To Outwit Them All

"Into the Lions' den I go..." Betty Floyd's uncle risked his life when he signed the Declaration of Independence, yet she is the epitome of British loyalty and social grace in 1779. Attempting to ignore the war, she attends New York's balls and soirees with the Crown's officers, but the city is a dangerous place for someone with Patriot ties. When a soldier she has befriended is murdered at a British prison, Betty is driven to choose sides and join General Washington's covert spy group, the Culper Ring. Her social calendar provides the perfect backdrop to dance with the enemy, and she catches the eye of the charming Major John André, Britain's Director of Intelligence. Garnering timely information for the Patriots becomes a never-ending balancing act, amid heightened collision between duty to her country and deepening feelings for André. When the slightest misstep could expose her and the entire Ring, a traitorous plot conducted by Benedict Arnold unfolds, and Betty is led to the very brink of death. Will she outwit the enemy, or will her flirtations with danger cost her everything?

About the Author :
Peggy Wirgau loves true stories and writes through the eyes of history's unsung women who faced extraordinary challenges. Her award-winning debut novel, The Stars In April, is based on the story of a twelve-year-old Titanic survivor. Peggy and her husband reside in Colorado, minutes from their three grandchildren.

Review :
"To Outwit Them All keeps you on the edge of your seat in a thrilling novel of espionage, love, and intrigue. Set in a city torn between independence and loyalty to the Crown, Betty Floyd brings readers inside the life of women during the American Revolution. A real look at ordinary citizens risking it all to do extraordinary things. A must-read for any Culper Spy Ring fan and lover of suspense." -Margo Arceri, Culper Spy Ring historian and founder of Tri-Spy Tours "The most intriguing, edge-of-your-seat historical fiction I've read in a long while. Wirgau's authentic-for-the-period writing, impeccable research, and great attention to historical detail brought daily life during the Revolutionary War and the Culper Spy Ring vividly to life. Through To Outwit Them All, I walked the British-occupied streets of New York City through a Patriot spy's eyes, ever aware that one wrong move could be her last. Once begun, I could not put this book down. Brilliant." -Cathy Gohlke, Christy Hall of Fame author of This Promised Land "To Outwit Them All is a dive into an intense period of American history peopled with fierce Patriots and dedicated Loyalists surrounded by the might of the British army. The story weaves around the life of Betty Floyd-whom many believe to be the illusive 355 of Washington's Culper Ring-and her work as a spy for the Continental Army. Author Wirgau includes many historical figures and events throughout the novel, drawing the reader into the life and times of the Revolutionary War. A must-read for all fans of early American historical novels!" -Pegg Thomas, multi-award-winning author of Path to Freedom series "Vividly presented, it makes the reader feel as if we are there, reliving the years of the war. It reawakened my love for the period of occupation and the brave residents who risked their lives for American independence." -Karen Quinones, historian and author of Theodosia Burr: Teen Eyewitness to the Founding of the New Nation "Peggy Wirgau has done it again! Her latest novel, set during the American Revolution, tells the story of one young woman, Agent 355, who overcame a disability and her own fears to make a difference. I literally could not put this book down, staying up much too late each evening to read just one more chapter. The fast-paced storyline and well-drawn characters were that compelling. To Outwit Them All is a beautifully crafted, well-researched, and inspiring story. It is a must-read!" -Taryn R. Hutchison, award-winning author of A Cold War Trilogy "Set in the City of New York in 1779-1780, To Outwit Them All is the story of Betty Floyd, a clever and alluring patriot spy who cavorts with British generals to learn their military secrets. She draws none other than Major John André into her spell. Or is Major André deceiving Betty? This thrilling novel combines the sweep of history with the intimacy of a woman's perspective. Fans of the television drama Turn: Washington's Spies take note." -Katherine Kirkpatrick, author of Trouble's Daughter, Redcoats and Petticoats, and To Chase the Glowing Hours "Peggy Wirgau's novel To Outwit Them All introduces the reader to the life of socialite Betty Floyd, who becomes the only female spy member of the highly secretive group known as the Culper Ring during the American Revolution. This story is a captivating page-turner as Betty maneuvers her way through the British-occupied New York City social scene, risking her safety to gather relevant information for George Washington's troops. It is truly an enjoyable read." -Jeanette Minniti, author of The Only Way Home