I enjoyed this dark, gothic thriller. The audio narration was a brilliant match, making for an entertaining and eerie listen. The characters are well-developed, and the dual points of view add depth and multi-layered complexity to the storyline. If I were to add one criticism, the pace of the plot did seem a little slow for my preferences, but overall, this is an enjoyable and interesting audiobook. I recommend this to all fans of darker thrillers.

Dark, clever and very easy to get drawn into. The Dead Husband Cookbook is a great blend of suspense, satire and domestic drama. Danielle Valentine serves up sharp writing, humour and a twisted plot that keeps you hooked. A few convenient twists hold it back from five stars, but it’s still a deliciously dark treat for thriller fans.

Danielle Valentine’s The Dead Husband Cookbook is one of the most uniquely unsettling (and oddly appetising) reading experiences I’ve had in a while. It blends psychological thriller with mouthwatering culinary detail in a way that both chilled me to the bone and made me hungry.

For the first two-thirds, I was absolutely hooked. Valentine masterfully builds a slow, creeping tension that burrows under your skin. The horror here isn’t loud or splashy, it’s subtle, growing like a mould you don’t notice until it’s everywhere. There were moments where I genuinely felt shivers, and some of the more grotesque references made my stomach turn (it’s worth noting I have a fairly weak stomach!). The format was also a standout: switching between the protagonist’s real-life experiences, excerpts from the chef’s novel, and later, dual perspectives that deepen the mystery and emotional resonance. It was deliciously layered storytelling.

But where it slightly faltered for me was in the final act. Just when one chapter wrapped things up, another would come along to stretch it further, adding complexity, yes, but also a bit of confusion. The tension that had been so expertly simmered seemed to boil over, cool down, then try to reheat again. The themes of cannibalism, identity, and control that had been threaded so well began to feel muddled. I was hoping for a final bite that would leave a lasting taste but instead, it felt a little overcooked (excuse the pun).

Still, despite the ending losing a bit of steam, this was a highly enjoyable read. Valentine delivers a horror experience that’s not too extreme, making it perfect for readers who enjoy psychological chills without full-on nightmare fuel. The blend of horror and food writing is something I’ve never encountered done quite like this before, and it made the book deeply immersive.

I listened to the audiobook and found it incredibly well-produced. The narrations were distinct, and their performances added even more depth to the characters. That said, I do wish I had a physical copy, mainly because the recipes included sounded incredible! As someone who loves pasta, I’m now seriously considering buying the print version just to try a few of them out (hopefully with less sinister backstory).

In short, The Dead Husband Cookbook is a twisted, tantalising read that manages to be both revolting and mouthwatering, often on the same chapter. It’s one of the most original books I’ve read this year, and while the ending didn’t quite stick the landing, the journey there was absolutely worth it!

3.5 Stars

Once I started listening I couldn’t stop
The name of this drew me in but the story kept me
I really enjoyed it I was completely disturbed in the best way the twists and turns everything was perfect
I can’t wait to get my hands on the physical copy

I received this audiobook from NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review. This review is based entirely on my own thoughts and feelings.

Overall rating : 2*
Writing skill : 2*
Plot: 3*
Pace: 2*
Characters: 3*
Narration: 3*

I feel slightly duped by the cover of this book. I feel the cannibalism trend at the moment had influenced the cover design, but it doesn’t match the story.
The characters were okay, Maria was the standout for me, but Thea was any stereotypical editor without a backbone. Leave the situation already!!
This had verity vibes but didn’t compare at all. Really disappointed by the way the story played out, was overly confusing for no need.
The narrator was good, but sadly didn’t improve my enjoyment.
Really liked delicate condition, so I won’t write the author off but this one wasn’t for me.

First of all thank you for the opportunity to review the audiobook version of this book.

The narrator did a really good job with this novel but there were moments when one of the characters voices reminded me a bit too much of Miranda Priestly from Devil Wears Prada so that was a little distracting.

The book itself I enjoyed but found a little predictable so none of the twists came as a big shock to me. I liked the book within a book way of telling the story and enjoyed the dynamics between the characters. Having the recipes makes sense for the novel but on audio it does mess with the pacing somewhat so I tended to skip over those parts.

What a totally fascinating yet disturbing novel! It definitely had me doubting myself, not to mention the characters like Thea who you go into the story knowing that she was about to lose her job for trusting the wrong people creating quite the scandal. So many dark secrets, hints that come out in the unpublished memoir of Maria Capello (that Thea is editing) which may or may not be true. Add in an isolated house no cell phone (to make sure nothing leaks early) and spotty wifi and you have an easy breakdown waiting to happen! Plus the very odd family members also staying at the house (e.g. a young girl who sneaks out to sleep in the barn with the piglets or the butcher that shows up at odd times). I love how the recipes at the beginning of each section relate to the novel (those names are great!) though I do have doubts that they will be as good as Maria makes with that special ingredient! I won't add anymore specifics but it does go in twisty places with a bit of a shock factor, and I do have to admire Maria for her love of her family that she will do anything to protect. It has a fun and dark ending which tied up everything nicely.

The narrator, Lauryn Allman, in bringing both Thea and the memoir of Maria Capello to life in all its dark deliciousness! But you probably should not make the recipes listed in this book, despite the reasonableness of Maria's message. lol

This has mystery, it has intrigue, murder, implied cannibalism and all while incorporating delicious recipes into it.
It's more of a twisty thriller than the horror I went into expecting, but this does not detract from the enjoyment I had with it.
I would recommend avoiding if you do not like detailed descriptions of animal slaughter.

I read this as an audiobook and I enjoyed the narration, it added to the suspense threaded throughout and found I wanted to get through it quickly so I could get to the end (in a positive way).

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

4/5 Stars

How do you even begin to describe a book that blends murder, (alleged) cannibalism, and actual recipes into a darkly quirky mystery? The Dead Husband Cookbook is truly one of the most unique reading experiences I’ve had in a while. Going in, I had no idea what to expect—and honestly, I'm still not sure what just happened—but I can confidently say it was an entertaining ride.

At its core, this is a murder mystery, but it's layered with unsettling undertones, dry humor, and yes, a handful of genuinely intriguing cookbook recipes. The story leans into the absurd in the best possible way, but also demands your full attention. Much of the narrative is subtle, with plenty of subtext and clues that aren’t always spelled out. The ending? Let’s just say it might leave your brain doing somersaults.

While the plot borders on the ridiculous at times, that’s also part of the charm. It won’t be for everyone, but for readers who enjoy offbeat mysteries with a dark edge and an experimental twist, this might just be the bizarre little gem you’re looking for.

Recommended for fans of the unusual—and definitely not to be read on an empty stomach.

This was such a fast paced and gripping read. I absolutely loved this one and really found it different from my recent reads. I loved how this one had a recipe theme throughout and kept me intrigued to see how this one would end.

This book follows a ostracised book editor who is intentionally hired by a world renowned chef to edit her memoir - the only thing is this chef’s husband died years ago and everyone thinks she did it. I devoured every single page of this book, the plot was so fast paced and twisty after every chapter I was begging for more. The descriptions in this book - whether it be of food or the gruesome discoveries we find along the way - are so vivid and fascinating. Whilst reading this I was able to guess a few of the many twists but I don’t think that took away from my reading experience. I’m definitely going to be diving into this author’s backlist after having such a fun time reading this one!

Maria Capello is a celebrity chef and household name. Her cookbooks, tv show, and best selling supermarket sauces and frozen dinners are in homes across the country. But she use to be the quiet wife behind the scene to famous chef and restaurant owner Damien Capello. It was only after his disappearance twenty years ago that she stepped into the spotlight. For the past two decades Maria has never spoken publicly about her husband's case and rumors have always been in the background of if he left her or did she get rid of him?

Thea Woods is a book editor that is on the verge of losing her job after private details on a book got leaked. When her boss calls her into the office one morning, she knows the time to be fired has come. She never expected to be told that Maria Capello is writing a new memoir and has requested only Thea edit the book. Why does she want Thea? While Thea is a huge fan of Maria, she has never met her and has no connections to her. With the goal of getting details about Damien's disappearance for the book, Thea accepts the invitation to Maria's remote farm to work on the manuscript. She may finally learn if the rumors are true and what is Maria's legendary "secret ingredient".

I really enjoyed this audiobook. I went into it expecting horror, and while there are horror undertones, this one is pretty mild. Things are more suggested than described. The story was a dark, twisty thriller/mystery with good suspense build ups. As Thea dives into Maria's world she starts to turn up details from the past and it creates a whodunit storyline. The narration was great and I like the book within a book style. You read things from Thea's POV and you read chapters from Maria's memoir building the past and present story. Such a fun read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Profile Book Audio for the audiobook for review.

Audiobook Review - Lauryn Allman delivers a well developed twisted tale of murder and macabre intentions. Easy to listen to and comfortable without being too challenging

★ 4.75 stars

𝙈𝙪𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧, 𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙗𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙢, 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙗𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚.

📚 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚝: audiobook
📆 𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚎: 7th August 2025
📎 𝚙𝚞𝚋𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚛: Profile Books Audio / Viper
🏷️ 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚜: female rage, psychological thriller/horror, cannibalism, revenge, generational trauma, family secrets

𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙: Oh my goodness?? I mean I really enjoyed this book! When I went into it, I thought that it would be more horror than thriller, then as I got further in I think it became more of a psychological horror/thriller? I’m not too sure on the genre but either way I really enjoyed it. I felt like the pacing was really good, the storyline was original and honestly the twists just kept coming? The suspense had me really interested in the audiobook from about 40% in, I didn’t want to pause it at all.

𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙙: I did have suspicions about the ‘secret family member’ close to the end of the book but the two further twists that happened afterwards, I didn’t really see coming so I feel like it kind of redeemed itself? Otherwise no other ‘bad’ notes! The really graphic descriptions of meat did however make me a bit queasy and especially the scene with the piglets.

𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨: I really enjoyed this audiobook and the narrator, I enjoyed the suspension throughout and thought that the narrator did a really good job of keeping me interested! Overall would really recommend & will be reaching for more of the author’s work.

𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬!

The narration of this audiobook is second to none. I really enjoyed listening to it and found myself drawn back to it as soon as I put it down. The plot was intriguing and perfectly twisty. I particularly enjoyed the chapters from Maria’s perspective.

Thank you to Profile Books Audio | Viper, the author and NetGalley for a LRC in return for an honest review

⚠ Trigger warning #BrutalAnimalSlaughter ⚠

I really enjoyed the 'book within a book' structure, with the intertwining narratives adding depth and texture. Other readers have commented on The Dead Husband Cookbook being reminiscent of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo or Lessons in Chemistry but with a much darker twist. As both of these books are still on my TBR pile, I can't really comment on this similarity. However I have read Asako Yuzuki's Butter - which felt very similar in tone and theme, especially with its strong female chef lead, the rich culinary detail, the lingering question of guilt and the way recipes are woven into the story.

Speaking as a Pescatarian, I would've appreciated trigger warnings upfront for the brutal animal slaughter content.

The narration by Lauryn Allman was superb. Her distinct voices and emotional range truly brought the characters to life.

Would recommend for fans of culinary noir, unreliable narrators and domestic mysteries with a slow simmer and unexpected spice. This is a fun, dark and flavourful thriller, where you could literally taste the tension, I can honestly say that, for a change, I genuinely didn’t see the twist coming! It may not blow your mind, but it’ll definitely whet your appetite and it certainly won't leave a bad taste in your mouth.
👩‍🍳💋

Sorry, I'll stop with the bad culinary puns now!

#TheDeadHusbandCookbook #NetGalley

This narrator was fabulous. Excellent voices, the storytelling was spot on and the pacing superb. No notes.

Rating is for the narration.

"No body, no crime."

The premise hooked me instantly: a famous chef wants to publish a memoir decades after her husband vanished, once and for all shutting down the rumours about cannibalism, vampires and murder… but will it help?
She is looking for a publisher for her memoir but knows exactly who she wants as editor, Thea Woods. Thea is a lifelong fan, and just when she is about to be fired from her job, Maria swoops in to save her career... or ruin it.
While at Maria's farmhouse, Thea has to deal with truths, lies and strangers she doesn't know she can or cannot trust.

The author sprinkles actual recipes throughout the story, alternating chapters from Maria and Thea’s pov.
As the tension rises, vivid scenes (think pigs in a slaughterhouse and eerie footsteps in the dark) cloak the story in gothic dread deserving of a horror‑thriller mashup. I’m forever thankful the audiobook does not include any dying pig noises, not gonna lie.

Characters Worth Rooting For:
* Maria Capello: charismatic, enigmatic, potentially murderous chef icon. I couldn’t ask for more.
* Nobody else. I unfortunately did not like any of the other characters, including Thea.

I loved the twisty storytelling and the mix of dark humour, foodie focus and feminist undercurrent

I knew very early on what the reveals were going to be but still enjoyed the whole thing!

The Dead Husband Cookbook is messy, macabre and utterly memorable. Despite a few predictabilities and an open‑ended finale, Valentine delivers a vivid, atmospheric ride complete with recipes that had me hungry the entire time.

Rating: 5★ / 5

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the start - I listened to it as an audiobook and I devoured it within 2 sittings.
Ironically I have just finished listening to a series of books, then chosen this one next and it's the same person narrating it, so I was already used to her voice so felt at ease so to speak straight away.
The Storyline had me hooked, and there was a lf Twists and turns, some of which I guessed, and quite a few that I didn't.
Great read - would highly recommend.

Damien Capello disappeared 30 years ago but was he killed by his wife? Maris, now a celebrity chef decides to write her memoir. Will she reveal what really happened all those years ago and why insist that Thea Woods be her editor?

Very well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Excellent characters in this well paced, intriguing novel. Maria uses a secret ingredient in her recipes but what is it? Thea will try to get to the truth but whose truth only Maria knows.