Son of a Grifter by Kent Walker with Mark Schone

Son of a Grifter: The Twisted Tale of Sante and Kenny Kimes, the Most Notorious Con Artists in American; A Memoir by the Other Son, Kent Walker with Mark Schone. New York: HarperCollins e-books, 2001, 2006, 464 pps.


     There's bunches of people that I am happy not to share any blood with. Sante and Kenny Kimes are two of them. Kent Walker is Sante's older son by a previous marriage. Sante married three times. The third time was to a millionaire. That union produced Kenny Kimes.

     Kent Walker grew up in a chaotic household. Even back then, Sante was involved in procuring Mexican women off the streets. Whatever salary she promised, she never delivered. They would work as her slaves. She was caught and convicted but that didn't stop her. She switched her sights to using people from a nearby homeless shelter. 

     Kent Walker was caught in a petty crime as a young teen. His experience with this led him to the decision not to follow in Sante's lifestyle examples. But like the victims of many others who possess a certain sick slick charm, Kent found it difficult to break away. Even as an adult, Kent went running to his mother's aid when she created crises. Her problems frequently led to a demand that she and Kenny move in with Kent, his wife, and his children.

     Even so, I found it impossible to "hate" Kent Walker. He was able to become his own man and for that I salute him.

     Sante Kimes died in Bedford Hills in her cell in May of 2014. At least now, it will be more difficult to impossible for her to hurt anyone ever again.

sapphoq reviews says: Sante Kimes' older son Kent Walker has pretty much been ignored by the media. He has been described as being dumped on his father or not mentioned at all. Son of a Grifter gives pretty good insight into what it might be like to grow up in a family where crime is a lifestyle. Highly recommended for those adults who relish a good true crime story.