Several years ago, R. Kent Tipton introduced his readers to "Kid Posse," a band of boys comprised of Tipton himself and five of his neighborhood buddies. Cave of Death is yet another story of how those six enterprising boys ferret out some truths and unravel several mysteries. While the storyline may be fictional, the settings are not. Tipton has a folksy, engaging style that easily draws the reader into his world. If you haven't sampled a bit of Tipton, just look him up on Amazon.com. You'll be very glad you did!
About the Author: R. Kent Tipton, the fifth of five children, was born and raised in rural Utah, in the small town of Springville. His parents were not writers, far from it. His mother was an energetic, top-flight waitress and cashier, and his father was a hard-working heavy equipment operator/mechanic. As a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kent spent two and one-half years on the island of Taiwan. There he learned to speak fluent Chinese, and acquired a deep respect for the Asian culture. When he returned home, he enrolled at Brigham Young University. Three years later he graduated with a double major: Chinese Language and Asian Studies. He continues to study Mandarin every day because, as he says, "It is a very unique, logical, and fascinating language, and reading and writing it daily keeps my aging brain active." His first job offer out of college was from the CIA. He completed all phases of its rigorous interview process, including a polygraph test. When the offer came, Kent thought long and hard about what life in the CIA might be like. In the end, he and his wife Lois decided that this likely would not be best for them. He began teaching a class of fourth-grade students, described by the principal as "a keg of dynamite," in St. Louis, MO. After that very trying but fulfilling year, he moved to California, obtained an advanced degree, and worked in the schools for twenty-four more years. Along the way he began recording humorous, odd, or outlandish events. He has written several books based on those witty anecdotes. His first published book, A Different Kind of Mom, was a tribute to his mother. He wrote it shortly after her death on Christmas Eve of 1998. Other titles followed, all seasoned with droll humor Kent is noted for. He doesn't write for fame or money. He writes because doing so satisfies an inner appreciation he has for humor that he sees in everyday living. If you like clean, infectious humor, Tipton's writing style will grab you, and thrill you to your toes.