LAST DAY OF KINDLE SALE!! THE RIVER is the Pastor Stephen Grant Book of the Month

LAST DAY OF KINDLE SALE!! Check out the Book of the Month deal on the Kindle edition of THE RIVER, with the price slashed from $5.99 to $2.99.

January 31st is the last day! Grab the Kindle edition right now at https://www.amazon.com/River-Pastor-Stephen-Grant-Novel-ebook/dp/B00KBXSGR0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1548959581&sr=8-1&keywords=the+river+by+keating

NEW BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT: Second Edition of Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel Arrives with a New Author Introduction and Epilogue

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. This book by award-winning novelist Ray Keating has received accolades from reviewers and readers, and now the second edition has arrived with a new Author Introduction and Epilogue.

In the new Introduction, Keating answers an assortment of questions about the book and writing, while the new Epilogue provides a glimpse at an upcoming Pastor Stephen Grant novel.
The second edition of Warrior Monk comes after the tenth Pastor Stephen Grant adventure, Shifting Sands: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story, was published in November 2018. 
About Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, one reviewer declared, “Skillful in plot and description, Keating paints three-dimensional and interestingly different locations and crimes in each book. He has a writerly gift for making the action crisp. Keating researches his settings, too.” 
Paperbacks and Kindle editions of Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel are available at Amazon.com, and signed books at RayKeatingOnline.com.
In addition, a new edition of A Discussion Guide to Ray Keating’s Warrior Monk has been published, which also is available at Amazon.com and signed books at RayKeatingOnline.com. 
Keating’s other Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers/mysteries – Shifting Sands, Heroes and Villains, Reagan Country, Lionhearts, Wine Into Water, Murderer’s Row, The River, An Advent For Religious Liberty, and Root of All Evil? – also have received widespread praise. 
Go to https://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Monk-Pastor-Stephen-Grant/dp/1793144745/ref=sr_1_3_twi_pap_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1548952332&sr=8-3&keywords=warrior+monk+by+keating

Spy Stuff: The CIA, Recognizing a Man of Honor, and the Full Story Behind the Cuban Missile Crisis

The full story (?) of the Cuban Missile Crisis has now been told, thanks to a well-researched report from Yahoo News. The U.S. didn’t simply stumble upon Soviet missiles in Cuba thanks to U-2 flyovers, but instead, a CIA operation led by Tom Hewitt had infiltrated the country, and was able to detect the Soviet activity on the ground.

This is a compelling story of Americans and Cubans working together for their respective countries. 

Yahoo News noted the award and citation presented by the CIA to Hewitt’s widow in 2005. The citation read in part:

“In January 1961, Mr. Hewitt joined the Miami Station as a Paramilitary Officer in the Cuban program. Shortly thereafter he developed and ran one of the most successful operations in the history of the organization. Mr. Hewitt spotted, developed, recruited, and provided intensive paramilitary training to a team that was infiltrated into Cuba. It was this team that reported on the presence of nuclear equipment in the Pinar Del Rio Province of Cuba. Based upon the reporting from Mr. Hewitt’s team, U-2 aircraft were dispatched to the region. Their photographs confirmed the presence of nuclear capable missile equipment. The rest is history, known today as the ‘Cuban Missile Crisis.’ Public credit for the discovery of the missiles in Cuba was given to the U-2 reconnaissance aircraft in order to preserve the security of the team that Mr. Hewitt created, trained, managed, and motivated through one of the darkest periods of the Cold War. … It was his commitment to the mission, dedication, and obligation to the agents he ran in Cuba that resulted in the collection of intelligence that impacted on the course of history.”

Read the entire article here.

- Ray Keating

Character Quote of the Week from REAGAN COUNTRY: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL

The lead KGB officer said, “Don’t worry, Fedkin. Your daughter is smart, strong, and loyal to the state.” He laughed. “She will do well.” 

Bishop Barron on "Bird Box" and "It's a Wonderful Life"

This well worth watching. Make sure you watch it all the way through.

4 Cool and Quick Facts: Can You Eat Where Stephen Grant Has Grabbed a Meal?

Here are four places where Stephen Grant has dined, and perhaps you can as well...

1. LOBSTER ROLL. From Warrior Monk:

        A few minutes later, Stephen directed Paige to pull into a parking lot of stones.
        “Really, this is it?” said Paige. “What’s with the big lunch sign?” The roadside, brown-and-white wood building had bright red, white and blue awnings. A large blue sign with white letters sitting atop said, “LUNCH,” and under that “LOBSTER ROLL.”
        “Trust me on the food,” Stephen assured her.
        After waiting twenty minutes, they were seated at a wood table positioned in front of a screened window. The décor was all from the sea – nets, mounted fish, and a shark jaw.
        Paige told Stephen to order. He didn’t even look at the menu. It would be a crock of New England clam chowder, a lobster salad platter, and a Samuel Adams beer for each. Once the chowder arrived, crammed with potatoes and large pieces of clam, Paige took a spoonful and was won over. 

Visit the LOBSTER ROLL online at http://lobsterroll.com

2. Buckley’s Irish Pub.From Wine Into Water:

        Jennifer and Stephen sat at a shiny wooden table in Buckley’s Irish Pub, waiting for their friends to arrive. 

        The restaurant, situated on Montauk Highway in the middle of Center Moriches, had a long bar running down one side of the space, and tables and booths down the other. Assorted beers were on tap, and the venue offered traditional, hearty pub-style food. 

        For the Grants, it had become a favorite place for a relaxing dinner or lunch...

Visit Buckley’s Irish Pub online at http://www.buckleyspubrestaurant.com

3. The Dubliner Restaurant and Pub. From Root of All Evil?:

        While Congress was in session, when not required to be in the Senate, Farrell often could be found dining, drinking and holding court at The Dubliner Restaurant and Pub, just a block from Union Station. His favorite meal was the Guinness Burger – sirloin marinated in Guinness, served on a potato pancake with Welsh cheese and onion straws. The New York Senator, however, was far more expansive in his beverage selections, being open to all of the draft beers offered – from Guinness Stout to the Dubliner Irish Lager. 

Visit The Dubliner Restaurant and Pub online at https://www.dublinerdc.com

4. Moriches Bay Diner. From Murderer’s Row:

        It was after seven on a Wednesday morning in mid- March. Snow had just begun to fall across Long Island. It was one of the worst winters the Northeast had seen in decades. The predicted eight-inch accumulation for the day would push the season’s snowfall to record levels.
        Nonetheless, Pastor Stephen Grant was having breakfast with three of his closest friends at the shiny Moriches Bay Diner on the south shore of Long Island, just short of the East End’s fork. The four men, each dressed in black but for a small white square below the neck, sat in a spacious booth next to one of the diner’s large windows. Given the storm, they practically had the place to themselves. 

Visit the Moriches Bay Diner online via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/morichesbay.diner/

3 Reasons for Reading the Pastor Stephen Grant Mysteries/Thrillers: The Three P’s of THE RIVER?

THE RIVER: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL warrants reading because of the three P’s...

• People. This fourth entry in the Pastor Stephen Grant series really ramps up the focus on the people closest to Stephen Grant, in particular, his wife, Jennifer, and his relationship with his old CIA partner, Paige Caldwell. For good measure, we meet Dixon Shaw, Jennifer’s father.

• Place. What happens in Las Vegas? Well, much of this exciting thriller/mystery does. And what happens in Vegas definitely does not stay in Vegas.

• Perspective. The perspective on THE RIVER includes an average of 4.3 stars out of 5 on Amazon, and Kirkus Reviews said, "The protagonist is the quintessential antihero: he's a good man respected by his peers ... but is infuriated by the evil of others. Grant may or may not kill before the story's finished, but he's unquestionably wrought with guilt over his murderous impulses. Action scenes flood the novel, particularly once Grant gets help from old CIA cohort Paige Caldwell, who comes complete with skills, weapons, and other men... A gritty, action-stuffed, well-considered thriller with a gun-toting clergyman."

An Extra P

Oh, wait, there’s another P involved – price. During January 2019, THE RIVER is the Book of the Month, and that means a big sale on signed books at https://raykeatingonline.com/t/book-of-the-month, and the price of Kindle editions has been slashed from $5.99 to only $2.99 at https://www.amazon.com/River-Pastor-Stephen-Grant-Novel-ebook/dp/B00KBXSGR0/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Spy Stuff: R.I.P., Tony Mendez

Tony Mendez, who worked for the CIA for 25 years and was portrayed in the movie Argo, died on January 19 at the age of 78. The nation benefitted from this brave American, and is less for his loss.

As CNN.com reported:

In 2012, Mendez told CNN he was the head of the CIA's authentication branch in 1979. They set up fake identities for CIA officers and sneaked people out of foreign countries.
 "So I had an actual staff who specialized in exfiltrations. And we would be working on preparedness worldwide, prepared to handle the walk-in, for instance, that would knock on your door at midnight and say I want to defect," he said.
 When militants took over the US embassy in Tehran in November 1979, they captured 66 people but six escaped and ended up taking shelter with Canadian diplomats.
 Mendez devised a plan to create a fictitious science fiction movie called "Argo" that would be filmed in Tehran. Canada agreed to give passports to the six Americans.
 In January, Mendez and others flew to Tehran under the guise of scouting locations for the movie. Mendez guided the Americans who were on the run through immigration at the airport.
"We always say there's nothing as lovely as the feeling of wheels up. In this case we were still in Iranian airspace for awhile, so everybody was holding their breath until we were out of Iran completely. And then we had a celebration," he told CNN.

Actor and director Ben Affleck, who portrayed Mendez in Argo, declared: “Tony Mendez was a true American hero. He was a man of extraordinary grace, decency, humility and kindness. He never sought the spotlight for his actions, he merely sought to serve his country. I’m so proud to have worked for him and to have told one of his stories.”

CNN also noted that Mendez had just completed his last book -The Moscow Rules: The Secret CIA Tactics that Helped America Win the Cold War – written with his wife, Jonna Mendez. I certainly will be reading. In fact, I already have pre-ordered it from Amazon.com.

R.I.P., Tony Mendez.

- Ray Keating

For more information and to purchase click here.

Character Quote of the Week from "Heroes and Villains"

An exchange between Pastor Zack Charmichael and Pastor Stephen Grant...

        [Zack said,] “It’s cool. I’m looking forward to going with her next month to a Wolfe Pack event.”
        [Stephen replied,] “Wolfe Pack?”
        “It’s the literary society for Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe mysteries. Cara loves mysteries, and she introduced me to Stout’s Nero Wolfe books. They rank among her favorites, and I’ve come to like them, too.”
        “Okay, I’ll put Nero Wolfe on my to-be-read list. Wasn’t there a TV show?”
        “Yeah. Cara has it on DVD if you want to borrow it.” 
        “Sounds good.”

Check out the Fun and Exciting HEROES AND VILLAINS

Grab HEROES AND VILLAINS: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT SHORT STORY in paperback and for the Kindle at https://www.amazon.com/Heroes-Villains-Pastor-Stephen-Grant/dp/1718881614/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=.

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.

3 Reasons for Reading the Pastor Stephen Grant Mysteries/Thrillers: They Knew President Reagan and They Love “Reagan Country”

Three individuals who worked with President Reagan have given thumbs-up for Reagan Country: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel.

1."Must read for any Reaganite."   - Craig Shirley, Reagan biographer and presidential historian

2. "It was my great privilege that Ronald Reagan and I were good friends and political allies. This exciting political thriller may be a novel but it truly captures President Reagan's optimism and principles."  - Ambassador Fred J. Eckert

3. "President Ronald Reagan's legacy will live on in the U.S., around the world and in the pages of history. And now, thanks to Ray Keating's Reagan Country, it will live on in the world of fiction. Reagan Country ranks as a page-turning thriller that pays homage to the greatest president of the twentieth century."      - Tom Edmonds, producer of the official documentary of President Reagan,  Ronald Reagan: An American President

5-Star Review of "Heroes and Villains"

Spy Stuff: The Well-Dressed Spy?

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) describes what it means to be a well-dressed spy.

First, the following is noted about an intelligence officer’s appearance:

Their clothing, accessories, and behavior must be as unremarkable as possible — their lives (and the lives of others) may depend on it. This is a responsibility that operational artisans, technicians, and engineers of the Office of Technical Readiness (OTR) take seriously. America's intelligence officers can safely collect intelligence in hostile environments because they know that quality and craftsmanship have been "built in" to their appearances, leaving no traces to alert the enemy.  Thus, intelligence officers who are "unremarkable" in their daily activities, such as walking to buy a newspaper on a drizzly day, bravely collect "remarkable" intelligence undetected by hostile observers.

Second, the CIA pointed out:

What makes an intelligence officer “well dressed”?

A: They wear clothing and accessories skillfully crafted by operational artisans, technicians, and engineers from the Office of Technical Readiness (OTR).

“Well dressed" intelligence officers have confidence, whether attending a formal social event or performing their daily routine, because the clothing and accessories they wear have been expertly crafted to be secure and stylish—perhaps concealing a miniature camera behind a brooch or button.

Check out the CIA’s points here.

Book of the Month: Sale on Signed Copies of THE RIVER

Visit https://raykeatingonline.com/t/book-of-the-month

4 Cool and Quick Facts: What Are Pastor Stephen Grant’s Interests?

So, other than theology and weapons, what are some of the interests of Pastor Stephen Grant? 

1. Stephen Grant enjoys golf. For example, consider the following from Warrior Monk, with Stephen teeing it up with Fathers Tom Stone and Ron McDermott:

Stone walked up to the first tee right at 7:20. “How’s that for timing?” he said with a smile. He then started rummaging around his golf bag for glove, tee and ball.

            “Pretty good, Tom, unless you wanted to warm up first,” replied McDermott, who stood next to Grant on the tee waiting for their friend.

            “Hitting a bucket of balls and some putts on the practice green like you guys? Yeah, right. That’s a luxury that unmarried men have. It is not a real alternative in a house with a wife and kids vying for morning bathroom time.”

            “Touché,” said Grant.

            “If you guys are ready, go ahead and hit,” Tom said as the exploration of his bag had yielded a glove and tee, but not yet a ball without scuff marks.

            Ron asked Stephen, “Shall I lead the way?”

            “Please do.”

            Ron teed his ball up high. The combination of his long driver with a huge head and a flat, aggressive, inside-out swing resulted in a long draw that landed in the middle of the fairway, but continued to run left and settled just in the light rough some 270 yards away.

            “Nice ball,” observed Stephen, as he teed up his own.

            “Thanks.”

            Grant showed off a smooth swing, with his high, slight fade coming to rest on the right side of fairway at a distance of 255 years.

            “Even better,” said Tom, who finally arrived on the tee box with a hybrid in his hand and a shiny new ball. The look of Stone’s swing was not as polished as his friends’. A three-quarters back swing was followed by a hard, crushing move on the ball, with an abbreviated follow through. The result, though, was a high, straight projection that split the fairway at about 220 yards.

            “And you do that without warming up,” Ron observed shaking his head. 

            “Clean living and concentration,” Tom responded.

            “Really? We’ll see if that clean living and concentration help you sink a putt today,” said Ron.

            “That will require heavenly intervention,” Stephen added.

            “Oh, ye of little faith,” Tom replied. “I tried cross handed last night, and was jarring everything.”

2. Stephen is a big Cincinnati Reds fan. Check this out also from Warrior Monk:

After the late service, no one lingered on another warm, late summer day. Grant changed into blue shorts, and a gray Cincinnati Reds t-shirt. Sipping on a cold Coke in his office, he had the laptop open and was tuning in to the Reds-Cardinals game via MLB.com.

3. Stephen loves classic films. Consider the following from An Advent for Religious Liberty:

A bell rang on a Christmas tree. 

Zuzu pointed to the bell, and said, “Look, Daddy, teacher says, every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.” 

George, holding his daughter, replied, “That’s right. That’s right. That a boy, Clarence.” 

With the end of the Frank Capra film, Jennifer, who was sitting on a large couch with Stephen, looked at Zack Charmichael, whose feet were up in a recliner. “Well, Zack, what did you think?” 

“I liked it. It’s not what I expected. I always thought it was one of those sickly sweet holiday movies. But that was not the case at all. It had a bit of a dark edge to it.” 

Stephen observed, “Absolutely. But I still can’t believe that this was the first time you ever saw It’s a Wonderful Life. How did you miss seeing this Christmas classic?” 

Jennifer interjected, “Stephen, didn’t we settle this at dinner? Not everyone has or even wants your vast movie knowledge.” 

Stephen protested, “We’re not talking about some obscure movie here. This time of year, how can you possibly avoid It’s a Wonderful Life? It’s everywhere.” 

Zack poked, “Well, maybe I had more pressing matters than to watch movies.” 

4. Stephen enjoys playing poker on occasion. Read the following excerpt from The River:

The numbers made sense. In fact, it was a no-brainer. 

Grant was nearly certain that the very large man, with a shaved head, elaborate goatee, assorted tattoos up and down each arm, and mirrored sunglasses, was about to lose this hand.

Grant actually felt a touch of cockiness. He had not been involved in a truly competitive game of poker in more than 15 years. Yet, here he was as one of the final four players out of the 23 who started several hours earlier.

Two had folded. It was between Grant and the big guy. Once Grant called, each would be all in. The winner would vault to the largest stack of chips at the table, and be guaranteed a share of the tournament prize money. The loser would get nothing, but cold comfort for winding up ahead of 19 other players.

After the flop, the turn and the river, on the table were the two of clubs, two of diamonds, three of clubs, four of spades, and five of hearts. Grant held the five of spades and five of clubs. Odds were that the big guy, sitting diagonally across the table from Grant, had a straight, maybe even seven high. He could have a full house as well. But none of those hands would beat Grant’s fives-over-twos full house. Only pocket deuces could snatch the pot from Grant.

After a pause, Grant said, “Call.” He pushed his chips forward.

The dealer looked to the big guy, who smiled broadly, with his goatee spreading out rather elaborately. “Sorry, Pastor.” He flipped over the two of hearts coupled with a two of spades.

The dealer announced: “Four deuces.”

You’re kidding me.

Grant didn’t bother to turn over his cards. Everyone knew he was done. He merely announced with resignation, “Nice, Rodney.”

Grant stood up, and shook hands with each person at the table, wishing them, “Good luck.”

Rodney responded, “It was good to meet you, Pastor. And as promised, I’m going to visit St. Matthew’s.”

“You better,” Grant said with a smile, “I’m going to let Pastor Stout know you’ll be coming.”

Rodney replied, “Hey, I never played poker with a pastor before. Maybe this is a message that I need to get back to church.”

Book of the Month: Kindle Sale on "The River"

KINDLE SALE!!  THE RIVER is the Pastor Stephen Grant Book of the Month. Check out the Book of the Month deal on the Kindle edition of THE RIVER, with the price slashed from $5.99 to $2.99. 

Purchase at Amazon.com.

Fictional Lutheran Pastor Gets Thumbs-Up from Real-Life Lutheran Pastors

When writing a series of thrillers/mysteries that feature a Lutheran pastor, it’s great to earn some nice reviews from real-life Lutheran pastors. Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories have done just that.

Among the thumbs-up from such clergy for the most recent Pastor Stephen Grant books were the following:

On SHIFTING SANDS...

5-stars on Amazon: “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!”

On HEROES AND VILLAINS...

5-stars on GoodReads: “An engaging story that not only entertains, but also confronts the sad reality that creators and their work have been tainted by political agenda.”

On REAGAN COUNTRY:

5-stars on Amazon: “How's this for a relevant novel...there's political upheaval in Russia and the relationship between East and West is in jeopardy! Ray Keating has put together another winner in this thrilling Pastor Stephen Grant novel. His writing has become so good that I can barely put his books down after starting them. If you're on the fence on this book, just get it - the characters and story are put together very well, all your favorite characters from the other books are here, and you get a ringside seat to the action as Pastor Stephen Grant does it all - from praying to teaching to fighting evil! Enjoy!”

On LIONHEARTS...

From Pastor Rod Zwonitzer, former host of KFUO radio’s “BookTalk”: “Keating builds on solid theological ground in all his novels and this is no exception. In this novel, a homegrown radical jihadist scheme that attacks soft US targets creates the scenario into which Grant and his cohorts enter to produce a highly charged mystery train for the reader to ride with anticipation to the outcome. Again, I recommend to prospective and veteran Pastor Grant novel readers, 'Ray Keating is a great novelist!' Thanks Ray and let's go for a least a dozen in the series.”

Get all of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers/mysteries – SHIFTING SANDS, HEROES AND VILLAINS, REAGAN COUNTRY, LIONHEARTS, WINE INTO WATER, 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.

Character Quote of the Week from "Shifting Sands"

Father Tom Stone...

Tom responded, “... And you’re going to love the competition. It’s great. Beach volleyball was part of my younger days.”

Lutheran Book Review Praises "Heroes and Villains"

What did the Lutheran Book Review say about Heroes and Villains: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story?

"Heroes and Villains takes you inside all the drama of a comic convention, including that which only Stephen Grant can help with. It's an enjoyable romp complete with the gritty realism of the Burton Batman films, the camp of the Adam West adventures of the 60's, and the modern humor of LEGO Batman.
     "If you know the adventures of the Avengers from the movies or the pages, dream of the day of decent DC films, or love the experience of Comic-Con, Heroes and Villains is the read for you!
     "Gun-toting clergymen aren't only found in Wyoming. Keating's novels and short stories prove it with Pastor Stephen Grant and his adventures. May they continue! DC and Marvel are famous for telling stories of worlds like ours, yet different. This is the 'multiverse.'Somewhere, there is a world like ours where these stories have their own screen adaptations. How I'd love to see Pastor Grant on Netflix!"

4 Cool and Quick Facts: Delicious Dishes from Grillin’ with the Monks

Readers of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers/mysteries know about the famous Long Island-based Grillin’ with the Monks. Here are four delicious dishes from the monks:

1. From Warrior Monk: “Grillin’ with the Monks presented a marvelous late summer Long Island clambake for the 40 to 50 security and church personnel preparing for the pope’s visit. In addition to lobster, clams, mussels, and grilled corn on the cob, there was potato salad, coleslaw, and fresh corn bread. Dessert featured strawberries marinated in Grand Marnier served over sponge cake and topped with a dollop of homemade whipped cream.”

2. Also from Warrior Monk: “After a cocktail party under the big tent, the conference attendees headed into the castle for dinner. Grillin’ with the Monks meant a choice of grilled Long Island duck with an apricot glaze or barbecued chicken in a smoky Bourbon sauce.”

3. From Murderer’s Row: “That eventually gave way to unveiling the Grillin’ with the Monks’ catered barbecue, featuring pulled pork, polish sausage, beef brisket, chicken breast, baked beans, a citrus-walnut salad, a white bean-and tuna salad, and a wide array of traditional barbecue accompaniments and desserts.”

4. From the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship Facebook page:

The monks tell us...

Pastor Brian Noack is a good friend of ours  – we forgive his Lutheranism ;-)  - and is a great source of ideas for the monks. Here is Pastor Noack’s recipe for BBQ Grilled Corn. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS:
4 ears of corn, husks on
1 cup of your favorite barbeque sauce

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Peel back the layers of husk on each ear of corn without removing them (leave them attached at the base).
3. Remove all the corn silk and discard.
4. Carefully pull the husk back up over the corn so that it returns to its original condition. The husks will help to steam the corn during cooking.
5. Place the corn on the grill over direct heat, and cook 25-35 minutes depending on size, rotating occasionally. If necessary, you may use a squirt bottle of water to keep the husks moist during cooking.
6. Once the corn is cooked through, carefully peel back the husks once again. Caution, the corn will be HOT. You may leave them attached at the base to have a better handle to eat it with after completion.
7. Baste the corn with the barbeque sauce on all sides and return to the grill.
8. Cook, rotating every couple of minutes until the sauce has caramelized on all sides.
9. Remove from the grill, let cool slightly, then enjoy warm.

Optional variation:
Instead of using barbeque sauce, try it also with garlic butter, butter and blue cheese, or a butter and hot sauce (such as Tabasco) blend.

Who are Grillin’ with the Monks? From WARRIOR MONK: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL by Ray Keating…

Finally, the gothic home became an abbey for a small number of monks, who recently gained some prominence with a line of barbecue seasonings. Grillin’ with the Monks had grown into quite a success, including a recent expansion into barbecue utensils, hot pads, cookbooks – their new book was titled Search for the Holy Grill – and aprons, along with a weekly cooking show on Long Island’s Catholic cable television station. 

          Meanwhile, the castle became a retreat house, as well as a much sought after location for weddings, corporate events, and political fundraisers. Special barbecues with the monks were becoming particularly popular. In fact, those tuning in to the briefings through the Internet would not only miss a tour of the buildings and grounds on this day, but also one of those delightful Grillin’ with the Monks barbecues.

Reviewer Quote of the Day: Pastor Stephen Grant Adventures

Holy Scripture or Church Fathers Quote of the Day

Beach Volleyball Thriller: Shifting Sands

How about an exciting thriller swirling around a major beach volleyball tournament in New York City? That's what's happening in SHIFTING SANDS: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT SHORT STORY by award-winning novelist Ray Keating.

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. Keating weaves together a fascinating tale of action, faith, humor, terrorism, duty, friendship, conflict, and beach volleyball.

Reviewers love SHIFTING SANDS...

"Stephen is a well-rounded protagonist who's skilled in combat but likewise vulnerable: He faces a bulky assailant who hardly acknowledges the pastor's stranglehold. There's an impressive mystery this time around, as readers may not easily discern the terrorists' ultimate motivation or who exactly 11 is. Resolutions come to light during the rousing final act, rife with explosives, bullets, and a few bodies. Another solid thriller with the always welcome and dexterous hero." - Kirkus Reviews

"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." - Self-Publishing Review

Available in paperback or for the Kindle.

Book of the Month: Sale on Signed Books!

Check Out the Sale on Signed Books at https://raykeatingonline.com/t/book-of-the-month

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.”

Reviewer Quote of the Day: Pastor Stephen Grant Adventures

Holy Scripture or Church Fathers Quote of the Day

Cool Spy Stuff: KGB Museum in New York City

A new museum has opened in New York City – the KGB Spy Museum.

According to a report from ABC7NY, the place has “the largest collection of USSR KGB espionage artifacts.” The article also says, “Learn about all the strategies and methods Russian spies used in the Cold War. You'll also be able to interact with a variety of spy equipment like spy cameras, secret recorders, crypto and cipher machines and spy radios.”

I’m going to drop by some time over the next few months to check it out, and I’ll write a quick review.

- Ray Keating

Kindle Deal on Book of the Month: THE RIVER

THE RIVER is the Pastor Stephen Grant Book of the Month. Check out the Book of the Month deal on the Kindle edition of THE RIVER, with the price slashed from $5.99 to $2.99.

Go to Amazon.com