“For Better, For Worse: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story” by Ray Keating Filled with Action and Reflection

 18th Installment in Series Featuring a Former CIA Operative Turned Pastor

 

For Better, For Worse: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story is an action-packed, thought-provoking page-turner from Ray Keating. This is his nineteenth work of fiction, and the 18th book in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. 

 

What’s For Better, For Worse about? From Finland to California, the tension builds and the action never falters. Pastor Stephen Grant arrives on the West Coast to officiate at the wedding of two friends. But the past reaches out to disrupt the festivities. Can Grant and his former CIA colleagues stop an attack by a team of killers sent by a powerful figure bent on revenge?

 

Ray Keating says, “It’s my hope that For Better, For Worse provides plenty of action in a shorter story, along with digging a bit into the characters and their relationships. Plus, this story also says a thing or two about marriage and what it’s all about in the end. That’s a lot to pack into a tale of less than 100 pages, but I hope readers find it entertaining and interesting.”

 

The first Facebook review of For Better, For Worse said: “Outstanding story. It's impressive how much you managed to cram, if that's the right word, into such a slender book. I really enjoyed it.”

 

For good measure, Ray Keating received the following message from a reader on Facebook: “I'm not generally into short stories, but I like yours!”

 

Kirkus Reviews has called Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant “an engaging and multifaceted character” and “a consistently entertaining hero.” Lutheran Book Review calls Keating “the master of the theological thriller.”

 

Matthew Heise, author of The Gates of Hell: An Untold Story of Faith and Perseverance in the Early Soviet Union, said, “Check out Ray's novels… They are action-filled and deeply thought out. His Stephen Grant is Jack Ryan in Lutheran clerical garb!”

 

In an article titled “If James Bond Became a Pastor” covering Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers/mysteries series, author and columnist Gene Veith noted, “Mr. Keating knows how to tell an exciting story. And these books, like the James Bond novels, are ridiculously entertaining.”

 

Paperbacks and the Kindle edition of For Better, For Worse are available at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CB4XS5SD, and signed books at www.RayKeatingOnline.com. All 18 books in the series are at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SW8HB34?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn.

 

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

 

Contact: Ray Keating

E-mail: raykeating@keatingreports.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PastorStephenGrantNovels and https://www.facebook.com/AllianceofSaintMichael

Twitter: @KeatingNovels

RayKeatingOnline.com

 

About the Author 

 

Ray Keating is a novelist, an economist, a nonfiction author, a podcaster, a columnist, and an entrepreneur. 

 

At this point, Keating has penned 18 Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries (with more on the way) – Warrior Monk, followed by Root of All Evil?, An Advent for Religious Liberty, The River, Murderer’s Row, Wine Into Water, Lionhearts, Reagan Country, Heroes and Villains, Shifting Sands, Deep Rough, The Traitor, Vatican Shadows, Past Lives, What’s Lost?, Persecution, Under the Golden Dome, and For Better, For Worse. He also has begun the Alliance of Saint Michael series, with Cathedral. 

 

Among recent nonfiction books are The Lutheran Planner: The TO DO List Solution, The Weekly Economist II: 52 More Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist, The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist, Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York and Free Trade Rocks! 10 Points on International Trade Everyone Should Know. 

 

In addition, Keating is the editor/publisher/columnist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and hosts three podcasts. He was a columnist with RealClearMarkets.com, and a former weekly newspaper columnist for Newsday, Long Island Business News, and the New York City Tribune. His work has appeared in many periodicals, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, New York Post, Los Angeles Daily News, The Boston Globe, National Review, The Washington Times, Investor’s Business Daily, New York Daily News, Detroit Free Press, Chicago Tribune, TheHill.com, Touchstone magazine, Townhall.com, and Cincinnati Enquirer. 

 

“Under the Golden Dome: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel” by Ray Keating Ranks as a Thought-Provoking Thriller

 17th Installment in Series Featuring a Former CIA Operative Turned Pastor

Under the Golden Dome: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel is a thought-provoking, exciting page-turner from Ray Keating. This is his eighteenth work of fiction, and the 17th book in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. 

In this latest book, Pastor Stephen Grant and his wife, economist Jennifer Grant, are invited to a conference at the University of Notre Dame. While they look forward to speaking at the same gathering, unexpected dangers materialize, fueled by distorted, political impulses among some in the Church. Defending religious freedom isn’t limited to a conflict of ideas, as the struggle turns deadly.

 

Ray Keating says, “In Under the Golden Dome, I not only try to bring action, urgency and some fun to the reader, but I probably delve more deeply into the world of ideas than in my previous novels. First, I’ve set the book at one of my favorite places in the country, that is, at and around the University of Notre Dame. Second, the conflict in this story stems from conflicting views on the mix of freedom, pluralism, and Christianity, and the questions, risks and history of wedding the Church with politics. Third, at the same time, my primary objective remains telling a compelling story, with characters that readers find interesting.”

 

Kirkus Reviews has called Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant “an engaging and multifaceted character” and “a consistently entertaining hero.” Lutheran Book Review calls Keating “the master of the theological thriller.”

 

In an article titled “If James Bond Became a Pastor” covering Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers/mysteries series, author and columnist Gene Veith noted, “Mr. Keating knows how to tell an exciting story. And these books, like the James Bond novels, are ridiculously entertaining.”

 

Among other reviews and comments, Father Mike Coleman declared, “I am a Catholic priest and have thoroughly enjoyed each of these books. Edge-of-your seat excitement and very spiritually uplifting.”

 

Paperbacks and the Kindle edition of Under the Golden Dome are available at Amazon.com, and signed books at www.RayKeatingOnline.com. 

 

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

 

Contact: Ray Keating

E-mail: raykeating@keatingreports.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PastorStephenGrantNovels and https://www.facebook.com/AllianceofSaintMichael

Twitter: @KeatingNovels

RayKeatingOnline.com

 

 

About the Author 

 

Ray Keating is a novelist, an economist, a nonfiction author, a podcaster, a columnist, and an entrepreneur. 

 

At this point, Keating has penned 17 Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries (with more on the way) – Warrior Monk, followed by Root of All Evil?, An Advent for Religious Liberty, The River, Murderer’s Row, Wine Into Water, Lionhearts, Reagan Country, Heroes and Villains, Shifting Sands, Deep Rough, The Traitor, Vatican Shadows, Past Lives, What’s Lost?, Persecution and now Under the Golden Dome. He also has begun the Alliance of Saint Michael series, with Cathedral. 

 

Among recent nonfiction books are The Lutheran Planner: The TO DO List Solution, The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist, Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York and Free Trade Rocks! 10 Points on International Trade Everyone Should Know.

 

In addition, Keating is the editor/publisher/columnist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and hosts three podcasts. He was a columnist with RealClearMarkets.com, and a former weekly newspaper columnist for Newsday, Long Island Business News, and the New York City Tribune. His work has appeared in many periodicals, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, New York Post, Los Angeles Daily News, The Boston Globe, National Review, The Washington Times, Investor’s Business Daily, New York Daily News, Detroit Free Press, Chicago Tribune, TheHill.com, Touchstone magazine, Townhall.com, and Cincinnati Enquirer. 

Pre-Order “Under the Golden Dome: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel” by Ray Keating Now!

Kindle editions at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZ3KLSCP

Signed books at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/underthegoldendome

 

Pastor Stephen Grant and his wife, economist Jennifer Grant, are invited to a conference at the University of Notre Dame. While they look forward to speaking at the same gathering, unexpected dangers materialize, fueled by distorted, political impulses among some in the Church. 

 

• Kirkus Reviews says Ray Keating’s books are “exhilarating."

 

• Lutheran Book Review calls Keating “the master of the theological thriller.”

 

• “I am a Catholic priest and have thoroughly enjoyed each of these books. Edge-of-your seat excitement and very spiritually uplifting.” - Father Mike Coleman

 

This is the 17^th book in the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries series, so make sure you’re caught up!

Reviewers Bestow Accolades on the Pastor Stephen Grant Thrillers & Mysteries! A Unique Series Featuring a Former Navy SEAL, Onetime CIA Operative and Now a Lutheran Pastor

Kirkus Reviews has called Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant “an engaging and multifaceted character” and “a consistently entertaining hero.” Lutheran Book Review says, “I miss Tom Clancy. Keating fills that void for me.” The retired host of KFUO radio’s BookTalk declares, “Ray Keating is a great novelist.” David Keene of The Washington Times calls these novels “great reads.”  Another reviewer observes, “How I'd love to see Pastor Grant on Netflix!” 

 

And BookSeriesinOrder.com declares, “Many noteworthy critics have given rave reviews to books of the series and have applauded the efforts of author Ray Keating in coming up with such an exciting series and unique character. Ray Keating has also received praise from his fellow writers for his mind-blowing work in the series. The first book of the series has succeeded in making it to the top 10 self-published books of the year by the World magazine. Other novels also followed and achieved great success. The worldwide success of this series helped Ray Keating in establishing himself in the ranks of the noteworthy authors of the spy thriller/espionage genre.”

 

And in an article titled “If James Bond Became a Pastor,” author and columnist Gene Veith notes, “Mr. Keating knows how to tell an exciting story. And these books, like the James Bond novels, are ridiculously entertaining. As for larger themes, there is vocation, of course. I see these books as honoring the pastoral ministry. Because in real life, pastors are heroes engaged in saving the world.”

 

Finally, in a 5-star Amazon review: “I've had the pleasure of reading four of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels, with others on my nightstand waiting to be read. I've thoroughly enjoyed reading each of these books thus far, with The River being my absolute favorite as of this writing. But I would be remiss if I did not give props to Warrior Monk, the first book in the series. Honestly, I was intrigued by the basic concept. A CIA operative turned Lutheran pastor finding himself being pulled back to his old skills seems to blend the James Bond thrillers with the Father Brown stories penned by G K Chesterton. Keating combines interesting theological concepts with action and personal interest, all the while taking the time to engage the reader with current events filtered through a Christian perspective. These elements come together to create a pitch-perfect novel, and as a fledgling author myself, I am envious that I hadn't written it first.” 

 

15 page-turners and counting…

Who is Pastor Stephen Grant?

 

PRESS CLUB C Podcast with Ray Keating – Episode #64 (Book Stuff 1): Who is Pastor Stephen Grant? – Ray talks about the main protagonist in his series of Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, that is, Stephen Grant. What’s the deal with a character about which some have said: Think James Bond as your pastor or priest? Tune in here!

THE TRAITOR - A Thriller Torn from Today's Headlines

 

Get caught up this fall on all of the Pastor Stephen Grant adventures? Paperbacks and Kindle editions at Amazon via https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1S5R26 and signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com.

Basil’s War: Get to Know Stephen Hunter’s Bond-Like, World War II Character

 by Ray Keating

The Keating Files – September 3, 2021

 

In recent times, it’s obvious that most people have come to know James Bond thanks to all or some of the 24 (official) Bond movies, with another (No Time to Die) on the way. Bond recognition has not, for the most part, been about Ian Fleming’s original books written in the 1950s and early Sixties. But I’ve long been of the opinion that to fully appreciate Bond, you need to read the books as well as seeing the films.

Keeping Bond in mind, perhaps it’s best to get to know Basil St. Florian now by reading Stephen Hunter’s Basil’s War before the character hits the silver screen or a streaming service. Do I know of any deal with a studio? No. But after reading Basil’s War, it seems like a natural leap from the pages of a book to the screen for the fun and fascinating St. Florian.

 

Hunter tells a ripping-good tale featuring a handsome, witty, ironic, alcohol-swilling British spy during World War II, who isn’t crazy about authority and beds assorted women, including Vivien Leigh. Basil St. Florian really does feel like James Bond, but at work in World War II rather than during the Cold War.

 

The story is a taut mystery, with Hunter deftly taking the reader along with St. Florian on a mission whose true nature is only gradually revealed.

 

For good measure, the author serves up some interesting secondary characters, and not just those on St. Florian’s side but even more so among his Nazi opponents.

 

And finally, like Ian Fleming did with James Bond, Hunter uses the advantages of a book to reveal background on and inner thoughts – including doubts and how decisions are made – of St. Florian. This provides the reader with greater character depth than is really possible with movies or television.

 

I advise people to read Fleming’s books to get a fuller sense of who James Bond is. They should do the same with Basil St. Florian by reading Stephen Hunter’s outstanding Basil’s War – before the character might land in Hollywood.

 

 

_________

 

Ray Keating is a columnist, novelist, economist, podcaster and entrepreneur.  Keating has three new books out. Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel is the 13th thriller/mystery in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com. Past Lives: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story is the 14th book in the series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed book at www.raykeatingonline.com. And order the 15th book in the series What’s Lost? A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?

 

You also can order his book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York  from Amazon or signed books  at RayKeatingOnline.com. His other recent nonfiction book is Free Trade Rocks! 10 Points on International Trade Everyone Should Know. 

 

One of the best ways to enjoy Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries is to join the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship! For the BEST VALUE, consider the Book of the Month Club.  Check it all out at https://www.patreon.com/pastorstephengrantfellowship

 

Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of Disney, Free Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.

 

Check out Ray Keating’s Disney news and entertainment site at  www.DisneyBizJournal.com.

Summer Beach Reading from … CNN’s Jake Tapper?

 His Two Novels – The Hellfire Club and The Devil May Dance – Are Real Page-Turners

 

by Ray Keating

The Keating Files – July 14, 2021

 

I’m not exactly a big fan of CNN. But then again, I’m not a fan of any television network’s coverage of politics these days. It’s only the select few reporters, and even fewer commentators, that I can, well, tolerate. But I do appreciate Jake Tapper, CNN’s lead anchor for Washington, DC, events and chief Washington correspondent. Why? 

While I agree with him on some issues and disagree on others – more often disagreeing, I think – Tapper seems to annoy both sides of the political aisle. Democrats dislike him when in power and the same goes for Republicans, which says something positive about any political journalist.

 

Also, after hearing him in a couple of interviews, Tapper is something of a political history nerd. I like that.

 

Finally, since Donald Trump arrived on the political scene, Tapper has been somewhat careful in separating Trump acolytes and true, traditional conservatives. I very much appreciate that.

 

But now there’s another reason. I discovered Jake Tapper, the novelist. Tapper has written two excellent political mysteries/thrillers. As both a writer and reader of this genre, I thoroughly enjoyed his first book, The Hellfire Club, which was published in 2018, as well as the follow up, The Devil May Dance, published in May of this year. The two make for a nice combo summer beach reading.

 

Tapper skillfully walks a line in these books. No punches are pulled as to the underbelly of politics. In this sense, both books have a noirish feel at times. I’m also a big believer in novels being first about characters, obviously followed quite closely by the story. Readers need to care, in some way, about the characters. And Tapper neatly balances the seedy, noirish aspects of his two tales with two eminently likeable main characters. These novels are entries in the Charlie and Margaret Marder Mystery series, and this reader found himself liking and caring for both Charlie and Margaret, and rooting for them through assorted challenges. 

 

In The Hellfire Club, Charlie and Margaret are two academics whose lives get turned upside down after Charlie is appointed to a vacant congressional seat from New York thanks to his family ties. The two work to maintain their bearings inside and outside their marriage throughout both books. 

 

The Hellfire Club involves power, politics, murder, secret societies, double crosses and conspiracies. As for the mystery, the reader keep turning pages (or swiping the Kindle screen) trying to figure out who is involved and in what exactly. Much the same can be said of The Devil May Dance – not that Tapper repeats himself.

 

The Hellfire Club serves up Washington, D.C., in 1954, with Tapper, the political history nerd, having Charlie and Margaret interacting with the likes of President Eisenhower, Senators Estes Kefauver, Joe McCarthy and Margaret Chase Smith, the Kennedys, and others, and being involved with some actual historical events.

 

Meanwhile, The Devil May Dance takes Charlie and Margaret to Hollywood in the early 1960s, largely hanging out with Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. The Kennedys and the mob play heavily into the plot, as does Scientology. The reader even gets a dead body in trunk (fitting for such a story), along with a key scene taking place at the Oscars. 

 

If you’re looking for an engrossing mystery with fascinating characters and some humor sprinkled throughout, then both The Hellfire Club and The Devil May Dance are for you. 

 

Tapper’s journalistic instincts can be detected throughout these two books. The historical figures brought into his fiction are dealt with in straightforward fashion, not shying away from shortcomings and darks aspects, yet also highlighting positives. And to his credit, Tapper strives for accuracy regarding the historical points sprinkled throughout these works of fiction. Along the way, he occasionally draws some parallels between his characters and situations based in the 1950s and 1960s, to characters and scenarios playing out in our recent, real-world politics. Fortunately, though, he does so with a subtle touch. 

 

Much more can be said about these two books, but I’m not keen on reviews that reveal too many details. After all, that’s why we read the books in the first place. But it is worth coming back to Charlie and Margaret. Here are smart, interesting characters, but not perfect. The reader is glad to ride along with the couple – engrossed, entertained, hoping for the best, and looking forward to the next journey with Charlie and Margaret Marder.

 

_________

 

Ray Keating is a columnist, novelist, economist, podcaster and entrepreneur.  Keating has three new books out. Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel is the 13ththriller/mystery in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com. Past Lives: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story is the 14th book in the series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed book at www.raykeatingonline.com. And order the 15^th book in the series What’s Lost? A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?

 

You also can order his book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York  from Amazon or signed books  at RayKeatingOnline.com. His other recent nonfiction book is Free Trade Rocks! 10 Points on International Trade Everyone Should Know. 

 

One of the best ways to enjoy Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries is to join the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship! For the BEST VALUE, consider the Book of the Month Club.  Check it all out at https://www.patreon.com/pastorstephengrantfellowship

 

Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of Disney, Free Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.

 

Check out Ray Keating’s Disney news and entertainment site at www.DisneyBizJournal.com.

If James Bond Became a Pastor

 

“What’s Lost?” is the Latest Pastor Stephen Grant Thriller from Award-Winning Novelist Ray Keating

 Gripping Tale Told in Pastor Grant’s Own Words

 

What’s Lost? A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story is an edge of-your-seat page-turner by Ray Keating that is torn from the pages of Grant’s own journal.

Pastor Stephen Grant tells a riveting mystery involving deception, betrayal, sacrifice and friendship, along with plenty of action and questions about what we truly can know about others. Grant takes us on a personal journey across decades and around the world, from Long Island to Vietnam.

 

This is the second Pastor Stephen Grant thriller by Ray Keating told from Grant’s own viewpoint, unfolding each day in the pages of his journal.

 

In a 4-star review of What’s Lost?, Self-Publishing Review said, “The Pastor Stephen Grant universe grows a bit wider and more fascinating with Ray Keating's latest short story release. This gripping tale of deception, retribution, and redemption is filled with espionage, action, and a good deal of enticing mystery. Keating's original twists and singular protagonist result in another solid ride.”

 

For good measure, Kirkus Reviews has called Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant “an engaging and multifaceted character” and “a consistently entertaining hero.” 

 

Ray Keating said, “Like Past Lives, What’s Lost? is an adventure written from a first-person point of view. Grant tells the story through his journal entries. And while this is a ‘short story,’ it’s packed with action, mystery and revelations about relationships.” 

 

What’s Lost? comes after the recent publication of Past Lives: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Storyand Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel, which have earned widespread praise. 

 

Paperbacks and the Kindle edition of What’s Lost? A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story are at Amazon via https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094GQN6PG and signed books are at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/whatslost.

 

About Keating and his Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, Kirkus Reviews simply says “exhilarating.” Lutheran Book Review says, “I miss Tom Clancy. Keating fills that void for me.” The retired host of KFUO radio’s BookTalk declares, “Ray Keating is a great novelist.” David Keene of The Washington Times calls these novels “great reads.”  And another reviewer observes, “How I'd love to see Pastor Grant on Netflix!”

 

Keating’s previous Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers/mysteries – Past Lives (2021), Vatican Shadows(2020), The Traitor (2019), Deep Rough (2019), Shifting Sands (2018), Heroes and Villains (2018), Reagan Country (2018), Lionhearts (2017), Wine Into Water (2016), Murderer’s Row (2015), The River (2014), An Advent For Religious Liberty (2012), Root of All Evil? (Second Edition 2020), andWarrior Monk (Second Edition 2019) – have received widespread praise from all kinds of readers. 

 

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

 

Contact: Ray Keating

E-mail: raykeating@keatingreports.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PastorStephenGrantNovels

Twitter: @KeatingNovels

PastorStephenGrant.com

RayKeatingOnline.com

Ray Keating Chats About His New Book - PAST LIVES

 

“Past Lives” is the New Pastor Stephen Grant Adventure from Award-Winning Novelist Ray Keating

 Page-Turning Short Story Torn from the Pages of Pastor Grant’s Own Daily Journal

 

Long Island, NY – Kirkus Reviews has called Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant “an engaging and multifaceted character” and “a consistently entertaining hero.” And now, this latest adventure, Past Lives: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story, is told from Grant’s own viewpoint, unfolding each day in the pages of his journal.

Pastor Grant tells about threats, murder and puzzling people from his past. It’s a compelling mystery involving action, unexpected turns, lost innocence, and twisted revenge. 

 

Regarding Past Lives, Self-Publishing Review says, “Ray Keating takes a new angle on his long-time hero in Past Lives. A mysterious enemy from the past comes back to haunt the warrior priest in this uniquely styled first-person story. As the clues mount, so does the body count, giving Grant yet another baffling and high-stakes case to unravel. This condensed mystery is enjoyably gripping, and marked by the author's characteristic style of suspense.”

 

Ray Keating said, “Past Lives is something new for me, and for Pastor Stephen Grant readers. It’s a short story written from a first-person point of view, with Grant telling the story through his journal entries. It’s something different, and I hope readers like it.”

 

Past Lives comes after the recent publication of Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel, which has earned widespread praise. For example, Kirkus Reviews said, “A riveting entry in a multivolume series that continues to deliver strong characters and suspense.” 

 

Paperbacks and the Kindle edition of Past Lives: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story are at Amazon via https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08WJTPT4M and signed books are at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/pastlives.

 

About Keating and his Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, Kirkus Reviews simply says “exhilarating.” Lutheran Book Review says, “I miss Tom Clancy. Keating fills that void for me.” The retired host of KFUO radio’s BookTalk declares, “Ray Keating is a great novelist.” David Keene of The Washington Times calls these novels “great reads.”  And another reviewer observes, “How I'd love to see Pastor Grant on Netflix!”

 

Keating’s previous Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers/mysteries – Vatican Shadows (2020), The Traitor (2019), Deep Rough (2019), Shifting Sands (2018), Heroes and Villains (2018), Reagan Country (2018), Lionhearts (2017), Wine Into Water (2016), Murderer’s Row (2015), The River (2014), An Advent For Religious Liberty (2012), Root of All Evil? (Second Edition 2020), and Warrior Monk(Second Edition 2019) – have received widespread praise from all kinds of readers. 

 

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

Caught Up on Pastor Stephen Grant Mysteries/Thrillers?

Are you caught up on all of the Pastor Stephen Grant adventures? Paperbacks and Kindle editions at Amazon via https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1S5R26 and signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com. 

 

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

“Vatican Shadows” is the New Riveting Read from Award-Winning Novelist Ray Keating

 Facing Threats and Murder, a Pope Calls on a Lutheran Pastor and Former CIA Operative for Help

 

Long Island, NY – Ray Keating returns with his latest page-turning thriller titled Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel. 

 

More than 500 years ago, two men – Jan Hus and Martin Luther – tried to bring about change in the Catholic Church. They suffered, with one burned at the stake. Could a modern-day pope transform these reformers from heretics to heroes in the eyes of the Catholic Church? Shadowy figures inside and outside the Vatican oppose Pope Paul VII’s efforts, and stand willing to do anything to stop him. For help, the pope turns to Stephen Grant, a Lutheran pastor, former Navy SEAL and onetime CIA operative. 

 

The action is intense and unrelenting. The characters and relationships are captivating and filled with complexity, commitment and betrayal. The twists and turns are fun. The dialogue is lively. And the story serves up reflections about faith, love, conflict, history, and friendship that are thought-provoking. 

 

Ray Keating said, “First and foremost, I hope readers – whether they be longtime or new Pastor Grant readers – enjoy Vatican Shadows as a page-turning thriller. In addition, I think Vatican Shadows could serve as an ideal book for all kinds of book clubs and discussion groups.”

 

Paperbacks and the Kindle edition of Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel are at Amazon via https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1S5R26 and signed books are at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/vaticanshadows.  

 

About Keating and his Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, Kirkus Reviews simply says “exhilarating.” Lutheran Book Review says, “I miss Tom Clancy. Keating fills that void for me.” The retired host of KFUO radio’s BookTalk declares, “Ray Keating is a great novelist.” David Keene of The Washington Times calls these novels “great reads.”  And another reviewer observes, “How I'd love to see Pastor Grant on Netflix!”

 

Keating’s previous Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers/mysteries – The Traitor (2019), Deep Rough (2019), Shifting Sands (2018), Heroes and Villains (2018), Reagan Country (2018), Lionhearts (2017), Wine Into Water (2016), Murderer’s Row (2015), The River (2014), An Advent For Religious Liberty (2012), Root of All Evil? (Second Edition 2020), and Warrior Monk (Second Edition 2019) – have received widespread praise from all kinds of readers. 

 

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

 

Contact: Ray Keating

Phone: 631-909-1122

E-mail: raykeating@keatingreports.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PastorStephenGrantNovels

Twitter: @KeatingNovels

PastorStephenGrant.com

RayKeatingOnline.com