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Pastor Stephen Grant #1
Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel
KFUO radio’s “BookTalk”: Ray Keating is a “great novelist.” WARRIOR 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)." WARRIOR MONK revolves around a former CIA assassin, Stephen Grant, who has lived a far different, relatively quiet life as a parish pastor in recent years. However, a shooting at his church, a historic papal proposal, and threats to the Pope's life mean that Grant's former and current lives collide. Grant must tap the varied skills learned as a government agent, a theologian and a pastor not only to protect the Pope, but also to feel his way through a minefield of personal challenges. Larry Kudlow, CNBC's "The Kudlow Report," said, "Ray Keating has created a fascinating and unique character in Pastor Grant. The way Keating intertwines politics, national security and faith into a compelling thriller is sheer delight." U.S. Congressman Pete King, the Ranking Member on the House Homeland Security Committee, declared, "CIA intrigue, the Vatican, international terrorism and brutal assassinations make Warrior Monk a fast-moving, riveting read right out of today's - and tomorrow's - headlines. Add challenging religious issues, which the author makes us confront, and you have a brilliant novel. Ray Keating knows what he is writing about and writes it extraordinarily well." And Paul L. Maier, best-selling author of A Skeleton in God's Closet, commented, "Holy Scripture and unholy gun play in the same novel? Exactly - and you'll love the combination! WARRIOR MONK offers a riveting mix of action, romance, and intrigue, served up by a master wordsmith. Keating's Pastor Stephen Grant manages to wield both Bible and bullets with equal expertise. Grant is clearly in control whether in or out of the pulpit."
448 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2010
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234 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 10, 2017
This was one of the first explicitly Lutheran novels I had heard about. It’s got it all: action, intrigue, character development, etc., with a Lutheran sub-plot to boot! It’s an excellent introduction to the concept of Lutheran novels.
I know, I know. One needn’t be explicitly Lutheran in content to be a Lutheran and write a novel. At the same time, a major hat tip to you, Ray Keating, for casting a high church Lutheran pastor serving a Saint Mary’s Lutheran Church as normal enough to exist, let alone have a past, present, and future in this messy, complicated, action-packed world of ours.
There is some language and sexual content, but it isn't lauded. It's violence level is . . . well, what I'd expect of a spy or action story starring a former SEAL & CIA operative without going over the top.
I know, I know. One needn’t be explicitly Lutheran in content to be a Lutheran and write a novel. At the same time, a major hat tip to you, Ray Keating, for casting a high church Lutheran pastor serving a Saint Mary’s Lutheran Church as normal enough to exist, let alone have a past, present, and future in this messy, complicated, action-packed world of ours.
There is some language and sexual content, but it isn't lauded. It's violence level is . . . well, what I'd expect of a spy or action story starring a former SEAL & CIA operative without going over the top.
March 21, 2022
Stephen Grant is pastor of St. Mary’s Lutheran Church, a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregation in Manorville, a hamlet on Long Island’s East End. Previously, he was an assassin for the Central Intelligence Agency. His two vocations come together in Warrior Monk, Ray Keating’s first installment in a series of 15 novels and shorter stories.
I am a fan of murder mysteries and espionage stories. Booksellers offer a wide variety of choices in those two genres, so it’s possible to develop a niche interest. As a minister, I have developed such an interest by focusing on murder mysteries that involve clergy. So far, I’ve read G.K. Chesterton’s Father Brown, William Brodrick’s Father Anselm, and James Runcie’s Grantchester series. There are many others.
The Pastor Stephen Grant series is the first I have read that falls into the espionage genre, however. I have two easy rules of thumb for both murder and espionage stories: First, is the plot interesting enough that I want to keep turning pages? Second, does it push my willing suspension of disbelief too far?
Warrior Monk answers the first question affirmatively. I kept reading, finishing it over the course of a single weekend. The problem comes in with the second question. Put simply: Is it believable that a CIA assassin could become a Lutheran minister? Sure, why not!
But could that Lutheran minister be drawn back into the world of intrigue? That was the harder question Ray Keating needed to answer. And for the most part, he succeeded. I say “for the most part” because the minister part of me thinks it would be much harder for clergy to dip their toes back into Grant’s former line of work than Keating’s portrayal of Grant lets on. And I’m not sure all theologians will agree with Grant’s Augustinian thoughts on just war and enhanced interrogation. (Then there’s Grant’s very Lutheran consumption of alcohol, which teatotaling pastor might not cotton to.)
Still, all such novels involve a measure of implausibility to and second guessing on the part of readers. That’s why our suspension of disbelief is willing.
The big plot line in Warrior Monk is Grant participating—as both LCMS pastor and (former) CIA agent—in the visit to the U.S. by Pope Augustine, the Nigerian head of the Roman Catholic Church. This pope is launching “A Public Mission of Mere Christianity” in order to unite fellow believers in a sort of theological and cultural co-belligerence. Readers of First Things and Touchstone are no doubt familiar with and supportive of such a project. (Keating explicitly mentions Touchstone, but not FT.)
The problem is that a consortium of left- and right-wing groups are opposed to that co-belligerence, and launch a well-heeled public campaign against it. One particularly radical wing even hires an assassin to take out the pope, which is why the Vatican seems keen on getting someone like Pastor Grant on board with the pope’s visit.
Subsidiary plot lines include visits—both welcome and unwelcome—from people in Grant’s CIA past, potential romances for the still-single LCMS pastor, a few well-deserved jabs at unprincipled politicians and their even more unprincipled advisors, and a send-up of Hollywood liberals in all their clueless, weird glory.
And, appropriate to a novel involving a member of the clergy, we get a little theology, commentary on social matters, and reflections on the divided state of the Church. For the record, Grant is theologically orthodox, morally upright, and somewhere on the conservative end of the cultural and political spectrum.
Because this is Keating’s first novel, I graded on the curve, giving it five stars, though in other circumstances, I would have given it four. There is a long tradition of clergy murder mysteries, but as I said, this was the first clergy espionage novel I have come across. So I cut Keating some slack. I did enjoy the novel, however, even with a few hesitations. This is one of those series whose first installment, while not perfect, has a lot of promise.
So, I look forward to reading the second installment: Root of All Evil?
Book Reviewed
Ray Keating, Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel, 2nd ed. (Self-published, 2019).
P.S. If you liked my review, please click “Helpful” on my Amazon review page.
I am a fan of murder mysteries and espionage stories. Booksellers offer a wide variety of choices in those two genres, so it’s possible to develop a niche interest. As a minister, I have developed such an interest by focusing on murder mysteries that involve clergy. So far, I’ve read G.K. Chesterton’s Father Brown, William Brodrick’s Father Anselm, and James Runcie’s Grantchester series. There are many others.
The Pastor Stephen Grant series is the first I have read that falls into the espionage genre, however. I have two easy rules of thumb for both murder and espionage stories: First, is the plot interesting enough that I want to keep turning pages? Second, does it push my willing suspension of disbelief too far?
Warrior Monk answers the first question affirmatively. I kept reading, finishing it over the course of a single weekend. The problem comes in with the second question. Put simply: Is it believable that a CIA assassin could become a Lutheran minister? Sure, why not!
But could that Lutheran minister be drawn back into the world of intrigue? That was the harder question Ray Keating needed to answer. And for the most part, he succeeded. I say “for the most part” because the minister part of me thinks it would be much harder for clergy to dip their toes back into Grant’s former line of work than Keating’s portrayal of Grant lets on. And I’m not sure all theologians will agree with Grant’s Augustinian thoughts on just war and enhanced interrogation. (Then there’s Grant’s very Lutheran consumption of alcohol, which teatotaling pastor might not cotton to.)
Still, all such novels involve a measure of implausibility to and second guessing on the part of readers. That’s why our suspension of disbelief is willing.
The big plot line in Warrior Monk is Grant participating—as both LCMS pastor and (former) CIA agent—in the visit to the U.S. by Pope Augustine, the Nigerian head of the Roman Catholic Church. This pope is launching “A Public Mission of Mere Christianity” in order to unite fellow believers in a sort of theological and cultural co-belligerence. Readers of First Things and Touchstone are no doubt familiar with and supportive of such a project. (Keating explicitly mentions Touchstone, but not FT.)
The problem is that a consortium of left- and right-wing groups are opposed to that co-belligerence, and launch a well-heeled public campaign against it. One particularly radical wing even hires an assassin to take out the pope, which is why the Vatican seems keen on getting someone like Pastor Grant on board with the pope’s visit.
Subsidiary plot lines include visits—both welcome and unwelcome—from people in Grant’s CIA past, potential romances for the still-single LCMS pastor, a few well-deserved jabs at unprincipled politicians and their even more unprincipled advisors, and a send-up of Hollywood liberals in all their clueless, weird glory.
And, appropriate to a novel involving a member of the clergy, we get a little theology, commentary on social matters, and reflections on the divided state of the Church. For the record, Grant is theologically orthodox, morally upright, and somewhere on the conservative end of the cultural and political spectrum.
Because this is Keating’s first novel, I graded on the curve, giving it five stars, though in other circumstances, I would have given it four. There is a long tradition of clergy murder mysteries, but as I said, this was the first clergy espionage novel I have come across. So I cut Keating some slack. I did enjoy the novel, however, even with a few hesitations. This is one of those series whose first installment, while not perfect, has a lot of promise.
So, I look forward to reading the second installment: Root of All Evil?
Book Reviewed
Ray Keating, Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel, 2nd ed. (Self-published, 2019).
P.S. If you liked my review, please click “Helpful” on my Amazon review page.
June 26, 2022
I thought it was an imaginative, sharp, mystery/ romance with strong religious themes. I’d like to read more of the series.
January 28, 2023
Interesting idea
Being a pastor of the Lutheran persuasion it was an interesting take to consider a pastor who had been a CIA agent in a previous occupation. Fast paced.
Being a pastor of the Lutheran persuasion it was an interesting take to consider a pastor who had been a CIA agent in a previous occupation. Fast paced.
Read
July 6, 2022Great first book, looking forward to reading more of the series. Unique story of a former CIA employee becoming a pastor. Good Christian read, mixes action, drama, and theology and tells a good story. Well done!
December 20, 2016
The first of Ray Keating's Pastor Stephen Grant novels, Warrior Monk, catches your attention from page one. It reads like one of Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp adventures, dishing out details and action at a fast pace. And in the midst of that action Keating manages to brilliantly present the reader with thought provoking truths, seemingly little things that aren't pondered nearly enough, such as a note about church architecture or a relational reality particular to men who hold the pastoral office. At other times he deals with larger topics such as church doctrine and practice. As the story unfolds Keating presents the Christian faith in a real way that any reader will appreciate, exposing differences and difficulties between varying denominations and between the Church and the world without distraction. This perfect backdrop propels the protagonist, and the reader, into the challenges of the book.
It's a spectacular ride steeped in theological intrigue! As a fan of G.K. Chesterton I delighted in the similarities between Keating's Pastor Stephen Grant and Chesterton's Father Brown. In the 20th century, Chesterton, a journalist (among other things), gave the world a detective priest. In the 21st, another journalist (among other things), Keating, gave the world a spy-turned-pastor. Grant is not without his Flambeau either. Both characters are the perfect mouthpiece for the authors to speak to the ills of the world in their day and age.
The chapters are brief, which makes ingesting the story between the interruptions that are always working to pull this reader out of the adventure a breeze. Chapters four and five deliver the goods. I'll never sing A Mighty Fortress Is Our God the same way. What a mental picture! The fun never stops. Truly from cover to cover you're in for a treat. I can't wait to dive into the next Pastor Stephen Grant novel.
It's a spectacular ride steeped in theological intrigue! As a fan of G.K. Chesterton I delighted in the similarities between Keating's Pastor Stephen Grant and Chesterton's Father Brown. In the 20th century, Chesterton, a journalist (among other things), gave the world a detective priest. In the 21st, another journalist (among other things), Keating, gave the world a spy-turned-pastor. Grant is not without his Flambeau either. Both characters are the perfect mouthpiece for the authors to speak to the ills of the world in their day and age.
The chapters are brief, which makes ingesting the story between the interruptions that are always working to pull this reader out of the adventure a breeze. Chapters four and five deliver the goods. I'll never sing A Mighty Fortress Is Our God the same way. What a mental picture! The fun never stops. Truly from cover to cover you're in for a treat. I can't wait to dive into the next Pastor Stephen Grant novel.
November 11, 2011
The hero in this book is a former CIA agent who is an LCMS pastor! It's a scream.
July 25, 2025
I would give this 2.5 stars if that were an option.
Recently, a friend let me borrow the first three books in the series (and I loaned him my copies of some novels by Bo Giertz). I doubt I will ever reread this novel and I don't think I'll ever suggest it to others. However, I will give the other novels I currently have a shot because there is potential in the concept behind the novel for improvement.
As this novel stands, I was disappointed. At best, it read like watching a TV series, and I want more from the literature I take the time to read than that. I know it can come with the genre, but I felt there was an element of flippancy to how certain subject matter was thrown about that made it feel a lot like some novels I've read that were written to be satirical. This undermined the ability of the novel to hit home properly with its presentation and discussion of certain topics and made certain moments feel unearned.
Recently, a friend let me borrow the first three books in the series (and I loaned him my copies of some novels by Bo Giertz). I doubt I will ever reread this novel and I don't think I'll ever suggest it to others. However, I will give the other novels I currently have a shot because there is potential in the concept behind the novel for improvement.
As this novel stands, I was disappointed. At best, it read like watching a TV series, and I want more from the literature I take the time to read than that. I know it can come with the genre, but I felt there was an element of flippancy to how certain subject matter was thrown about that made it feel a lot like some novels I've read that were written to be satirical. This undermined the ability of the novel to hit home properly with its presentation and discussion of certain topics and made certain moments feel unearned.
Currently reading
November 7, 2025Warrior Monk is a really fast paced and thoughtful story that is a mix of action, faith and personal growth. The book follows a former CIA agent who becomes a Catholic priest, which makes for a really unique main character. I liked how Keating blends mystery and suspense with deeper questions about morality and purpose. The story isn't just about fighting bag guys, it's also about the main character trying to find peace and understand his place in the world. Even though it has intense moments, it's also meaningful and makes you really think. Overall, Warrior Monk is an exciting but surprisingly deep book that shows how faith and courage can work together.
January 28, 2017
There never seemed to be a dull moment in the story, from the opening flashback right up through the climax and conclusion. Keating has introduced virtually all the modern subjects of discussion that in some way relate to our spiritual life through the eyes of characters that participate in a complete escapist tale. That's not to say that there are no former CIA people who have gone on to seminary - to place them at the side of the Pope who is on the verge of shaking things up seemed a bit of a stretch. Nice short chapters for taking in before going off to sleep.
July 13, 2020
A book in this series was included in a marketing email, BookBub or similar. I've not heard of it before but the premise sounded interesting - either it would be very good or very awful.
I chose this book since it is the first in this series. It is fun! Good read, good characters, good story interspersed with theology and wrestling with the realities of life.
I chose this book since it is the first in this series. It is fun! Good read, good characters, good story interspersed with theology and wrestling with the realities of life.
November 25, 2022
A Match Made in Heaven (and Langley)
What an intriguing combination of espionage and Christianity found in a CIA operative turned pastor. Absolutely ingenious plotline, and personally, I was drawn into the "new ecumenicism" based on the 17th chapter of John I'm the New Testament. I couldn't put this one down, and so look forward to reading the second.
What an intriguing combination of espionage and Christianity found in a CIA operative turned pastor. Absolutely ingenious plotline, and personally, I was drawn into the "new ecumenicism" based on the 17th chapter of John I'm the New Testament. I couldn't put this one down, and so look forward to reading the second.
January 8, 2020
Interesting
Interesting way to deal with some Faith issues and I liked the setting within Lutheranism, but once you get over the implausibility of spy turned pastor, the plot is fairly predictable. But it was a "fun" bubblegum read.
Interesting way to deal with some Faith issues and I liked the setting within Lutheranism, but once you get over the implausibility of spy turned pastor, the plot is fairly predictable. But it was a "fun" bubblegum read.
October 30, 2020
Breath holding, page turning, very thought-provoking! How can a former killer, a spy, a navy seal become a pastor? However, this author makes it all work, pulling together a story you just can’t put down!
April 30, 2021
Great!
Love the characters. This book as all,the elements you would want. Suspense, intrigue, humor and a bit,of romance woven it.
Would,highly recommend it. Cant wait to read the next book!
Love the characters. This book as all,the elements you would want. Suspense, intrigue, humor and a bit,of romance woven it.
Would,highly recommend it. Cant wait to read the next book!
February 13, 2024
Excellent
I am really enjoying this series. Can’t wait to start the next book. I love the love story unfolding and the action of pastor grant. I especially like the Lutheran references, and the scriptures.
I am really enjoying this series. Can’t wait to start the next book. I love the love story unfolding and the action of pastor grant. I especially like the Lutheran references, and the scriptures.
April 30, 2024
Much better than I expected! I foresaw a book with lots of espionage, violence, and a little of the religious side of this man. Really the opposite was true, and I’m very glad. Interesting read about a former man of violence who is called into God’s full time ministry.
June 14, 2025
Father Stephen Grant is a reluctant hero, but when forced to defend his congregation, he does so very effectively. And when called upon to help prevent a terrorist attack, he gives it his all. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style, the action, and the camaraderie among the clergy.
September 16, 2018
Excellent read! I look forward to more.
October 4, 2018
Very well done. Appreciated the plot! Engaging!
February 17, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book. The struggle between Pastor Grant’s faith and his need to revert to his skills from his CIA training mad for an interesting read.
February 22, 2021
Interesting in terms of presenting lots of Scripture passages and information about the Lutheran church in the US, combined with action-adventure plot. Could have used editor to fix verb tense and word choice errors.
September 26, 2021
I found the premise interesting and the Lutheran theology instructional but the prose lagged and made for slow reading at times. Not sure I’ll read another in this series.
July 9, 2023
3.5 stars. Will definitely continue series.
January 23, 2024
It was an interesting book. Such an odd combination: CIA agent to Lutheran pastor. The author keeps you wondering as to what will happen next. He did a good job of introducing the characters.
September 16, 2016
I got a lot of enjoyment out of this one. The idea of an ex-CIA dude becoming a Lutheran pastor tickled my "incongruous bone" immensely, but… Perhaps some of the skills from that other calling would be useful when voters meetings at churches get out of hand. I loved the "insider" references, and actually laughed out loud in recognition of some of the people, places, and things. Of course, the names had been changed to protect the guilty and innocent alike.
I can't decide if my minor quibble is valid or not. To me, it seemed like the antagonists were less clearly drawn, more like cardboard figures. I can't tell if that's really true, or if they were so well -drawn that I took a strong dislike to them and pigeonholed them in cardboard slots so that I didn't have to pay attention to them anymore.
I can't decide if my minor quibble is valid or not. To me, it seemed like the antagonists were less clearly drawn, more like cardboard figures. I can't tell if that's really true, or if they were so well -drawn that I took a strong dislike to them and pigeonholed them in cardboard slots so that I didn't have to pay attention to them anymore.
June 1, 2014
Fascinating thriller/theology mix
Warrior Monk is a truly interesting book. I was intrigued by the main character, Pastor Stephen Grant. One doesn't often consider the previous life of a LCMS Lutheran pastor -- and certainly one would not expect that life to have included Navy Seal and CIA experience. Although the story line is good, found myself more involved with the pastor as he struggled with his past and present. The book is definitely a quick read, and well worth your time.
Warrior Monk is a truly interesting book. I was intrigued by the main character, Pastor Stephen Grant. One doesn't often consider the previous life of a LCMS Lutheran pastor -- and certainly one would not expect that life to have included Navy Seal and CIA experience. Although the story line is good, found myself more involved with the pastor as he struggled with his past and present. The book is definitely a quick read, and well worth your time.
July 18, 2015
A great read.
I am a Lutheran and was intrigued at an ex- C.I.A. agent becoming a Lutheran pastor. The only problem I had with the story was the liberal beliefs of Pastor Grants church fellowship practices. Other than that the characters were well developed and the conflict that Pastor Grant was constantly having to deal with regarding sinful feelings and being a shepherd of God's flock was very thought provoking. The action was fast paced and quite vivid. All and all a fantastic read.
I am a Lutheran and was intrigued at an ex- C.I.A. agent becoming a Lutheran pastor. The only problem I had with the story was the liberal beliefs of Pastor Grants church fellowship practices. Other than that the characters were well developed and the conflict that Pastor Grant was constantly having to deal with regarding sinful feelings and being a shepherd of God's flock was very thought provoking. The action was fast paced and quite vivid. All and all a fantastic read.
November 10, 2010
I enjoyed the story a lot. A fun plot. And it was interesting to read a book whose main character was an LCMS pastor. I really enjoyed seeing portions of the liturgy and such woven through the story. However, I was disappointed to see that this particular LCMS pastor wasn't quite as confessional as the amazing pastors we have at Mt. Hope. I wish the character had been more true to the Lutheran confessions and a little less "mainstream."
July 29, 2011
This is a book of intrigue. Former Navy Seal, CIA Assassin turned Pastor finds his past catching up to him. At first, it seemed like different stories were being written in that made no sense. Further reading finds them all linked together. The author weaves all the different stories to the climax and then shows how they all fit together by the end of the book. I did not want to put the book down as I wanted to see how all the entities fit together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews