Welcome!

This is the official website of Rosemary Cook, award-winning author and researcher

You can find information here about my books, my speaking schedule and my latest project. You can also read my blog and contact me about my books - find out how to get a signed copy! If you need FREE help with your family history research, you can contact me about this too. I look forward to sharing my work with you.

Bio

I am a nurse by background. I've also worked as a manager in health authorities, and as a Civil Servant in the Department of Health. For 15 years I was the CEO of two health-related charities: the Queen's Nursing Institute and the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine. So I have a great interest in all things nursing and medical.

My main hobby is historical research and writing - so far, all about medical crimes and mysteries!

I also give talks about my research and my books: you can find me on SpeakerNet here. After a year of lockdowns, I have developed all of my talks to deliver them online. So it doesn't matter where you are in the country - or the world - you can help solve the Nightingale Shore murder, or hear about the crimes of Dr Gramshaw, or the wickedness of Dr Warder! See below for my current speaking schedule.

Comments on my book talks

‘A tour de force! What a terrific talk!’ Rotary Club of Northallerton Mowbray

‘Engaging, well thought out and entertaining. I have had lots of emails from members saying how much they enjoyed it.’ National Women’s Register

'A fascinating and gripping tale! I have received lots of very good feedback. You a such a clear and enthusiastic speaker and this was much appreciated.' Easingwold u3a

‘Thank you for a really amazing talk, the format and subject was brilliant, we are still arguing and discussing it on our Facebook page!’ Carnegie Girls WI

‘Thank you so much for your talk, easily the best zoom we’ve had and great feedback from members.’ Threshfield and Linton WI

'There has been some lively chat following your talk and amazement that you had been able to dig out so much detail about Dr Warder ... a really good talk.' Hawkhurst u3a

Bookings 2025

77 7 7 Feb - Tales from Dringhouses Railway - Skelton Village Trust

26 Feb - The Nightingale Shore Murder - Phoenix Women

8 March - The Nightingale Shore Murder - York Association of the National Trust

20 March - The Crimes of Dr Gramshaw - Tang Hall History Group

9 April - The Nightingale Shore Murder - Oddfellows, Knaresborough

11 April - The Nightingale Shore Murder - Snape History Group

16 April - The Nurses of Middlethorpe Hall - East Yorkshire Roses

17 April - The Wickedness of Dr Warder - Haxby and Wiggington History Group

7 May - The Crimes of Dr Gramshaw - Yorks Countrywomen's Association

12 May - The Wickedness of Dr Warder - Friends of Williamson's Tunnels

13 May - The Crimes of Dr Gramshaw - Leeds u3a

19 May - Tales from Dringhouses Railway - Dringhouses library

20 May The Nightingale Shore Murder - Dringhouses WI

4 June - The Crimes of Dr Gramshaw - Harrogate Probus

9 June - The York Home for Nurses - Huby Monday Club

11 June - The Nightingale Shore Murder - Northallerton u3a

5 August - The Crimes of Dr Gramshaw - Matcham Grange Residents

19 August - The Wickedness of Dr Warder - Ladies in Middleham

11 September - Tales from Dringhouses Railway - Doncaster Probus

15 September - York Home for Nurses - Wilberfoss Ladies

8 October - The Crimes of Dr Gramshaw - Phoenix Ladies Club

27 October - The Nightingale Shore Murder - Norfolk WI

4 November - Tales from Dringhouses Railway - Haxby and Wiggington Probus

8 November - The Crimes of Dr Gramshaw - York Association of the National Trust

To book a date in 2026, contact me using the form below.

Family history research

I have spent years doing family history research for my books and learned a lot along the way - mainly by making mistakes that could have been avoided! Now I'm a Family History Buddy at my City Library, helping others to find their way through the maze of websites and databases.

If you would like me to help you with your research, get in touch - I'm happy to talk through your requirements and do a couple of hours' research free of charge. Meanwhile, see my blog for some top tips ...

Contact me