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 the Covid 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 2026

14 Jan - Solving the Nightingale Shore Murder - Stockton on the Forest WI

3 Feb - Solving the Nightingale Shore Murder - Brough

16 Feb - Solving the Nightingale Shore Murder - Lidgett Fellowship Group

19 Mar - Solving the Nightingale Shore Murder - Pickering

10 April - Petticoat Government - the story of the York Home for Nurses - Snape

13 April - The Crimes of Dr Gramshaw - Knaresborough WI

16 April - Tales from Dringhouses Railway - Haxby and Wigginton Local History Group

14 May - Solving the Nightingale Shore Murder - Marton Cum Grafton WI

18 May - Petticoat Government - the story of the York Home for Nurses - Welburn Village History Group

3 June - The Nurses of Middlethorpe Hall - u3a Keighley

11 June - Solving the Nightingale Shore Murder - Yorks CWA

20 July - The Crimes of Dr Gramshaw - Tadcaster u3a

19 October - Solving the Nightingale Shore Murder - Wilberfoss

To book a date in 2027, 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