keating, the combination can turn out quite deadly. Keating introduced readers to Stephen Grant, a former CIA operative and current parish pastor, in the fun and highly praised WARRIOR MONK: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL. Now, Grant is back in ROOT OF ALL EVIL? It’s a breathtaking thriller involving drug traffickers, politicians, the CIA and FBI, a shadowy foreign regime, the Church, and money. Charity, envy and greed are on display. Throughout, action runs high. Find a unique character and story, and lose yourself in ROOT OF ALL EVIL? A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL. 


Consider praise from assorted reviewers...

"ROOT OF ALL EVIL? is an extraordinarily good read.  Only Ray Keating could come up with a character like Pastor Stephen Grant... As trouble mounts in this page-turner, Grant will need both skills  - martial and theological - to punish evil and save the good.  Even though the Bible says that it's the love of money which is the root of all evil, Grant will find that even a casual appreciation of the U.S. dollar is enough to corrupt church men, government officials, and foreign agents.  Yet Grant can also save souls in whatever den of inequity he finds them."  - Paul L. Maier, author of A Skeleton in God's Closet, More Than A Skeleton, andThe Constantine Codex

"Well written, fast paced, it held my attention well while merging drama, adventure, theology, and economics."  - Mary Moerbe, author of Blessed: God's Gift of Loveand Family Vocation

"Ray Keating's second Pastor Stephen Grant novel, ROOT OF ALL EVIL?, is a fantastic follow up to Warrior Monk. It's a well crafted political thriller full of intrigue and theological truth. Keating's world has proven profitable for contrasting good theology with bad."  - Tyrel Bramwell, author of The Gift and the Defender

"I loved every second of it... This is well done. The character development ... is very nice. The story flows. It's multi-themed... I'm a fan. I'm hooked."  - Rod Zwonitzer, host of KFUO's "BookTalk"

"... storylines converge in D.C. with Stephen Grant's CIA past. He is called back into service as an expert shot and has ample opportunity to provide pastoral care."  - Lutheran Book Review


Wednesday, July 3, 2019

5 Ways to Enjoy July 4th with Pastor Stephen Grant

Happy July 4th! Here are some ways you can celebrate Independence Day with Pastor Stephen Grant!


1) The New Pastor Stephen Grant Novel – DEEP ROUGH – Available for Pre-Order Now for the Kindle or Signed Books

For the Kindle edition go to https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SSVS68T

One man faces challenges as a pastor in China. His son has become a breakout phenom in the world of professional golf. The Chinese government is displeased with both, and their lives are in danger. Stephen Grant – a onetime Navy SEAL, former CIA operative and current pastor – has a history with the communist Chinese, while also claiming a pretty solid golf game. His unique experience and skills unexpectedly put him alongside old friends; at some of golf’s biggest tournaments as a caddy and bodyguard; and in the middle of an international struggle over Christian persecution, a mission of revenge, and a battle between good and evil.

2) HEROES AND VILLAINS is the Pastor Stephen Grant Book of the Month for July. 


Big sale on signed books and sets at https://raykeatingonline.com/t/book-of-the-month


3) Become a member of the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship, and get all kinds of FREE stuff, including each new book in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Check out the levels and benefits here.

4) As for Other Books Written by Ray Keating... Sign Up and Have a Chance to Win a Free Book from Ray Keating on July 4th... and More!

Between June 26 and July 3 enter for a chance to win a FREE copy of “The Realistic Optimist TO DO List & Calendar 2019” – 2 winners will be selected at random. This book/tool will help you get organized for the rest of 2019! Enter at https://raykeatingonline.com/contact

Also, all who enter receive free newsletters and updates, notifications about events, and 40% off coupons for all of Keating's forthcoming books covering entrepreneurship, business, your career, writing, Disney, TO DO list solutions, and more!

Books scheduled for publication later in 2019 include:
• 10 Key Points on Free Trade
• 10 Entrepreneurship Lessons for Writers
• You're an Entrepreneur, Even If You Think You're Not
• 10 Entrepreneurship Lessons from Walt Disney
• The Realistic Optimist Planner 2020: The TO DO List Solution
• The Disney Planner 2020: The TO DO List Solution
• The Movie Buff Planner 2020: The TO DO List Solution
and more!

5) Use special savings offers:

First, save 25% on orders for signed Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories at https://raykeatingonline.com/t/books. Use the coupon code “25savepastorgrant” at checkout. 

Second, writers who need Ray’s services for authors and entrepreneurs can save 25% at https://raykeatingonline.com/t/authorsandentrepreneurs. Just use the coupon code “25saveservices” at checkout.

Thanks and have a blessed Independence Day!

Ray Keating

Thursday, April 4, 2019

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."

Thursday, June 7, 2018

5-Star Reviews Rolling in for REAGAN COUNTRY: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL

From award-winning novelist Ray Keating comes a new thriller with pulse-pounding action and international intrigue, with conflict stretching from the Reagan Presidential Library in California to the White House to a Russian Orthodox monastery to the Kremlin. And Stephen Grant, pastor at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church on Long Island, a former Navy SEAL and onetime CIA operative, stands at the center of the tumult.

All of the early Amazon reviews of REAGAN COUNTRY are 5 stars…

“In our present literary culture, where immorality is punctuated only by profanity, it is refreshing and edifying to find Ray Keating's series. "Reagan Country" exemplifies imaginative plot with careful engagement with readers. It almost makes us believe that we might someday walk hand in hand with Russia. After all, it's not the Russian people that are the problem, but the corrupt regime. Appealing to both men and women, this series is a hit, and we anticipate more to come. Well done, Ray!”

“Overall, a very enjoyable and satisfying read. Definitely recommended.”

“Another riveting adventure from Ray Keating. He has developed some well-rounded characters, including a pastor who struggles with sin just as much as his parishioners. There were several flashback stories featuring Stephen Grant and a couple of other characters we’ve met before. That continues to round out the characters. In addition to action that draws Stephen in with each book, relationships are explored, with Stephen and Jennifer, as well as others.”

“As usual Ray Keating provided an exciting and fast-moving novel.”

“Voting for Reagan was one of my proudest moments and this book took me down memory lane recalling those 8 years of glory!”

Enjoy REAGAN COUNTRY and the previous seven Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers/mysteries.


Saturday, May 26, 2018

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Christmas Gift: Root of All Evil?

Need the perfect Christmas gift for a lover of political thrillers? ROOT OF ALL EVIL? A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL by Ray Keating is a breathtaking thriller involving drug traffickers, politicians, the CIA and FBI, a shadowy foreign regime, the Church, and money. Throughout, action runs high.