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 thrillers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thrillers. Show all posts

Monday, March 25, 2024

For a Limited Time – Get the Two Latest Pastor Stephen Grant Adventures by Ray Keating for FREE!

 Join the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship at the Bronze Reader level or higher, and receive For Better, For Worse and Christmas Bells at St. Mary’s for FREE! And get every new book by Ray Keating as a key benefit of your membership.



 


And with more books coming in Pastor Stephen Grant, Alliance of Saint Michael, and new series, this is the right time to join!

 

Find out more at 

https://www.patreon.com/pastorstephengrantfellowship

 

If you savor exciting and thoughtful thrillers, mysteries, historical fiction, and more, then joining Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship is a great way to make sure you don’t miss any page-turners; you get thanked by name for your support in each new book; and you gain access to other cool stuff. 

 

As you know, Ray Keating is the author of 19 Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, as well as Cathedral: An Alliance of Saint Michael Novel, which is the first book in a historical fiction series. More books are coming in these series, as well as books in new series. So, don’t miss out!

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

“Christmas Bells at St. Mary’s” by Ray Keating is a Page-Turner for the Christmas Season

 Spend Christmas with a Former CIA Operative Turned Pastor

 

Christmas Bells at St. Mary’s: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story by Ray Keating is the perfect page-turner for the Christmas season. This is Keating’s 20th work of fiction, and the 19th book in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. 



If you appreciate the spirit captured by many classic Christmas films, then you’re just like Pastor Stephen Grant … and you’ll enjoy this latest adventure. From the pages of his own journal, Pastor Grant paints a picture of Christmas at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church, emphasizing gratitude for family; for a new clergy friend; for a special handbell concert; and yes, for movies of the season. But danger also lurks, and sin, justice, forgiveness, suffering, sacrifice and salvation mix together in a rare way.

 

Ray Keating says, “Pastor Stephen Grant and I love classic films, including the tradition of watching certain movies at Christmas time. That becomes clear in Christmas Bells at St. Mary’s, and I hope this book becomes something of a traditional read around Christmas.”

 

Kirkus Reviews has called Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant “an engaging and multifaceted character” and “a consistently entertaining hero.” Lutheran Book Review calls Keating “the master of the theological thriller.”

 

Matthew Heise, author of The Gates of Hell: An Untold Story of Faith and Perseverance in the Early Soviet Union, said, “Check out Ray's novels… They are action-filled and deeply thought out. His Stephen Grant is Jack Ryan in Lutheran clerical garb!”

 

In an article titled “If James Bond Became a Pastor” covering Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers/mysteries series, author and columnist Gene Veith noted, “Mr. Keating knows how to tell an exciting story. And these books, like the James Bond novels, are ridiculously entertaining.”

 

Paperbacks and the Kindle edition of Christmas Bells at St. Mary’s are available athttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKNRZ2TH, and signed books at www.RayKeatingOnline.com. All 19 books in the series are at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SW8HB34?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn.

 

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

 

Contact: Ray Keating

E-mail: raykeating@keatingreports.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PastorStephenGrantNovels and https://www.facebook.com/AllianceofSaintMichael

Twitter: @KeatingNovels

RayKeatingOnline.com

Friday, April 28, 2023

“Under the Golden Dome: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel” by Ray Keating Ranks as a Thought-Provoking Thriller

 17th Installment in Series Featuring a Former CIA Operative Turned Pastor

Under the Golden Dome: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel is a thought-provoking, exciting page-turner from Ray Keating. This is his eighteenth work of fiction, and the 17th book in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. 



In this latest book, Pastor Stephen Grant and his wife, economist Jennifer Grant, are invited to a conference at the University of Notre Dame. While they look forward to speaking at the same gathering, unexpected dangers materialize, fueled by distorted, political impulses among some in the Church. Defending religious freedom isn’t limited to a conflict of ideas, as the struggle turns deadly.

 

Ray Keating says, “In Under the Golden Dome, I not only try to bring action, urgency and some fun to the reader, but I probably delve more deeply into the world of ideas than in my previous novels. First, I’ve set the book at one of my favorite places in the country, that is, at and around the University of Notre Dame. Second, the conflict in this story stems from conflicting views on the mix of freedom, pluralism, and Christianity, and the questions, risks and history of wedding the Church with politics. Third, at the same time, my primary objective remains telling a compelling story, with characters that readers find interesting.”

 

Kirkus Reviews has called Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant “an engaging and multifaceted character” and “a consistently entertaining hero.” Lutheran Book Review calls Keating “the master of the theological thriller.”

 

In an article titled “If James Bond Became a Pastor” covering Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers/mysteries series, author and columnist Gene Veith noted, “Mr. Keating knows how to tell an exciting story. And these books, like the James Bond novels, are ridiculously entertaining.”

 

Among other reviews and comments, Father Mike Coleman declared, “I am a Catholic priest and have thoroughly enjoyed each of these books. Edge-of-your seat excitement and very spiritually uplifting.”

 

Paperbacks and the Kindle edition of Under the Golden Dome are available at Amazon.com, and signed books at www.RayKeatingOnline.com

 

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

 

Contact: Ray Keating

E-mail: raykeating@keatingreports.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PastorStephenGrantNovels and https://www.facebook.com/AllianceofSaintMichael

Twitter: @KeatingNovels

RayKeatingOnline.com

 

 

About the Author 

 

Ray Keating is a novelist, an economist, a nonfiction author, a podcaster, a columnist, and an entrepreneur. 

 

At this point, Keating has penned 17 Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries (with more on the way) – Warrior Monk, followed by Root of All Evil?An Advent for Religious LibertyThe River, Murderer’s RowWine Into WaterLionheartsReagan CountryHeroes and Villains, Shifting Sands, Deep RoughThe TraitorVatican ShadowsPast LivesWhat’s Lost?, Persecution and now Under the Golden Dome. He also has begun the Alliance of Saint Michael series, with Cathedral

 

Among recent nonfiction books are The Lutheran Planner: The TO DO List SolutionThe Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an EconomistBehind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York and Free Trade Rocks! 10 Points on International Trade Everyone Should Know.

 

In addition, Keating is the editor/publisher/columnist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and hosts three podcasts. He was a columnist with RealClearMarkets.com, and a former weekly newspaper columnist for NewsdayLong Island Business News, and the New York City Tribune. His work has appeared in many periodicals, including The New York Times, The Wall Street JournalThe Washington Post, New York Post, Los Angeles Daily News, The Boston Globe, National Review, The Washington TimesInvestor’s Business Daily, New York Daily News, Detroit Free Press, Chicago Tribune, TheHill.com, Touchstone magazine, Townhall.com, and Cincinnati Enquirer

 

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Ray Keating's Thrillers, Mysteries and Historical Fiction


In case you’re not completely caught up on Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant and Alliance of Saint Michael novels, the following is a complete list, with summaries and links to purchase paperbacks, Kindle editions and signed books.


• Cathedral: An Alliance of Saint Michael Novel by Ray Keating

 

The Alliance of Saint Michael brings together men and women with varied backgrounds and talents to work covertly against the two most significant threats to Christianity and civilization at the dawn of the 1930s - communism and fascism. In Moscow, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is going to be obliterated to make way for the Palace of the Soviets. The Alliance of St. Michael readies itself for its first mission – find and salvage a rare item of great significance from the cathedral before the building is lost.

Paperbacks and Kindle edition via Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZCX7L97

Signed books at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/cathedral

 


• Persecution: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

While the charge of “persecution” gets tossed about rather casually, Pastor Stephen Grant and some of his closest friends and associates get a close-up, bloody view of what it truly means to be a modern-day martyr. From the White House to the Vatican, and from Russia to the Middle East, the action is unrelenting and the suspense is palpable. Can Grant and his former CIA colleagues act in time to save innocent lives?

Paperbacks and Kindle editions at

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BKRZV6M1

Signed books at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/persecution

 

• What’s Lost? A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story by Ray Keating

 

From the pages of his own journal, Pastor Stephen Grant tells a riveting mystery involving deception, betrayal, sacrifice and friendship, along with plenty of action and questions about what we truly can know about others. Grant takes us on a personal journey across decades and around the world, from Long Island to Vietnam. This is the second Pastor Stephen Grant story told from Grant’s own viewpoint, unfolding each day in the pages of his journal.

Paperbacks and Kindle editions via Amazon at

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B091SBQRYK

Signed books are at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/whatslost  

 

• Past Lives: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story by Ray Keating

 

Torn from pages of his own journal, Pastor Stephen Grant tells about threats, murder and puzzling people from his past. It’s a compelling mystery involving action, unexpected turns, lost innocence, sought-after perspective, and twisted revenge. This is the first Pastor Stephen Grant story told from Grant’s own viewpoint, unfolding each day in the pages of his journal.

Paperbacks and Kindle editions via Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08WJTPT4M

Signed books at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/pastlives

 

• Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

More than 500 years ago, two men – Jan Hus and Martin Luther – tried to bring about change in the Catholic Church. They suffered, with one burned at the stake. Could a modern-day pope transform these reformers from heretics to heroes in the eyes of the Catholic Church? Shadowy figures inside and outside the Vatican oppose Pope Paul VII’s efforts, and stand willing to do anything to stop him. For help, the pope turns to Stephen Grant, a Lutheran pastor, former Navy SEAL and onetime CIA operative.

Paperbacks or Kindle editions via Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1S5R26

Signed books at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/vaticanshadows  

 

• The Traitor: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

Stephen Grant – former Navy SEAL, onetime CIA operative and current pastor – looks forward to a time of prayer and reflection during a retreat at a monastery in Europe. But when he stumbles upon an infamous CIA traitor in a small village, Grant’s plans change dramatically. While a debate rages over government secrets and the intelligence community, a deadly race for survival is underway. From a pro-democracy demonstration in Hong Kong to the CIA’s headquarters in Langley to a monastery in France, the action and intrigue never let up.

Paperbacks and Kindle editions at Amazon via

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1709209771

Signed books are at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/thetraitor

 

• Deep Rough: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

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.

Paperbacks and Kindle editions at Amazon via

https://www.amazon.com/dp/107308843X

Signed books are at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/deep-rough-a-pastor-stephen-grant-novel

 

• Shifting Sands: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story by Ray Keating

 

Beach volleyball is about fun, sun and sand. But when a big-time tournament arrives on a pier in New York City, danger and international intrigue are added to the mix. Stephen Grant, a former Navy SEAL, onetime CIA operative, and current pastor, is on the scene with his wife, friends and former CIA colleagues. While battles on the volleyball court play out, deadly struggles between good and evil are engaged on and off the sand. 

Paperbacks and Kindle editions at Amazon via

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1730956866

Signed books are at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/pre-order-shifting-sands-a-pastor-stephen-grant-short-story-publication-date-november-26-2018

 

• Heroes and Villains: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story by Ray Keating

 

As a onetime Navy SEAL, a former CIA operative and a pastor, many people call Stephen Grant a hero. At various times defending the Christian Church and the United States over the years, he has journeyed across the nation and around the world. But now Grant finds himself in an entirely unfamiliar setting – a comic book, science fiction and fantasy convention. But he still joins forces with a unique set of heroes in an attempt to foil a villainous plot against one of the all-time great comic book writers and artists.

Paperbacks and Kindle editions at Amazon via

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1718881614

Signed books are at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/heroes-and-villains-a-pastor-stephen-grant-short-story

 

• Reagan Country: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

Could President Ronald Reagan’s influence reach into the former “evil empire”? The media refers to a businessman on the rise as “Russia’s Reagan.” Unfortunately, others seek a return to the old ways, longing for Russia’s former “greatness.” The dispute becomes deadly. Conflict stretches from the Reagan Presidential Library in California to the White House to a Russian Orthodox monastery to the Kremlin. 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.

Paperback and Kindle editions at Amazon via

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1979463514

Signed books are at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/reagancountry

 

• Lionhearts: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

War has arrived on American soil, with Islamic terrorists using new tactics. Few are safe, including Christians, politicians, and the media. Pastor Stephen Grant taps into his past with the Navy SEALS and the CIA to help wage a war of flesh and blood, ideas, history, and beliefs. This is about defending both the U.S. and Christianity.

Paperbacks and Kindle editions at Amazon via

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1548964182

Signed books are at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/lionhearts-a-pastor-stephen-grant-novel

 

• Wine Into Water: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

Blood, wine, sin, justice and forgiveness… Who knew the wine business could be so sordid and violent? That’s what happens when it's infiltrated by counterfeiters.  A pastor, once a Navy SEAL and CIA operative, is pulled into action to help unravel a mystery involving fake wine, murder and revenge. Stephen Grant is called to take on evil, while staying rooted in his life as a pastor.

Paperbacks and Kindle editions at Amazon via

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1515274950

Signed books are at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/wine-into-water-a-pastor-stephen-grant-novel

 

• Murderer’s Row: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

How do rescuing a Christian family from the clutches of Islamic terrorists, minor league baseball in New York, a string of grisly murders, sordid politics, and a pastor, who once was a Navy SEAL and CIA operative, tie together? Murderer’s Row is the fifth Pastor Stephen Grant novel, and Keating serves up fascinating characters, gripping adventure, and a tangled murder mystery, along with faith, politics, humor, and, yes, baseball.

Paperbacks and Kindle editions at Amazon via

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1514137615

Signed books are at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/murderers-row-a-pastor-stephen-grant-novel-signed-copy

 

• The River: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

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? 

Paperbacks and Kindle editions at Amazon via

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1499514174

Signed books are at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/the-river-a-pastor-stephen-grant-novel-signed-copy

 

• An Advent for Religious Liberty: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

Advent and Christmas approach. It’s supposed to be a special season for Christians. But it’s different this time in New York City. Religious liberty is under assault. The Catholic Church has been called a “hate group.” And it’s the newly elected mayor of New York City who has set off this religious and political firestorm. Some people react with prayer – others with violence and murder. Stephen Grant, former CIA operative turned pastor, faces deadly challenges during what becomes known as “An Advent for Religious Liberty.” Grant works with the cardinal who leads the Archdiocese of New York, the FBI, current friends, and former CIA colleagues to fight for religious liberty, and against dangers both spiritual and physical.

Paperbacks and Kindle editions at Amazon via

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1480174491

Signed books are at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/an-advent-for-religious-liberty-a-pastor-stephen-grant-novel-signed-copy

 

• Root of All Evil? A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

Do God, politics and money mix? In Root of All Evil?, 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. 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.

Paperbacks and Kindle editions at Amazon via

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083TX7M9P

Signed books are at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/root-of-all-evil-second-edition

 

• Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

Warrior Monk revolves around a former CIA assassin, Stephen Grant, who has lived a far different, relatively quiet life as a parish pastor in recent years. However, a shooting at his church, a historic papal proposal, and threats to the pope's life mean that Grant's former and current lives collide. Grant must tap the varied skills learned as a government agent, a theologian and a pastor not only to protect the pope, but also to feel his way through a minefield of personal challenges. The second edition of Warrior Monk includes a new Introduction by Ray Keating, as well as a new Epilogue that points to an upcoming Pastor Stephen Grant novel.

Paperbacks and Kindle edition at Amazon via

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1793144745

Signed books are at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/warrior-monk-a-pastor-stephen-grant-novel-signed-copy

 

Sunday, May 8, 2022

Your Next Reading Obsession - Ray Keating's Pastor Stephen Grant Series!

 Looking for your next great series obsession? Dive into Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries. Or if already a reader of these page-turners, make sure you’re caught up.


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. During 15 books in the series so far, readers come to see that Grant didn’t fully leave his old life behind. He often must wrestle with how his current work as a pastor intersects with his former life with the CIA. With a wide-ranging group of recurring characters – from his days with the Agency to his parish work – the reader is treated to action, suspense, humor, various relationships, faith, love, adventure, mystery, and opportunities for reflection and discussion.

 

Kirkus Reviews has called Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant “an engaging and multifaceted character” and “a consistently entertaining hero.” Lutheran Book Review says, “I miss Tom Clancy. Keating fills that void for me.” The retired host of KFUO radio’s BookTalk declares, “Ray Keating is a great novelist.” David Keene of The Washington Times calls these novels “great reads.”  And another reviewer observes, “How I'd love to see Pastor Grant on Netflix!” 

 

In an article titled “If James Bond Became a Pastor” covering Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers/mysteries series, author and columnist Gene Veith noted, “Mr. Keating knows how to tell an exciting story. And these books, like the James Bond novels, are ridiculously entertaining.”

 

And the “Book Series in Order” website declares, “Many noteworthy critics have given rave reviews to books of the series and have applauded the efforts of author Ray Keating in coming up with such an exciting series and unique character… The worldwide success of this series helped Ray Keating in establishing himself in the ranks of the noteworthy authors of the spy thriller/espionage genre.”

 

Paperbacks and Kindle editions of all 15 books, and counting, are available at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SW8HB34?binding=paperback&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_tpbk

 

Signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com

 

Thursday, April 28, 2022

Enjoy National Superhero Day with HEROES AND VILLAINS: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT SHORT STORY!

 

In HEROES AND VILLAINS by award-winning novelist Ray Keating, Stephen Grant, the Lutheran pastor, onetime Navy SEAL and former CIA operative, must confront violence springing from a toxic mix of pop culture and ideological extremism. Grant finds himself in an entirely unfamiliar setting – a comic book, science fiction and fantasy convention. But he still joins forces with a unique set of heroes in an attempt to foil a villainous plot against one of the all-time great comic book writers and artists. Reviewers love the adventure...

Kirkus Reviews says, "In this short story, Keating's recurring cleric Stephen Grant steps up to help a popular comic-book creator targeted by armed assailants... When kidnappers eventually abduct someone, Stephen is quickly on their trail, and he has plenty of help--a convention's worth of superheroes. The series' protagonist remains a man of action even though the story isn't novel-length... An entertaining, immersive jaunt with a formidable protagonist."

 

And Self-Publishing Review declares, "Keating manages to instill the same suspense of his other epic thrillers into this unlikely little gem. As he always does, Pastor Grant brings bravado and humility to the table at the same time, instilling the book with morality, action and thought-provoking revelations from start to finish. Keating's creativity and storytelling ability remain on point, for a fun and different take on Pastor Grant, and one that's just as satisfying as longer books in the series."

 

Jacob Airey, host of StudioJake , declares, “This is a fantastic novel... If you are a comic book fan who is fed up with the political correctness that’s going on, you have got to pick up Heroes and Villains... I highly recommend this book... I’m definitely going to be paying more attention to Ray Keating, and getting more of his novels.”


Paperbacks and for the Kindle at Amazon.com

Friday, April 15, 2022

Pastor Stephen Grant Thrillers & Mysteries in Order!

 While you don’t have to read the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries in order, there is a plus to doing so. Therefore, here is the reading order of the books so far – with more to come! Enjoy! By the way, Paperback and Kindle editions are at Amazon.com, and signed books at RayKeatingOnline.com.


 

1) Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

Warrior Monk revolves around a former CIA assassin, Stephen Grant, who has lived a far different, relatively quiet life as a parish pastor in recent years. However, a shooting at his church, a historic papal proposal, and threats to the pope's life mean that Grant's former and current lives collide. Grant must tap the varied skills learned as a government agent, a theologian and a pastor not only to protect the pope, but also to feel his way through a minefield of personal challenges. The second edition of Warrior Monk includes a new Introduction by Ray Keating, as well as a new Epilogue that points to an upcoming Pastor Stephen Grant novel.

 

2) Root of All Evil? A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

Do God, politics and money mix? In Root of All Evil?, 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. 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.

 

3) An Advent for Religious Liberty: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

Advent and Christmas approach. It’s supposed to be a special season for Christians. But it’s different this time in New York City. Religious liberty is under assault. The Catholic Church has been called a “hate group.” And it’s the newly elected mayor of New York City who has set off this religious and political firestorm. Some people react with prayer – others with violence and murder. Stephen Grant, former CIA operative turned pastor, faces deadly challenges during what becomes known as “An Advent for Religious Liberty.” Grant works with the cardinal who leads the Archdiocese of New York, the FBI, current friends, and former CIA colleagues to fight for religious liberty, and against dangers both spiritual and physical.

 

4) The River: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

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? 

 

5) Murderer’s Row: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

How do rescuing a Christian family from the clutches of Islamic terrorists, minor league baseball in New York, a string of grisly murders, sordid politics, and a pastor, who once was a Navy SEAL and CIA operative, tie together? Murderer’s Row is the fifth Pastor Stephen Grant novel, and Keating serves up fascinating characters, gripping adventure, and a tangled murder mystery, along with faith, politics, humor, and, yes, baseball.

 

6) Wine Into Water: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

Blood, wine, sin, justice and forgiveness… Who knew the wine business could be so sordid and violent? That’s what happens when it's infiltrated by counterfeiters.  A pastor, once a Navy SEAL and CIA operative, is pulled into action to help unravel a mystery involving fake wine, murder and revenge. Stephen Grant is called to take on evil, while staying rooted in his life as a pastor.

 

7) Lionhearts: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

War has arrived on American soil, with Islamic terrorists using new tactics. Few are safe, including Christians, politicians, and the media. Pastor Stephen Grant taps into his past with the Navy SEALS and the CIA to help wage a war of flesh and blood, ideas, history, and beliefs. This is about defending both the U.S. and Christianity.

 

8) Reagan Country: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

Could President Ronald Reagan’s influence reach into the former “evil empire”? The media refers to a businessman on the rise as “Russia’s Reagan.” Unfortunately, others seek a return to the old ways, longing for Russia’s former “greatness.” The dispute becomes deadly. Conflict stretches from the Reagan Presidential Library in California to the White House to a Russian Orthodox monastery to the Kremlin. 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.

 

9) Heroes and Villains: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story by Ray Keating

 

As a onetime Navy SEAL, a former CIA operative and a pastor, many people call Stephen Grant a hero. At various times defending the Christian Church and the United States over the years, he has journeyed across the nation and around the world. But now Grant finds himself in an entirely unfamiliar setting – a comic book, science fiction and fantasy convention. But he still joins forces with a unique set of heroes in an attempt to foil a villainous plot against one of the all-time great comic book writers and artists.

 

10) Shifting Sands: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story by Ray Keating

 

Beach volleyball is about fun, sun and sand. But when a big-time tournament arrives on a pier in New York City, danger and international intrigue are added to the mix. Stephen Grant, a former Navy SEAL, onetime CIA operative, and current pastor, is on the scene with his wife, friends and former CIA colleagues. While battles on the volleyball court play out, deadly struggles between good and evil are engaged on and off the sand. 

 

11) Deep Rough: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

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.

 

12) The Traitor: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

Stephen Grant – former Navy SEAL, onetime CIA operative and current pastor – looks forward to a time of prayer and reflection during a retreat at a monastery in Europe. But when he stumbles upon an infamous CIA traitor in a small village, Grant’s plans change dramatically. While a debate rages over government secrets and the intelligence community, a deadly race for survival is underway. From a pro-democracy demonstration in Hong Kong to the CIA’s headquarters in Langley to a monastery in France, the action and intrigue never let up.

 

13) Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

More than 500 years ago, two men – Jan Hus and Martin Luther – tried to bring about change in the Catholic Church. They suffered, with one burned at the stake. Could a modern-day pope transform these reformers from heretics to heroes in the eyes of the Catholic Church? Shadowy figures inside and outside the Vatican oppose Pope Paul VII’s efforts, and stand willing to do anything to stop him. For help, the pope turns to Stephen Grant, a Lutheran pastor, former Navy SEAL and onetime CIA operative.

 

14) Past Lives: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story by Ray Keating

 

Torn from pages of his own journal, Pastor Stephen Grant tells about threats, murder and puzzling people from his past. It’s a compelling mystery involving action, unexpected turns, lost innocence, sought-after perspective, and twisted revenge. This is the first Pastor Stephen Grant story told from Grant’s own viewpoint, unfolding each day in the pages of his journal.

 

 

15) What’s Lost? A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story by Ray Keating

 

From the pages of his own journal, Pastor Stephen Grant tells a riveting mystery involving deception, betrayal, sacrifice and friendship, along with plenty of action and questions about what we truly can know about others. Grant takes us on a personal journey across decades and around the world, from Long Island to Vietnam. This is the second Pastor Stephen Grant story told from Grant’s own viewpoint, unfolding each day in the pages of his journal.

 

Paperback and Kindle editions are at Amazon.com, and signed books at RayKeatingOnline.com.

 

Monday, April 11, 2022

Book Excerpt from "Heroes and Villains" by Ray Keating

 


From Heroes and Villains: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story by Ray Keating…

 

Stephen opened the door, and welcomed the Nodells into the house. Introductions were made, and Stephen and Jennifer invited the couple to take a quick tour of the house.

Diane commented, “You have a lovely home.”

“Thank you,” responded Jennifer.

After a brief pause, Guy asked, “Okay, are you two ready?”

Stephen said, “I am, but Jennifer is in the dark.”

Guy said, “That’s awesome that you were able to keep this secret.”

“Thanks.”

Jennifer looked at her husband, raised an eyebrow, and said, “Stephen.”

“Right, it’s time. Come on.”

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.

 

Grab paperbacks and Kindle edition via Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DGLBWZM and signed books at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/heroes-and-villains-a-pastor-stephen-grant-short-story