Review: Vatican Shadows by Ray Keating

Ray Keating and the holy warrior of endless talents are back with Vatican Shadows, the 13th installment of the author’s Pastor Stephen Grant novels. Back in disguise and reunited with some of his oldest comrades, Grant is set to stop a murderous band of zealots in The Eternal City.

There is dissension in the holiest ranks on Earth, and as the Pope moves towards a more modern and conciliatory church, there are some who would do anything to stop such perceived heresy – even if it means committing a few cardinal sins along the way. Pastor Grant returns to a city he knows all too well to sort out the deadly conspiracy and uncover the mastermind behind the Shadow Servants of the Holy Father.

The historical aspects of this book are riveting, giving the entire investigation a Da Vinci Code feel, as readers learn about the hidden histories of Martin Luther and Jan Hus right along with the characters. Keating remains a diligent researcher and a consummate storyteller – no detail or peripheral scene is too small to incorporate into his authentic thrillers.

As is ever the case in Ray Keating’s novels, having a thorough understanding of Grant’s backstory makes the action all the more enjoyable, as characters and references from his uniquely action-packed past pepper these pages. However, the book can also stand on its own as a self-contained thriller, with a cavalcade of new three-dimensional characters adding depth and uncertainty to this bloody plot. Grant doesn’t even make his appearance until well into the book, proving that Keating can weave a compelling tale without his protagonist in play.

Once Grant enters the fray, things certainly heat up, both in terms of action and tension; his complex relationship with Paige Caldwell, and their shared history in Rome, give each of their interactions a palpable weight that teases all the right temptations. As alluring as their sexual tension may be, she is also an excellent partner when chasing down a lunatic priest with a crime lord’s henchmen under his control. As this emotionally charged plot comes to its peak, readers get a taste for the author’s best quality – bringing the disparate threads of multiple plot lines together for a dramatic and satisfying close.

The language throughout the book is functional and ominous, but the dearth of descriptions is more than made up for with dramatic narration, sharp dialogue, and the page-tearing pace of this spiraling story. There are occasional expositional dumps, as well as clunky narration that gives a bit too much insight into characters’ emotions and reactions. Some of the action sequences also lack flair or drama – these are moments when more visceral writing would be appreciated, rather than the blunt, declarative tone that characterizes Keating’s books.

On a technical level, there are numerous circuitous and confusing sentences, as well as basic typos, sloppy formatting, and repetitive phrases/words. A cosmetic edit to identify and polish these moments would elevate this quick and clever read to the next level. That being said, this is pulp fiction at its best, rough edges and all, with larger-than-life characters, perpetually rising stakes, and a God-fearing hero at the heart of the unpredictable action, making Vatican Shadows a thrilling addition to the series.