Author Who Told Cover Stories Visiting Tatnuck

Leo Maloney's new career is far more public than his prior one, as visitors to Westborough's will discover Saturday.

Maloney's first book, "Termination Orders," begins a nine-part series inspired by his 31 years working for a clandestine government agency, he says.

Saturday's book signing runs from 10 a.m. to noon.

Maloney says Dan Morgan, his main character, is "based on me."

"I draw a lot from people that I knew, things that I did, situations that I was in," Maloney says.

"It's easy. I have so much of a base to draw on."

Maloney says he maintained "numerous cover stories" before retiring, at which time he "told my family, friends and my inner circle what I actually did."

The adventures left them wanting to hear more, he says.

Maloney decided to do so, but "do it in a way that was not a tell-all."

"I know exactly how it's done, when it's done, how far you can push the envelope before it's foolish," he says.

Book two, "Silent Assassin," comes out in September 2013.

"To really know who Morgan is, you really need to read the first one," Maloney says.

"That takes you from high school to the day he's recruited."

Maloney is among two authors signing at Tatnuck on Saturday.

Ali Hosseini will sign "The Lemon Grove A Novel" from 1 to 3 p.m., according to the bookstore's website.

Next Wednesday, author Michael J. Till will sign "Along Massachusetts's Historic Route 20" from 6 to 8 p.m.