It's possible that:
* The phrase is a fictional creation: The phrase might be used in a fictional work to suggest a dark and mysterious past, possibly hinting at secrets related to death, burial, or even something more sinister.
* The phrase is inspired by real folklore: Some cultures have folklore surrounding coffin makers or funeral practices. These might involve superstitions or beliefs that could be incorporated into a fictional "black book of secrets".
* The phrase is a misremembered title: It's possible you're misremembering the title of a specific book or story.
If you have any other context, like a specific book title, author, or a story you've heard, it might help pinpoint the source of the phrase.