Dead Husband Cookbook – FoodReads Book Club, October 2026

Welcome to FoodReads, a book club where we explore and discuss all types of food literature, from food-centric novels, to non-fiction picks about food and food systems, to memoirs written by food industry professionals, home cooks, and food lovers. And of course – we are chocolatiers – each book club gathering will involve our delicious, ethically-sourced chocolate!

Our October book selection is The Dead Husband Cookbook by Danielle Valentine. Book Summary: One 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.

You may find the book through the Monroe County Public Library System. Click here to find the book at the library.
If you would like to purchase the book, we have partnered with local bookstore Ampersand Books to offer all book club selections at a 15% discount! (Click here to find the book at Ampersand). 

This gathering includes: 
Behind the scenes access to the Laughing Gull Chocolates shop
A space to gather, discuss the book, and share in community
Chocolate to enjoy during the book discussion

Book Club Gathering Details:
Thursday, October 29th, 6-7pm
Laughing Gull Chocolates
1868 E Main St
Rochester, NY

In an effort to make FoodReads accessible, we are offering tiered pricing.
Subsidized: $5
Help us cover our costs. Consider this pricing tier if you are unable to afford other tiers, or if you hold identities that have been socially or historically marginalized.

Break Even: $10
This tier allows us to cover costs and allows us to pay our staff to put together the book club.

Pay It Forward: $15
This tier allows us to offer accessible ticket pricing and ensure that no one is excluded for lack of funds; Please also consider this tier if you hold identity that have been socially or historically advantaged.

MINIMUM ATTENDANCE: to run book club, we must have at least 6 people signed up. You will be notified and refunded if the gathering is cancelled.