Audiobook Review: The Dead Husband Cookbook by Danielle Valentine
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As the old saying goes, “Never meet your heroes.” And there are so many stories to back it up. So when a wife and mother is assigned to work with her lifelong idol in the audio edition of The Dead Husband Cookbook by Danielle Valentine, it’s no surprise that things don’t turn out as she’d envisioned.
The story finds disgraced literary editor Thea Woods taking on the biggest project of her career: editing the memoir of celebrated chef and TV personality Maria Capello. She has no idea why Maria chose her, but she does know that it’s the only thing keeping her job following a career-ending scandal. Forced to work in secret at Maria’s farm, Thea is eager to read Maria’s story—especially regarding the disappearance of her husband, Damien, 30 years ago. But as soon as she arrives, Thea begins to suspect that Maria isn’t as sweet and motherly as she seems.
Though Thea grew up idolizing TV Maria and her perfect family, everything about the situation she suddenly finds herself in feels strange and even alarming. Maria is notoriously secretive and controlling when it comes to her story and her family—but Thea didn’t expect to find herself cut off from the outside world while she worked, her phone confiscated, the internet shut off. And the more she gets to know about Maria and her children, the more concerned she becomes.
This novel tells a story within a story, mixing chapters following Thea’s search for the truth with chapters of Maria’s memoir (complete with detailed recipes, which, admittedly, feel more like a distraction from the story when you’re listening to the audiobook). Though Maria’s own story seems convincing—clearing up so many of the dark, disturbing rumors that have been swirling around her for decades—Thea refuses to believe everything Maria says (or writes) until she can uncover the truth for herself. It makes for an eerie tale of secrets and cover-ups and suspicion. And it’s sure to keep readers guessing—captivated by the story yet never sure what to believe. Though some of the story’s twists aren’t entirely surprising, it’s a gripping and haunting read.
With its rumors of things like murder and cannibalism, The Dead Husband Cookbook definitely isn’t a light and easygoing listen for your morning walk—or your daily commute—but it is as darkly, eerily fascinating as it is disturbing.
Pros:
– Loaded with suspense (and plenty of Hollywood gossip, too)
– The haunting story will keep you coming back for more
Cons:
– Definitely a disturbing read—so this one isn’t for the faint of heart (or weak of stomach)
You can find the audio edition of The Dead Husband Cookbook through your local library or on Amazon.
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