CONVOLUTED

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.

For those of you that have followed season two of “In The Red Clay,” this is a very informative book just released by a Boone, North Carolina native author. Terry Harmon really did his homework. If you only read the first and last chapters, you’ll know how this awful crime happened and why. Terry did one hell-of-a-job in his absolute unbiased, in-depth analysis of all aspects of the whole story of his hometown's worst and most awful crime. After reading this book, as I came to the end, I was struck by his incredible ability to refrain from leaning right or left, but instead he was unbiased in giving the reader the chance to see the complete truth of all parties' evidence, actions, and points of view, including every single detail of each person's pros and cons in order to be sure that the reader is informed. This guy cannot be bought, pressured, influenced, or detoured in his quest for the truth of these murders. Probably the most exhaustive and unbiased job of a 50 year old mystery I've ever seen.

It's not often that a mass murder cold case gets some resolution after fifty years, but that's exactly what happened in the Durham murders. Terry Harmon does an amazing job compiling many years of information about the strangest case in the history of the Watauga County.

The author has always been an avid historian, and now he can add accomplished author to that list of credentials. I can only begin to imagine the amount of time/effort that went into assembling decades worth of information, interviews, and images. Yet, the final product is far more than just facts. Terry has an amazing writer's voice which brings the humanity to this crime. The reader learns about the history of the Durham family, and also about how this crime affected (and still affects) the community today.

If you're a fan of true crime, then this is certainly a book I would recommend. It would not surprise me to see Terry and his book featured on Dateline or 20/20 one of these days.

Excellent true crime read. This is not your average paperback- this is a text book size book full of details of this particular crime which leaves you wondering “who done it!” It reveals the countless hours of research done by the author and unbiased report of all potential leads. It is mind boggling that a crime of this magnitude could be carried out with so few clues left behind to lead to the killers. Could it be that the scene was trampled by either bystanders trampling the evidence or lack of properly securing the scene for law enforcement to adequately process the scene for evidence. At any rate, it is disturbing to know such cruel violence was enacted and detectives have sought the answers for decades. I enjoyed the book. I live relatively close to the area and it could be some of these criminals have traveled nearby my residence. It is an eye opener to the criminal minds that exist even in our little obscure towns where people help neighbors, where we used to leave our doors unlocked and were trusting even to the strangers we once encountered. How times have changed and 50 years later, we have learned to be cautious for not everyone we meet or encounter, have good intentions.
As for me, I believe the son-in-law had something to do with it! But the details elude even the sharpest detectives and the technology available in that day. A page turner and keeps you intrigued.

A must read. Terry L. Harmon's "CONVOLUTED: The 1972 Durham Family Triple Homicide" is a gripping exploration of a chilling unsolved case. With meticulous research and captivating storytelling, Harmon delves into the complexities of the crime, offering fresh insights and compelling narratives. A must-read for true crime enthusiasts seeking depth and intrigue.

This book was fascinating. He is an excellent storyteller. The detail as well as the story is unbelievably good. I hope there will be need for some follow up one day!

WOW, what an amazing book. An extremely well written who-done-it. Terry L. Harmon has done an exceptional job at intricately researching, compiling, and documenting one of the most intriguing and immensely complicated murder mysteries in all of western North Carolina's history. CONVOLUTED: The 1972 Durham Family Triple Homicide is a gripping page-turner from beginning to end. Loaded with 2,776 endnotes, clearly Mr. Harmon did his homework.

Personally, I had never heard about these murders but I only moved to the Boone area about 4 years ago. While reading the book, I found myself venturing out to the Durham neighborhood, down the street, to the house, and several other locations mentioned in the book.

Whether you are familiar with Boone or not, this book is incredible and suspenseful. Every time you think you know who-done-it, Mr. Harmon presents other evidence that will just leave you scratching your head over and over again.

A great read. Very well researched and brilliantly written!!

Outstanding! Must Read! Highest Recommendation.

Terry L. Harmon's CONVOLUTED: The 1972 Durham Family Triple Homicide is nothing short of a masterful achievement in true crime literature. I couldn’t wait to start reading it and once I started, I found myself completely engrossed in its gripping account, which speaks volumes about the book’s compelling nature and Harmon’s skillful writing ability.

From the moment I opened the book, it was evident that Harmon has poured an immense amount of research and dedication into writing a thorough and insightful narrative. The book delves deep into the chilling 1972 murders of Bryce, Virginia, and their teenage son Bobby Durham in Boone, North Carolina—a case that had remained unsolved for fifty years until recent developments brought the most likely perpetrators to light in 2022.

What sets CONVOLUTED apart is its meticulous attention to detail and the way Harmon weaves together the fragmented pieces of this complex case. His investigative thoroughness in this case is evident as Harmon not only recounts the facts but also provides the reader with nuanced analyses that addresses many lingering questions about motive and the orchestration of the crime. The thoroughness with which Harmon has approached this crime case is both impressive and deeply appreciated, filling in gaps and shedding light on many aspects of this case.

The writing itself is exceptional. Harmon’s prose is clear, engaging, and perfectly suited to the subject matter. He has an uncanny ability to present intricate details in a way that is both accessible and engrossing. The result is a book that is not only informative but also very readable, making it hard to put down.

CONVOLUTED is more than just a recounting of a cold case; it is a testament to the relentless pursuit of truth and justice. Harmon’s commitment to uncovering every facet of the Durham family’s tragic story is evident throughout the book, and his dedication to presenting a comprehensive view of the case deserves high praise.

In short, Terry L. Harmon has delivered a standout piece of investigative journalism that I cannot recommend highly enough. CONVOLUTED is a must-read for true crime enthusiasts and anyone interested in a meticulously researched and masterfully written exploration of a haunting case. This book earns my highest recommendation.

Outstanding, True Crime! An extremely well written who-done-it true crime set in the early 1970's in the small mountain town of Boone, NC. The author, is so attentive to every detail, leaving no stone unturned in his quest to discover what really happened on that snowy night. So many twists and turns. One moment you think it’s clear who the killer is, the next you are not so sure. I really appreciate Terry Harmon's efforts to find answers to the 50 + year old mystery in my own home town.

Excellent read. Very well written! Alot of attention to detail. Very insightful!

Enlightening! Heard about this event my entire life, thinking I knew as much as anyone else. Wrong!! Terry Harmon has done his homework on research, interviews, and compiling over 50 years worth of history with this resolved yet, still unsolved case. It is well worth the purchase and read even if you've never heard of the Durhams, or even Boone, North Carolina. This is the type of book you'll gladly read more than once. Well done Terry.

Riveting! If you've ever been to the mountain town of Boone, NC you will want to read this book about a triple homicide that happened in 1972. The author has followed this unresolved case for years and the research and detail are amazing. I am not finished with it yet, but it's so fascinating that I find myself stopping to Google certain people and places in the book. I'm trying to read it without preconceived notions as I lived in the area at that time, but I think I know "who did it." We'll see! Congrats to the author, Terry Harmon, for finding a way to put all this together in honor of the Durham family.

5 stars. Amazing read!

Great read for all true crime aficionados! I followed this case from the start and throughout the years, having lived in Boone from 1970-2005. For me it was a page turner reminding me of friends and acquaintances I knew back in the day. Shocked when I read my old pal Johnny Tester took the first call about the murders at the Sheriff’s office! I thoroughly enjoyed the book. If you enjoy true crime, you will love it! Highly recommended.

I just finished Convoluted. I had been looking forward to it’s release having grown up in Boone, NC (8 years old when the Durham murders occurred). Certainly if you are from western NC, you will have a hard time putting this book down. But, even if you are not familiar with the Durham case you will see how our small mountain town changed. You’ll understand why we were excited to hear “case closed!” But, you may also question that statement.

A page turner! You will not be able to put this book down. Terry Harmon put an amazing amount of research and work, heart and soul into this book. Clear distinctions between fact, opinion and pure guess work. You won’t feel led to believe one thing over the other, except for your own interpretation from the facts of the case as they are given. Get it ! Read it ! You won’t be sorry !

True crime book FULL of detail and research. Beyond the shadow of a doubt, the best book ever written about the Durham triple murders in 1972.

The author painstakingly researched this book for years, with so much detail that I spent the entire book with one finger in the index to see where the information originated.

Do yourself a favor, if you like true crime, and get this book.

Case closed! Now I have more questions. Sheriff Hagaman says Billy Wayne Davis’ prison confession closes the case. Still I have questions, specifically who hired the killers, and was the “one dollar will” ever found. Indeed a tragedy the crime scene wasn’t secured the night and following day after the Durhams were murdered.

Best book I have read in years! I absolutely love this book. The documentation is perfect! It is so easy to follow along with the characters as to the type of people they were. Sometimes we wonder why things happen, especially something as unthinkable as this. This book goes into the lives of the people involved and how they lived. When I started to read I haven't been able to put the book down. Many thanks to the author for the hard work! I appreciate the detail in the book. It's amazing how much work you put into writing. The only thing is that I couldn't quit reading until I reached the end. Thank you!

An absolutely well written, true crime story based on witness accounts. A who-done-it true crime set in a small mountain town. I could not put it down! So many turns and various accounts by witness of that horrific, snowy night. One moment you think it’s clear, the next you are not so sure. Beautifully written. 100% recommend.

Amazing research collides with amazing writing! Terry Harmon takes great care and skill in unearthing this complex triple homicide. He methodically pieces together the most complete picture of this event as the factual evidence can reveal. His love of history, respect for his community, and passion for truth shines through every page. He concisely provides the needed descriptors to help you walk through this journey of discovery alongside him. I had a hard time putting the book down! Highly recommend!

Amazing book and author! The most complete & accurate account of the Durham murders to ever exist. A detailed and thorough account of one of the most intriguing stories I’ve heard in my lifetime. Even as someone who knows a good deal about the story, I found myself learning something new all throughout the book. Terry’s well researched book dives deep into every nook and cranny of the Durham family and the twisted murders. Get this book….you’ll be glad you read it

Well laid out and provides a lot of info. Really makes you understand the title!

BEST MYSTERY STORY. THIS IS A TRUE STORY, WHICH TOOK YEARS TO GET ANY ANSWERS. HOPEFULLY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS BOOK.

Great read. Very detailed and informative. Highly recommend.

Incredible! Highly recommend you to read this book if you enjoy true crime! I cannot put this book down! I received it late Thursday evening and I am more than half-way through it. Enjoyed it so much I ordered 2 more for family members to read. If you enjoy reading about true crime you will enjoy reading this book.

Very well written and researched. Amazing book with many photos. Fascinating. A must read.

So much info written very, very well! I was 9 years old when this happened. The book brought back memories plus I found out so many things I didn't know. So interesting!! Very informative book about a triple murder in my home town. The author has done an excellent job in telling the facts even in going down many different directions about what could have happened that fateful night. Must read!! You put in a lot of hard work! Congratulations!!

When I first got mine, I thought, "Oh my goodness, I'll never be able to read that huge book." Then Hurricane Helene hit and knock out power and tv for days. I'm almost through it! I can hardly put it down. It is so interesting!! You are an awesome researcher and writer!!!

You won't be able to put it down!! Terry did an amazing job pulling it together. I'm in awe and can't imagine the discipline, research and patience it required....and there's so much more I could say. I don't know how you did it...astounding, to say the least. Nothing has captured my attention like this book has done. I am so proud of you for taking on this challenging project and handling it in such a professional manner. Wow is all I can say. Three were ordered the same day in my immediate family.... it's just not something anyone wanted to wait on until someone else read and passed around.

It's amazing! So much time, work and effort you put into the book. You did an amazing job on it.

Just finished Convoluted and I thought it was well researched and brilliantly written. Good job!

It is so hard to put down.

There is just an incredible amount of detail here. I find myself holding the index and flipping back and forth between the text and the reference. I’d like to sleep at some point, but I can’t. Such a tragic case, I so wish it were solved once and for all.

I was up way too late reading it last night!

I can’t put it down. I read till midnight last night. Didn’t want to get up this morning.

Buy this book!! Terry Harmon has done an amazing job!! Everything you ever wanted to know about the Durham murders in Boone.

Just finished it. It was an education in objectivity and thorough researching.

You will love it.

Finally, a fantastic book – CONVOLUTED: The 1972 Durham Family Triple Homicide – has been written about this case by author and wordsmith Terry Harmon, a fellow Boone native. I am in awe of Terry’s grasp of the complexities and the twists and turns of this case and of his devotion to “getting it right.” He takes us from the long winter night in February 1972 to Watauga County Sheriff Len Hagaman’s press conference fifty years later in February 2022 – and beyond – revealing long-held secrets that leave you wanting more. Terry meticulously crafts a thrilling story, including how everybody and his brother either had or has a theory about why the Durhams were murdered and by whom – some ludicrous, some probable – but all demonstrating how curious the human mind can be. This notable work, consisting of diligent research and lively writing, is one I cherish, and I predict you will not be able to put it down.

Thank you for the signed copy of your book - VERY WELL DONE. From what I have read so far - very well laid out.

What a great book. This story has kept the Boone area intrigued for 50 years. Thanks Terry for a detailed look into the mystery that has kept us captivated for so long.

It's so much more than just a good story. "Convoluted" is comprehensive as much as possible, detailed, and absorbing. And convoluted.

If you have always lived in Boone or not, you will want to have a copy of this book. I know Terry has done a lot of research on this story. This is part of Boone's history.

I got mine and have started reading. So far I’m loving it and the all the fine details that I knew you would be a master at. However, I never read any details about the size of the book or how many pages it had before I ordered. I was shocked when I got it! It’s a flipping encyclopedia of information!

I got the book Convoluted. It's written by Terry Harmon. It's about the Durham murders. If you ever had any questions about it, this book answers all of them. Get the book. You won't spread rumors anymore...just wow.

So intriguing! So many twists and turns! Terry Harmon, you have done an amazing job with this. It had to be difficult to research all of this!

A very detailed book that took you many, many hours! Thanks for the good work Terry! You are amazing!

I at first thought this was pricey, BUT…when I got it, now I’m saying what a deal. I was 23 with two children and became like Motel 6…I had to leave a light on. This book is so thorough and has everything I’ve ever wondered about explained. I’m on chapter 21 and cannot put it down.
I need sleep!!