Leader of Liberty: Tale of America's First Spy Ring

by Perrie Patterson

General George Washington narrowly escapes the Battle of Brooklyn, and loses control of New York Harbor. In desperate need of someone to go undercover in British-occupied Long Island, he turns to a clever, brave, lieutenant from Setauket. After accepting, Washington's request to take up a secret correspondence, Benjamin Tallmadge, chooses close-knit friends from his youth, and creates a series of code names and numbers to gather information, but can he get it to Washington in time?

How do these inexperienced but impassioned believers in their cause help Washington prevail agaist the greatest army in the world? With determination, these spies will take to their graves their identities in what history will later call The Culper Spy Ring.

And who was agent 355---the codename for lady? After almost 250 years that question still remains unanswered, or does this tale unveil its long-buried secret?

A story that is both intriguing to history buffs and those who love an enthralling historical romance.

415 pages, Paperback

First published January 15, 2023

About the author

Perrie lives north of Atlanta. She has written 7 novels. A favorite is a romantic historical fiction set during the American Revolution titled: Leader of Liberty: Tale of America's First Spy Ring. Perrie latest is a contemporary romance set between Atlanta and NYC, it's a little bit swiftie, a whole lot girl boss, a little bit funny, and a whole lot romantic. She also has a YA sports romance set to the background of competition cheerleading titled: Hit Zero. Her Crimson Series Trilogy is new adult romance and those novels are set on the University of Alabama campus. Perrie's 7th novel is a standalone in the Crimson Series and is the perfect YA coming of age romance titled Forever Crimson, and you don't have to be a BAMA fan to love it! Perrie has a book podcast called The Talking Book Atlanta where she interviews and promotes indie authors. And, sometimes her author guests are NY Times best sellers. Perrie holds three positions in her local NSDAR chapter, leads a ladies Bible study, is a Forsyth Co. school system student mentor, and is a member of the Forsyth Co. Optimist Club. In her spare time she plays team trivia. Now that she's raised two children, both college grads, and one in her graduate school season at UGA, Perrie has more time for writing and research. Her website is: www.perriepatterson.com You can find her on Instagram @always.n.style and @thetalkingbookatlanta and on Facebook: Perrie Patterson Author, and TikTok @authorperriepatterson.

Reviews

[Kristy Macdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, although fiction, provides an accurate, easy to understand overview of the Revolutionary War, its major battles, and the key players involved in Washington’s spy ring. I don’t love reading, but I couldn’t put this one down. The only fiction is a coming of age back story and some romance centered on Benjamin Tallmadge and his future wife. This book would be so helpful in Middle school and high school education. I wish I had it with me for AP US History. The biographies of all of the key Revolutionary War players at the end of the book are fascinating and incredibly helpful in understanding our nation’s history. This would also make a wonderful book of the month for DAR, SAR and historical fiction book clubs. I truly hope this book becomes a regular book in public school education. I have attempted to read other books about the Culper spy ring. They were so much like history books, I never made it past a few chapters. This one would even be great as a beach read. It’s wonderful.

[Connie Masson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful moving story!

This combination of fact and fiction was just right for this avid reader. So enjoyed getting to know the characters, families and spies as it moved along.

Perrie came to our Indian Peaks Chapter meeting in Lafayette, CO and kept me thoroughly engaged during her entire presentation. Her passion, her joy, her knowledge, her skill in creating this Tale were all excellent! Thank you so much Perrie. You are quiet a talented writer!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was chosen for our book club and I’m glad we did. You can definitely see the love by the author for the subject matter. Reading this as an adult gave a new appreciation for the ideological and political revolution establishing our United States. The tender love story imagined between Benjamin Talmadge and his real life wife Mary Floyd was a joyful addition. I would obviously recommend it whether you are just a lover of historical fiction or if you are studying the Revolution. Educational and enjoyable.

[Christa Jacimore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am fascinated by the stories of Washington's spies. Watching "TURN" series completely sucked me in! This story focuses mostly on Benjamin Talmadge and it's a good story. Historical fiction of course but that makes it easier to read, at least for me. I liked the choices made by the author for the most part and it's a great story overall. At the end I love the characters list and author's explanations of the choices she made and pictures from her trip to the historical sites that are in the book. The fact that the author is an active DAR member is also a bonus! Good read.

[Lisa]

This concisely written tale of romance set during the American Revolution is wonderfully woven with historical accuracy. I enjoyed reading and learning more about the Culper Spy ring and the intriguing characters of this important time in our history. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in romance or historical fiction!

[janet horodysky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. A page turner.

[Erin Mullins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simply written easy to read historical fiction story about the Culper spy ring but heavily focused on Mary Floyd as well.