‘I DON’T TALK TO DEAD BODIES: THE CURIOUS ENCOUNTERS OF A FORENSIC PSYCHIATRIST’ (2022)

Do you enjoy true crime, crime fiction, mental illness related themes or medical memoir?

If so, it is likely that you will find the content of my award-winning memoir, ‘ I don’t talk to dead bodies: the curious encounters of a forensic psychiatrist’, entertaining. 

As an NHS doctor for over 30 years, who worked with mentally disordered offenders, I have a wealth of clinical experience , which includes work for the courts, prisons, hospitals and in the community. I regularly worked with murderers, sex offenders and violent, psychotic men. Of course, I also have my very own stalker! 

Mental illness sometimes makes good people do bad things. It was my job to find them, treat them and rehabilitate them, without judgement, even if they had raped a child or murdered a pensioner. 

This is an intimate, honest, eye opening, amusing, bizarre, scary , emotional rollercoaster of a journey inside my world as a forensic psychiatrist.

I am passionate about destigmatisation of mental illness. My aim is to entertain and educate, as well as to challenge your assumptions and mindset around this emotionally charged subject matter. 

Gold medal winner in the Global Book Awards for Genre (2023) 

Winner: International Impact Book Award: Memoir, Career Journey Category (2025)

The book is available in paperback, ebook and audiobook versions (narrated by me!). It can be ordered via Amazon or any good bookshop.

‘FROM CRIME SCENES TO CRUISE SHIPS: NAVIGATING LIFE’S TROUBLED WATERS WITH RESILIENCE AND HOPE’ (2025)

Have you ever experienced a significant transition in your life?

Whether it was a bereavement, retirement, redundancy, relationship failure, major illness or change in role, you may have found that the future you had planned was no longer possible. However, the next chapter in life doesn’t have to be a bad one, it will just be different.

Sadly, when Dr M retired from the NHS on her 55th birthday, her husband Richard died from a brain tumour the same day. Her second memoir takes the reader on an inspiring journey full of resilience, hope and fulfilment, as she navigates bereavement and gives herself permission to flourish as a solo traveller in life and become a successful artist, author and professional speaker on cruise ships.

Winner Goody Business Book Award: Self Help, Motivation category 2025

Winner The International Impact Book Award: Overcoming Adversity category 2025

The book is available in paperback, ebook and audiobook versions (narrated by me!). It can be ordered via Amazon or any good bookshop.

Endorsements

‘I DON’T TALK TO DEAD BODIES: THE CURIOUS ENCOUNTERS OF A FORENSIC PSYCHIATRIST’ (2022)

Wow...an incredible read. Mentally ill people can be difficult patients. Mentally ill criminals - even more so. So what made a Glasgow woman spend her life trying to reach, treat and rehabilitate these most demanding patients? In this touching and honest account of life as a forensic psychiatrist, Rhona Morrison relates hilarious and shocking anecdotes, shines a light on to society's wrong assumptions and bravely anchors her life story in the personal traumas that beset her sister and husband. This is a fluent, compelling and intimate book about our disregard for folk living with mental illness and a clarion call for NHS professionals to show more empathy and take more time with patients on the margins.
Lesley Riddoch, Award winning journalist, broadcaster and author.

I loved every page of 'I don't talk to dead bodies'. It's emotional, amusing, shocking and best of all shared from the heart by the delightful and effervescent Rhona Morrison.
Michael Heppell, Sunday Times No 1 Best -selling author.

This book offers an incredible insight into the world of a forensic psychiatrist, with bizarre, humorous and scary anecdotes. Most importantly, it challenges the reader to question their assumptions and the stigma surrounding mental illness. Highly recommended.
Charlie Lawson, National Director, BNI UK & Ireland.

Endorsements

‘FROM CRIME SCENES TO CRUISE SHIPS: NAVIGATING LIFE’S TROUBLED WATERS WITH RESILIENCE AND HOPE’ (2025)

This charming and engaging memoir is a must-read for anyone who finds themselves at a crossroads in life and is uncertain how to proceed. Rhona Morrison's stories of heartbreak, friendship and adventures on the high seas are funny, heartwarming and full of hope. The reader is encouraged to be open to new opportunities, embrace them and to take an occasional leap of faith on their journey towards fulfilment. What a powerful, entertaining book.
Lorraine Kelly CBE, broadcaster and author.

Rhona Morrison's latest book takes readers into the sad but familiar territory of bereavement and retirement with bounce, drive and optimism. It is packed with unsentimental anecdotes about the difficulties of facing bereavement and retirement together. You'll come to understand the importance of positive thought, planning, reaching out to friends, forcing yourself to business breakfasts at 6.30 am and working hard to fill that empty diary. A rich and varied read that tackles the difficult later-life circumstances that so many people face, with humour and an infectious sense of purpose.

Lesley Riddoch, journalist, broadcaster and author.

A poignant and entertaining memoir that beautifully explores resilience, hope and personal reinvention. Perfect holiday reading or for picking up when you need some inspiration!
Heather Suttie, broadcaster and journalist, Sunday Mail.

If you've reached some type of 'ending' in your life and are looking for some inspiration to help you navigate the next chapter, then this is for you. Rhona Morrison has written a beautiful, engaging and practically useful memoir of her journey from the simultaneous events of widowhood and retirement to becoming a globe-trotting author, artist and speaker. Her stories and observations about her adventures and mishaps had me chuckling and feeling exhilarated in equal measure.
Sarah Archer, speaker, writer, performer and coach.

A witty yet wise guide to navigating life's biggest transitions. With honesty, humility and plenty of humour, Dr Rhona Morrison shares the lessons she's learned from embracing change, facing loss and saying yes to unexpected opportunities. Whether you dream of travel, art, adventure, or simply a retirement filled with joy and purpose, this book will inspire you to design your own roadmap - without guilt, regret or waiting for permission.
Amy Rowlinson, coach, podcaster and author of Focus on Why.

A compelling and important piece of writing that brings our perception of mental health and wellbeing in everyday life front. and centre - exactly where it needs to be. Elegantly combining challenging life circumstances with reflection, introspection and levity, this memoir will call you to take action in your own life. Simply wonderful.
Clarke Carlisle, former Premier League footballer, PEA chair and MIND ambassador.

Dr Rhona Morrison's latest work is a remarkable testament to the power of taking control of your own narrative and embracing life with purpose. This compelling book is filled with practical, real-life examples that inspire readers to navigate life's challenges with resilience and clarity. It will empower you to live a fulfilling life by responding thoughtfully to the world around you.
Pete Cooper, career and talent specialist and author of The Better Human Blueprint.