The Dead Husband Cookbook

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

ο»ΏOne 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: 7.83

6 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

@sweettea_and_a_book
Sep 02, 2025
6/10 stars
β€œπˆβ€™π―πž 𝐚π₯𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐬𝐚𝐒𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 π₯𝐒𝐀𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐒π₯𝐲. π„π―πžπ§ 𝐭𝐑𝐞 π›πžπ¬π­ 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐒𝐝𝐒𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐑𝐒𝐧𝐠.” 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. πŸ… 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! πŸ™Œ 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! πŸ‘ 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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