Monday, August 31, 2020
Why Join the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship? Find Out Right Now!
Here's the latest on joining the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship. If you enjoy Ray Keating's Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, then consider joining the fellowship. A new option is to join at the Book of the Month Club level - it's a great deal. For more information go to https://www.patreon.com/pastorstephengrantfellowship
Monday, August 24, 2020
Excerpt from ROOT OF ALL EVIL? A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL by Ray Keating
On the Church calendar, August 24 marks the day we celebrate St. Bartholomew, the Apostle. In the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, Father Tom Stone is the rector at St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church on Long Island. For good measure, as the days pass in August and we head into September, we hear more about schools and education. The following chapter is an excerpt from ROOT OF ALL EVIL? A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL. The reader gets a feel for Father Stone, a bit about St. Bart’s, and we are introduced to Mike Vanacore and how education works into the story. Oh, yeah, and surfing.
Enjoy, and read the entire book by getting the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon.com, or order a signed book. Thanks!
Chapter 22
Part of Mike Vanacore’s story seemed to be a replay of others’ in the computer, digital, broadband economy.
The thirty-two-year-old billionaire fell in love with electronics and computers while growing up in Hawthorne, California, which happened to be the Beach Boys’ hometown. Vanacore’s hard-working parents supported his interests and talents as best they could, and rejoiced when his excellent grades in high school, particularly in math and science, earned him a full ride to the School of Engineering at Stanford University.
Since they were intense gamers, Vanacore and two college friends decided to do more than complain about the shortcomings of various video games. By their sophomore year, they were consumed by creating their own video games, and managed to generate some buzz. Vanacore’s buddies, however, moved on under parental pressure when grades slipped badly.
But Vanacore had little trouble maintaining high marks, while at the same time creating a video game business.
He found a couple of angel investors to provide start-up capital, and by his senior year, Corevana Entertainment had grown to more than 100 employees, and $30 million in sales.
But rather than dropping out to focus exclusively on his firm, as other young tech turks had done, Vanacore finished his degree. After graduation, Corevana’s growth only accelerated, and its initial public offering made Mike Vanacore a billionaire at the age of 26.
Along the way, Vanacore became known in various circles for maintaining his Christian faith taught to him growing up. Compared to some of his fellow tech nerds, who earned reputations for power trips and/or wild parties that came with newfound wealth, Vanacore was highlighted now and then in the business media for being, well, Christian.
As the U.S. Episcopal Church wandered away from the traditional Episcopal parish of his childhood, Vanacore actually spoke out. Some in the Episcopal Church took notice given his wealth and youth, but he was quickly discounted as just another “conservative” who refused to change with the culture. Some noted the irony of such criticisms given how he made his fortune.
When Vanacore decided to buy a home across the country on Long Island as an occasional escape from his California-based business, he stumbled upon St. Bart’s one Sunday. He apparently fell in love with the beautiful, castle-like stone church set on four lakeside acres in Eastport, and most importantly, with what was being taught and preached in the building. When the parish decided to leave the Episcopal Church, eventually joining the Anglican Church in North America, it was Vanacore who ponied up a majority of the funds needed to purchase St. Bart’s property from the local Episcopal diocese.
Vanacore was now expanding his charitable giving into primary and secondary education. His plan was to use his wealth to make substantive changes in individual local public schools, that is, in the kind of school he attended.
But his parish priest, Father Tom Stone, was about to ask Vanacore to listen to an alternative.
On the way out of Mass on Saturday night, Stone asked Vanacore if he had a little time to talk.
Ten minutes later, they were seated in Stone’s office, talking across the priest’s unique redwood, surfboard-shaped desk. A friend and parishioner had the desk specially made as a gift, given Stone’s off-duty love of wearing Hawaiian shirts, and his high school and college years spent living and surfing in southern California.
In fact, though about 20 years apart, Stone and Vanacore shared more than a common faith, but also a southern California connection.
Vanacore ran his right hand along the front of the desk. “As I said before, you have the best desk ever. A surfboard. Love it.”
“It was a gift from Clint Gullett. Handmade. It’s a great reminder of my California days. I’m sure he’d be glad to let you know who makes them,” replied Stone.
“I’ll ask him. So, when was the last time you hit the surf?”
Stone laughed. “It’s been at least, what, 25 years.”
Vanacore slipped into a mock surfer voice, and declared, “Dude, we have to remedy that.”
With his thin, tall frame, topped off by thick blond hair, and Clark Kent glasses, it was easy to see Vanacore moving comfortably in either the video gaming or surfing communities.
The young billionaire continued, “But I’m sure you didn’t ask me to stop by to talk about surfing.”
Stone replied, “No. Ever since you told me about the education foundation you’re starting up, something has been nagging at me. But I was not sure if it was my place to say anything, and then I got a call this morning.”
“Tom, you know I’m open to hearing your ideas and thoughts on anything, and considering that you’re a priest, and therefore, you teach people, I’d love to hear what’s on your mind.”
“I appreciate that. I know your focus is on targeting and helping select public schools.”
“Right.”
“Have you thought about supporting parochial schools instead, or as well?’
Vanacore paused. “Well, not really. I went to public schools growing up, and that’s kind of guided my thinking on this.”
“I can understand that. But given what you’ve told me about your childhood and your parents, do you think they would have sent you to a Christian school if they could have afforded it?”
“Actually, I have no doubt about that. I remember overhearing them talking about it late into the night at the kitchen table, and regretting they couldn’t afford it.”
“Today, it’s even tougher. Most families simply can’t take on the added cost of a religious education for their kids.”
“Like my parents. I understand that. But does it matter? I went to public school, and it was my parents, our priest and parish that kept me in the faith.”
“I’d say you were very lucky then. Given the state of our culture, it’s not easy to keep kids strong and active in the faith. Listen, Maggie and I have sent all our children to parochial school, and they obviously have gotten an up-close-and-personal church experience growing up as well. But when you consider the impact that schools have on children, just given the time spent in school and what’s being taught, there is that possibility of what’s being taught at home getting undermined in school. We only saw the upside in sending the kids to parochial school.”
“Yeah, that used to drive my parents nuts. My father complained about having to undo what was being done in school at times.”
“Now think about how many parents don’t even know what’s going on and being taught in school, or when they do know, not having the confidence to take it on, like your father did.”
Vanacore took his glasses off, and chewed on one of its arms. After a few seconds, he put the glasses back on his face. “Okay, Tom, you make a good case. What more were you thinking? What was the call about that stirred you to set up this little meeting?”
“As you know, the school that Maggie and I sent the kids to, and still send one, is St. Luke’s Catholic School. It’s been a tremendous blessing. And by the way, make no mistake, you can send your children to what you think is a faithful, traditional Christian school, and even then it unfortunately can turn out to be something different. But that most certainly has not been the case with St. Luke’s.”
“Well, that’s good.”
“Absolutely. However, there is a lot of uncertainty about the school’s future, given recent closings of Catholic schools. I’m not asking this because of my family’s link, but because St. Luke’s is a great place and it’s in the midst of planning how to grow and secure its future. I thought it would be an ideal opportunity for you to talk to the people who run a quality parochial school, see what the school offers, and consider the challenges it faces.” Stone paused. “I can set up a meeting or meetings with Father Burns and Father McDermott, the principal, Mrs. Fleming, staff, parents, whatever. What do you think?”
“I would love to meet with the people at St. Luke’s.”
“That’s great. Shall I set it up?”
Vanacore smiled. “Yes, but on one condition.”
“What’s that?”
“Before the end of the year, you have to promise to come out to my place in California and go surfing. The entire family is invited, and you’ll fly on my jet.”
“Mike, that’s really nice, but I …”
“No ‘buts,’ Tom. Either you promise to get back on the board at my place, or no deal on meeting with St. Luke’s.”
It was Stone’s turn to smile. “You drive a hard bargain, Mike. Take a free trip to surf in California, or else? What can I say, but yes, and thanks?”
“It’ll be sick.”
After Mike left, Tom called a friend for a little guidance on the economics of education.
Monday, August 17, 2020
Book Excerpt: Prologue from "Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel" by Ray Keating
Prologue
A few years after the fall of the Soviet Union
A suppressor never threw off his aim. But it served as a distraction while the gun rested in his shoulder holster.
He felt like the target could spot the weapon more easily. Objectively, he understood this wasn’t the case below a suit jacket and trench coat. Still, it didn’t feel right.
The two Americans drove on a narrow country road about an hour outside of Paris. Rain was in the forecast, and the dark gray clouds appeared ready to burst. But not a drop had fallen yet.
Sunflowers populated field after field along the way. He wondered how the tall, top-heavy plants could stand so erect.
His partner on this particular assignment dropped him off around the corner from an old church, a small wood and stone structure at the center of a bucolic village. If all ran on schedule, the target, Vladimir Chenko, would be waiting in a pew.
Chenko not only had been a veteran military officer for the Soviet Union and then Russia, but also was a CIA asset. The Russian reported on the communists for years, and more recently, tried to spot any nuclear materials wandering off. Or, at least, that was his assignment from the CIA.
The nugget was money and an eventual life of capitalist leisure. Chenko retired, and was ready to be united with a bank account packed with U.S. dollars. The Russian sought a safe, preferably tropical location with America’s help.
But Chenko played both sides, and it had resulted in several deaths.
One happened to be the American’s mentor and friend.
By sheer luck, the agency stumbled upon evidence that Chenko had passed on information over the years from loose-lipped field operators who got too trusting, too comfortable and, therefore, sloppy. That information cost the lives of two U.S. operatives and perhaps as many as ten Russian assets who worked to undermine Soviet communism.
With the Cold War over, Chenko apparently thought no one in the West would care enough to unearth his duplicity, or that his tracks were well covered.
Chenko was wrong on each count. The Americans found out and were quite displeased.
The American entered the tiny stone church, and stepped into the rear of the nave. He could smell the age and decay of the place. Like so many others in Europe, this church appeared empty – but for his target. It increasingly seemed that if you wanted to arrange a discreet meeting, a church in Europe was ideal.
He noted the side exit was open, only steps from where a man sat in the third pew, staring at the altar.
Is the bastard praying?
He paused briefly, taking another look around, then moved forward and sat in front of Chenko. The pew creaked. From the sound on the stone outside the doorway, he knew the rain had started to fall. His gaze remained straight ahead, while giving the pre-determined phrase in fluent French. “This church has seen much over the centuries.”
Chenko responded in Russian, “Yes, and it, no doubt, will see more.”
He turned halfway around in the pew, and the Russian smiled broadly.
Chenko switched to English, “I am ready, my American friend.”
Friend?
He didn’t expect the Russian to be armed. After all, this was to be a happy occasion. Nonetheless, he looked Chenko over carefully.
“My wife is on one floor of a Paris hotel, and my mistress on another.” Chenko laughed in delight as some do when they relish getting away with something. “Both await new lives. How are we to proceed?”
Without a word in response or to declare judgment, the American rotated back toward the altar, and reached his right hand inside his jacket for the Glock.
The fat, gray-haired Russian double agent moved with surprising quickness and strength. Chenko whipped a cord around his neck, cutting into his skin and cutting off his air.
He fumbled the gun as his hands reacted instinctively trying to pull away the cord. He was being hoisted back over the pew via this line of strangulation, feet just off the ground, seemingly helpless to fight back.
“I spotted the gun, comrade. Silencers make pistols so bulky,” Chenko spewed into his ear.
Shit, I knew it.
Darkness and death were not far off. He snapped his left wrist back hard, allowing the tactical knife strapped low on his forearm to slip forward. He grabbed it, pressed the thumb stud to open the 3.1-inch serrated-edge steel blade, swung it around, and plunged it into Chenko’s left calf.
The Russian screamed a curse in his native language, but Chenko’s grip on the wire did not falter.
Son of a bitch!
Summoning the last bits of his faltering strength, he began pulling the knife up, slicing through skin and muscle, scraping against bone.
The double agent screamed. Chenko’s left hand flinched and loosened ever so slightly.
Finally, he had his opportunity, jamming his right hand under the wire, and spinning his body away from Chenko and onto the floor, with the bloody knife still in his left hand.
Struggling for air, he staggered to his feet. Chenko was pulling up his right pant leg, and grabbing a small revolver strapped above his ankle.
Crap!
The Russian was straightening up to fire.
One chance existed. He flipped the knife into his right hand, looked at Chenko’s chest, and threw it. The knife struck home. The Russian dropped the gun. There was a strange, disturbing look of fear on Chenko’s face as he turned and looked around the church briefly, and then toppled to the floor dead.
That’s the first of two.
He picked up and holstered the gun; pulled the knife from the dead Russian, closed it and shoved it into his pocket; and took steps toward the side exit.
A voice from the back of the church asked in French, “Why, my son?”
He did exactly what he was trained not to do.
He stopped and turned slightly. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a dark figure in the shadows at the back of the church. A glimmering gold cross hung from a chain around the shadow’s neck, the only clear feature in the dim light.
For some reason, he answered, “It had to be done. Justice.” He walked out into the hard rain.
Less than a minute later, he was picked up at the designated location. Other than an exchange on how the mission was completed, they drove in silence.
In the heavy rain, the sunflowers growing in the roadside fields drooped their heads ever so slightly.
Two hours later, he was on a commercial flight heading back to the United States.
But he felt different this time. It wasn’t guilt, nor regret. There was no satisfaction, which surprised him. He felt empty.
Why risk answering that priest?
He always saw his work as having meaning and purpose. His head continued to recognize this. However, a gnawing for something more had been growing deeper inside.
The vision of the priest and that light-gathering cross kept creeping back into his thoughts during the flight. He tried to read or watch the in-flight movie, but to no avail.
What did that priest think today? Was Chenko praying? Do I care?
On that flight from Paris to New York, he realized that he did care.
Saturday, July 11, 2020
Thursday, July 2, 2020
PRESS CLUB C Podcast with Ray Keating – Episode #20: Summer Writing, Summer Reading
Ray loves summer reading and summer writing. In this episode, he talks about writing his novels, and the three goals or objectives that govern what he tries to accomplish in his thrillers and mysteries. Tune in Now!
Saturday, June 20, 2020
Summer Reading with Pastor Stephen Grant!
Ideal Summer Reading – Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant Thrillers & Mysteries, Along with His Nonfiction Books – Paperbacks and for the Kindle at www.amazon.com and Signed Books at www.raykeatingonline.com
Saturday, June 13, 2020
Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Monthly Price - May Winner, June Prize
Check out who won a free copy of the forthcoming VATICAN SHADOWS as the Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Prize for May, and find out what the prize is for June. To get in the random prize drawing, buy anything at RayKeatingOnline.com during the month of June!
Monday, June 8, 2020
Review of Behind Enemy Lines
by Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★
The Keating Files – June 8, 2020
The journalistic side of Ray Keating’s writing comes to the fore in Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left Wing New York. Boasting a traditional conservative voice that is measured, self-aware, confident, and persuasive, Keating’s arguments are original and thought-provoking, while many of the ideas explored in this book are surprisingly nuanced.
As a journalist, fiction writer, and general observer of life, Keating has written more than 8,000 columns and pieces over the past thirty years, remaining steadily in the lane of idyllic conservatism – family, God, and country matter above most else. Having read many of Keating’s Pastor Grant novels, the conservative bent to much of this book’s arguments is unsurprising. His iconic protagonist is a gun-toting, Constitution-defending, God-fearing vigilante hero, an appealing figure for a steadfast conservative operating in a bastion of liberal progressivism like New York.
Ranging from lauding praise on Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan to questioning Obama’s ultimate motives and decision-making ability, these opinion pieces are anything but impartial, but they are also well-structured and level-headed. Criticisms of taxpayers picking up the NASA tab, scathing reviews of governmental function (regardless of party leadership), and discussions of the quiet titan of Christianity within American politics are just a few of the subjects touched on in this unexpectedly riveting collection.
Keating’s journalistic style is similarly fearless to his fiction writing, unafraid to dabble in any realm and apply his firmly held beliefs into peaceful debate with those who would disagree. Unlike so much other conservative writing in recent years, especially pro-Trump partiality, Keating has a frank and honest voice that appears to be morally uncompromised. He makes it clear that while his economic, social, and geopolitical opinions may fall on the conservative spectrum, his principles are still very much in place...
Monday, May 25, 2020
A Podcast Doubleheader – Two PRESS CLUB C Episodes with Two Lutheran Pastors!
PRESS CLUB C Podcast with Ray Keating – Episode #8: Joy, Seriousness and Fun with Christianity and Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller – Ray and Pastor Wolfmueller talk Christianity, the Internet and the Church, joy, martyrdom and more! Tune in right here!
Sunday, May 24, 2020
PRESS CLUB C Podcast with Ray Keating – Episode #10: Streaming Fueling the Nerd
Ray Keating goes full nerd in this episode, mainly focusing on how online streaming services are fulfilling many of his nerd dreams pertaining to DC comics and movies – the Snyder Justice League cut! – Marvel comics, movies and shows, Star Wars, Star Trek, film stuff, and yes, Chuck. Join Ray, and embrace your inner nerd.
Monday, May 18, 2020
PRESS CLUB C Podcast with Ray Keating – Episode #9: Reminders on Socialism, Reagan Conservatism and Bad Column Writing
Ray Keating finds himself having to remind people that socialism doesn’t work; that the lesson for conservatives is not to back away from Reagan; and that just because you agree with some points made in a column doesn’t mean that it necessarily was a well-written column. Tune in!
Order Ray Keating’s new book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York – signed books or at Amazon.
And one of Keating’s newest books is Free Trade Rocks! 10 Points on International Trade Everyone Should Know, which is available at Amazon in paperback or for the Kindle edition, and signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com.
Please take a look at Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant novels, which are available in paperback and for the Kindle at Amazon.com, and signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com. The newest book is The Traitor.
Sunday, May 17, 2020
Ray Keating Talks and Reads from THE RIVER
We’re heading to Las Vegas, baby, as Ray Keating reads from THE RIVER!
Get paperback and Kindle edition of THE RIVER at Amazon via
Signed books are at www.raykeatingonline.com
Thursday, May 14, 2020
PRESS CLUB C Podcast – Joy, Seriousness and Fun with Christianity and Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller
NEW! PRESS CLUB C Podcast with Ray Keating – Episode #8: Joy, Seriousness and Fun with Christianity and Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller – Make no mistake, the deep thinking in this episode is being done by Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller, while Ray is kind of along for the ride and enjoying every second.
Pastor Wolfmueller talks about Christianity (especially Lutheranism), the use of the Internet as a tool for the Church, Christian joy, martyrdom, American Christianity, his books and YouTube channel, and more! And yes, he also plays “Tell Me Your Favorites.” While this is the longest interview Ray Keating has done yet on the PRESS CLUB C Podcast, it’s clear that time flies when you’re having fun. And yes, there is no conflict between doing serious thinking and having fun.
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
A Chance to Win a FREE Copy of Ray Keating's Forthcoming VATICAN SHADOWS
Ray Keating’s VATICAN SHADOWS: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL is coming this summer!
Want a chance to win a FREE copy?
Buy anything at www.raykeatingonline.com during the month of May 2020, and you’ll be automatically entered into a prize drawing to win a FREE copy of VATICAN SHADOWS.
And make sure that you’re caught up on all of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories!
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Pastor Stephen Grant Book of the Month Super Savings!
Check out the fantastic savings on signed books and sets for the Pastor Stephen Grant Book of the Month!
And buy anything in May at RayKeatingOnline.com and get entered for the monthly prize drawing. Wooo! https://raykeatingonline.com/t/book-of-the-month
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
PRESS CLUB C Podcast with Ray Keating – Episode #5: Interview with Thom Brennaman – TV Play-by-Play for the Cincinnati Reds & FOX NFL
Ray Keating once again upgrades the podcast with a great guest. Thom Brennaman, Cincinnati Reds play-by-play TV announcer and play-by-play announcer for the NFL on FOX, is that special guest.
Thom and Ray talk about Brennaman’s broadcast experience and some of his fellow Reds announcers; the NFL’s noteworthy accomplishments with this year’s draft; NASCAR getting out front on re-opening among major sports; what lies ahead for baseball; and what the Reds were up to in the offseason and what the team promises to look like whenever the first pitch is tossed out for MLB season. Thom also plays “Tell Me Your Favorites” and talks about some matters beyond sports. Despite being a ridiculous Reds fan, Ray manages to act professionally. Enjoy the conversation!
Click here or on the graphic above.
Thom and Ray talk about Brennaman’s broadcast experience and some of his fellow Reds announcers; the NFL’s noteworthy accomplishments with this year’s draft; NASCAR getting out front on re-opening among major sports; what lies ahead for baseball; and what the Reds were up to in the offseason and what the team promises to look like whenever the first pitch is tossed out for MLB season. Thom also plays “Tell Me Your Favorites” and talks about some matters beyond sports. Despite being a ridiculous Reds fan, Ray manages to act professionally. Enjoy the conversation!
Click here or on the graphic above.
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Last Day - Get Entered for Awesome April Prize!
LAST DAY! Purchase anything - any book or set of books, for example - at RayKeatingOnline.com, and be automatically entered in a prize drawing for a FREE one-year subscription to the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship, which includes receiving all Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories published over the coming year for FREE. Wow!
Go to www.raykeatingonline.com.
Go to www.raykeatingonline.com.
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
How About a Thrilling Comic-Con Adventure for National Superhero Day?
Enjoy HEROES AND VILLAINS: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT SHORT STORY – Reviewers Love It and Kindle Edition on Sale for Only $2.99!
Stephen Grant, the onetime Navy SEAL, former CIA operative and current Lutheran pastor, must confront violence springing from a toxic mix of pop culture and ideological extremism. Grant finds himself in an entirely unfamiliar setting – a comic book, science fiction and fantasy convention. But he still joins forces with a unique set of heroes in an attempt to foil a villainous plot against one of the all-time great comic book writers and artists.
Reviewers are giving it a big thumbs up...
"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." - Kirkus Reviews
"Keating manages to instill the same suspense of his other epic thrillers into this unlikely little gem. As he always does, Pastor Grant brings bravado and humility to the table at the same time, instilling the book with morality, action and thought-provoking revelations from start to finish. Keating's creativity and storytelling ability remain on point, for a fun and different take on Pastor Grant, and one that's just as satisfying as longer books in the series." - Self-Publishing Review
"An engaging story that not only entertains, but also confronts the sad reality that creators and their work have been tainted by political agenda." - Tyrel Bramwell, author of The Gift and the Defender
"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!" - Lutheran Book Review
"This is a fantastic novel... If you are a comic book fan who is fed up with the political correctness that's going on, you have got to pick up Heroes and Villains... I highly recommend this book... I'm definitely going to be paying more attention to Ray Keating, and getting more of his novels." - Jacob Airey, host of StudioJake
"I have good news for you. I was a little worried that a short story isn't worth buying by itself (although I do think short stories can be a masterful way to highlight good writing). At 83 pages, however, this is much more a novella. I don't begrudge what I spent on it at all. There was enough for a satisfying read and an enjoyable time spent...
"There are heroes and villains, ideologies & naïvetés. There's a cast of characters many of us have grown fond of and a fun little setting. I can say I do kind of wish it had been turned into a full novel. On the other hand, there's nothing wrong with something a little more episodic like this, something that doesn't necessitate pulling in the whole gang and finding lots of backstory.
"Good summer reading." - Mary Moerbe, "Meet, Write, & Salutary" blog
Grab HEROES AND VILLAINS at
On National Superhero Day: Thumbs Up from Studio Jake for HEROES AND VILLAINS
On this National Superhero Day, check out the thumbs-up review of HEROES AND VILLAINS: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT SHORT STORY by Jacob Airey, host of StudioJake.
Also, regarding HEROES AND VILLAINS, Kirkus Reviews said, “An entertaining, immersive jaunt with a formidable protagonist.”
Get the Kindle edition of HEROES AND VILLAINS for only $2.99 at
Sunday, April 26, 2020
Thumbs Up For BEHIND ENEMY LINES
In his new book BEHIND ENEMY LINES: CONSERVATIVE COMMUNIQUES FROM LEFT-WING NEW YORK, Ray Keating serves up a wide-ranging collection of columns and essays covering politics, economics, faith, conservatism, history, trade, New York, foreign affairs, immigration, pop culture, business, sports, books, and more.
Paperbacks and the Kindle editions are at Amazon via https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086PN1NNZ
Signed books can be ordered at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/behindenemylines
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