Cuisine to Kill For: Over 50 Recipes and True Crime Stories from the World's Most Haunted Places

by Amy Bruni

From bestselling author, paranormal investigator, and Kindred Spirits co-host Amy Bruni, Cuisine to Kill For intertwines the macabre with the culinary to uncover some of history’s most gruesome true crime stories and the ghosts they left behind. Whether set in a haunted castle, a mysterious hotel, an abandoned prison, or a popular pub, these paranormal tales span the entire globe—and their accompanying culinary treats are equally wide-ranging.

Each of the 60 locations

Gruesome true crime tales paired with spine-tingling paranormal encounters.60 recipes inspired by history, local flavors, or even eerie menu items served at these haunted spots.Authentic vintage photographs from each haunted site, bringing these violent histories to life.Mysteriously mouthwatering food photography, styled to inspire a killer kitchen experience. 

Sink your teeth into tempting dishes and devilish drinks,

Sunday Roast with Gravy from Ten Bells Pub in England (Jack the Ripper, anyone?).Meat Stew with Polenta and Egg from Romania’s foreboding Bran Castle.The Elderflower Rose Gin Trifle from Canada’s stunning Empress Hotel.Louis XV’s Drinking Chocolate from the Palace of Versailles.The Reindeer Fart from Alaska’s spirited Red Onion Saloon.Shrimp Wiggle from the Pennhurst Asylum in Pennsylvania (only if you dare). 

Whether you're drawn to the paranormal, obsessed with true crime, or simply hungry for a historic culinary escape, this cookbook is

true crime aficionados who love a good (and gory) backstory.history buffs and travel enthusiasts fascinated by the darker side of iconic locations.hosts and entertainers craving unique ways to captivate guests.foodies with guts to try centuries-old—and disturbingly “authentic”—recipes. 

Amy Bruni effortlessly merges her love of the mysterious with jaw-droppingly delicious recipes, offering a cookbook that’s as deathly as it is delectable. Cuisine To Kill For isn’t just a collection of recipes; it’s a passport to haunted history with every chilling page. If you’ve got an appetite for eerie tales, blood-curdling history, and global flavors, this haunted cookbook is your ultimate culinary companion.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Food, Nonfiction, Paranormal, True Crime, Audiobook

288 pages, Hardcover

Published July 28, 2026

Reviews

[Audrey S]

Actual rating: 3.25 stars
.
I was entirely unfamiliar with the author's podcast before reading this book so I definitely expected this to be more on the true crime side than the paranormal/ghost hunting side, and while we do get some true crime, the majority is paranormal/ghost hunting. I wish we would have gone more in depth with each story, but the quick snippets of approximately 5 mins each were entertaining enough and I think a good fit for podcast listeners/fans of the show.

This didn't hold my attention much but it also felt as though it didn't have any point of view, it was just... unoffensive and there. I will say it was great for falling asleep to. Really appreciated the PDF with the recipes that goes along with the audiobook. I don't think I'll check out the podcast, but I won't be turning it off if it ever shows up on my feed.

*I recieved an ALC from LibroFM & Harper Celebrate. All opinions are my own.*

[Laura]

Is it a cookbook? A paranormal travelogue? A true crime collection?

All of the above!

Add in atmospheric photos, and this is a real winner......informative, well-written, amusing and definitely macabre. Can't wait to try out a recipe!

And when I finally make it to London someday, I'm definitely staying at The Spaniard's Inn....how many hotels can boast a ghost horse who trots through the car park?!!

[Christina Cordaro]

One of my favorite paranormal investigators wrote her 2nd cookbook and I love how she ties in historical and scary stories with food. I can't wait to make these spooky recipes!

[Linda Gardiner]

Excellent book. Great spooky stories and so many delicious looking drinks and recipes I am going to try for the holiday season.

[Julie Cameron]

Although I doubt you can ever be "finished" with a cookbook, I did finish reading the stories in it, and I thoroughly enjoyed them. What a super fun concept!! I love the idea of pairing a dish with a haunt. I've already tried the Reindeer Farts recipe -- partly because I love all the ingredients, partly because of the name or the cocktail, and partly because I like associating it with the saloon in Alaska -- and can vouch for it's deliciousness!

[Vanna Book-Mage]

I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would. Spooky cuisine is dope, lol.

[Sara Wise]

** “This isn’t just a book; it’s an experience. It’s Amy, with her characteristic warmth, inviting you to pull up a chair — perhaps at a haunted table, one graced by a spectral guest, a notorious killer, or a grieving loved one — and encouraging you to listen, to taste, and to wonder.” **

Once again paranormal expert Amy Bruni brings us an exciting book that combines “food, history, serial killers, and ghosts” with “Cuisine to Kill For.”

With her second paranormal cookbook, she wanted to highlight not just ghosts but hauntings related to true crime, as well as expand across time and the globe. She breaks the book into several sections, including “Centuries-Old Chills,” “Noble Crimes,” “A Taste for Murder,” “Spectral Savorings,” Behind Locked Doors” and “Unsavory Characters.”

Bruni does a great job of revealing the history of many locations with hauntings while sharing a recipe connected to that location either through its past or current history. She also includes histories of each location, who might be haunting the location, and its reported hot spots.

She includes locations in many countries, including France, England, Ireland, Scotland, Spain and Canada; prisons, asylums and sanitariums; and well-known locations like Versaille, the Tower of London and the Paris Catacombs. Readers will also learn about interesting connections to places, like the town in Nova Scotia that took in Titanic passengers’ remains, a pub tied to Jack the Ripper and his victims, an inn in France where you probably shouldn’t eat the stew, the last place Edgar Allan Poe may have been seen, the infamous H.H. Holmes Murder Castle, and a casino in the town of Deadwood.

Deeply researched, the books does include an extensive bibliography. She does an incredible job of simply yet interestingly sharing the history of a number of legendary haunted locations, while cleverly adding a culinary addition to its story. “Cuisine to Kill For: Recipes & True Crime Stories from the World’s Most Haunted Places” is also beautifully designed, with color photos, historical photos, and full pages for both the recipe and a corresponding photo.

Fans of the paranormal, Amy Bruni herself, cookbooks and diving into the history of famous and infamous locations will love this book, which is due out July 28.

Five stars out of five.

Harper Celebrate provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

[Sadie E]

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC

I keep telling myself I don’t need more novelty cookbooks. I have more than enough. I don’t need another one. And then something like this comes along and I have to fight the urge to preorder.

Based on the title alone, you already know what you’re in for: a true crime story tied to a haunted location and then 💥 here’s a recipe. Bon appétit???

I love the structure. One minute you’re reading about some creepy historical crime and contemplating the fragility of human life, and the next you’re like, “okay but this stew actually sounds kinda good.” The tonal whiplash is REAL. I kept feeling like I needed to emotionally recover between chapters, but instead I was Googling cases and bookmarking recipes.

I was really hoping for more variety in locations, though. Of the 41 recipes/hauntings, 30 are US-based. That’s usually how these types of books go, but it does shift the vibe. What could have been a full-on culinary travel guide to the most haunted corners of the world ends up feeling more like a haunted American road trip. A bit of a missed opportunity.

The stories are solid. Some could use a bit more depth, but overall they’re creepy, and what they lack in detail they make up for in atmosphere and general unease. The recipes act like a little emotional reset button. Like: yes, humanity is terrible, but also… have some bread.

Recipe-wise, it’s a mixed bag. There’s a good range (mains, desserts, snacks, cocktails), and some dishes feel really thoughtfully tied to their locations, while others are more spiritually adjacent. I was a bit disappointed by the first recipe. Coq au vin for the Paris Catacombs? Really? Totally fine dish, but I was expecting something a bit more obscure to set the tone.

But at this point, coq au vin is to cookbooks what a martini is to cocktail books, and it'd feel weird if it wasn’t there.

I love the addition of menus at the end. If you ever want to fully commit to the bit and throw your own themed dinner party, this book's got you covered.

Also, I'm absolutely eyeing up the Poe Family Eggnogg.

[The Sassy Bookworm]

Book Review: Cuisine to Kill For by Amy Bruni

Rating: 5 Stars

I rarely gush over cookbooks, but *Cuisine to Kill For* by Amy Bruni is something else entirely — it’s a culinary journey wrapped in a ghost story, with just enough true crime to keep you on edge while you’re chopping onions. As someone who’s always been obsessed with haunted history and paranormal tales, this book felt like it was tailor-made for me.

Amy Bruni, famed paranormal investigator and co-host of *Kindred Spirits*, brilliantly blends chilling true crime stories with recipes inspired by some of the world’s most haunted places. You get nearly 60 spine-tingling tales set in haunted castles, eerie hotels, abandoned prisons, and historic pubs — each paired with a recipe that captures the flavor and atmosphere of its location. From a Sunday Roast at England’s Ten Bells Pub (hello, Jack the Ripper vibes) to a hauntingly rich Meat Stew from Romania’s Bran Castle, every dish comes with a story that sends shivers down your spine.

What really hooked me were the gorgeous food photos styled with this haunting sophistication. Mixed in with authentic vintage photographs from the very locations where these histories unfolded. It grounds the spooky stories in real places, making the whole experience feel immersive and hauntingly authentic. It’s like holding decades of ghostly whispers and culinary secrets in your hands.

This book isn’t just for foodies; it’s perfect for true crime junkies, history buffs, paranormal fans, or anyone who wants to make their kitchen adventures a little more thrilling. Whether you’re after recipes that are devilishly delicious or stories that give you goosebumps, *Cuisine to Kill For* offers both in equal measure. Honestly, it's perfection, it’s atmospheric, it's captivating, and downright delicious.

If you want a cookbook that feeds your appetite for eerie tales and global flavors all at once, this one’s a must-have. Five stars without hesitation!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Reading Adventures]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Haunted Feast for History Lovers, Paranormal Fans, and Hungry Travelers Alike

Cuisine to Kill For is exactly the kind of cookbook that sinks its teeth into you—and refuses to let go. As someone who adores haunted history, devours paranormal lore, and believes the perfect meal can tell its own story, this book felt like it was written for my soul.

Amy Bruni doesn’t just pair recipes with spooky backstories; she braids them together so tightly that every dish feels like a portal. One moment you’re standing in the Ten Bells Pub with a Sunday Roast that tastes like Victorian London fog and whispered secrets. The next, you’re spooning into a Romanian stew that carries the chill of Bran Castle’s stone walls. Each recipe becomes a sensory breadcrumb trail leading straight into the past.

And the photography—my goodness.
The food shots are mouthwatering, styled with this eerie elegance that makes every plate look like it belongs on a haunted banquet table. Then you turn the page and there’s a vintage photograph from the actual location, grounding the story in real history and real tragedy. That combination of stunning food imagery and authentic archival photos is intoxicating. I kept stopping mid‑page just to stare.

What I loved most is how global the journey feels. Nearly sixty locations, each with its own flavor, its own ghost, its own crime, its own culinary heartbeat. It’s like traveling the world with a fork in one hand and a flashlight in the other.

This cookbook is perfect for anyone who loves true crime storytelling, anyone who gets giddy over historical deep dives, or anyone who wants their kitchen adventures to come with a side of goosebumps. It’s delicious, atmospheric, and endlessly fascinating. I truly can’t get enough of it.

[Ivonne Rovira]

Paranormal investigator-turned-cookbook author Amy Bruni has come up with the most amazing idea: recipes from around the world with connections to murderers, criminals and ghosts. My husband, a big fan of the paranormal since the OG Ghost Hunters launched and even before, loved the cable TV show Kindred Spirits co-hosted by Bruni and Adam Berry.

In the introduction, Bruni asks, “But time and time again I heard a nagging voice in my head: Do people really want to cook historic recipes while thinking about some of the most terrifying things on earth?” Are you kidding? Of course they do!!!!

Readers will find Cuisine to Kill For breathtakingly beautiful: exquisite photos and luscious layouts. Speaking of luscious, some of the recipes — such as Meat Stew with Polenta and Egg (from Bran Castle, the real-life Dracula’s castle in Transylvania), Shweinebraten, Old Talbott Tavern Pie,
“Witches Brew” Rum Punch (from haunted Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica), Ardèche Chestnut Soup, New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp and Cherry Ice — look amazing! Some are pretty scary, such as scrapple (made from beef offal), Shrimp Wiggle and Scotch Eggs with Strawberry-Serrano Sauce. But even if you never turn on a stove, you’ll love this cookbook’s esoteric history and gruesome myths, especially myths that began as smears against wealthy or powerful women that authorities wanted to steal from.

In the interest of full disclosure, I met Amy Bruni briefly at an event, and I received this book from NetGalley and Harper Celebrate in exchange for an honest review.

[Eunice Anne]

Okay, I am officially obsessed with this concept! A cookbook mixed with true crime and paranormal stories? Sign me up. As someone who watches and reads a lot of spooky stuff, I was so surprised that the stories in here were completely new to me. It felt like finding a hidden treasure trove of eerie history.
The twist of combining recipes with these dark histories is just brilliant. Honestly, while I was reading, I kept thinking about how perfect this would be for hosting! You don’t even have to wait for Halloween,imagine throwing a themed dinner party or a special get-together, cooking one of these dishes, and putting out a mini card with an excerpt of the history behind it. Sure, the back stories might not be the most appetizing things to read while eating 😅, but there’s something so fascinating about knowing that despite the nightmares or bad things that happened in these places, something good like these amazing recipes survived.
This is the very first time I’ve read a cookbook with this kind of twist, and it just works perfectly. The vintage photos are incredible and really set the mood. My only tiny critique is that I wish there were even more photos of the actual food, but honestly, the recipes themselves make me want to jump right into the kitchen.
If you are a true crime junkie, a history buff, or just a foodie who loves a unique vibe, you need to add this to your TBR immediately. Make sure to grab a copy at your favorite bookstore as soon as it drops!
Huge thanks to the publisher and author for the ARC!

[Sue - Recos and Reads]

Well, this is unlike any cookbook I've ever read before. So much research must have gone into creating this book, and I found myself completely fascinated by the stories as they crisscrossed the globe, taking me from a British pub to a Pennsylvania asylum. Each gruesome crime is paired with a local recipe inspired by the story, making this such a unique read.

I particularly loved the stories connected to the Titanic. We usually think about the ship's tragic sinking, so I found it so interesting to learn about the various crimes that took place during the voyage.

I listened to the audiobook, which comes with an accompanying PDF containing all the recipes. The Tipsy Charlotte, which weary sailors might have enjoyed in Portland a century ago, and Cherry Ice, inspired by the cherries Sarah Winchester grew, are just a couple of examples of the many recipes you'll find here.

From soups and stews, pasta dishes and cakes and even drinks, there's a wonderfully eclectic mix of recipes. And if that wasn't enough, the book ends with menu suggestions for themed celebrations.

This would make such a fun and unusual gift for true crime fans and ghost hunters alike.

Many thanks to Libro.fm, the author, and Harper Celebrate for my advance listener copy of this book, that will be published on 28th July

[Bama Girl]

Cuisine to Kill For by Amy Bruni was not at all what I expected, in the best way. Known as a professional paranormal investigator, television personality, and podcaster, Bruni brings a unique twist to this collection of true crime stories set in some of the world's most haunted locations.

What makes this book especially creative is its structure. Each chilling story is paired with a recipe, and the book even opens with a cleverly designed “menu” outlining the chapters alongside their corresponding dishes. It’s an inventive touch that immediately sets the tone. As I read, I found myself just as drawn to the recipes as I was to the stories. They sound absolutely delicious and are tempting enough to try at home.

The stories themselves are short, engaging, and vividly told. From the very first tale set in the Paris Catacombs, I was hooked. Bruni has a talent for drawing readers into eerie, atmospheric settings while delivering intriguing true-crime narratives.

This book would make a perfect gift for anyone who enjoys cooking alongside a side of true crime or ghost stories. I know I’ll be picking up a copy for my own collection.

5 stars for vivid storytelling, mouthwatering recipes, and off-the-chart creativity.

[Amy Peppers]

I really enjoyed this book! The explanation at the beginning was very helpful and made it easy to get into the rest of the book. I was interested in all of the stories, but the one about the catacombs was especially fascinating. I also thought it was really cool that the author visited the Valley Inn Restaurant and actually communed with John and Thomas. That added such a unique and personal touch. The recipes are just as exciting as the stories. The Penne alla Vodka recipe looks delicious, and I can't wait to try it. I've already had the Old Talbott Tavern Pie, and it's really good! This is such a fascinating combination of spooky stories and a cookbook. I love everything haunted and creepy, and I also love to cook, so this is basically the perfect book for me. My favorite story was about Elizabeth Báthory. I recently read The Blood Countess, and it was amazing, so I was excited to see her included here. I definitely recommend reading this book if you haven't already. If you enjoy haunted history, spooky tales, and delicious recipes, this is a must-read!

[OutlawPoet]

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader copy of this book.

I love it so much, I now need to buy the hardcover once it's published!

This book was so much fun! Yes, it's a cookbook with wonderful recipes that are delightfully vintage and easy to follow. However, it's also sort of a travel guide to spooky places around the world! Each recipe is paired with a gorgeous photo or illustration (mostly photos) and a description of the creepy (and often murderous) things that happened at the places. And they're places you can visit! In fact, I've slept in the Delta King and was delighted to find it in these pages.

The photos of the food are fabulous and mouth watering and I loved that many of the recipes were for things that I hadn't tried before - and in many cases hadn't heard of.

I've already tried and loved the lemon toast and The Marilyn (yes there are drinks) and the cherry ice is up next.

A truly fabulous book!

[Leah]

Where do I even start?! I was so honored when I found out that I'd been picked to receive an ARC of this book. I am not only a huge fan of Amy herself but I loved her first cookbook as well, it hangs on display in my ghost room!

I loved all the locations that were chosen for this cookbook, many that I've been lucky enough to visit. Her first book was a 5 star read, and I really wish I could give this book 8 stars! The overall style, quality of the location photos, and set design for each cookbook food/drink photo were beautiful and flawless! I loved having the quick history paragraph before diving into the recipe becuase it really made the reader understand the importance of why that recipe was chosen. I have already pre-ordered my physical copy of the book and cannot wait until July!

Thank you to Netgalley, Amy Bruni, and Harper Celebrate for providing an ARC of this cookbook in exchange for my honest opinion and feedback.

[MKF]

First I lost interest in the information about each location because it started to drag and there was lot. I was surprised that the author actually stuck to the facts about each location. I'm so use to ghost hunters ignoring the truth and sticking to the lies and legends of a place. Though the author stuck to the truth it was still difficult to get into so I finally had to start skimming those sections.
Then I lost interest in the recipes because the majority had nothing to do with the location. The author found a recipe from the right time period and place then tried connecting them. Most of the recipes seem to be for people with cooking skills and possibly a bigger budget. For many of these recipes you also need to have a very large amount of free time to prepare and cook the dishes.
I enjoyed the honest history of the places though some was also lacking on the true crime details. I didn't enjoy the recipes because I can't cook any of them and there's very little connection to the place. I know tons of people will love this book but it wasn't one I enjoyed.

[Liz]

Delicious. Not only do you get a history lesson, there are some yummy recipes in here. I tried the focaccia first, because I'm an addict, and it was so good. The history contained spans the globe, some well known sites, some not so well known, but all have a matching recipe. There's even a spot at the end that puts together some suggested menu's. We've made a few of these, Buttered Beere (of course), Boston Baked Beans, Coffee Custard, Chile Colorado, and some of the scrumptious desserts. So far so good, everything has come out nicely and tastes great. More than just a decorative book, useful in the kitchen, and none of the recipes are complicated or require special or hard to find ingredients. I didn't know she had a cookbook before this, but you'd better believe I'm picking that one up too.

[Lili Hill]

I was quite intrigued by the premise of this book and once I started reading it I absolutely devoured it! What I really loved was the interspersal of absolute horrors among some really delicious recipes. However Amy Bruni came up with this idea, I do hope to see more! The cookbook collectors in my life need a book like this. The photography is stunning too, so it is a really nice conversation piece while also being practical to add to your shelf. I will be making the Poe Family Eggnog, count on it! Thank-you, Harper Celebrate, for this complimentary copy. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Anna]

Netgalley ARC- I had high hopes for this one. As a history book, the vignettes of the locations are well written and interesting. I enjoyed them immensely. As a cookbook, this was lacking. The recipes chosen are not necessarily related to the locations, maybe just the region or the time period. They're a mix of cooking skills and are mostly short on ingredients and long on cooking time. The headers try to tie them into the history portion, leaving the cooking notes to take up space at the end of the recipe. Cute, but could have been done better.

[Katelyn]

I was SO excited at the concept of this cookbook. True crime is something my friends, sister and I really enjoy. I loved the vast variety of locations included, all across the globe. And pairing a recipe to accompany each location and tale was so unique and a great interactive way to get into the tale. I can foresee many themed true crime watch nights using this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC!

[Brittney E’Lise]

Thanks NetGalley for giving me a chance to review this cookbook. I loved it. Perfect combination of spooky and culinary elements. Really feels like I traveled over the world reading the history behind each of the sites. I also enjoyed the frankness about the history from the author. There are some tales that aren’t 100% known and she is clear about that every time. Gives the chance for the readers to make their own speculations. Can’t wait to give one of these recipes a try

[Katie K]

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I remember Amy Bruni from watching Ghost Hunters, so I was excited to see she had a new book out. The concept immediately caught my attention- combining true crime, ghost stories, and recipes- and it absolutely delivered! This is a fantastic cookbook filled with authentic recipes inspired by different locations and time periods, along with creepy stories that make it such a fun read. I loved it!

[Mandy]

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with this book!

True crime, paranormal activity and food; what more does a girl need? I loved learning about these crimes and haunted places. Can't wait to try out the recipes. They look delicious! You can tell this author knows their crimes! They also have a podcast, which I am going to check out next. If you love true crime and cooking and/or eating, you will likely enjoy this book!

[Nia]

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

This bool was so many wonderful things crossing over so many of my interest! From the spooky to the historical with some delicious food!

I loved 1) the recipes particularly the onion soup! 2) the pictures, its beautiful! 3) the historical components of all the stories ranging from spooky to sad.

This was 10/10

[Megan]

If Amy Bruni has no fans left, it's because I'm dead. I promise you I will devour any cookbook she puts out and this one was no exception. The stories were interesting and even the recipes had me wanting to try some. Plus, I love how spook and gorgeous the photography was! I hope she never stops making cookbooks.

[Kristen Barenthaler]

I absolutely loved this cookbook! Granted, some of the recipes aren't exactly ones I'm excited to make, but the history, the creepy vibes, and the all-around hauntings contained within kept me glued to the pages.

[brandy]

I received this cookbook in exchange from the publisher on NetGalley , this cookbook is so interesting there is history with each recipe the photos of the food are dark and gorgeous. It’s a cookbook with a darktwist but it is Stunning.

[Renee Brown]

Many of the recipes were simple with minimal ingredients. The focus is more on haunted places than cooking. Interesting concept; fun approach. For serious cooks, the recpies can be easily sourced elsewhere.