This was just a no for me. Nothing about the book made me want to continue reading it. I didnt like the plot, the characters.

Okay okay… A little mystery, murder, jealousy, betrayal and a lot of secrets!

Good and quick read. I enjoyed how every single character was included even in the smallest of ways in to whole story building of it all.

And the author did great by including the secret recipe at the end 🤭

In all fairness to this book, I went into it a little fatigued of all the murderous memoir stories I’ve read in the past year. And much of this book did play out like a TV thriller movie that plays in the background while I scroll brainlessly on my phone, looking up every now and again.
The ending was good. The audacity and payoff of it makes the book memorable. I just wish it could’ve been more a more engaging experience. 3.25 stars.

Rough start, I felt I missed a couple of chapters (the set up) when I started the book which begins with a recipe. I got caught up, but still feel the book couple have started more conventionally. The POV also flips back and forth, plus there are events which take place in different times to further make this a move difficult read.

Still, after I understood better what was going on, I was interested to see what was happening. I did think it strange Thea missed noticing something initially about someone close to her, no spoilers.

The book felt a little short to me despite it saying the book was 290 pages.

I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

A woman scorned, right? That's really what this book is all about. The story is intercut with articles about Maria and chapters of her memoir, plus her recipes. They sound good and I'm wanting to try some when I get a chance (though I'll use a more traditional meat.) The premise and layout reminded me of a joke I see go around and then- "a recipe blogger who confesses to murder on every recipe on their website, but never gets caught because nobody reads the pages long text before the recipe."
I did question some of the choices of the characters. I've never been a fan of the woman sticks her head in the sand trope. Never understood it in fiction or real life. And Thea's "big mistake" seemed both deliberately stupid of her and "that's it?" at the same time.
There's a ton of foreshadowing used that made it quite easy to see where the story was going. If you're looking for a book with lots of twists and shocking reveals this isn't it. The author does try to cast doubt on the obvious but it wasn't especially effective. But the story itself is a good one, the details and pacing keep things interesting, and a hint of the creep factor now and then.

I honestly read this book because of the cover and title. I’ve not read this author’s previous work, but I will be seeking it out after finishing this incredible story!
I loved how this story was set up. Thea is an editor who is working with famous celebrity chef, Maria Capello to edit her memoir. It’s told in chapters from Thea and Maria, but also book pages from Maria’s memoir and there are some recipes tied in, which I thought was so creative.
I thought the story was really fast paced, one of those books that you just can’t put down. I was really invested in the characters, as well as trying to piece everything together. The twists were unexpected and worked so well. Nothing, in my opinion, was predictable.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Quite the mystery, weaving past and present and interrelated stories and versions - a lot going on! And not much is as it appears. Fun that recipes are included with a bit of tongue-in-cheek humor - but clearly the meatballs will never come out the same.

3 stars

(thankyou netgalley for the arc )
( published August 5th 2025)

the premises of this book was excellent . I felt the characters were well developed and it was such a unique storyline , however the plot department was lacking as I did predict one of them ( and I never guess plots ) I did really like the anticipation of who's killed him ?
a very interesting book and I was genuinely terrified to death during some parts .

What started as an unlikely match for me by outlining the many terms for meatballs in various countries, quickly turned into something more compelling even by the end of its introduction, and I found myself wanting to dive into this story fully.

I found a little of myself in the protagonist, Thea (namely our penchant for wanting to impress older women). But at times I also found myself questioning her choices. Though, upon reflection, I could potentially see myself making the same ones out of the curiosity’s sake. A need for answers to something you’ve been obsessed with your entire life can definitely make you make some stupid decisions.

I thought I had the plot of this figured out so many times, but so many times I was wrong. I did figure a couple of small details along the way, which was nice, actually. Made me feel like I wasn’t completely stupid, but it kept just enough mystery that nothing felt remotely predictable.

Note that the book contains a fairly descriptive scene depicting the butchering of animals, but rather than feeling gratuitous, it enhances the atmosphere of dread and secrecy that permeates the story, showcasing the author’s skill in setting an unsettling mood.

The inclusion of recipes was a fairly unique addition, at least among books I’ve read. I’m no cook myself, but I can see how they add an extra flair for people who do enjoy the hobby. All in all, I was pretty impressed. It wasn’t quite one I’d consider among my favorites, but it was good enough that I’d definitely recommend it.

Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for giving me an ARC of this book (ebook version).

Family issues galore in this delicious book!

Maria Capello was the woman behind the man, celebrated chef Damien Capello, before he disappeared during a dinner party at their secluded mountain home. Silently moving on to build her own food empire after her husband's disappearance, she has refused for years to comment on what happened that night...until now.

Thea Woods is a book editor, one who made a huge mistake and went from being her boss's confidant to being on the cusp of being fired. On top of that, she's keeping secrets from her husband about their financial situation and trying to keep her mom afloat financially as her deadbeat dad pops in and out of her mother's life.

Thea has no idea why Maria Capello has specifically requested her as the editor of her memoir, but she jumps at the opportunity. After all these years, Maria is going to reveal what happened to Damien and Thea will be the one to bring the memoir to life.

Never mind that Maria insists Thea come to her home to read the book. Never mind that Maria gives Thea one tiny chapter at a time. Never mind the rumors that Maria killed Damien and used his body in her meatballs. Never mind that Maria demands Thea hand over her cell phone the moment she arrives, keeps shutting off the internet, and that a nail has mysteriously appeared in Thea's car tire.

This book is a twisty, deceptive ride. I did not see the final few revelations coming.

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.

One of the better ones of this type- I found the story compelling and very readable. The recipes and excerpts from the book within a book were a charming touch.

this was so good! i was becoming increasingly paranoid along with the main character thea and letting my mind run wild with all the different theories i had about what was really going on.. the resolution was satisfying and definitely surprised me more than once. i thought this book was very compelling and i definitely recommend. i loved the recipes included throughout as well!

This book had a really good story and plot to it. I was definitely hooked while reading. It kept me engaged and guessing the whole time. That plot twist was wild!

What a fun read! I absolutely devoured The Dead Husband Cookbook: equal parts delicious and deadly! This book is the perfect recipe for a good time: take one cold case murder, fold in some adultery, whisk together cannibal gossip and possible psycho behavior, and serve with a generous helping of recipes that I can’t wait to try!

The story was told by two narrators and a sprinkling of book chapters from “the Dead husband cookbook”. I loved how the recipes were woven into the story, they actually sound delicious and have some fun cooking techniques. Who knew a murder mystery could leave you hungry for Italian food?

This book is for you if you love food, murder, and a little family chaos.

I’m already picking out which recipe to make first, the ziti or the meatballs, hopefully no one ends up dead in my kitchen!

I found this book to be an enjoyable read. The story kept me engaged from start to finish and had some moments that really stood out. Overall, it offered an entertaining reading experience.

DANG this was good! Danielle Valentine always hits. This is one of those books where you support women's wrongs. It was actually kinda spooky at times, especially if you're reading it late into the night on your phone like I did to try and figure out what the heck was going on.

Brb making the meatball recipe at the end.

This was such a good story. The plot twists won’t blow you away, but it was a great read that was super captivating despite that, Plus the descriptions of food were amazing. I don’t care what they were eating, I want some now…

This felt like one where I wish the synopsis didn't so heavily hint at parts of the story; although, I guess with the title we all would have been thinking the same thing anyway. It's a campy, fun summer thriller if you can handle some more squeamish moments!

BOOK REPORT
Received a complimentary copy of The Dead Husband Cookbook, by Danielle Valentine, from Sourcebooks Landmark/NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.

As somebody who was (borderline-stalker) obsessed with both Martha Stewart and Nigella Lawson, albeit at different times, this book really resonated with me.

Now, that said…..

I could see _everything_ (or close to it) coming from about a million miles off. And I thought our primary protagonist was…..to be slightly kind…..a whole lot of an implausible goose.

Not to mention I didn’t buy in to whatever “that” was supposed to be re her social media meltdown and the company suffering and the like. Just didn’t ring true. (Yes, yes, I know whereof I speak. Google me if you want receipts.)

Big fun, easy poolside read, and now I want to do creative things with broccoli rabe.

DESCRIPTION
One husband, well done.

When infamous chef, restauranter, 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.