MANDEVILLE, La. — Mandeville educator and author Scott Fleming will release his debut novel, The Quest of Kip Saunders, on Tuesday, Aug. 4, according to a news release.
The novel follows Kip Saunders, a former West Point cadet who has spent twenty-five years struggling with the decision that changed the course of his life. While hiking the Appalachian Trail, Kip steps away from the trail near the Bear Mountain Bridge and secretly returns to West Point, where he must confront the regrets, memories, and unresolved questions he has carried with him.
Fleming attended the United States Military Academy for two years before completing his bachelor’s degree in English at Tulane University. Although The Quest of Kip Saunders is a work of fiction, Fleming drew upon his familiarity with West Point and his experience as an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker in creating the novel’s settings and emotional journey.
“The novel is ultimately about the choices people make, the mistakes they carry with them, and whether it is ever too late to face the past,” Fleming said. “I hope readers will see something of their own struggles and hopes in Kip’s journey.”
Fleming currently teaches Environmental Science at Mandeville High School and coaches adult swimming on the Northshore. He previously taught English at Jesuit High School of New Orleans from 1985 to 1999. He is also a watercolor artist.
The paperback edition of The Quest of Kip Saunders is already available for purchase ahead of its official August 4 publication date. The novel will be available through Amazon and other booksellers.
Fleming is scheduled to appear at book signings in Mandeville, Gulfport, Denham Springs, and Metairie from August through November.
Saturday, August 8, 2026, 8:00–11:00 a.m.
Franco’s Health Club
1 Skipper Drive
Mandeville, Louisiana 70471
Saturday, August 22, 2026, 11:00 a.m. –1:00 p.m.
Gulfport Crossroads Shopping Center
15246 Crossroads Parkway
Gulfport, Mississippi 39503
Saturday, August 29, 2026, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Barnes & Noble
10129 Crossing Way, Suite 420
Denham Springs, Louisiana, 70726
Saturday, September 5, 2026, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Barnes & Noble
Premier Centre
3414 US-190, Ste 10
Mandeville, Louisiana 70471
Saturday, November 14, 2026, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Barnes & Noble
3721 Veterans Blvd.
Metairie, Louisiana 70002
More information about Scott Fleming and The Quest of Kip Saunders is available at scottflemingart.com.
About the Author
Scott Fleming is an Environmental Science teacher, adult swimming coach, watercolor artist, and Appalachian Trail thru-hiker who lives in Mandeville, Louisiana. He attended West Point for two years and earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Tulane University, a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and a doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of New Orleans. The Quest of Kip Saunders is his first novel.
