About Terry

Terry retired as a trial judge in 2019, having served nearly 30 years on the bench. He is currently in private practice. The law has not only been his profession; it is the canvas on which he draws his characters, the backdrop against which he tells their stories. Terry particularly likes to explore that ethical ambiguity that resides in the conflict between law and morality.

Terry has served as a board member of the Mystery Writers of America, Florida Chapter, and as a member of the advisory board for the Florida Book Awards. He lives in Tallahassee with his wife, Fran, a former guidance counselor and their Border Collie mix, Pepper. Terry likes to relax with a good game of tennis or basketball, a good book, or film.

INCOGNITO

In the late spring of 1776, the debate over independence is growing more heated in the Continental Congress. The New England and southern colonies are lining up in favor, the middle colonies, led by Pennsylvania, are opposed. And some pro-independence delegates appear willing to do whatever it takes to win, including the overthrow of Pennsylvania's recently elected assembly.

In the midst of this political drama, intelligence is received that a British spy is headed to Philadelphia with instructions to assassinate key leaders of the Congress. And he will not be acting alone. It appears that the operative may have several Loyalist contacts in Philadelphia willing to help, including one or more confederates within the Congress itself.

Will Harrell is a young man who is afflicted with epilepsy. He is also smart, clever and has a knack for solving puzzles. Indeed, he is the one who decoded the letter concerning the assassination plan. Will is asked by the Congress to investigate the matter, to uncover the identity of the would-be assassin and his confederates, and to foil the plot. While he works feverishly against the clock, he must deal with skeptical and uncooperative delegates, an abundance of suspects but a scarcity of hard evidence, his own self-doubt, and a widening plot that includes a planned assassination of General George Washington in New York.

Will is determined to thwart the assassin and bring the conspirators to justice. His adversary, however, is also determined. The spy, whose code name is Incognito, is creative and resourceful, a master of disguise, handsome, charming, and thoroughly ruthless. If Will can stop him, the price may prove too dear.

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