Rose Young’s book called “Roses, Wine, & Murder, In the City of Steeples” is exceptional, not only because it is a clever mystery, but because of her prolific attention to detail.

It takes place in New London and mentions familiar landmarks such as Captain Scott’s restaurant, Columbus Circle and Neptune Beach. Most of the book is set on Bank Street.

Her esoteric and quintessential tale appeals to wine connoisseurs, gourmands, and curious minds craving an education in wine, fine food, and plants. Her knowledge of horticulture is woven into the character of Roxanne, and when she uses the name of a local restaurant and coffee shop in New London, she includes items on the venue’s menus, its ambiance, and its history.

“Thames River Greenery was a successful European style storefront, selling chocolates, cheeses, coffee, fine wine and spirits,” is an example of Rose Young’s use of detail.

In reference to New London’s cigar bar, she adds, “Cuban tobacco seed was brought here in the mid 1800s and grown here ever since.”

Rose Young’s mystery is elegant. It is easy to enjoy every word of her story. Her book is like jumping into a library, an oasis of knowledge appealing to anyone craving an education in the finer things in life.

Her murder mystery is an entertaining account of blackmail, murder, and adventures around Long Island Sound. Vineyards and ferries, coffee shops and restaurants decorate this distinguished story, inspired by novelist Robert Parker and Young’s interest in New London County.

In 1981, Rose Young graduated from New England School of Art and Design in Boston with an associate’s degree. Rose was immersed in studies in drafting, design and landscaping. She later worked at architecture and interior design firms before developing an interest in horticulture. Young studied at the Arnold Arboretum School and learned about plants.

She brilliantly applies her knowledge of gardening to her first book and became familiar with wine and food pairings by watching documentaries, especially “Uncorked” about becoming a master sommelier and by reading books.

It took Rose Young five years to write, “Roses, Wine, & Murder, In the City of Steeples,” and she has begun composing a second mystery called “Love of Art & Murder — from Mystic to the City of Steeples,” which includes scenes at the Hygienic Art gallery, the Garde Arts Center, and the Lyman Allyn Art Museum.

Rose Young performed readings at the New London Public Library in 2018, and at the Mystic & Noank Library in 2019. She presented her book at RJ Julia Bookseller in Madison in 2019.

Young was interviewed on SECT-TV in October 2020 in a show called “Books and Beyond” with Jim Bennet. Her readings with the CT Author Trail culminated at the Mohegan Sun casino in 2019. Her book was top ten in two categories on Amazon in 2020: “Mystery and Suspense” and “Mystery/CozyCulinary.”

Her audiobook version will be submitted to the Audio Awards, a premier awards program in the United States.

A booksigning event occurred at the Thames River Greenery in spring 2019. It took place in the tasting room, and 30 people participated.

Young has been a member of CAPA, the Connecticut Association of Authors and Publishers, since 2016. Her book can be found in bookstores and on Amazon.

Lisa Shasha lives in Norwich.