Phoebe Atwood Taylor

Phoebe Atwood Taylor was an American mystery author, born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1909. She is best known for her Asey Mayo series, which is set in Cape Cod. Taylor's writing career began in the 1930s, and she quickly gained popularity for her clever plots and unique characters. Her novels often featured ordinary people who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances, and she had a knack for creating suspenseful and engaging stories.

In addition to writing under her own name, Taylor also published works under the pen names Alice Tilton and Freeman Dana. Under the name Alice Tilton, she wrote the Leonidas Witherall series, which was also set in New England. The Freeman Dana pseudonym was used for a series of detective stories featuring a character named Colonel Primrose. Taylor's use of pseudonyms allowed her to explore different styles and genres, and she was able to build a loyal following of readers who appreciated her versatility as a writer.

Taylor's work was well-received by critics and readers alike, and she was a prolific writer throughout her career. She published over 40 novels and numerous short stories, and her work remains popular today. Her contributions to the mystery genre have been recognized with several awards and accolades, including a posthumous induction into the American Mystery Hall of Fame. Taylor's writing continues to inspire and influence new generations of mystery authors, and her legacy as a master of the genre is secure.