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A native of Boone, North Carolina, Terry Harmon is a graduate of Appalachian State University (BA in Political Science/MA in Education with a social studies concentration). He is an avid genealogist and historian, and many of his ancestors settled in present-day Watauga County, NC by the 1790s. He has self-published three family histories (Harmon, Henson, and Yates) and is presently completing a fourth (Wallace). "Watauga County Revisited" was his first professionally published book and is part of Arcadia Publishing's "Images of America" series. He recently completed a true crime account - "CONVOLUTED: The 1972 Durham Family Triple Homicide" and is working on another book chronicling the history of crime in Watauga County. A former 9-year employee of Appalachian State University and currently a 28-year employee of a Christian humanitarian relief organization, he resides in a log home on family property and enjoys antiques, photography, and both work-related and personal travel, having visited more than 60 countries.
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Convoluted: The 1972 Durham Family Triple Homicide by Terry L. Harmon is a meticulously researched account of a tragic murder case that has captivated the community of Boone, North Carolina, and beyond for over five decades. Harmon examines the lives of the Durham family; Bryce, Virginia, and their son Bobby brutally murdered in their home on a winter night in 1972. This haunting true-crime story is woven with details of the investigation, revealing a web of theories, suspects, and local lore that kept the case alive in the minds of Boone’s residents. The book's structure, divided into multiple parts that chronicle the lives of the Durhams, the investigation, and the lasting influence of the case, engages readers who appreciate a comprehensive approach to true crime storytelling. Harmon also reflects on the Durham family’s character, addressing the victims as more than just names in a case file and honoring their memory through his thoughtful narrative.
Terry L. Harmon balances detailed investigative work with compassion for the victims and their surviving family members. The book traces the ups and downs of the lengthy investigation, from early leads and witness interviews to recent developments that continue to shed light on the case. The author’s attention to detail, from crime scene descriptions to community reactions, allows readers to feel the weight of the tragedy and its lasting impact on those involved. Ideal for true crime enthusiasts and those interested in unsolved mysteries, Convoluted is a compelling and respectful exploration of a cold case that has left a deep imprint on a small town. Harmon’s dedication to uncovering the truth and preserving the story of the Durham family makes this book a powerful homage and a captivating read.
