As someone who finds joy in wandering through ancient cemeteries like the 7th-century Saint Peter’s Churchyard in Monkwearmouth, England, or the historic Myles Standish Burial Ground in Massachusetts, I’m captivated by the stories etched on headstones. So when I discovered To Die For, A Cookbook of Gravestone Recipes by Rosie Grant, a book that weaves my love for cemeteries with tales of food and family, I couldn’t wait to dive in. Its release on my birthday made it feel like a gift meant just for me.

Grant, known for her @GhostlyArchive, has thoughtfully collected 40 recipes inscribed on gravestones worldwide, from Spritz Cookies to Guava Cobbler. Each recipe is paired with heartfelt family interviews and stunning photos of the dishes, graves, and cherished keepsakes. These recipes hit close to home, reminding me of my own “Top Secret” potato leek soup I plan to pass to my sons. The stories reveal how dishes like a grandmother’s Chicken Soup or a mother’s French Silk Pie become lasting bonds, connecting families even after loss.

Grant’s careful approach transforms this unique concept into a universal celebration of love, memory, and legacy. Every page is rich with emotion—I found myself laughing one moment and tearing up the next as families shared what these recipes meant to them. The book’s gorgeous design, with vivid photography, makes it a keepsake you’ll treasure. A thoughtful glossary introduced me to the term “taphophile,” describing my passion for the history, art, and culture of cemeteries—a delightful discovery.

I was especially charmed by Grant’s inclusion of curated menu sections, pairing gravestone recipes into thoughtful combinations like “Comfort Food Classics,” “Sunday Brunch Spread,” and “Backyard Barbecue Favorites.” These menus inspire readers to bring these dishes to life together, adding a practical and creative touch.

Reading To Die For left me eager to try these recipes myself—if they’re special enough to be carved on a gravestone, they’re worth cooking. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves food with a story or cherishes family traditions. It’s a beautiful reminder that food can keep love alive long after someone’s gone. I’m already inspired to honor my own family’s recipes, and I wholeheartedly recommend this gem to food lovers, history buffs, or anyone who values the legacy of family.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Rosie Grant, and the publisher for allowing me to read this advanced, digital copy, and exchange for an honest review.

I am very excited to check out some of these recipes! I think the idea behind this is cool as a way to honor these recipes and bakers. Getting to learn more about the people and families behind each recipe just makes them feel extra special.

I absolutely loved this cookbook and will definitely be purchasing a physical copy for my kitchen. Each recipe has a bit about the person who made the recipe and some have a note from the family as well. I thought it was a very sweet and sentimental touch. It’s great to see where these recipes came from and the stores behind them being shared. I immediately saved a few of the recipes and can’t wait to try them. There’s a great mix of basic, everyday recipes as well as unique ones. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for sending this advanced copy my way.

I really enjoyed this cookbook. It’s such a unique and heartwarming idea. To create not just a cookbook, but also a memoriam of those who left these cherished recipes for others to create, and perhaps, to integrate into their own family gatherings. I will definitely be giving many of these recipes a try

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for digital access to this book for this review. This book really feels like a cozy hug, even though the huge topic of one’s death and legacy could be really depressing. I love the idea that someone “took this recipe to their grave” and the result was this delightful book. The recipe is really lean into that warm and cozy Grandma vibe. It’s also such an interesting conversation starter and a candidate for favorite new coffee table book. I can’t wait to make more recipes out of it.

I love the little “ recipe notes” callouts on certain recipes because it feels like a handwritten note from your grandmother, reminding you to follow a special instruction. My family cookbook looks very similar!

I would be absolutely tickled if I was one of the included recipe makers to know that my family recipe was written into a book with my life story, what comfort this must bring their loved ones!

Thank you Netgalley, William Morrow, and Rosie Grant for sending me this advanced review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was such a unique cookbook. I love the idea of making gravestone recipes, and I'm going to watch for interesting recipes from gravestones in my own area. I'm glad these recipes will be passed down through time, until eventually they will be too worn to read anymore. It's also interesting to see how many variations there are of the same type of thing, especially cookies!

I love that each recipe has an interview, and a little bit of history with it. That is a really nice touch. The photos were beautiful, and I'm glad we got to learn so much about all these lovely people. I enjoy finding out the personal histories of the people who came before us, and there were even a few people who are still alive, but had their gravestone made in advance.

The recipes were easy to follow, and all look delicious. I'm looking forward to making a few, especially the date cake.