The Dead Husband Cookbook

A deliciously wicked new thriller from New York Times bestselling author Danielle Valentine.

One husband, well done.

When infamous chef, restaurateur, and television personality Maria Capello's husband died, the media circus was intense...and quick to cast the blame. Whispers claimed Maria murdered her husband to build her culinary empire on his bones, and that there was an all-too-grisly reason his body was never recovered. Yet for the past few decades, the Capello family maintained their stoney silence--until now.

Thea Woods has no idea why she was chosen to work with Maria on her sure-to-be-infamous memoir, but she doesn't question her luck. Spirited away to the Capello's rustic upstate farm, she's soon embroiled in the mystery--and cut off from the rest of the world. It should be the job of a lifetime, but something's not quite right with the close-knit clan, and Damien Capello isn't the only one to go mysteriously missing over the years. As the true story of Maria's past unfolds and the stench of rot hidden behind the kind coastal grandmother veneer rises, Thea finds herself trapped...and desperately afraid.

Because there are reasons why Damien's body was never found...and why, in over thirty years, Maria Capello has never revealed the secret ingredient in her most famous recipe.

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Published Aug 5, 2025

352 pages

Average rating: 7.57

117 RATINGS

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MAP: Reading Rutabagas

Join Massachusetts Avenue Project’s Book Club, the Reading Rutabagas, to collectively read and discuss books related to our mission. Book topics and themes will include social justice, urban farming, food systems, and the environment. We are a Buffalo West side community book club!

Our mission is to nurture the growth of a diverse, accessible, and equitable local food system, promote economic opportunities, and empower youth through social change education.

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Community Reviews

ValerieRuiz
Mar 22, 2026
9/10 stars
Wow. Wow. Wow. This book is definitely one of my favorites of 2025! I can’t even begin to describe the experience because I truly feel you just need to read it and see what it’s about. I loved that this book was an actual cookbook. I loved that the recipes had some kind of sarcastic and satirical element relating to the plot. I love that this book even after the fact, even after you got the ending, even after you got answers, you’re still second-guessing what is actually true. This book was heavy on the theme of mothers having to juggle and balance multiple identities: the single mom, the working mom, the mom who does it all (and not by choice). Now, I don’t have children, but the book was written so well that I felt the weight and the burden of having to be a mom with a demanding career. I don’t know how mothers do it, but they do. If you haven’t read this book, please do yourself a favor and pick up a copy, borrow a copy, do whatever you need to do to read it soon. Also, this was the book of the month for bookclub, and it made for a wonderful conversation at our meeting. Possibly one of my favorite meetings/discussions the club has had to date!
Mrshrl
Oct 16, 2025
4/10 stars
This was recommended by a coworker who apparently hates me. This was so obnoxiously slow and predictable. And stupid.
@sweettea_and_a_book
Sep 02, 2025
6/10 stars
“𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠.” What a delicious read!! With so many scrumptious recipes shared throughout the story, I simultaneously wanted to devour a plate of savory meatballs and, also, stop eating meat altogether. 🍅 Creepy characters, murderous rumors, secluded writing hideout, mystery meat… WTHelly?! Very good thriller, leaves you craving every chapter! A little slow to start (I started during a road trip) but picked up a good deal midway! Great narration performance!! I thought the narrator was a cast of actors!! Thanks to @libro.fm for the great ALC 🎁
datewithathriller
Jul 23, 2025
7/10 stars
A deliciously twisty ride that will have you wondering what the real truth is! 🙌 I did figure out one of the twists though! 🤭 This one had me hooked and I loved the recipes! Makes me want to try some! Obviously without Maria’s special ingredient of course! Recommend checking this one out if you love twisty thrillers and unreliable characters! 👏 Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and Danielle Valentine for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for my honest review! ❤️

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