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The Dead Husband Cookbook
She has the recipe for the perfect murder...
Maria Capello is a celebrity chef like no other. A household name, an inspiration, an icon. Her dozens of cookbooks and weekly television show, broadcast from her beautiful Italian-style kitchen, not to mention her line of bestselling supermarket sauces. And of course there's her history. Once just the timid wife of famous chef Damien Capello, she stepped into the spotlight after Damien's mysterious disappearance twenty years before. An event she's never spoken about publicly until now, when it is announced that she is looking for a publisher for her memoirs.
Why is Maria willing to finally break her silence? Why does she turn down seven-figure offers from large publishing houses and sign up with a small press? And why does she do so on the condition that it is edited by Thea Woods? Thea is a lifelong fan but has never met Maria and can't figure it out, plus she had been planning to hand in her notice that very day. But when she is invited to Maria's remote farm to work on the manuscript, she can't resist. After all, she may finally learn whether the rumours are that Maria killed Damien for his recipes and the legendary 'secret ingredient'...
A deliciously rich thriller, perfect for readers of Bella Mackie's How To Kill Your Family and Alexia Casale's The Best Way to Bury Your Husband
Maria Capello is a celebrity chef like no other. A household name, an inspiration, an icon. Her dozens of cookbooks and weekly television show, broadcast from her beautiful Italian-style kitchen, not to mention her line of bestselling supermarket sauces. And of course there's her history. Once just the timid wife of famous chef Damien Capello, she stepped into the spotlight after Damien's mysterious disappearance twenty years before. An event she's never spoken about publicly until now, when it is announced that she is looking for a publisher for her memoirs.
Why is Maria willing to finally break her silence? Why does she turn down seven-figure offers from large publishing houses and sign up with a small press? And why does she do so on the condition that it is edited by Thea Woods? Thea is a lifelong fan but has never met Maria and can't figure it out, plus she had been planning to hand in her notice that very day. But when she is invited to Maria's remote farm to work on the manuscript, she can't resist. After all, she may finally learn whether the rumours are that Maria killed Damien for his recipes and the legendary 'secret ingredient'...
A deliciously rich thriller, perfect for readers of Bella Mackie's How To Kill Your Family and Alexia Casale's The Best Way to Bury Your Husband
352 pages, Hardcover
First published August 5, 2025
694 people are currently reading
52336 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,056 reviews
August 10, 2025
4.5* Loved this. Made me hungry 😋
September 10, 2025
Listened on audio per book club recs. This one did not disappoint and I’ve never read/listened to anything like it. So so good!
August 13, 2025
── 4 stars ⟡ ݁₊ .
✦ “i've included the recipe in the back of my new book. you're welcome to try making them yourself. but they won't taste the same”
i absolutely devoured this one. i don't know what secret ingredient Danielle put into this bookwell I do, but it was ridiculously addictive.
┆ ⤿ 🍴 ⌗ plot
ᰔ was I disturbed? yes. was I questioning my sanity? yes. was i not only losing my mind but my appetite? yes. did i keep reading? hell yes. The unexpected twists and actual recipes included in the book were chefs kiss indeed.
┆ ⤿ 🍷 ⌗ final thoughts
ᰔ can't wait to share the recipes with my chef husband—only thing i won't tell him where I got them from.
꒰ trigger warning ꒱
⤿ descriptive animal slaughter
.𓂃⊹ ִֶָ pre-read
this is my first arc and i'm crazy excited. since my #1 toxic trait is justifying questionable actions of disturbed female characters i hope this eats 🍝 🥩
thank you to netgalley, sourcebooks landmark and danielle valentine for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.
✦ “i've included the recipe in the back of my new book. you're welcome to try making them yourself. but they won't taste the same”
i absolutely devoured this one. i don't know what secret ingredient Danielle put into this book
┆ ⤿ 🍴 ⌗ plot
ᰔ was I disturbed? yes. was I questioning my sanity? yes. was i not only losing my mind but my appetite? yes. did i keep reading? hell yes. The unexpected twists and actual recipes included in the book were chefs kiss indeed.
┆ ⤿ 🍷 ⌗ final thoughts
ᰔ can't wait to share the recipes with my chef husband—only thing i won't tell him where I got them from.
꒰ trigger warning ꒱
⤿ descriptive animal slaughter
.𓂃⊹ ִֶָ pre-read
this is my first arc and i'm crazy excited. since my #1 toxic trait is justifying questionable actions of disturbed female characters i hope this eats 🍝 🥩
thank you to netgalley, sourcebooks landmark and danielle valentine for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2025
so i was expecting more cannibalism, but it wasn't that bad.
i read this in one sitting at midnight, so it felt like a fever dream—which is definitely a way to maximize your experience.
after chef damien capello's enigmatic disappearance/suicide, speculation arose that his wife, maria, killed him. sometimes a woman has gotta do what she's gotta do! anyway, we follow a journalist, thea woods, as she reviews maria's drafts for her memoir wherein she is finally willing to address the situation. as time goes on and more secrets are uncovered, she thereby gets further tied up in maria's world and she discovers some life-changing information. maybe her being chosen to cover maria's story wasn't such an arbitrary decision after all?
this wasn't exactly groundbreaking for me, but it was a page turner. i am a slut for a good recipe—though i seldom cook high-effort meals. thus i will say the idea of scattering maria's recipes throughout the book was great. admittedly, at times, it was a little predictable. but if you're a fein for a good recipe and love culinary mysteries that explore messy families and the plights of motherhood, this book wouldn't be a bad choice.
-
the release date is soon so i should probably start this 😭. they had me when they said that this book is similar to a certain hunger (i haven't read it yet but i bought it because books on cannibalism are always fun)
thank you so so much to raincoast books for the physical arc <33
i read this in one sitting at midnight, so it felt like a fever dream—which is definitely a way to maximize your experience.
after chef damien capello's enigmatic disappearance/suicide, speculation arose that his wife, maria, killed him. sometimes a woman has gotta do what she's gotta do! anyway, we follow a journalist, thea woods, as she reviews maria's drafts for her memoir wherein she is finally willing to address the situation. as time goes on and more secrets are uncovered, she thereby gets further tied up in maria's world and she discovers some life-changing information. maybe her being chosen to cover maria's story wasn't such an arbitrary decision after all?
this wasn't exactly groundbreaking for me, but it was a page turner. i am a slut for a good recipe—though i seldom cook high-effort meals. thus i will say the idea of scattering maria's recipes throughout the book was great. admittedly, at times, it was a little predictable. but if you're a fein for a good recipe and love culinary mysteries that explore messy families and the plights of motherhood, this book wouldn't be a bad choice.
-
the release date is soon so i should probably start this 😭. they had me when they said that this book is similar to a certain hunger (i haven't read it yet but i bought it because books on cannibalism are always fun)
thank you so so much to raincoast books for the physical arc <33
August 16, 2025
With a title like this, you’d expect horror, or even cannibalism, judging by the cover! But I’ll leave the details a mystery and just say: read it to find out. It's a good book.
What really stood out for me was how Maria shared her memoir one chapter at a time with Thea, the book editor in the story. That back and forth gave the book such a strong past and present vibe that kept me hooked. A satisfying conclusion with a neat little twist. 3.5 Rounded Up.
What really stood out for me was how Maria shared her memoir one chapter at a time with Thea, the book editor in the story. That back and forth gave the book such a strong past and present vibe that kept me hooked. A satisfying conclusion with a neat little twist. 3.5 Rounded Up.
August 5, 2025
Thea is an editor that is minutes away from losing her job after some controversy on her handling of the last book she worked on. That is until renowned chef and cookbook author, Maria Capello, asks for Thea, and Thea only, to be the editor of her upcoming memoir.
Not only is Thea one of her biggest fans but the lucky timing couldn't have worked out better.
As the story goes Maria's famous chef husband, Damien, disappeared years ago under a veil of mystery. The assumption by all is that he committed suicide though some have doubts and rumors have swirled ever since that Maria is a woman that got away with murder. She has always refused to address the rumors and if any interviewer even approaches the subject she will immediately cut the interview short.
This could be the big break Thea needs to earn back her reputation.
When she arrives at Maria's secluded farmhouse and is asked to turnover her phone, she hesitates. Something niggling her brain. Something about all of this seems off but she has a job to do.
Are there some secrets we'd rather not know? You'll have to read this to find out.
What a tasty treat this was in the beginning. I was savoring every word. Getting lost in the aroma of a delectable mystery. Valentine chooses the low and slow method of storytelling making me restless with hunger pains and checking the timer wondering when I'd be rewarded with something delicious to sink my teeth into. In the end though it seems that the story got overcooked and tough to chew leaving me to feel a little unsatisfied with the final results.
This may not have been fine dining but it still far exceeds fast food. Opinions will vary. 3 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for my complimentary copy.
Not only is Thea one of her biggest fans but the lucky timing couldn't have worked out better.
As the story goes Maria's famous chef husband, Damien, disappeared years ago under a veil of mystery. The assumption by all is that he committed suicide though some have doubts and rumors have swirled ever since that Maria is a woman that got away with murder. She has always refused to address the rumors and if any interviewer even approaches the subject she will immediately cut the interview short.
This could be the big break Thea needs to earn back her reputation.
When she arrives at Maria's secluded farmhouse and is asked to turnover her phone, she hesitates. Something niggling her brain. Something about all of this seems off but she has a job to do.
Are there some secrets we'd rather not know? You'll have to read this to find out.
What a tasty treat this was in the beginning. I was savoring every word. Getting lost in the aroma of a delectable mystery. Valentine chooses the low and slow method of storytelling making me restless with hunger pains and checking the timer wondering when I'd be rewarded with something delicious to sink my teeth into. In the end though it seems that the story got overcooked and tough to chew leaving me to feel a little unsatisfied with the final results.
This may not have been fine dining but it still far exceeds fast food. Opinions will vary. 3 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for my complimentary copy.
August 10, 2025
Grotesquely delicious!
The Dead Husband Cookbook can be described as The Best Way to Bury Your Husband meets Misery.
Wow! This book immediately gripped me in the first chapter! Valentine perfectly executes the multiple perspectives and book within a book structure. While exploring themes of marriage, motherhood, and sacrifices, she keeps readers engaged and completely unsettled with just a hint of horror.
I listened to the audiobook on Hoopla, which is fantastically narrated by Lauryn Allman. She made my mouth water by bringing Maria’s delicious recipes to life! I highly recommend this format.
Side note: if you are squeamish or vegan, this book might not be for you!
I can’t wait to read Valentine’s backlist!
4.25/5 rounded down
The Dead Husband Cookbook can be described as The Best Way to Bury Your Husband meets Misery.
Wow! This book immediately gripped me in the first chapter! Valentine perfectly executes the multiple perspectives and book within a book structure. While exploring themes of marriage, motherhood, and sacrifices, she keeps readers engaged and completely unsettled with just a hint of horror.
I listened to the audiobook on Hoopla, which is fantastically narrated by Lauryn Allman. She made my mouth water by bringing Maria’s delicious recipes to life! I highly recommend this format.
Side note: if you are squeamish or vegan, this book might not be for you!
I can’t wait to read Valentine’s backlist!
4.25/5 rounded down
September 6, 2025
Not that I’ll ever make them, but I enjoyed the very detailed recipes. RTC
Thea ~ the editor
Maria ~ the author
What to expect:
~ dual 1st person POV
~ Woodstock, NY setting (I lived in the next town over for years)
~ book within a book
~ animal slaughtering
~ a bit drawn out mystery
~ long chapters
Narration notes:
She did a really good job distinctifying the tone between both FMC’s.
Pre~reading notes:
Giving this one a listen on my engagement anniversary 🤣❤️
Thea ~ the editor
Maria ~ the author
What to expect:
~ dual 1st person POV
~ Woodstock, NY setting (I lived in the next town over for years)
~ book within a book
~ animal slaughtering
~ a bit drawn out mystery
~ long chapters
Narration notes:
She did a really good job distinctifying the tone between both FMC’s.
Pre~reading notes:
Giving this one a listen on my engagement anniversary 🤣❤️
September 2, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up
A deliciously twisty mystery/thriller that had me turning the pages to find out the truth! The Dead Husband Cookbook follows a disgraced editor who gets the opportunity to turn her career around when a famous and infamous celebrity chef wants to work with her to publish a memoir. There are rumors that the chef murdered her husband and even puts his remains in her famous meatballs... Now she might finally open up about what happened on the night her husband disappeared. But she has a few conditions. The editor can't tell anyone about the book, she has to come out to Maria's farm to work on the pages in person, and Maria will only dole out a chapter at a time for her to read.
A long time fan of Maria's show, our heroine is initially excited about the project, and she desperately needs the boost. But the farm is not what she expected, and she has some skeletons in her own closet as well... This had fantastic atmosphere and I wasn't sure where it was going. It's a lot of fun and the audio narration really sucks you in as well! I have a couple of minor quibbles about changing perspectives towards the end of the book, but overall I really enjoyed it. I received a copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own.
A deliciously twisty mystery/thriller that had me turning the pages to find out the truth! The Dead Husband Cookbook follows a disgraced editor who gets the opportunity to turn her career around when a famous and infamous celebrity chef wants to work with her to publish a memoir. There are rumors that the chef murdered her husband and even puts his remains in her famous meatballs... Now she might finally open up about what happened on the night her husband disappeared. But she has a few conditions. The editor can't tell anyone about the book, she has to come out to Maria's farm to work on the pages in person, and Maria will only dole out a chapter at a time for her to read.
A long time fan of Maria's show, our heroine is initially excited about the project, and she desperately needs the boost. But the farm is not what she expected, and she has some skeletons in her own closet as well... This had fantastic atmosphere and I wasn't sure where it was going. It's a lot of fun and the audio narration really sucks you in as well! I have a couple of minor quibbles about changing perspectives towards the end of the book, but overall I really enjoyed it. I received a copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own.
July 28, 2025
Danielle Valentine is a relatively new author for me, but she is rising in the ranks when it comes to thrillers and horror novels, and her newest book THE DEAD HUSBAND COOKBOOK is a solid fun ride!
Maria Capello, once the shy wife of a famous chef, became a culinary icon after her husband Damien vanished without a trace. Now, decades later, she's finally ready to tell her story—and shockingly chooses a tiny press and unknown editor Thea Woods to help her do it. As Thea heads to Maria's secluded farm, she can't help but wonder: is she about to uncover the truth behind the gossip that Maria killed Damien for his recipes and secret ingredient?
This book is just as fun as it sounds! I loved Maria and her lifestyle, think Real Housewives of New Jersey, Mob Wives, and The Sopranos, but on a farm in Upstate New York! As Thea dives into Maria's world, the mystery and intrigue that is the Capello family becomes a major whodunnit. There's a book within a book aspect to this story, which is a lot of fun (and I usually do not like that style of writing, but it works here and works well). The book leans more thriller than horror so if you are like me and started reading Valentine after Delicate Condition, have fun being surprised by this book's pivot into psychological thriller. This is a fun one, readers!
Maria Capello, once the shy wife of a famous chef, became a culinary icon after her husband Damien vanished without a trace. Now, decades later, she's finally ready to tell her story—and shockingly chooses a tiny press and unknown editor Thea Woods to help her do it. As Thea heads to Maria's secluded farm, she can't help but wonder: is she about to uncover the truth behind the gossip that Maria killed Damien for his recipes and secret ingredient?
This book is just as fun as it sounds! I loved Maria and her lifestyle, think Real Housewives of New Jersey, Mob Wives, and The Sopranos, but on a farm in Upstate New York! As Thea dives into Maria's world, the mystery and intrigue that is the Capello family becomes a major whodunnit. There's a book within a book aspect to this story, which is a lot of fun (and I usually do not like that style of writing, but it works here and works well). The book leans more thriller than horror so if you are like me and started reading Valentine after Delicate Condition, have fun being surprised by this book's pivot into psychological thriller. This is a fun one, readers!
August 26, 2025
Thanks to LibroFM for the audio copy.
It was fine. I was entertained for the most part. It’s a really easy audiobook to listen to. There wasn’t too much shocking or new in this story. But it’s like a quick, interesting enough “airport read”. Although the ending/reveal was a bit ridiculous but oh well. It kept me company and kept the thoughts away. So it served its purpose. I skipped some of the recipes at the ends of chapters. But the ones I did listen to had some fun quips in there.
And it made me really hungry for pasta.
It was fine. I was entertained for the most part. It’s a really easy audiobook to listen to. There wasn’t too much shocking or new in this story. But it’s like a quick, interesting enough “airport read”. Although the ending/reveal was a bit ridiculous but oh well. It kept me company and kept the thoughts away. So it served its purpose. I skipped some of the recipes at the ends of chapters. But the ones I did listen to had some fun quips in there.
And it made me really hungry for pasta.
April 24, 2025
5 out of 5 stars – Twisty, Dark, and Totally Unputdownable!
First, thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for sending me an ARC copy of The Dead Husband Cookbook by Danielle Valentine.
The Dead Husband Cookbook (releasing August 5,2025) is a darkly delicious thriller about celebrity chef Maria Capello, famed for her meatballs—and the decades-old mystery of her missing husband. This chilling tale blends murder, motherhood, and the irresistible power of food.
This book is an absolute thrill ride from start to finish. I went in expecting a dark domestic mystery, but what I got was so much more—twists I never saw coming, a plot that kept me glued to the pages, and a cast of unreliable characters that made me question everything I thought I knew.
Valentine masterfully balances suspense and wit, crafting a story that’s both chilling and addictive. Every time I thought I had it figured out, she pulled the rug out from under me. The layers of secrets, betrayal, and manipulation were so expertly done, I stayed fully hooked the entire time.
If you love twisty thrillers, unreliable narrators, and a storyline that keeps you guessing until the very end, The Dead Husband Cookbook should be at the top of your TBR. Absolutely loved it!
First, thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for sending me an ARC copy of The Dead Husband Cookbook by Danielle Valentine.
The Dead Husband Cookbook (releasing August 5,2025) is a darkly delicious thriller about celebrity chef Maria Capello, famed for her meatballs—and the decades-old mystery of her missing husband. This chilling tale blends murder, motherhood, and the irresistible power of food.
This book is an absolute thrill ride from start to finish. I went in expecting a dark domestic mystery, but what I got was so much more—twists I never saw coming, a plot that kept me glued to the pages, and a cast of unreliable characters that made me question everything I thought I knew.
Valentine masterfully balances suspense and wit, crafting a story that’s both chilling and addictive. Every time I thought I had it figured out, she pulled the rug out from under me. The layers of secrets, betrayal, and manipulation were so expertly done, I stayed fully hooked the entire time.
If you love twisty thrillers, unreliable narrators, and a storyline that keeps you guessing until the very end, The Dead Husband Cookbook should be at the top of your TBR. Absolutely loved it!
August 12, 2025
DV is a sort of refuge from book slumps and mediocre readings for me, especially if I want something to keep me hooked till the last page.
Because — and if you’ve already read anything by her you know it — something big is gonna happen at the end, some sort of plot twist that will make the journey even more terrific.
That said, this book has lots of other great qualities, especially the food aspects.
I've always considered myself someone who doesn't particularly like recipes and cooking in books because I don't have that great of imagination, and most of than not people put Italian names to dishes Italians wouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole. But not here, not under the supervision of DV.
The Italian spelling is perfect, the Italian recipes are perfect, and the cooking jokes are miserably hilarious.
I haven't got all that was promised, so I'm a little sad I didn't witness the gruesome glorification of cannibalism that I thought I’d have found, but I'm also not disappointed in the meaning of this at all — girl power, am I right?! 😏
↠ 3.5 stars
Thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
Because — and if you’ve already read anything by her you know it — something big is gonna happen at the end, some sort of plot twist that will make the journey even more terrific.
That said, this book has lots of other great qualities, especially the food aspects.
I've always considered myself someone who doesn't particularly like recipes and cooking in books because I don't have that great of imagination, and most of than not people put Italian names to dishes Italians wouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole. But not here, not under the supervision of DV.
The Italian spelling is perfect, the Italian recipes are perfect, and the cooking jokes are miserably hilarious.
I haven't got all that was promised, so I'm a little sad I didn't witness the gruesome glorification of cannibalism that I thought I’d have found, but I'm also not disappointed in the meaning of this at all — girl power, am I right?! 😏
↠ 3.5 stars
Thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
August 8, 2025
Deliciously dark!
I devoured this book. I honestly didn't want to stop reading. I loved the book within a book narrative, the unreliable memoir writer, the mystery, the tension, and the amazing food descriptions. Twice, I wanted to shake Thea for stupid decisions, but my annoyance didn't last. The ending was such fun! A strange, disturbing, well-written, and hypnotizing read.
I devoured this book. I honestly didn't want to stop reading. I loved the book within a book narrative, the unreliable memoir writer, the mystery, the tension, and the amazing food descriptions. Twice, I wanted to shake Thea for stupid decisions, but my annoyance didn't last. The ending was such fun! A strange, disturbing, well-written, and hypnotizing read.
July 12, 2025
4.5⭐️
Omg I loved this one!! Thank you so much Sourebooks and NetGalley for my gifted copy! Run to your tbr and add this twisted thriller to the list! It comes out 8/5!
This was better than I had anticipated. I did not figure the twists out and it kept me on my toes until the very end. I absolutely loved the Italian grandmother cooking vibes as someone who is Italian and takes the Italian cuisine very seriously. While there are many delicious recipes and family secrets throughout this book be sure to watch out for the deceit, lies, and murder that also take place.
A mind boggling thriller with an ending you won’t see coming. I highly recommend going into this one blind like I did - it made the reading experience even better! I can’t wait to check out more of Danielle Valentines books.
Omg I loved this one!! Thank you so much Sourebooks and NetGalley for my gifted copy! Run to your tbr and add this twisted thriller to the list! It comes out 8/5!
This was better than I had anticipated. I did not figure the twists out and it kept me on my toes until the very end. I absolutely loved the Italian grandmother cooking vibes as someone who is Italian and takes the Italian cuisine very seriously. While there are many delicious recipes and family secrets throughout this book be sure to watch out for the deceit, lies, and murder that also take place.
A mind boggling thriller with an ending you won’t see coming. I highly recommend going into this one blind like I did - it made the reading experience even better! I can’t wait to check out more of Danielle Valentines books.
August 14, 2025
I was left a little disappointed. the premise was really intriguing, and I went in with pretty high hopes. unfortunately, it was a bit slow and uneventful for me. not much really happens for quite a while, and I found myself loosing interest and skimming through it. I was expecting more horror and gore.
March 25, 2025
A 3.5 star Recipe for Intrigue with a Pinch of Overcooked Drama
Let me start with a confession: I picked up The Dead Husband Cookbook expecting a quirky blend of culinary chaos and dark humor... something akin to a Sweeney Todd pie with a side of sass. What I got instead was a simmering pot of mystery, seasoned with a celebrity chef’s flair and a dash of “did she or didn’t she?” intrigue. Danielle Valentine’s latest dish, set to hit shelves soon (I snagged an early copy through netgalley—thanks!), is a curious concoction that left me both satisfied and slightly peckish for something more.
The book centers on Maria Capello, a celebrity chef who’s less Gordon Ramsay or Martha Stewart and more Hannibal Lector and Shauna Shipman. She’s built an empire of cookbooks, TV shows, and supermarket sauces, all while keeping mum about the mysterious disappearance of her famous chef husband, Damien, thirty years ago. Now, Maria’s ready to spill the beans—or so she claims—by penning her memoirs. But here’s the twist: she snubs the big publishers and their seven-figure offers, opting instead for a small press with a disgraced editor on the verve of being fired. Why? That’s the question that hooked me, like the smell of garlic sizzling in a pan.
The narrative unfolds like a well-plated dish: visually appealing, with layers of flavor that reveal themselves bite by bite. We get scenes of Maria in her Italian-style kitchen, whipping up recipes that sound delectable and made me hungry at nine in the morning for creamy risottos and herb-crusted lamb—while flashbacks hint at darker times with Damien.
So why only 3.5 stars? Well, the mystery, while tasty, sometimes feels overcooked. And the big reveal—without spoiling it—left me thinking, “Huh, I saw that coming from the appetizer course.” It’s not a dealbreaker, but I wanted a twist that’d make me drop my fork, not just nod politely.
Still, there’s charm here. I could picture Maria in my kitchen, rolling her eyes at my sad knife skills while regaling me with tales of Damien’s ego. It’s a book for those who love a good whodunit with a side of cannibalism.
Would I recommend it? Sure, especially if you’re the type who’d binge Hannibal and think his dishes look tasty. The Dead Husband Cookbook isn’t a five-star feast, but it’s a solid 3.5... tasty, entertaining, and worth a nibble. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a tart to bake.
September 3, 2025
Funnily enough, I was apprehensive about reading this one. Not because of the title, but because somehow in my weird brain I’d mixed this book up with Nightbitch. Looking at the covers, you can see why. Both are red, both have a woman’s hand that is holding a hunk of raw meat. In this book though, meat is what makes the difference. Part murder mystery, part horror, and part hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. We have two narrators, Thea, an editor that desperately needs a win after a disastrous misstep with a public figure and social media, and Maria, the writer of a memoir that’s slated to be the tell-all the world has been waiting to hear for thirty years. Did I mention Maria is a famous television cook that rose to fame after her chef husband’s unfortunate suicide? Lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing, you think you know the whole story as it’s being fed to you, quite literally in this case. We even get the snippets of the memoir woven into the novel PLUS actual recipes that in my humble opinion, look delicious. If you’re looking for something a little different, and maybe an ending that you can’t quite disagree with, this is worth a read!
July 24, 2025
Who doesn’t love a book within a book!
The Dead Husband Cookbook was so fun to listen to, the amazing narrator Lauryn Allman did an amazing job with all the different characters, giving them their own voices. I couldn’t stop listening to, I was hooked and needed to know what was going to happen next, much like Thea getting drip fed the chapters.
This book also made me so hungry!! The recipes, the food, I was craving pasta and all the food.
What’s not to love about a celebrity chef whose life has been surrounded by gossip and rumours ever since her husband went missing decades ago. Now she is writing a tell all memoir and will only tell it to editor Thea Woods, who herself is not without drama.
Addictive, wild and crazy. A must read.
Thanks so much to Profile Books Audio, Viper for my advanced listening copy. Out on August 7th.
The Dead Husband Cookbook was so fun to listen to, the amazing narrator Lauryn Allman did an amazing job with all the different characters, giving them their own voices. I couldn’t stop listening to, I was hooked and needed to know what was going to happen next, much like Thea getting drip fed the chapters.
This book also made me so hungry!! The recipes, the food, I was craving pasta and all the food.
What’s not to love about a celebrity chef whose life has been surrounded by gossip and rumours ever since her husband went missing decades ago. Now she is writing a tell all memoir and will only tell it to editor Thea Woods, who herself is not without drama.
Addictive, wild and crazy. A must read.
Thanks so much to Profile Books Audio, Viper for my advanced listening copy. Out on August 7th.
July 25, 2025
Celebrity Chef Damien Capello went missing in 1996, during a party at his home. Soon, a suicide note and his clothes were found by a creek, but a lot of people had conspiracies about what really happened to him. Was he killed, or did he really die by suicide? Did he just leave, and he’s still alive somewhere out there? Did he fall into the creek? And the creepiest theory of them all: did his wife Maria kill Damien, and then eat him?
After his death, Maria continued his legacy of cooking Italian food, becoming a celebrity chef in her own right. She published many cookbooks, started her own line of packaged food, and had a hit show, “Dinner at the Farm”. Though many people loved her, the rumors and speculation still ran rampant…what is the secret ingredient she uses in every dish? Nobody can replicate her cooking - especially not her meatballs. Everyone buys her cookbooks, but fails at making everything as perfectly as Maria does.
Thirty years later, an editor who is an inch away from being fired is called into her boss’s office. Thea is going to be given one more chance, only because there is a writer who specifically asked for her to edit their new book. Thea soon finds out Maria is this one asking for her. It’s not a cookbook, although there are a few recipes, it’s her memoir. Could this be when Maria tells the world what happened the night her husband went missing?!
Leaving her own husband and little girl for a few days, she heads to the Catskills to Maria’s farm, where all of the editing will take place. Phones aren’t allowed. Telling even her husband where she will be isn’t allowed. This mission is top-secret, which makes editing a logistical nightmare. Maria will only give Thea one chapter at a time, and all feedback seems to be ignored. Not being able/allowed to use the internet is making it hard for her to fact check. Soon, Thea just wants to leave, but this is her big break. She can’t stop until the story is ready for publication.
This is a book within a book, as we read Maria’s story chapter by chapter, just like Thea, and both sides are fascinating. The women are more similar than they seem, but they are also not what they seem. Two years ago, I read an ARC from this author called “Delicate Condition” and I gave it five stars. To quote myself from that review, because I feel the EXACT SAME WAY about this book: “This is a page-turningly suspenseful, thrilling, horrifying and at times, darkly comedic novel. This was a four star book all the way, then the beginning of the ending made that a 4.5. Then the actual ending has me rounding up to five.” I loved this so much!
(Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark, Danielle Valentine and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on August 5, 2025.)
After his death, Maria continued his legacy of cooking Italian food, becoming a celebrity chef in her own right. She published many cookbooks, started her own line of packaged food, and had a hit show, “Dinner at the Farm”. Though many people loved her, the rumors and speculation still ran rampant…what is the secret ingredient she uses in every dish? Nobody can replicate her cooking - especially not her meatballs. Everyone buys her cookbooks, but fails at making everything as perfectly as Maria does.
Thirty years later, an editor who is an inch away from being fired is called into her boss’s office. Thea is going to be given one more chance, only because there is a writer who specifically asked for her to edit their new book. Thea soon finds out Maria is this one asking for her. It’s not a cookbook, although there are a few recipes, it’s her memoir. Could this be when Maria tells the world what happened the night her husband went missing?!
Leaving her own husband and little girl for a few days, she heads to the Catskills to Maria’s farm, where all of the editing will take place. Phones aren’t allowed. Telling even her husband where she will be isn’t allowed. This mission is top-secret, which makes editing a logistical nightmare. Maria will only give Thea one chapter at a time, and all feedback seems to be ignored. Not being able/allowed to use the internet is making it hard for her to fact check. Soon, Thea just wants to leave, but this is her big break. She can’t stop until the story is ready for publication.
This is a book within a book, as we read Maria’s story chapter by chapter, just like Thea, and both sides are fascinating. The women are more similar than they seem, but they are also not what they seem. Two years ago, I read an ARC from this author called “Delicate Condition” and I gave it five stars. To quote myself from that review, because I feel the EXACT SAME WAY about this book: “This is a page-turningly suspenseful, thrilling, horrifying and at times, darkly comedic novel. This was a four star book all the way, then the beginning of the ending made that a 4.5. Then the actual ending has me rounding up to five.” I loved this so much!
(Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark, Danielle Valentine and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on August 5, 2025.)
August 5, 2025
If you’re hungry for a thriller that’s equal parts delicious and disturbing, The Dead Husband Cookbook serves it up with flair. This addictive page turner blends a cold case mystery, a twisted psychological undercurrent, and mouthwatering culinary details into one unforgettable read. Maria, a celebrity chef with a glossy public persona and a past full of secrets, finally agrees to write the memoir her fans, and the public, have been desperate for. But she’ll only work with one editor, Thea, setting the stage for a tense collaboration that peels back layers of both women’s pasts.
At the heart of the novel is Damien, Maria’s husband who vanished years ago without a trace. As Thea digs into the memoir process, it becomes clear that Maria’s cookbook is far more than a collection of recipes, it’s a breadcrumb trail of clues. The “book within a book” structure is brilliantly executed, with excerpts from Maria’s writing adding depth, intrigue, and a creeping sense of dread. Every chapter is laced with recipes and food descriptions so vivid you’ll crave a snack, and possibly question what’s in it.
Smart, suspenseful, and infused with shades of horror, this novel keeps the tension simmering until it boils over. Danielle Valentine delivers sharp twists, complex female leads, and a deliciously dark premise that’s both unsettling and impossible to look away from. The Dead Husband Cookbook is a feast for thriller lovers, just maybe don’t read it before dinner.
July 23, 2025
THE DEAD HUSBAND COOKBOOK
pub date 08.05.25
Told in a mix of news articles, recipes, a manuscript, and the POV of Thea, the book publisher — this book is intriguing and so fun to read. And despite the cover photo - made me pretty hungry for some Italian food 🤣 essentially a book within a book that kept me eager to turn the pages.
Maria’s husband, Damien, went missing 30 years ago. He was a chef - and after his presumed death, Maria took over his passion and started a cooking show of her own. Now, she’s ready to tell her story to the world in a memoir— and she’s chosen Thea to be the ghostwriter.
I read a LOT and sometimes it’s easy to forget most details of a book, but this was so unlike anything I’ve ever read and I know for a fact this story will stick with me! It was such a fun read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Thanks so much to @bookmarked for my #gifted ARC!
pub date 08.05.25
Told in a mix of news articles, recipes, a manuscript, and the POV of Thea, the book publisher — this book is intriguing and so fun to read. And despite the cover photo - made me pretty hungry for some Italian food 🤣 essentially a book within a book that kept me eager to turn the pages.
Maria’s husband, Damien, went missing 30 years ago. He was a chef - and after his presumed death, Maria took over his passion and started a cooking show of her own. Now, she’s ready to tell her story to the world in a memoir— and she’s chosen Thea to be the ghostwriter.
I read a LOT and sometimes it’s easy to forget most details of a book, but this was so unlike anything I’ve ever read and I know for a fact this story will stick with me! It was such a fun read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Thanks so much to @bookmarked for my #gifted ARC!
September 5, 2025
♡ thank you to libro.fm for an ALC of this book! ♡
3.5/5 ⭐️
instantly i was drawn to the cover of this book but the plot pulled me in pretty quickly. this book had a mix of dark humor, mystery & chaos. i was super invested until the last 20% of the book, i felt like the ending was completely thrown together and didn't align with the rest of the book.. so many parts of it didn't make sense to what we had previously been told.
📖 plot & pace: the concept of a cookbook tied into family secrets, murder & grief was so clever and unique. the pacing was pretty & kept me listening, though toward the end it started to feel a bit uneven. the narrator did a wonderful job of creating an immersive experience!! i did love the little recipes at the end of some chapters
👥 characters: maria capello is such an.. interesting? character, kind of iconic in the sense that she radiates strong feminine energy.. she's definitely a great portrayal of a morally grey character! thea is well written and has so many relatable qualities which makes getting into the story a lot easier. the capello family has a lot of secrets and there's never a dull moment with them for sure.
🤩 tropes: domestic thriller, morally gray mc, revenge plots, small-town secrets
this book was definitely different than anything i've read before! if you like your thrillers with a side of dark comedy, it’s worth picking up, the ending just didn't fully connect for me. there were so many ways it could've went and i feel like it went the most confusing route.
3.5/5 ⭐️
instantly i was drawn to the cover of this book but the plot pulled me in pretty quickly. this book had a mix of dark humor, mystery & chaos. i was super invested until the last 20% of the book, i felt like the ending was completely thrown together and didn't align with the rest of the book.. so many parts of it didn't make sense to what we had previously been told.
📖 plot & pace: the concept of a cookbook tied into family secrets, murder & grief was so clever and unique. the pacing was pretty & kept me listening, though toward the end it started to feel a bit uneven. the narrator did a wonderful job of creating an immersive experience!! i did love the little recipes at the end of some chapters
👥 characters: maria capello is such an.. interesting? character, kind of iconic in the sense that she radiates strong feminine energy.. she's definitely a great portrayal of a morally grey character! thea is well written and has so many relatable qualities which makes getting into the story a lot easier. the capello family has a lot of secrets and there's never a dull moment with them for sure.
🤩 tropes: domestic thriller, morally gray mc, revenge plots, small-town secrets
this book was definitely different than anything i've read before! if you like your thrillers with a side of dark comedy, it’s worth picking up, the ending just didn't fully connect for me. there were so many ways it could've went and i feel like it went the most confusing route.
August 30, 2025
Speechless!!! This book was AMAZING! I loved how it was written. I loved that this was an actual cookbook. The twist at the end! Priceless. I highly recommend!
August 22, 2025
"𝙄'𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙥𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮. 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜."
If The Dead Husband Cookbook were a dish, it’d be the kind you think twice about before devouring, but once you do, you’re hooked. Danielle Valentine has whipped up a darkly delicious mystery that is equal parts savory, sinister, and downright unhinged. I ate it up.
The story simmers around celebrity chef Maria Capello, a domestic goddess with a squeaky-clean image, a mysteriously vanished husband, and a line of famous recipes featuring a very secret ingredient. Let’s just say this book isn’t for the faint of stomach.
Narrator Lauryn Allman nailed the performance of the audiobook. Her voice was the perfect pairing to Maria’s twisted tale. Her delivery was so on point, I could practically hear the knives being sharpened in the background.
This book had me basting in suspense and marinating in WTF moments. It’s wild, it’s addictive, and it’s utterly insane! In the best way. The inclusion of actual recipes after each chapter? A bloody brilliant touch (pun very much intended). It elevated the reading experience into something immersive and disturbingly appetizing.
I’m a sucker for a “book within a book” setup, and this one served it up on a silver platter. It’s original, it’s gutsy (literally), and I was constantly hungry for the next chapter. I highly recommend going in blind. Don’t peek at the ingredients list. It made the twists even juicier.
The ending? Let’s just say it carved me up and served me surprise on a silver tray. I definitely did not see it coming. Valentine’s writing is sharp as a cleaver, and this book was way meatier than I anticipated.
If you like your mysteries with a side of gore, a splash of dark humor, and a pinch of cannibal chaos, The Dead Husband Cookbook is a must-devour. I can’t wait to tuck into more of Danielle Valentine’s twisted literary dishes.
Bon appétit! And maybe don’t read this while eating.
If The Dead Husband Cookbook were a dish, it’d be the kind you think twice about before devouring, but once you do, you’re hooked. Danielle Valentine has whipped up a darkly delicious mystery that is equal parts savory, sinister, and downright unhinged. I ate it up.
The story simmers around celebrity chef Maria Capello, a domestic goddess with a squeaky-clean image, a mysteriously vanished husband, and a line of famous recipes featuring a very secret ingredient. Let’s just say this book isn’t for the faint of stomach.
Narrator Lauryn Allman nailed the performance of the audiobook. Her voice was the perfect pairing to Maria’s twisted tale. Her delivery was so on point, I could practically hear the knives being sharpened in the background.
This book had me basting in suspense and marinating in WTF moments. It’s wild, it’s addictive, and it’s utterly insane! In the best way. The inclusion of actual recipes after each chapter? A bloody brilliant touch (pun very much intended). It elevated the reading experience into something immersive and disturbingly appetizing.
I’m a sucker for a “book within a book” setup, and this one served it up on a silver platter. It’s original, it’s gutsy (literally), and I was constantly hungry for the next chapter. I highly recommend going in blind. Don’t peek at the ingredients list. It made the twists even juicier.
The ending? Let’s just say it carved me up and served me surprise on a silver tray. I definitely did not see it coming. Valentine’s writing is sharp as a cleaver, and this book was way meatier than I anticipated.
If you like your mysteries with a side of gore, a splash of dark humor, and a pinch of cannibal chaos, The Dead Husband Cookbook is a must-devour. I can’t wait to tuck into more of Danielle Valentine’s twisted literary dishes.
Bon appétit! And maybe don’t read this while eating.
August 2, 2025
The Dead Husband Cookbook is fast-paced, twisty, and genuinely so much fun. It’s the kind of story that hooks you early and doesn’t let go until the very last page, and I had such a good time with it!
The premise pulled me in right away: decades after her husband’s mysterious disappearance, famous chef Maria is finally ready to publish a memoir that might put the rumours to rest once and for all. She wants one specific editor: Thea, a lifelong fan whose career is on the brink. But as Thea moves into Maria’s remote farmhouse to work on the book, it becomes clear that some secrets are still simmering beneath the surface.
What follows is a layered, messy, mixed-media narrative that I absolutely devoured. The news clippings, forum posts, recipes, and excerpts of Maria's memoir added texture and tension in unexpected ways.
The pace itself is relentless, with vivid scenes (think screaming pigs in a slaughterhouse and whispers in the dark) that kept me turning pages long after bedtime. Then the book hits part three… and suddenly we’re shifting POVs, the tension spikes, and I was glued to the page.
This gave me strong Verity meets Yellowface vibes, with a touch of true crime and a sharp thread of feminist commentary running underneath it all. I loved how the recipes weren’t just a gimmick, as they actually deepened the story and character work in a way that felt thoughtful and original.
If you like your thrillers with bite, secrets wrapped inside secrets, multi media narratives, unreliable narrators, and a dark sense of humour, definitely give this one a go.
4.5 stars!!
The premise pulled me in right away: decades after her husband’s mysterious disappearance, famous chef Maria is finally ready to publish a memoir that might put the rumours to rest once and for all. She wants one specific editor: Thea, a lifelong fan whose career is on the brink. But as Thea moves into Maria’s remote farmhouse to work on the book, it becomes clear that some secrets are still simmering beneath the surface.
What follows is a layered, messy, mixed-media narrative that I absolutely devoured. The news clippings, forum posts, recipes, and excerpts of Maria's memoir added texture and tension in unexpected ways.
The pace itself is relentless, with vivid scenes (think screaming pigs in a slaughterhouse and whispers in the dark) that kept me turning pages long after bedtime. Then the book hits part three… and suddenly we’re shifting POVs, the tension spikes, and I was glued to the page.
This gave me strong Verity meets Yellowface vibes, with a touch of true crime and a sharp thread of feminist commentary running underneath it all. I loved how the recipes weren’t just a gimmick, as they actually deepened the story and character work in a way that felt thoughtful and original.
If you like your thrillers with bite, secrets wrapped inside secrets, multi media narratives, unreliable narrators, and a dark sense of humour, definitely give this one a go.
4.5 stars!!
July 22, 2025
The Dead Husband Cookbook follows main character Thea, struggling with her job in the publishing industry, as she is given the once in a lifetime opportunity to work with celebrity chef Maria Capello on her upcoming, top secret, tell-all memoir. Maria will finally reveal the truth that everyone has been dying for - what really happened the night that Maria's beloved husband went missing, and is she as innocent as she wants everyone to believe?
This was certainly a captivating thriller, one that had my attention the whole time. I think the pacing worked well for the story, making me want to keep coming back for more - I found myself using the phrase "just one more chapter and I'll be done" many times while reading this. Things start off seemingly straightforward but the deeper you are pulled into the mystery, the more dark it becomes until you are caught up in the danger, realizing it is too late to go back. I've only read one other book by this author, but both were cases in which a pretty average feeling thriller devolves into something much more by the end, and I liked the direction this went.
Similarly to Valentine's other novel that I read, this one touches on themes of motherhood, family, belonging, and protecting those you love. If you're looking for an easy thriller to get into that also dips into the darkness, this might be one to pick up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with an electronic copy of this book to review.
This was certainly a captivating thriller, one that had my attention the whole time. I think the pacing worked well for the story, making me want to keep coming back for more - I found myself using the phrase "just one more chapter and I'll be done" many times while reading this. Things start off seemingly straightforward but the deeper you are pulled into the mystery, the more dark it becomes until you are caught up in the danger, realizing it is too late to go back. I've only read one other book by this author, but both were cases in which a pretty average feeling thriller devolves into something much more by the end, and I liked the direction this went.
Similarly to Valentine's other novel that I read, this one touches on themes of motherhood, family, belonging, and protecting those you love. If you're looking for an easy thriller to get into that also dips into the darkness, this might be one to pick up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with an electronic copy of this book to review.
June 13, 2025
“I’ve heard she’s kind of…” He’d made the universal sign for crazy—finger looping his ear, eyes wide. “Didn’t she turn her husband into spaghetti?”
Danielle and I have been together through the thick and the thin. With all of the name changes and genre hopping. We've been tight since day one. She's another author that I love and trust. The Merciless will always have a place inside my wicked heart.
She is back at it again with an adult thriller that'll make you rethink everything you know or think you know about celebrity chefs and delicious meats of the world. Not sure I'll ever want to know my family's secret recipes. Thanks, Valentine! ♥
This was a good book with strong characters and some wicked twists. Okay, the twists weren't surprising, nor were they shocking. How it all played out was pure insanity, and this is why they call Danielle the Queen of Scream! Holy s**t! She is twisted and I love it!
Danielle and I have been together through the thick and the thin. With all of the name changes and genre hopping. We've been tight since day one. She's another author that I love and trust. The Merciless will always have a place inside my wicked heart.
She is back at it again with an adult thriller that'll make you rethink everything you know or think you know about celebrity chefs and delicious meats of the world. Not sure I'll ever want to know my family's secret recipes. Thanks, Valentine! ♥
This was a good book with strong characters and some wicked twists. Okay, the twists weren't surprising, nor were they shocking. How it all played out was pure insanity, and this is why they call Danielle the Queen of Scream! Holy s**t! She is twisted and I love it!
July 25, 2025
DNF @ 65.5%. 1.5/5 ✩
“That was my deepest fear. That I was capable of inflicting that kind of pain on the person I loved most.”
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with this ARC.
QUICK SUMMARY
The Dead Husband Cookbook is a thriller novel following Thea, a book editor working with infamous chef, Maria, to write her memoir. With the promise of a complex, tense story, I was dramatically underwhelmed by what I read. In just a few words, this book was uninteresting as all hell, to the point that I gave up with only 100 pages left to read - it wasn’t worth the boredom to even attempt to finish reading it. The pacing and writing were weak, and the characters were so dull that I couldn’t be bothered with them. Severely disappointing considering the premise promised.
R.E.A.D.S. SCORE
R: 2/10
E: 1/10
A: 3/10
D: 2/10
S: 3/10
Total: 2.20/10.00
“That was my deepest fear. That I was capable of inflicting that kind of pain on the person I loved most.”
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with this ARC.
QUICK SUMMARY
The Dead Husband Cookbook is a thriller novel following Thea, a book editor working with infamous chef, Maria, to write her memoir. With the promise of a complex, tense story, I was dramatically underwhelmed by what I read. In just a few words, this book was uninteresting as all hell, to the point that I gave up with only 100 pages left to read - it wasn’t worth the boredom to even attempt to finish reading it. The pacing and writing were weak, and the characters were so dull that I couldn’t be bothered with them. Severely disappointing considering the premise promised.
R.E.A.D.S. SCORE
R: 2/10
E: 1/10
A: 3/10
D: 2/10
S: 3/10
Total: 2.20/10.00
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