Review: Reagan Country (A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel) by Ray Keating

If political intrigue and expansive narrative threads fit neatly in your wheelhouse, then the writing of Ray Keating never fails to disappoint. In his new novel, Reagan Country, Pastor Stephen Grant returns in another exceptional story in which he finds himself in yet another international mystery, one that stretches to the highest seats of America’s capitol, as well as the shadowy halls of the Kremlin.

Underpinning this entire novel is a strong political bent, so those readers who remember (and potentially adore) the Reagan years in American history will appreciate the heavy leaning in favor of that president’s policies and philosophies. As Reagan is a contentious figure for some, the novel might not be for everyone, but as a pure thriller, it is another deeply researched and action-packed gem from the author.

Regardless of your opinion of the 40th president, the action mainly centers on the rise of a new Reagan-esque figure in Russia, one who faces similar – and more deadly – levels of opposition. While the details remains cloaked in secrecy for much of the novel – a specialty of Keating’s, never giving away too much too soon – the artfully crafted suspense is palpable.

The power struggle in Russian politics is something that many Westerners fail to understand, yet Keating manages to welcome readers into that tumult, trusting them to absorb and engage with the twists, turns and motivations of various characters. Some old figures from past Pastor Grant novels also appear, and Keating continues to develop these as ideal foils for the story’s action. Paige Caldwell, Father Tom Jones, Jennifer Grant and other familiar faces pop into this narrative, helping to remind readers of the larger framework of who Stephen is and where his guiding light shines from, without ever dominating the narrative.

While the violent, philosophical and enigmatic pastor easily stands alone as a leading character, Keating fills his novels with equally in-depth side characters, some that appear once and others that become beloved pop-ins in this increasingly polished series. The novel isn’t necessarily packed with humor or lighthearted moments, but the dialogue is sharp as ever, imbuing every conversation and interaction with more meaning than initially meets the eye. Keating continues to prove himself a consummate storyteller, even when it comes to political themes from decades ago that some readers may find stale or banal. Old ideas and “cold wars” are suddenly fresh and reinvigorated in this novel, with a modern edge that seems relevant in today’s troubled times.

Some of Keating’s past books have struggled with slack moments and slow scenes, as well as forced, inorganic dialogue, but this one sparkles with wit, research and a confidence in the subject matter that clearly comes across in every chapter. There are certain scenes that do come across as procedural, or even unnecessary to the larger plot, but the narrative passages push through all the slower moments and the expansive plot is nothing less than addictive.

If you’re a political junkie – or have been at any point in the last 40 years – this book will not disappoint, but remarkably, Reagan Country also works as an adrenaline-doused romp that any suspense lover will struggle to bookmark before the final page.