A Classic Tale

A Review of "The Perennial Boarder" by Phoebe Atwood Taylor

By Petula Renee Wright

There's not a word wasted in "The Perennial Boarder" (The Countryman Press, Junes 2006, $10.95) by Phoebe Atwood Taylor. This classic tale of intrigue draws readers into the colorful characters, complicated plot and true who-done-it suspense from the very beginning to the final, and surprising, end.

            "The Perennial Boarder," which was recently reissued, is a mystery featuring Asey Mayo, "a crusty Yankee handyman who dispenses nuggets of salty wisdom and amuses the summer residents of Wellfleet by solving the murders they commit on their vacations," says Marilyn Stasio of the New York Times. The other characters are just as lively and amusing as Asey, and you'll get caught up in them and their quirks as you try to figure out who committed the murder.

            From Asey's cousin Jennie who makes it difficult to get a word in edgewise and the conspiring, uppity guest Elissa to the unflappable innkeeper Mrs. Doane and her rough-around-the-edges husband Washy; everyone has something to say about the victim and the murder. It all begins around the time Miss Olive Beadle arrives for her 30^th season at Ye Olde Whale Inn. After spending so much time at the Inn everyone thinks they know Miss Beadle until Asey – in his stumble-about way – discovers that no one really does.

            Overall "The Perennial Boarder" is an excellent, dialogue-rich read. It's free of overused expletives and unnecessary sex, which is a refreshing change from and welcomed addition to current selections.

            Phoebe Atwood Taylor (1909-1976) was one of the first mystery writers to give regional and rural focus to mystery writing from 1918 to 1939. She – one of New England's favorite authors – penned 33 books, most of which are volumes in the Asey Mayo private-eye series.