"Pastor Stephen Grant is an enigmatic character. Ray Keating masterfully weaves his character's past and present lives, always keeping the reader involved in both the action and Grant's emotional struggle. Although I do not like the short chapter style, I was otherwise held captive from start to finish. I certainly recommend this book to anyone that likes a good, fast-moving thriller."
"Who would have guessed that you could mix a CIA agent and a Lutheran pastor into one character, but Keating pulls this off. I enjoyed this one as much as his first book."
"Mr. Keating has done a fine job with his first book in the Stephen Grant series. The story will hold your interest and although there are a couple things for which you must suspend your vision of reality (the demise of the Pope on American soil?) there is much to say about his attention to details. What pleases me the most is his caricature of a Lutheran pastor. As I am also one, to see Stephen Grant as an actual minister of the Gospel isn't too hard to believe. Now, his previous background and his moving into a second career as a pastor--most of the men I know have not had such an exciting life! I also appreciate seeing a character such as Grant shown to have some control over his feelings and actions that represent his faith. The violence is subdued and there is a level of propriety about Grant's attitude toward women that is very refreshing and very much in character with what I would expect of a pastor. I am looking forward to the next installment of this series. It will be worth the wait!"
"Fast paced story. This is the third book by Ray Keating that I've read and am looking forward for his next Grant novel."
"I've enjoyed all of these Pastor Stephen Grant Novels. They're easy to read but make me think theologically about the issues that are raised."
"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. Keating has a firm grasp of the Lutheran ethos and it shows itself time and time again throughout the book in the personal failings of all of the characters and the remarkable power of forgiveness when all else is lost. The main character is further developed as a pastor and does us 'real-life' LCMS pastors proud. I am already looking forward to 'An Advent for Religious Liberty'. Keep up the great writing, Mr. Keating, us pastors are loving every page of it!"
Pastor Stephen Grant had risen from his seat next to the Kings’ bench. As he looked out on what had unfolded, Grant said, “Dear Lord, please, not another one.”
"Keating's protagonist, a CIA field operative who became a Lutheran parish pastor, is not far from reality... Among our brothers in ministry are men who in their former lives were military intelligence officers (one was KGB), military base security chiefs, Secret Service agents and organize crime prosecutors. I was one of them. There are professional church workers who were formerly in the technical end of the intelligence community."
"A fast moving action packed book.Great story. Have read all of the Stephen Grant novels and this is one of the best."
"Having read the first three novels of the Stephen Grant series by Ray Keating, I'm impressed by the author's ability to have Pastor Grant sound like a real pastor."
"I am very inclined to like this book as I am a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod pastor just like the main character - without the CIA background. At the same time I would be very disappointed if Stephen Grant was not believable as a pastor. Fear not; he passes the smell test with flying colors. Grant would rather give pastoral care to those who are hurting, and it is only with the greatest reluctance that he must return to his CIA training and hurt people. This makes for a very interesting twist on the typical suspense thriller. You don't have to be a pastor - or even a Lutheran - to enjoy this book. It is an entertaining, easy read. It also provides a bit of insight into some of the theological issues and conflicts in American Christianity today, but manages to do so within the flow of the novel, and without getting heavy-handed."
"I loved this novel. It was exciting and kept your attention. The way Ray Keating drew together two seemingly opposite occupations into Pastor Stephan's character, and the ethical problems that caused, was fascinating reading. As a Lutheran Pastor myself, I found that this novel is not that far off when it comes to some of the dilemmas I or any other pastor might face."
"It's true - Pastor Stephen Grant is REAL. Okay, not real in that there's a guy named Stephen Grant who worked for the CIA and is now an LCMS pastor, but rather, in this book, Pastor Grant undergoes serious character development, showing the anguish of the soul that knows right, loves right, loves God, and yet wants and does evil. Lutherans speak of it as the 'simul' and it is too often over simplified, but author Ray Keating gives it a healthy fleshing out in the novel without making it sound contrived or overly dogmatic. The things I've come to love about Pastor Stephen Grant novels are all here - friendly jokes amidst the characters, smooth integration of theology into the lives of the characters, and a thrilling plot! Definitely worth the wait since 'An Advent for Religious Liberty', and a super read for anyone interested in a well-written novel that goes deeper than most."
"This third adventure in the life of Pr. Grant was good but brief. The use of Church/State issues in the public sphere as a key ingredient was wonderful."
"This book mixes great theological dialogue about contemporary issues, great action and suspense, and doesn't shy away from issues of morality. I would put it up there with Ludlum and just below David Morell (league of night and fog) on my authors list - definitely a must read!"
"I'm an LCMS pastor. I finished reading 'Warrior Monk' about a week ago (Kindle edition). What an enjoyable and fast-paced read. Whoever thinks a Christian protagonist can't be clever, sharp witted, and just a bit dangerous, needs to read this book. Can anyone say 'sequel'?"
"Again I couldn't put this book down. I truly enjoy the intrigue but also the hidden humor that only a member of the LCMS would recognize. The explanation on communion was also interesting and uplifting."
"While shorter than his other novels, Keating writes about something that is at the forefront today - religious liberty. With marriage officially coming under fire now from the government, our religious liberties are quickly being called into question. The premise of the novel is one that is especially important today: the Church needs to continue to stand up and preach on that which God blesses and condemns."
"Keating has once again delivered a page-turning thriller. In an interesting way, he has shown the powerful influence that the love money has in international economics, politics, and in the Church. Pr. Grant continues to evolve as a lead character, and the supporting cast promises more opportunities for twists and turns in books yet to come. I highly recommend this book, no matter what your interests may be - there is something for everyone from action to romance to politics to religious thought. Make some coffee and clear your schedule...you won't want to put this book down!"
"I've read all of Ray Keating's books so far. This is the best! ... As a Lutheran pastor and retired FBI chaplain I can say that this is about as real as it gets."
"The third book in the Pr. Grant series did not disappoint. Although shorter in length than the other books, it still delivered a thought-provoking, fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat story with interesting twists and a heart-warming ending. This book is timely considering all the things happening in our country these days and enables one to consider once again the role of faith in the public square. I would recommend this book, as well as the other two, and I look forward to what is in store next for Pr. Grant and the fine cast of characters that support him both in the church and in his other 'endeavors.' Keep up the good work, Mr. Keating!"
"This book reads like a Clancy or a Cussler, Pastor Grant has become Keating's Dirk Pitt. Furthermore, Keating has developed the characters around Pastor Grant and has set the stage for many more adventures for the Pastor / Ex-CIA Operative. Fast paced, edge of the seat read. I can't wait for the next installment in the saga. Keating deserves an 'atta boy' for his storytelling."
"Ray Keating has crafted a wonderful story. I love the writing style and the little details about life as a Lutheran pastor (LCMS) that have made it into the story. ... If you want a book that includes serious theological discussion and also 'gun play' as another reviewer put it, this book is for you."
"As a pastor, I often explain that life really begins in baptism, as does this book. But often, we forget that, as we struggle with the details of life, the challenges of being sinners yet saints. We are challenged by our desire for justice on our terms, and we struggle with justifying our sin, or condemning our own sin as unforgivable. As Stephen Grant and his friends, and yes enemies and relatives, we see a picture of that kind of journey. Wrapped around a very well developed action adventure novel, this struggle of mankind is so well played out. Even if this wasn't a book with a pastor and faith, I would rate it a five, along with the best of WEB Griffin and Ludlum. But it is more than that - because the struggle of faith is revealed as well. The Christian life is revealed to be what it is, lived in the world, yet not of it. Challenged by being both being a sinner, and yet a saint. Ray Keating does a good job....a very good job in combining faith, adventure, guns, and real a real world relationship, that ends where it begins, united to Christ, and too His family. Of the Grant novels, I think this is Keating's best."
