I got the idea for the book when I saw a list of important women in American history. One was listed only as 355, a member of the Culper spy ring during the Revolution, a woman whose true identity we still don’t know.

Peggy Wirgau – 20-October 2025

The Back Flap

“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 book

What is the book about?

In 1779 British-occupied New York, a young woman pretending to be a Loyalist to the Crown wants to avenge the death of a Patriot soldier she has befriended by joining George Washington’s spy network known as the Culper Ring. To Outwit Them All is inspired by the true story of 355, the Culper Ring’s “lady,” whose real name remains unknown to this day.

When did you start writing the book?

I began researching and making notes roughly five years ago, while waiting for the release of my debut novel, The Stars in April.

How long did it take you to write it?

It took about four years to write, although I didn’t work on it regularly by any means. There were months that went by when I didn’t touch it but played with the story in my head. When I finally dove back in, it still took over a year before I felt it was ready.

Where did you get the idea from?

I got the idea for the book when I saw a list of important women in American history. One was listed only as 355, a member of the Culper spy ring during the Revolution, a woman whose true identity we still don’t know. I wanted to learn more, so I read all I could find about the Culper Ring and this mysterious lady. In my research, I read a book listing several possible candidates for 355. One of them was Betty Floyd. As I discovered more about her, I began to see how she seemed to fit the bill for 355, and I couldn’t wait to tell her story.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

There were so many, especially because I was writing about real people and events. Incorporating the events the right way in the story and showing how they affected my characters took many edits. Another area where I struggled was deciding what belonged in the first chapter. I added, deleted, twisted and tweaked until it felt right. I also struggled with how to handle some very dark moments throughout the story.

What came easily?

Once I knew who my character was, I knew what she would be like and what she would have to do when she joined the Culper Ring. And the most fun scenes to write were her confrontations with her cousin, Robert Townsend, who led the Ring in New York City, and with Major John Andre, the British Director of Intelligence.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Many of the characters were real people. I did my research to learn what I could about them and wove those details into the story.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

Two authors who have influenced me and my writing are Geraldine Brooks and Cathy Gohlke. They both manage to dig deep into human emotion and write wonderful, unforgettable books.

Do you have a target reader?

Definitely one that loves history, reading historical fiction, identifying with a main character, and enjoys getting to know unsung women of the past that did the extraordinary.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I do a great amount of research in the time period I’m writing about, including what people did for a living, what they wore, ate, did for fun, and much more. Plus all the research into the setting and any of the real characters that I might be including. There are always surprises, and my story may start to change depending on what I discover.

I take a lot of notes, and to be honest, I’m not very organized. But I make a rough outline and try to make sure my story arc makes sense. Then I may start writing a few chapters. I try my best to not edit too much at first and just “get the clay on the wheel,” as I’ve heard said. I like to put the layers down, something like building a house—first, the foundation, then the floors with their plot points, the stairs for leading smoothly from one floor to the next, more stairs for the sub-plots, then the roof, so everything is tied together correctly. Dialogue throughout must be spot-on. Finally, the décor … all the sensory details, especially food!

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

My outlines, such as they are, don’t have chapter headings or sentences. They’re more like phrases, such as: At the prison, so-and-so dies, thunderstorm and a letter, something bad here, etc. They keep me on track for the first draft.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

Even with all that layering I mentioned, I’m also editing as I go. A clean house (manuscript) helps me see what’s missing or needs attention. Then I go back and edit again several times.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I’ve tried to listen to music from the time period while I write, but I find it too distracting. Sometimes I choose soft classical music for a relaxing background sound, but most of the time I write best when it’s completely quiet.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

For my first novel, I worked with an editor/book developer who became my agent. For To Outwit Them All, I sent the proposal to the same publisher and didn’t work through an agent.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

Both my debut and second novel are with a small traditional publisher. After my agent submitted the first book to many publishers, it found a home with the one that fell in love with the story and offered me a contract. That process took years, so I would say it was gradual.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

The cover was professionally done by the publisher. They went through roughly 12 designs until their team and I agreed on the final one.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I’m working with a publicist and they have a good marketing plan for the book, but I’m also doing several things on my own with a focus on social media coverage. Plus, I’ll soon be visiting the places where the Culper Ring operated in New York and Long Island, in addition to joining an author event on Long Island. I’ll be shooting videos throughout and adding them to social media. The marketing plan will extend past the release date and into 2026, as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday and take a new interest in the Revolution and the many heroes who fought for independence.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

First, be willing to put the time into writing the best book you can and invest in an editor with experience in your genre. Don’t rush through this or attempt to skimp on a so-so edit. Get lots of honest feedback from other writers and use what makes sense to you. Go to writers conferences and learn all you can. And be familiar with the market by reading the best-sellers in your genre.

End of Interview:

Get your copy of To Outwit Them All from Amazon US or Amazon UK.