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.”

Exciting, Thoughtful Christian Fiction

Tired of sappy, wooden, far too earnest, and shallow Christian fiction? Then check out some very different books: Ray Keating's MURDERER'S ROW: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL, named Book of the Year 2015 by KFUO Christian radio's "BookTalk," and the rest of the PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT thrillers.

These thoughtful, exciting novels feature a former CIA operative and current Lutheran pastor.
On MURDERER’S ROW, Kirkus Reviews says, “Action fans will find plenty to love here, from gunfights and murder sprees to moral dilemmas.”

And a review in Touchstone magazine on MURDERER'S ROW said, "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."

By the way, this is the second year in a row that Keating has had a book nominated, as THE RIVER: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL was a “Book of the Year” finalist in 2014. Regarding THE RIVER, Kirkus Reviews declares, “A gritty, action-stuffed, well-considered thriller with a gun-toting clergyman.”

A reviewer for FirstThings.com called WARRIOR MONK "a fun adventure romp," while a LutheranForum.org review said: “This is a good read, both as pure thriller entertainment and for pondering the Christian mind and milieu in the early twenty first century.”

Get all five of Keating’s thrillers – 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.

Pitchers, Catchers and a Good Book

Pitchers and catchers report today!

It's a good time to enjoy Murderer's Row: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating, which not only serves up baseball, but also faith, excitement, humor, murder, government gone awry, and more.

A Valentine's Day Moment from THE RIVER

And here's a little Valentine's Day moment from THE RIVER: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL:

     Stephen strolled along the sidewalk, with trees on his left running close to Las Vegas Boulevard South and the Fountains of Bellagio on his right.
     The music started, and the fountains came to life.
     He spotted Jennifer leaning on a column. The lights and water engulfed her attention.
     Stephen quietly approached, catching a glimpse of the water and lights reflected in her brown eyes. He slipped his arms around her waist. “Hello, Dr. Grant.”
     She clasped her hands behind his neck. “Good evening. Pastor Grant, isn’t it? Imagine meeting you here.”
     They kissed, a little more deeply and longer than they would have on the sidewalk of almost any other road in the country.
     Jennifer turned back to the fountains, resting the back of her head on Stephen just below his chin. His hands moved around and met at her stomach.
     She sighed. “When you think about a casino in the middle of the desert with a manmade lake and a regular fountain show, it seems silly. But when you’re standing here, it really is mesmerizing.”
     “I agree.”
     They listened to Frank Sinatra belt out “Fly Me to the Moon” over the many speakers surrounding the waters.
     Stephen added, “Apparently there’s no getting away from Sinatra on this trip.”
     Jennifer shrugged. “Hey, it’s Las Vegas. This still is Frank’s town, right?”
     “I think it was Dean Martin who said that it’s Frank’s world, we just get to live in it.”
     As Sinatra was concluding, “I love ... you,” the fountain waters shot high in the air, and then fell back as the music and lights came to an end.

Ray Keating’s “Murderer’s Row” Named “Book of the Year 2015”

Fifth Book in Pastor Stephen Grant Series Wins KFUO “BookTalk” Award

Long Island, NY – MURDERER’S ROW: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL by Ray Keating won “Book of the Year 2015” as awarded by “BookTalk” on KFUO radio.

Ten books were nominated for the KFUO “Book of the Year,” and listeners were able to vote. While making the announcement, Rod Zwonitzer, host of “BookTalk,” said this year saw a record number of votes, and it was an extremely tight race between the four top vote getters.

Ray Keating said, “I am stunned and blessed. Thank you to Rod Zwonitzer and KFUO; to all of my friends and readers who voted for MURDERER'S ROW; to my family for their support, love and most assuredly, patience; and to God for everything, including the joy of writing. This is particularly humbling given KFUO’s Christian mission.”

MURDERER’S ROW is a gripping, thoughtful thriller that ties together 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 formerly was a Navy SEAL and CIA operative.

About MURDERER’S ROW, Kirkus Reviews says, “The author packs a lot into this frantically paced novel... a raft of action sequences and baseball games are thrown into the mix. The multiple villains and twists raise the stakes...  Stephen remains an engaging and multifaceted character: he may still use, when necessary, the violence associated with his former professions, but he at least acknowledges his shortcomings--and prays about it. Action fans will find plenty to love here, from gunfights and murder sprees to moral dilemmas.”

SeriousReading.com proclaims, “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.”

And the Lutheran Book Review observes, “I miss Tom Clancy. Keating fills that void for me.”

This is the second year in a row that Keating has had a book nominated, as THE RIVER: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL was a KFUO “Book of the Year” finalist in 2014.

MURDERER’S ROW: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL is available in trade paperback and for the Kindle from Amazon.com

Ray Keating’s previous books include THE RIVER: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL, AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL, ROOT OF ALL EVIL? A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL and WARRIOR MONK: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL.

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

Contact: Ray Keating

Phone: 631-909-1122

E-mail: raykeating@keatingreports.com

PastorStephenGrant.com

Big Super Bowl Ads

Ray Keating's Author Interview with SeriousReading.com

Check out Ray Keating's author interview with SeriousReading.com.

The interview can be read here.

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

Vote for Murderer's Row by January 30th for Book of the Year!

Ray Keating’s “Murderer’s Row” Nominated for “Book of the Year”

Long Island, NY – MURDERER’S ROW: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL by Ray Keating has been nominated for “Book of the Year 2015” by “BookTalk” on KFUO Christian radio.

MURDERER’S ROW is a gripping, thoughtful thriller that ties together 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 formerly was a Navy SEAL and CIA operative.

This is the second year in a row that Keating has had a book nominated, as THE RIVER: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL was a KFUO “Book of the Year” finalist in 2014.

Ten books have been nominated for the KFUO “Book of the Year,” and listeners get to vote by emailing the name of the book to Contest@kfuo.org. The contest ends on January 30. More information is at http://www.kfuoam.org/events/.

Ray Keating has been called “a great novelist” by the host of “BookTalk” radio. A Washington Times reviewer, who happens to be a pastor who once worked for the CIA, noted, "Mr. Keating also allows you to discover how each of his characters tick in a style and tone reminiscent of some of the best-loved books of all time.” Also, the editor-in-chief of WORLD magazine lists Ray Keating among his top 10 Christian novelists.

Ray Keating said, “I’m very appreciative, especially given the Christian mission of KFUO.”

MURDERER’S ROW: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL is available in trade paperback and for the Kindle from Amazon.com

Ray Keating’s previous books include THE RIVER: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL, AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL, ROOT OF ALL EVIL? A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL and WARRIOR MONK: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL.

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

Contact: Ray Keating
Phone: 631-909-1122
E-mail: raykeating@keatingreports.com
PastorStephenGrant.com

An Advent for Religious Liberty ... for Christmas!

Why is AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL a great Christmas gift? Well...

"This series is a more edifying and Christian-oriented spy/adventure series with a similar pace (and sometimes the vocabulary of the bad guys) as books by C. J. Box, Craig Johnson ... and the work of Tom Clancy... Ray Keating has a knack for writing on topics that could be pulled from tomorrow's headlines.  An atheist mayor-elect of NYC? I could envision that. Pastor Grant taking out a terrorist? I could see that."  - LHP Lutheran Book Review

Great Christmas Gift: Murderer's Row

Why is MURDERER'S ROW: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL a great idea for a Christmas gift? Well...

"The author packs a lot into this frantically paced novel... a raft of action sequences and baseball games are thrown into the mix. The multiple villains and twists raise the stakes...  Stephen remains an engaging and multifaceted character: he may still use, when necessary, the violence associated with his former professions, but he at least acknowledges his shortcomings--and prays about it. Action fans will find plenty to love here, from gunfights and murder sprees to moral dilemmas."    - Kirkus Review

Christmas Gift: Root of All Evil?

Gift of Reading for Christmas: Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant Novels!

ROOT OF ALL EVIL? gets average Amazon rating of 4.5 stars.

Christmas Gift of Reading: The River

Why is THE RIVER: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL by Ray Keating a great Christmas present? Well, there's this from Kirkus Reviews...

"A gritty, action-stuffed, well-considered thriller with a gun-toting clergyman."

Christmas Gift of Reading: Warrior Monk

Why would WARRIOR MONK: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL be a good Christmas gift? Here are some reasons...

WARRIOR MONK: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL made "The top 10 self-published books to cross WORLD's desk this year." WORLD magazine (June 29, 2013, issue) looked at more than 100 titles and then came up with a "final list of 10 that display clear writing and storytelling." On WARRIOR MONK, WORLD declared, "The 'warrior monk' in question is an ex-CIA agent who settled into life as a ... Lutheran pastor, saving lives and taking care of bad guys (who get saved)."

Thumbs Up from Santa!

Thor, Flynn and Keating!

Readers who love Brad Thor and Vince Flynn are finding another favorite in Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant novels – MURDERER’S ROW, THE RIVER, AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY, ROOT OF ALL EVIL? and WARRIOR MONK. And for a limited time, get each book for only $2.99 on the Kindle.

A Facebook reviewer and reader recently told Keating: “I'm a committed Brad Thor/Vince Flynn reader. As soon as I'm done with the latest I'm eagerly waiting for the next. After reading all of your novels, I must say, I cannot wait for the next one. I am now a committed Thor/Flynn/Keating reader. I think you have earned the right to be named among the best modern day mystery/drama authors. You have made this 24 year Navy Senior Chief and Lutheran a BIG FAN! Now go fulfill your vocation and write another ‘must read’!”

Christmas Gift: Root of All Evil?

Why is ROOT OF ALL EVIL? A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL a great Christmas gift idea? Well...

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

Book of the Year 2015 Nominee: Murderer's Row

BOOK OF THE YEAR 2015 NOMINEE!!

Big news! My latest book – MURDERER'S ROW: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL – has been nominated, along with nine other very noteworthy reads, for KFUO's BookTalk “Book of the Year” for 2015.

This is the second year in a row that I’ve had a book nominated, as THE RIVER: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL was a finalist in 2014.

I’m very appreciative, especially given the Christian mission of KFUO.

In addition, you can get in on the voting, if you like. The following information is from KFUO:

BookTalk’s Book of the Year
Its that time again!
Vote for your favorite book to be named BookTalk’s 2015 Book of the Year! Email your vote to Contest@kfuo.org. Contest ends January 30th.

Thanks and God bless!

St. Ambrose in Warrior Monk

St. Ambrose is recognized on December 7 in parts of Christianity. The St. Ambrose Retreat House is a central location in Ray Keating's WARRIOR MONK: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL. Here's a brief excerpt from the book when Pope Augustine comes face to face, if you will, with the statue of Ambrose...

      Grant was now following the Pope, his aides and security entourage up the staircase in the castle’s main lobby.
      Augustine stopped at the statue of St. Ambrose, and gazed at it. As this continued for several seconds, a silence descended in the large chamber. The Pope said, “He was interesting, St. Ambrose. During a tumultuous time of disagreement in the latter part of the fourth century, he tried to keep peace among Christians in Milan. And he was not even baptized when clergy and the people called for him to become the bishop. He did not want the job, but finally acquiesced, was baptized, and eight days later became the bishop. He would be one of the great Latin Doctors of the Church. And as we talk about the Church’s role in the public arena now, it is worth recalling that Ambrose previously was a lawyer and politician who came to be a powerful voice in the Church for celibacy and voluntary poverty. If that happened today, few, I think, would doubt the transformative power of faith in our Lord.” The Pope smiled, and most everyone else joined in with his infectious laugh.

Kindle Sale on Thrillers Featuring Former CIA and Current Pastor

Take advantage of the big Kindle sale, and start enjoying Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant novels featuring a former Navy SEAL, onetime CIA operative, and current pastor. For a limited time, only $2.99 each for Kindle versions.

Santa Loves the Pastor Stephen Grant Novels

BIg endorsement from Santa Claus, who says, "Ray Keating's Pastor Stephen Grant novels make for the perfect Christmas gifts. In fact, after reading The River and Murderer's Row, I've asked Mrs. Claus for the first three books in the series."

Kindle Sale on "Great Novelist"

The host of KFUO’s “BookTalk” calls Ray Keating “a great novelist.” And for a limited time, each of Keating’s thrillers – MURDERER’S ROW, THE RIVER, AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY, ROOT OF ALL EVIL? and WARRIOR MONK – is available for only $2.99 for Kindle version.

Kindle Sale: Root of All Evil?

Ray Keating’s ROOT OF ALL EVIL? is called “an extraordinarily good read” by best-selling novelist Paul L. Maier, and earns 4.5 out of 5 stars from Amazon readers. For a limited time, only $2.99 for Kindle version.

Big Kindle Sale: An Advent for Religious Liberty

Ray Keating’s AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY earns an average Amazon rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars with a story ripped from today’s headlines. For a limited time, only $2.99 for Kindle version.

Warrior Monk on Sale: $2.99 on the Kindle

David Keene, opinion editor at The Washington Times, proclaims, “The Stephen Grant novels are great reads beginning with WARRIOR MONK, which aptly describes Ray Keating's engaging hero.” For a limited time, only $2.99 for Kindle version.

The River for Only $2.99 on Kindle!

THE RIVER not only was a 2014 finalist for KFUO’s BookTalk “Book of the Year,” but Kirkus Reviews declares, “A gritty, action-stuffed, well-considered thriller with a gun-toting clergyman.” For a limited time, only $2.99 for Kindle version.

"Best new series I've come across"

Reader/Reviewer Quote of the Day:

"Glad my friends are trying the Pastor Grant novels. It's the best new series I've come across in a long time and the price is great too! I'm reading them on my iPad's Kindle App. For a limited time each one is $2.99." 

                                                                        - Facebook Reader

Thanks!!

Thanksgiving with Pastor Grant, Family and Friends

How about a taste of Thanksgiving with Pastor Stephen Grant, and his family and friends, in Chapter 18 of An Advent for Religious Liberty: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel...

Chapter 18 

Thanksgiving Day had the potential to degrade into bedlam.

After all, in addition to Tom, Maggie, and their six children – three daughters and three sons – ranging from early teens to mid-twenties, the guests included a fiancée to the second oldest Stone daughter, two less serious dates brought by two Stone sons, Stephen and Jennifer Grant, Ron McDermott, Zack Charmichael, Joan and George Kraus with their two teenage daughters, and Michael Vanacore and his new girl friend, Melissa Ambler. Add in Maggie’s mother, Nancy Chandler, and it came to twenty-two in attendance.

Thanksgiving at the Stone home – a large stone-exterior rectory sitting next to the castle-like St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church – was a first for Stephen and Jennifer. Since arriving at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church years ago, Stephen had spent most Thanksgivings with his friends Hans and Flo Gunderson, until they were murdered not long after they had led the way building a new St. Mary’s church building.

On the large porch of the rectory, one of the Stone offspring, the youngest son, Paul, greeted each guest upon arrival with a sheet of paper. The ever-punctual Stephen was pleased. “Check this out, Jen. It’s a schedule for the day. Nice.”

Jennifer looked at her husband, smiled, and said, “Excited about a schedule. Sometimes, you’re so weird.”

Stephen replied, “Hey, this is impressive.”

Tom greeted his two friends. He looked at Jennifer, and said, “I missed it. Why is your husband weird?”

“Oh, it’s just odd that he’s getting excited about your schedule.”

Tom corrected, “Not my schedule. That’s my wife’s. And I agree, it’s a bit anal-retentive. But as you’ll see, it actually works.”

Stephen gave Jennifer and Tom a mock look of disapproval and said, “Well, at least, I will compliment Maggie on the schedule.” He read it over. “So, the Stone Bowl kicks off in about an hour. Dinner at 4:30. And topped off with a movie at 7:30. What are we watching?”

Tom said, “It’s a longtime tradition in the Stone household to watch Christmas in Connecticut on Thanksgiving.”

Jennifer shook her head. “Are you serious?”

Tom looked somewhat bewildered at Jennifer and Stephen, who flashed a broad smile. “Yes, what’s the deal? Problem with the movie?”

Stephen answered, “Quite the contrary. That’s a wonderful film with Barbara Stanwyck.”

Jennifer explained, “Stephen watches that movie every year. Has for … how long?”

Stephen thought. “Actually, since I was a kid. In recent years, at least when the schedule permitted.”

Jennifer added, “He was worried that we might not get home early enough tonight to watch his usual Thanksgiving movie, which is White Christmas. That kicks off about a month and a half of Christmas films for the movie buff I married.”

“I also happen to be a big fan of Bing Crosby, as you both know. But Stanwyck inChristmas in Connecticut works nicely, too.”

It was Tom’s turn to shake his head. “Your wife is right. You are weird. But I’ve known that for a while now.”

Stephen retorted, “Right, this from a guy who wears shorts and a Hawaiian shirt no matter what time of year it is as long as the temp is over 50. It’s supposed to be an unseasonable 60 today, so why not the typical Tom Stone attire?”

Stephen and Jennifer were in touch football attire, as instructed by their hosts. They wore sneakers, blue jeans and a polo shirt – Stephen’s a bright red with long sleeves, and Jennifer in Stephen’s favorite for her, a short-sleeve pink.

Tom said, “Not today. As I told you, this is the annual Stone Bowl.” Tom had sweatpants and sneakers on, but he seemed particularly proud of the blue jersey he wore, with “Stone Bowl” written across the front above a big number 1, and “Number One Dad” across the back above another big 1.

Behind Jennifer and Stephen came the Kraus family. None looked dressed for football. Joan wore brown boots, a tweed skirt and a cream-colored, lightweight, short-sleeve sweater. In his typical conservative, lawyer fashion, George was in a white, pinstriped, button-down shirt, gray pants, and black, wingtip shoes. Their daughters, Grace and Faith, who shared their mother’s bright red hair, fair skin and large eyes, didn’t look ready for tossing around the pigskin either in tight-fitting leggings and glittery flats. 

After hugs and pecks on cheeks were exchanged, Grace and Faith hurried off to find Tom’s daughters.

Stephen said, “George, you do not look dressed for touch football.”

“I’m not. Bad back does not allow for football.” He looked at Tom. “Not even for the Stone Bowl, Tom, sorry.”

“No worries, you’ll just have to eat and drink with the fans.”

George replied, “I’m well equipped to do that.”

Stephen turned to Joan, “And no Stone Bowl for you either, Joan?”

“Unlike Jen, I do not do football, even when it’s touch.”

Joan Kraus and Jennifer Grant were beyond close friends, being more like sisters. That being the case, Stephen and George claimed to be quasi-brothers-in-law.

Jennifer said, “But you do do wine.” She stopped and looked quizzically. “Does that sound right? Oh well, I have a crumb cake for Maggie, so let’s go see what we can do to help. She always has nice wines for the kitchen help.”

Joan added, “If I had more than 20 people over for Thanksgiving, I’d be well into my second bottle by now.”

As Jen and Joan moved toward the kitchen, Tom, Stephen and George followed. Eventually, Tom and Stephen moved out the backdoor and went down a few steps onto a patio. The yard behind the rectory and church was expansive, sloping gently down to a small lake.

With beers in hand, they headed in the direction of a group talking and casually tossing around a football.

This was another rare social occasion when Ron McDermott could be found in non-clerical attire, sporting tan work boots, brown pants and a long-sleeve, tan, cotton button down. Other than for golf, Stephen knew that this was about as casual as Ron got outside the St. Luke’s rectory – and sometimes within the rectory.

The other four people, however, were in the full spirit of the Stone Bowl.

Zack had his Seahawks jersey on, and Tom’s oldest daughter, Cara, also wore a “Stone Bowl” jersey. Cara, at 27 years old, was a younger version of her mother, including the strawberry-blond hair, but longer, bright blue eyes and smile. Stephen noticed that the two seemed more interested in each other than the football. Well, that’s intriguing.

Stephen had not seen Mike Vanacore in a while, noting that the young, billionaire video game entrepreneur, and leading supporter of parochial education, was still sporting thick blond hair and Clark Kent glasses. Vanacore was from, and still lived in California, but also had a house on Long Island, He was an active member at St. Bart’s. His football preferences were clear from his San Diego Chargers jersey.

But it was the fourth person in the group who drew Stephen’s attention. He whispered to Tom, “Who is that with Mike? She looks familiar.”

Stephen was referring to a tall, thin, beautiful woman with long, straight blond hair. She also had a Chargers jersey on, though cut to reveal her stomach and belly button, along with Capri-style jeans and white sneakers.

Tom answered, “Familiar? Really? Does Jen know that?”

Stephen said, “Meaning what?”

Tom continued, “That’s Melissa Ambler. I guess there’s no other way to put it: She’s a supermodel. She and Mike have been dating for a bit. I believe she was in the most recent SI swimsuit issue.”

Stephen retorted, “And how would you know that? And does Maggie know?”

“Touché. She’s also been in some cosmetics commercials.”

“Interesting.”

Tom added, “That’s not all. She’s got an MBA. Mike constantly mentions her business smarts.”

They stopped and looked at each other.

Stephen smirked and said, “Her business smarts. That’s what he talks about constantly?”

Tom replied, “Yes, and what are you possibly implying?” His fake outrage lasted mere seconds, when they laughed, clinked their bottles, and drank some beer.

Everyone greeted Stephen warmly.

The Stone Bowl was waged in good fun, but with more than just a light touch of competitiveness, between two teams of eight. The effective St. Bart’s home team – featuring the Stone family, along with Mike and Melissa – won a tight contest, with an interception by Mike returned for a touchdown to make it final.

Stephen threw the pick, and immediately knew he would not live that down with his friends – and his wife – for the entire coming year, until the next Stone Bowl.

Later, with a feast featuring two turkeys spread across two large tables arranged in a T, Tom stood and everyone fell silent.

“For those who have never been at a Stone family Thanksgiving, I officially welcome you, and thank God for your being with us. We don’t do anything like putting individuals on the spot saying what they’re thankful for. We leave that to each of you personally with the Lord. But I do take the opportunity to reflect a bit in our dinner prayer. So, please bow your heads.”

Everyone did so.

Tom continued:

“Dear Jesus, our Lord and Savior, we have so much to be thankful for, truly. We thank you for the family and dear friends you have brought together here today, and for the many hands that brought forth the bounty of which we are about to partake, from the farms and ranches, and every other point along the way, into our own kitchen.

“But what we are most thankful for is your sacrifice and atonement for our sins, your love, forgiveness and gifts of salvation and eternal life, and your coming to us through Word and sacrament. And we thank you for your Church. While it is broken and fragmented in so many ways due to man’s sin, it remains Your Church, and the place where believers can gather together to hear the Word, partake in the Lord’s supper, learn, and help, support and strengthen each other.

“Jesus, Your Church again has come under attack, with sin and the Evil One working to limit the reach of the Gospel. We pray for strength to have the courage to do what is right, to protect the Church, no matter what the price.

“Finally, sweet Jesus, we pray for those who gather on this Thanksgiving, but know not who they should be thanking for their families, their friends, their blessing and their very lives. We pray that through Your grace, through the Holy Spirit, through an awakening of faith, they will come to know You.

“And we pray all of this, in Your precious name. Amen.”

All around the table echoed, “Amen.”

Maggie looked at her husband, and squeezed his hand. She turned to her family and guests, and said, “Please, everyone, eat and enjoy.”

Stephen was seated on the other side of Tom, and whispered, “Nice prayer.”

Tom replied, “Thanks. All credit, of course, goes to Him.” After a short pause, as he spooned some au gratin potatoes onto his plate, he added, “Although, I pondered adding thanks for that pick you threw giving us the Stone Bowl. But I thought it might make the prayer go too long.”

Stephen smiled. “And so it starts. I’m never going to hear the end of this, am I?”

Tom replied, “Of course not. What are friends for?”

Murderer's Row only $2.99 on Kindle

On MURDERER’S ROW, Kirkus Review says, “Action fans will find plenty to love here, from gunfights and murder sprees to moral dilemmas.” For a limited time, only $2.99 for Kindle version.

Is James Bond a Good Guy?

In a review, Ray Keating tries to answer the question: Is James Bond a good guy?

Offers a look at the new Bond book - Trigger Mortis - and movie - Spectre.

Read the article at

http://aleteia.org/2015/11/21/is-james-bond-a-good-guy/

Kindle Sale: All Five Pastor Stephen Grant Thrillers for Less Than $15

Get all five – MURDERER’S ROW, THE RIVER, AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY, ROOT OF ALL EVIL? and WARRIOR MONK – on the Kindle for less than $15 for a limited time. Just $2.99 each!

Another 5-Star Review of Murderer's Row!

From a recent 5-star Amazon review of MURDERER'S ROW: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL by Ray Keating:

"This fifth Pastor Stephen Grant novel has all the things I've loved about the others in the series: suspense, faith, and relatable characters. As a baseball fan, this one was even better. Keep up the good work, Mr. Keating."

Murderer's Row Excerpt: Taking on an Islamic Terrorist

People sometimes ask who my favorite characters are in my Pastor Stephen Grant novels, or what scene did I enjoy writing most. Well, in light of the Islamic terrorist attacks in Paris, and therefore in a time of righteous anger, I would like to reveal that the following was one of the scenes that I, yes, enjoyed writing most in MURDERER'S ROW - a fight between Paige Caldwell and an Islamic terrorist during a rescue mission in Iraq:

     That moment of hesitation was all Caldwell needed. Malik was a big man – six-three, muscular and heavy. It was crucial that she not get into any kind of brawl with him. So, while springing forward, she pulled out a tactical knife strapped to her right thigh, and drove it directly into Malik’s reproductive parts.
     As he screamed out in agony, he fell back, with Caldwell on top of him. She shoved the knife in deeper, and then pulled it to the left, the right and then down.
     His screams grew louder.
     She pulled the knife out and whispered, “I think you may have trouble with those 72 dark-eyed virgins in paradise now. I bet they’ll thank me, though.”
     Malik’s eyes rolled back in his head, and Caldwell jumped up and grabbed her gun.

- from MURDERER'S ROW: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL

Radical Islam, militant secularism and relativism

Given the madness of the Paris terrorist attacks, and much of what is going on the U.S., the following form the world of the Pastor Stephen Grant novel...

Radical Islam, militant secularism and relativism?

Real-world threats central to the struggle in Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating. Read the chapter highlighting the issues at

http://pastorstephengrant.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-popes-letter-on-relativism-militant.html

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

The priest finally said, “If Malik knew about the conversion, that would be a death sentence for Dawud and his parents.”

- from Murderer’s Row

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

Stephen asked, “Are you upset? Should I have let it alone? The conversation just went in that direction, and as I told your father, I don’t like it when someone hurts you.”

- from The River