Richard L. Boyer

Richard L. Boyer (1938-2004) was an American author best known for his Doc Adams mystery series. A dentist by profession, Boyer brought authenticity to his protagonist, Dr. Charles "Doc" Adams, a Cape Cod oral surgeon who solves crimes. *The Giant Rat of Sumatra* (1976), his debut novel featuring Doc Adams, won the Edgar Award for Best First Mystery Novel. Boyer's writing combined medical expertise with clever plotting and dry humor, set against vivid New England backdrops. He published approximately a dozen novels in the series, blending procedural elements with amateur detective tradition. His work appealed to readers who enjoyed literate mysteries with professional protagonists and regional atmosphere.