For Charles Thayer, retirement didn't mean slowing down — it meant beginning a new chapter. About seven years ago, after retiring from a career in banking, Thayer turned to writing mystery novels, a passion inspired by wife Molly.

"I read mysteries on my flights back and forth," Thayer said. "She suggested, 'Why don't you write?'"

That led to his first novel, "Death Trap," a mystery set in a fictional coastal town in Maine. Since then, Thayer has written 10 novels and is working on his 11th. Although he now lives in Florida, Boothbay Harbor has remained at the heart of his writing.

Each year, Thayer returns to Boothbay Harbor, spending part of the summer at Boothbay Harbor Marina. While enjoying the area, he also works on his latest manuscripts, many of which feature local landmarks and residents.

His first series, the Paradox Mysteries, was loosely inspired by Boothbay Harbor. His current series, the Harrison Steele Mysteries, places the community even more prominently at the center of the stories, weaving real locations and familiar faces into the fictional mysteries.

Among those featured in the books is Boothbay Harbor Harbormaster Jeff Lowell, who inspired the character of Jeff, the fictional harbormaster. Boothbay Harbor Marina's Kim Gillies also appears as a character. "I love being in the book," Gillies said. "I think it's a very real and accurate portrayal of the town."

Rather than creating an entirely fictional world, Thayer prefers to blur the line between fiction and reality.

"I'm a little different than most writers in that I've tried to make it less fiction," Thayer said. "I love including the community, especially the fact that the community is so involved."

Readers familiar with Boothbay Harbor will recognize locations such as the Red Cup Coffee House and Boothbay Harbor Marina throughout the novels, giving locals an extra reason to connect with the stories.

Thayer has also built a following through his annual visits to the area. During the summer, he regularly hosts book signings where readers can meet him and discuss his work.

"I put my books out there and started talking to people, and it really went well," Thayer said.

According to David Favier, assistant manager at Sherman's Book & Stationery Store in Boothbay Harbor, readers appreciate the authenticity Thayer brings to his stories.

"It's just recognition," Favier said of Thayer's impact on the community. "He always tends to get it right, which a lot of people who write about Maine don't."

That attention to detail has helped Thayer develop a loyal local readership. Residents enjoy seeing familiar businesses, streets and people woven naturally into the mysteries, while visitors get a glimpse into the character of Boothbay Harbor through his storytelling.

The second installment of the Harrison Steele Mysteries is now available on Amazon and at Sherman's Book & Stationery Store in Boothbay Harbor. Thayer is spending this summer working on the third book in the series, which he hopes to release next spring.