Some refer to Las Vegas as Sin City. But the sins being committed in The River are not what one might typically expect. Rather, it’s about murder. Stephen Grant once used lethal skills for the Navy SEALs and the CIA. Now, years later, he’s a pastor. How does this man of action and faith react when his wife is kidnapped, a deep mystery must be untangled, and both allies and suspects from his CIA days arrive on the scene? How far can Grant go – or will he go – to save the woman he loves? Will he seek justice or revenge, and can he tell the difference any longer?
Ok, so there's been a bit of bad language in the series. Still, The River is another fine novel, exploring both the human side of a Lutheran pastor (or CIA agent!) and the adventures of a formidable figure. Some may be confused by the initial flashback opener. It does set up both character and plot development. Some might find this book a little darker than previous books, but I see this as opening up a lot of possibilities for later revelations and hopefully reconciliations in the series.
Book 4 in the Pastor Grant Series by Ray Keating. Probably my favorite to this point as I work through the series from the beginning. Great plot and setting. Ray continues to broaden his character development of Pastor and his group. Great discussion of the dilemma of our actions between when killing might be justified or not. Another thumbs up for Ray.
What a delightful bloom in the desert heat, this wonderful tale of Grant and Jennifer find the right balance of action and intrigue. Keating's gift of description shows a real growth in his ability to craft a story. Well done! Well dine!
Beatings best novel yet in the Stephen Grant series.
I chose five stars because the action in the book occurred more often than the previous books. All of the characters are becoming so real and familiar to me that you can't put the book down because you are so concerned as to what may happen to them in the next few pages. As always I like how Stephen must wrestle with his will and what he knows what God's will would have him do. The Paige character as always is sexy and alluring but always faithful in the deadly encounters that face her and Stephen. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys thrillers. Also the Lutheran doctrine sprinkled throughout the book gives a good Christian witness of Christ love for all sinners.
This is the fourth Pastor Stephen Grant Novel, and I got to say, it's the best one yet. In this volume, Ray Keating delivers an action-packed adventure set in Las Vegas that's full of God, goons, girls, gambling, and of course, gunplay. It's brimming with ministers, mobsters, and military maneuvers. Okay, enough alliteration. You get what I'm saying. It's a great read!
Your favorite (fictional) Lutheran pastor, Rev. Stephen Grant, and Mrs. Grant find that Sin City lives up to its name. Pastor Grant struggles against the sins of others and his own as life and love hit with intensity. If it wasn't the Hollywood-esque action that kept me turning the page, it was the intrigue surrounding how God's Law and Gospel worked on the pastor and those in his life.
After reading the previous Stephen Grant stories I enjoy the continuing progression of the separate characters. It was exciting and I suspect there will be fallout on what will happen to the people in the future. The only thing is that I would have liked a little more theology in the story. I really like it when he full practices his pastoral vocation.
Pastor Stephen Grant is an enigmatic character. Ray Keating masterfully weaves his character's past and present lives, always keeping the reader involved in both the action and Grant's emotional struggle. Although I do not like the short chapter style, I was otherwise held captive from start to finish. I certainly recommend this book to anyone that likes a good, fast-moving thriller.
Pastor Stephen Grant has run into trouble multiple times near the home front of New York City in recent years. Trouble finds him again in Las Vegas when what should be a business and pleasure trip turns dangerous and deadly. Ray Keating delivers lots of excitement in this fast-paced thriller. Action, character development, and plot are all solid in this 4th installment of the Pastor Stephen Grant series. "The River" may be my favorite so far.
This book was engaging from start to finish. The premise that a former SEAL and CIA man would become a pastor peaked my interest. Read it for yourself to see what I mean.