First Review of PAST LIVES!

 

Pre-Order the Next Pastor Stephen Grant Page-Turner – PAST LIVES: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT SHORT STORY

Pre-order the Kindle edition at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RWLBJ6F

Pre-order signed paperbacks at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/pastlives

Praise for HEROES AND VILLAINS and the entire PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT Series

The following review essay of HEROES AND VILLAINS: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT SHORT STORY and the entire Pastor Stephen Grant series was penned by Susan O. Bachman, Professor Emerita, Concordia University Irvine. Professor Bachman’s 5-star review on Amazon was titled “Refreshing (Lutheran) Framework and Dang Good Stories”:

Much to praise here. Comments on “Heroes and Villains” short story first, and then my opinions about the series of books. 

Stephen Grant, a senior Lutheran pastor, accepts a last-minute invitation to join his younger associate pastor Zachary at a comic convention. The setting lets readers see a younger colleague, a comic aficionado, know the scene more than the series hero. Beneath the celebrative gathering of comic writers, producers and costumed attendees we learn of differences of opinion re concepts and marketing of future projects. Disagreements grow ugly, and things—as they can do—turn dangerous. 

The story’s graphic novel and comic orbit can inform and gratify a range of readers, starting with high school teens. Yet the author does not lose “seasoned” readers (like me) and even teaches along the way. Keating, in a novella-size frame, deftly assembles a small cast of recognizable action heroes to support Stephen and Zachary in thwarting the industry villains. The story’s action climax makes the reader almost see, as on a comic page, the “Pow” “Biff” “Oof” via vigorous fights and clever, believable physicality: great fun to read and see unfold. 

Young and mature readers alike recognize comic characters Batman or Wonder Woman. I, for one, had never heard of the classic comic character Hawk Man, but Keating worked him in helpfully—sent me to Wikipedia (!) Without too much artifice, Keating turns the story back to Christianity and church, mostly in ways that don’t make us roll our eyes. A rollicking, fast-moving story you can enjoy in a couple hours. 

Now for the book series: 

Starting with the first novel, Warrior Monk, Ray Keating introduces a savvy Lutheran fighter-for-justice to the small club of clergy detective heroes who keep the faith and also solve crimes or wrestle with people problems. Think of the popular tv Grantchester stories (Anglican), Father Brown mysteries (Roman Catholic), and Rabbi Small’s sleuthing (Jewish). The Stephen Grant stories likewise manage to entertain and give food for thought about and through its Lutheran lens. 

In the books we have a winsome Stephen Grant, a former Navy SEAL and special-ops CIA operative turned second-career Lutheran pastor. He sounds like Ellis Peters’ Cadfael—a former Crusader monk in Norman England who has taken the cloth—being drawn back again into combatting evil, solving adventures, refurbishing his sword/CIA-glock-wielding skills in times of need. 

I hope we Lutherans can joyfully lay aside for a few hours our serious inter-church quarrels and admittedly-urgent social and political polarities to embrace these books. They embed easy-to-grasp bits of Lutheran distinctives. Without being heavy-handed, the author drops hints of what works in worship for Lutherans or what makes, for example, Christian belief different from other faiths or from secular humanism. Avoiding saccharine piety, the stories shine a light on how faith matters and how naturally faith can work for ordinary—or extraordinary— folks. The books are accessible to faith seekers as well as seasoned church-goers.
Yes—there’s bloody violence along with fast-paced action, scary evil, a little semi-graphic sex, and sad loss in Keating’s stories. Yet the moral trajectories of the core characters enlighten and encourage readers overall. OK—so Pastor Grant is married to an always well-dressed, wealthy, brilliant professional wife, and they drive (and crash sometimes) nicer cars than most of us own. But never mind: it’s “willing suspension of disbelief” in literature, after all. 

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. Example: In Water into Wine you enter with believable detail into the arcane world of wine counterfeiting, while the title subtly invokes the faith connection. In all the books you enjoy well-paced scenes, clear reminders who is who, vivid word choices, and helpful chapter divisions. 

I recommend the books for the story lines as well as their Christian themes and distinctions. I hope Keating sets some future stories in Lutheran missions overseas or other homelands (Ethiopia? a school in Madagascar? the Seminary at Westfield House in Cambridge?) Or maybe he will take his heroes into smaller parishes in the U.S. Midwest or South with rich pasts and dark problems to solve.

Get the books at Amazon.com:

https://www.amazon.com/Heroes-Villains-Pastor-Stephen-Grant/dp/1718881614/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=#customerReviews

Kirkus Review Calls Heroes and Villains "An Entertaining, Immersive Jaunt"

Nice review of HEROES AND VILLAINS from Kirkus Reviews. It reads in part: 

"In this short story, Keating’s (Reagan Country, 2018, etc.) 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. This relatively short piece is lighter in tone than previous outings, due mainly to its concentration on the cheery setting. Keating respectfully portrays the con as a mostly enjoyable experience… Much of the comedy is appropriate to the setting, as when people assume that the pastors’ clerical garments are costumes honoring the real-life comic-book series Preacher. An entertaining, immersive jaunt with a formidable protagonist.” 

 Read the full review at https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/ray-keating/heroes-and-villainse/

Stellar Review of REAGAN COUNTRY

Check out the stellar review of REAGAN COUNTRY from Self-Publishing Review.

https://www.selfpublishingreview.com/2018/06/review-reagan-country-a-pastor-stephen-grant-novel-by-ray-keating/

Pastor Gives Thumbs-Up Review on REAGAN COUNTRY

A nice thumbs-up review on a pastor's blog for REAGAN COUNTRY.

Check it out at http://ourredeemernewark.org/book-review-regan-country/

Making a Difference Whistling Through Life

by Ray Keating

People move in and out of our lives. Some stay for the duration, while others make but relatively brief appearances. No matter the length of stay certain people make a lasting impression.

Roughly 25 years ago, I worked for a national taxpayer group headquartered in Washington, D.C., and a co-worker was Christopher Ullman. Chris made a lasting impression, not simply due to the fact that he’s a really good guy, but also because he is a whistler. So, when I would visit the D.C. office, it was not unusual to hear Chris practicing his whistling. This would lead to some interesting and enjoyable discussions.

Eventually, I journeyed on to another economist position, and Chris moved on to a series of impressive positions in D.C. But he also went on to become a four-time international whistling champion, as well as a 2012 inductee into the Whistling Hall of Fame, alongside Bing Crosby.

I think Chris and I probably exchanged an email here and there over the years, but then I recently came across the fact that he had written a book. As it turns out, he has authored an engrossing book, Find Your Whistle: Simple Gifts Touch Hearts and Change Lives (Mascot Books, Herndon, Virginia, 2017), that not only tells some fascinating, amusing and inspiring stories tied in to Chris’s lifelong whistling journey, but how he has used his talent to touch assorted lives in significant ways.

Now, I’m not much for sappy. So, rest assured, this is in no way a sappy book. Rather, it’s a well-written tome that made me laugh, amazed and inspired me, and at times, got me a bit choked up.

The stories Chris relays stand out for different reasons, for example, from whistling in the Oval Office for President George W. Bush, to taking the stage with the band at B.B. King’s Blues Club in Memphis, to whistling the National Anthem at a Cincinnati Reds game, to performing “The Marines’ Hymn” for a Marine Corps major general, to touching the life and forming a friendship with a man who was physically and developmentally challenged, but whistling was one of the ways by which he communicated.

Finally, Chris talks about his “ministry.” No, he’s not a priest or pastor. His fulltime gig is being an accomplished communications professional. But Chris whistles “Happy Birthday” to more than 500 people each year now. He explained, “My whistle is a tool, a means to touch people’s hearts and lives in simple ways that deliver joy and goodwill. It’s not about God, necessarily, the way a traditional ministry would be premised or motivated. That said, it is about the dignity and value of human life, and the joy and importance of service that my faith teaches.” And a bit later, he added, “All the psycho-babble aside, the ‘Happy Birthday’ whistle is sweet, pure fun, and there’s always need for more good, clean, joyous fun in this world.”

Indeed, and Chris is one of those people who delivers such joy, including through his fine book Find Your Whistle: Simple Gifts Touch Hearts and Change Lives.

_______________

Ray Keating is an economist and a novelist. His latest thriller, Reagan Country: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel, can be pre-ordered and will be published on May 10. Keating also is new to the world of podcasting with Ray Keating’s Authors and Entrepreneurs Podcast and Free Enterprise in Three Minutes.

Tune in to Episode #11 of the Authors and Entrepreneurs Podcast titled Finding Your Whistle with Chris Ullman.

Kirkus Reviews Offers Stellar Review of LIONHEARTS

LIONHEARTS: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL received a big thumbs-up review from Kirkus Reviews:

“In this seventh entry of a series, terrorists attacking Christians in the United States must contend with the proficient recurring protagonist armed with Scripture and a Glock… By now, fans of Keating’s (Wine Into Water, 2016, etc.) thriller series will anticipate skillfully drawn characters. [Stephen] Grant, for one, is a considerate husband and unquestionably capable in action… The narrative’s swift momentum is retained even during profound moments, like a scene in which terrorists debate their cause after murdering two men that’s intercut with clergymen reciting biblical passages. Though sequences of Grant or [Paige] Caldwell and her team engaged in combat are exhilarating, the story’s brimming with everyday heroes. One political figure, for example, is rescued by a neighbor whose courage is measured by the hefty Desert Eagle gun he brandishes. First-rate supporting characters complement the sprightly pastor, who remains impeccable in this thriller.”

Read the entire review at https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/ray-keating/lionhearts2/

4-Stars from Lutheran Pastor, Retired Military for The River

New 4-stars thumbs up for THE RIVER: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL: 

"As a Lutheran pastor and retired military I certainly think it's fun. Perhaps a little too idylic, being a pastor in an old, but very reverent downtown, inner city church, I get adventure, but definitely not the material perks. But hey I'm not Stephen Grant either ;) "

Ge the book at

https://www.amazon.com/River-Pastor-Stephen-Grant-Novel/dp/1499514174/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1474919816&sr=8-2&keywords=warrior+monk+by+keating

Touchstone Magazine Thumbs Up for Murderer's Row

A Touchstone magazine review of MURDERER’S ROW says:

“This is a fun read, though the embedded theology is real and salutary. There is death and life, adultery and commitment, friendship and betrayal, violence and victory over violence… Perhaps the best part of the book for the reviewer is that the clergy are good at helping people bring Christ into their vocations.”

The River: "Simply Could Not Put It Down"

Reviewer on THE RIVER: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL by Ray Keating ...

"Mr. Keating's storytelling is so lifelike that I almost thought I had worked with him when I was at Langley. Like the fictitious pastor, I actually spent 20 years working for the U.S. intelligence community, and once I started reading 'The River,'... I simply could not put it down. What Ian Fleming's 007 series has probably done for ex-MI-6 agents and Tom Clancy has done for retired CIA officers, Mr. Keating has done for the minority of former CIA agents who have served their country by working in the intelligence community, but now wish to serve God."  - The Washington Times

Get the book at
http://www.amazon.com/The-River-Pastor-Stephen-Grant/dp/1499514174/ref=pd_sim_14_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=1B88QPGV6XEE8WXNAV60

Keeps the Reader Hooked

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

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

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

Touchstone Thumbs Up for Murderer's Row

A very nice review of MURDERER’S ROW: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL written by Raymond Brown ran in the March/April issue of TOUCHSTONE magazine. A few highlights:

“The protagonist is a Lutheran pastor who had formerly been a Navy SEAL and CIA operative, whose past seems to return to his present life with surprising frequency.”

 “This is a fun read, though the embedded theology is real and salutary. There is death and life, adultery and commitment, friendship and betrayal, violence and victory over violence.”

 “Keating, an economist and experienced business writer, does extremely well in portraying the politicos and their machinations at all levels of government, as well as the machinations of the news media, of which he is a longtime member. He obviously knows his way around the bases and dugout, too, as does his hero, who becomes a baseball chaplain.”

 “One of the charming and welcome aspects of the Pastor Grant series is the mere Christianity that runs throughout. Grant’s best friends are a Roman Catholic priest and the rector of an Anglican Church in North America parish. The three meet regularly for prayer and Scripture, golf, mutual chastisement, and socializing (sometimes a few beers). And their families are friends and more...”

 “Perhaps the best part of the book for the reviewer is that the clergy are good at helping people bring Christ into their vocations.”

Murderer's Row Gets Big Thumbs Up From SeriousReading.com

MURDERER'S ROW: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL received big thumbs up in a SeriousReading.com review.

From that review:

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

10 Big Reasons to Dive Into the Pastor Stephen Grant Novels

10 Big Reasons to Dive Into Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant Novels…

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

2. Kirkus Reviews also gives a big thumbs up to THE RIVER: “A gritty, action-stuffed, well-considered thriller with a gun-toting clergyman.”

3. MURDERER’S ROW: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL by Ray Keating was nominated for “Book of the Year 2015” by “BookTalk” on KFUO radio.

4. THE RIVER: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL was a “Book of the Year” finalist in 2014.

5. From a Washington Times review of THE RIVER written by a pastor and former CIA officer: “What Ian Fleming's 007 series has probably done for ex-MI-6 agents and Tom Clancy has done for retired CIA officers, Mr. Keating has done for the minority of former CIA agents who have served their country by working in the intelligence community, but now wish to serve God.”
6. The host of KFUO radio’s “BookTalk,” calls Ray Keating “a great novelist.”

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

8. Lutheran Book Review says: “I miss Tom Clancy. Keating fills that void for me.”

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

10. WARRIOR MONK was ranked as a Top 10 book on a WORLD magazine June 2013 list.

Lutheran Book Review Thumbs Up for Murderer's Row

From Rev. Paul Cain at Lutheran Book Review on MURDERER'S ROW: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL by Ray Keating:

     Keating's fictional character Grant, a former Navy SEAL and CIA operative and a current LCMS Pastor, is the subject of five novels. The latest, Murderer's Row, pits Grant against politicians and terrorists in the midst of murders and minor league baseball in New York.
     I miss Tom Clancy. Keating fills that void for me. Yes, I understand that the bad guys will use colorful metaphors, yet toning down their language wouldn't ruin Keating's plausible, realistic scenes. Keating deals with timely issues like political corruption, abuse of eminent domain, terrorists who sneak into our country, the consequences of bad decisions, the after effects of real violence, and the need for good people to stand for truth, protect the weak and innocent, and proclaim the forgiveness of sins in Jesus Christ.

See
http://lhplbr.blogspot.com/2016/01/lutheran-book-review-fiction-and-film.html

Book Reviews of Pastor Stephen Grant Novels

Nice reviews of Root of All Evil? A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel and An Advent for Religious Liberty: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel in the "Liturgy, Hymnody & Pulpit Quarterly Book Review."

http://lhpqbr.blogspot.com/2012/12/noted-review-lutheran-fiction.html

Big Thumbs Up on "Root of All Evil?"

A reader review on Amazon.com about Root of All Evil? A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating:

"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!" 

Get the book at http://www.amazon.com/Root-All-Evil-Pastor-Stephen/dp/1479112194/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345549879&sr=1-1&keywords=Root+of+All+Evil%3F+by+Keating