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The Devil and Mrs. Davenport
The bestselling author of The Witch of Tin Mountain and Parting the Veil mines the subtle horrors of 1950s America in a gripping novel about a woman under pressure—from the living and the dead.
The first day of autumn brought the fever, and with the fever came the voices.
Missouri, 1955. Loretta Davenport has led an isolated life as a young mother and a wife to Pete, an ambitious assistant professor at a Bible college. They’re the picture of domestic tranquillity—until a local girl is murdered and Loretta begins receiving messages from beyond. Pete dismisses them as delusions of a fevered female imagination. Loretta knows they’re real—and frightening. Defying Pete’s demands, Loretta finds an encouraging supporter in parapsychologist Dr. Curtis Hansen. He sees a woman with a rare gift, more blessing than curse.
With Dr. Hansen’s help, Loretta’s life opens up to an empowering new purpose. But for Pete, the God-fearing image he’s worked so hard to cultivate is under threat. No longer in control of his dutiful wife, he sees the Devil at work. As Loretta’s powers grow stronger and the pleading spirits beckon, Pete is determined to deliver his wife from evil. To solve the mysteries of the dead, Loretta must first save herself.
The first day of autumn brought the fever, and with the fever came the voices.
Missouri, 1955. Loretta Davenport has led an isolated life as a young mother and a wife to Pete, an ambitious assistant professor at a Bible college. They’re the picture of domestic tranquillity—until a local girl is murdered and Loretta begins receiving messages from beyond. Pete dismisses them as delusions of a fevered female imagination. Loretta knows they’re real—and frightening. Defying Pete’s demands, Loretta finds an encouraging supporter in parapsychologist Dr. Curtis Hansen. He sees a woman with a rare gift, more blessing than curse.
With Dr. Hansen’s help, Loretta’s life opens up to an empowering new purpose. But for Pete, the God-fearing image he’s worked so hard to cultivate is under threat. No longer in control of his dutiful wife, he sees the Devil at work. As Loretta’s powers grow stronger and the pleading spirits beckon, Pete is determined to deliver his wife from evil. To solve the mysteries of the dead, Loretta must first save herself.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2024
About the author
Paulette Kennedy
9 books1,034 followersOriginally from the Missouri Ozarks, Paulette Kennedy now lives with her family in a quiet suburb of Los Angeles.
When she's not writing or reading, she enjoys tending to her garden, knitting, and finding unique vintage treasures at thrift stores and flea markets.
As a history lover, she can get lost for days in her research—learning everything she can about the places in her stories and the experiences her characters might have had in the past.
This dedication to research infuses her world-building with realistic detail and creates a cinematic, immersive experience for the reader.
Paulette’s next novel is The Devil and Mrs. Davenport, a domestic gothic set in the 1950s about a homemaker who develops psychic abilities after a viral illness.
When she's not writing or reading, she enjoys tending to her garden, knitting, and finding unique vintage treasures at thrift stores and flea markets.
As a history lover, she can get lost for days in her research—learning everything she can about the places in her stories and the experiences her characters might have had in the past.
This dedication to research infuses her world-building with realistic detail and creates a cinematic, immersive experience for the reader.
Paulette’s next novel is The Devil and Mrs. Davenport, a domestic gothic set in the 1950s about a homemaker who develops psychic abilities after a viral illness.
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August 11, 2023Hello lovely readers,
The Devil and Mrs. Davenport will be making its way into the world soon, so I wanted to take this opportunity to post the novel’s content warnings and also inform my readership that this novel contains era-specific but now outdated terminology for many mental health and behavioral health conditions. Although I attempted to keep this outdated terminology to a minimum, historical accuracy necessitated the use of this era-specific slang and terminology. Therefore, the language used is derivative of the 1950s and not reflective of our modern, accessible and inclusive language.
This novel is very close to my heart. The mental health representation within these pages is important to me as a person who has wrestled with mental illness for most of my life. I do hope that you’ll enjoy Loretta’s story, and that her resilience and light inspires you to embrace hope and healing.
Thank you so much for reading.
Other Content Warnings: this novel contains references to physical, emotional, sexual, and religious abuse; fatphobia; racism; homophobia; murder; self-harm; alcohol dependence; pregnancy; and abortion.
The Devil and Mrs. Davenport will be making its way into the world soon, so I wanted to take this opportunity to post the novel’s content warnings and also inform my readership that this novel contains era-specific but now outdated terminology for many mental health and behavioral health conditions. Although I attempted to keep this outdated terminology to a minimum, historical accuracy necessitated the use of this era-specific slang and terminology. Therefore, the language used is derivative of the 1950s and not reflective of our modern, accessible and inclusive language.
This novel is very close to my heart. The mental health representation within these pages is important to me as a person who has wrestled with mental illness for most of my life. I do hope that you’ll enjoy Loretta’s story, and that her resilience and light inspires you to embrace hope and healing.
Thank you so much for reading.
Other Content Warnings: this novel contains references to physical, emotional, sexual, and religious abuse; fatphobia; racism; homophobia; murder; self-harm; alcohol dependence; pregnancy; and abortion.
October 8, 2024
Alexa, how do you put a curse on a fictional man
February 8, 2025
2.5 i think?? genuinely have no idea what to rate this 😂 it started off so good! eerie, creepy, and unsettling, but then the ending was so abrupt and just not what i was expecting. did anyone else get the vibe that there would be some major twist at like 90-95% and then just nothing?! idk
March 13, 2024
The Devil and Mrs. Davenport by Paulette Kennedy
Page Count: 347
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Other Books I Enjoyed by This Author: First time reading
Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/a/7576/978166251...
Available on Kindle Unlimited: https://a.co/d/iteaqtk
Release Date: March 5th, 2024
General Genre: BISAC- Gothic, Horror, Women, Magical Realism, Historical, Post-World War II
Sub-Genre/Themes: Marriage, motherhood, feminism, psychic mediums, Missing/Murdered young women, fundamentalist religion, patriarchal society, hypnosis, criminal investigations, religious cults, domestic violence, female writers, romance
Writing Style: Character-driven, Strong female protagonist, Intricately plotted, Easy to get invested/accessible narrative
What You Need to Know: I read this on Kindle Unlimited and immediately bought a physical copy for my Gothic library. I rated it 5 stars on Goodreads and this will be on my list of favorite books this year
My Reading Experience: Pete and Loretta live on the “respectable” side of a quaint town called, Myrna Grove. Loretta had aspirations and dreams for herself but sacrificed those to support Pete in his Christian ministry and education. He’s a Bible professor at a local college. Loretta looks after the children and takes care of the house.
This picture of an idyllic Christian (patriarchal) household where the man is the “head of the home” and the wife is to have a “quiet and gentle spirit” and submit to her husband’s leadership, is very well known to me. I spent about 18 years of my 27-year marriage in evangelical, non-denominational Christian spaces.
My husband didn’t fully buy in or commit to what we saw practiced and preached but we were immersed in the doctrines and surrounded by people living that way. It’s a nightmare, honestly.
The author perfectly captures this lifestyle and the dynamic of the family. When a young girl is murdered, Loretta starts having these sporadic, yet vivid visions. At first, she confides in Pete, but he is dismissive, chalking it up to hysteria and later, accusing her of something demonic…she starts hiding the phenomena from him, seeking help from a local parapsychologist.
“I think I’d like to see that doctor. What would it hurt, Pete? Just for one visit. You can come with me if you’re nervous about it.” Pete sighed. “We’ll pray about it. Now, finish your coffee so we can go home.” She knew what “we’ll pray about it” really meant. It meant no.”
My favorite aspect of this book is Loretta. The formidable, resourceful, and relentless Mrs. Davenport. Despite all the odds stacked against her, Loretta always finds a way. Her inner strength of character is so appealing I immediately invested in her emotionally. I couldn’t read these pages fast enough. I had to know how Loretta was going to do what she felt she needed to do to stay true to herself and what she felt was right in spite of her overbearing husband working so hard against her, thwarting her efforts at every turn. And society favors the husband! It’s so maddening to revisit the sexist, oppressive, post-World War II era of 1955 in Missouri.
“She undid her long braid and drew the brush through her waist-length hair, wincing as it snarled in the tangles. She’d wanted to cut it many times. But Pete had forbidden that, too. Your hair is your glory, he said.”
And what would a mid-century, feminist gothic horror story be without a romance? This needs to be fully discovered by the reader. I only want to mention this because the hope in this book is another favorite aspect.
“But most of all, the power of being listened to—of truly being heard—had restored Loretta’s sense of hope.”
And you’re probably asking, but is it scary? Why is it considered a gothic horror story, well–I’d like to keep my cards close to the vest on this one but I will tease you with the promise of shocking escalation, dark secrets, and the very real threat of truly losing one’s personal agency.
Final Recommendation: Fans of strong female protagonists, small-town horror, murder mysteries, historical fiction, atmospheric gothic vibes, psychic mediums, and romance need this book in their lives and on their shelves.
Comps: The Death of Jane Lawrence by Caitlin Starling, The Cherry Robbers by Sarai Walker, An Unthinkable Thing by Nicole Lundrigan
Page Count: 347
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Other Books I Enjoyed by This Author: First time reading
Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/a/7576/978166251...
Available on Kindle Unlimited: https://a.co/d/iteaqtk
Release Date: March 5th, 2024
General Genre: BISAC- Gothic, Horror, Women, Magical Realism, Historical, Post-World War II
Sub-Genre/Themes: Marriage, motherhood, feminism, psychic mediums, Missing/Murdered young women, fundamentalist religion, patriarchal society, hypnosis, criminal investigations, religious cults, domestic violence, female writers, romance
Writing Style: Character-driven, Strong female protagonist, Intricately plotted, Easy to get invested/accessible narrative
What You Need to Know: I read this on Kindle Unlimited and immediately bought a physical copy for my Gothic library. I rated it 5 stars on Goodreads and this will be on my list of favorite books this year
My Reading Experience: Pete and Loretta live on the “respectable” side of a quaint town called, Myrna Grove. Loretta had aspirations and dreams for herself but sacrificed those to support Pete in his Christian ministry and education. He’s a Bible professor at a local college. Loretta looks after the children and takes care of the house.
This picture of an idyllic Christian (patriarchal) household where the man is the “head of the home” and the wife is to have a “quiet and gentle spirit” and submit to her husband’s leadership, is very well known to me. I spent about 18 years of my 27-year marriage in evangelical, non-denominational Christian spaces.
My husband didn’t fully buy in or commit to what we saw practiced and preached but we were immersed in the doctrines and surrounded by people living that way. It’s a nightmare, honestly.
The author perfectly captures this lifestyle and the dynamic of the family. When a young girl is murdered, Loretta starts having these sporadic, yet vivid visions. At first, she confides in Pete, but he is dismissive, chalking it up to hysteria and later, accusing her of something demonic…she starts hiding the phenomena from him, seeking help from a local parapsychologist.
“I think I’d like to see that doctor. What would it hurt, Pete? Just for one visit. You can come with me if you’re nervous about it.” Pete sighed. “We’ll pray about it. Now, finish your coffee so we can go home.” She knew what “we’ll pray about it” really meant. It meant no.”
My favorite aspect of this book is Loretta. The formidable, resourceful, and relentless Mrs. Davenport. Despite all the odds stacked against her, Loretta always finds a way. Her inner strength of character is so appealing I immediately invested in her emotionally. I couldn’t read these pages fast enough. I had to know how Loretta was going to do what she felt she needed to do to stay true to herself and what she felt was right in spite of her overbearing husband working so hard against her, thwarting her efforts at every turn. And society favors the husband! It’s so maddening to revisit the sexist, oppressive, post-World War II era of 1955 in Missouri.
“She undid her long braid and drew the brush through her waist-length hair, wincing as it snarled in the tangles. She’d wanted to cut it many times. But Pete had forbidden that, too. Your hair is your glory, he said.”
And what would a mid-century, feminist gothic horror story be without a romance? This needs to be fully discovered by the reader. I only want to mention this because the hope in this book is another favorite aspect.
“But most of all, the power of being listened to—of truly being heard—had restored Loretta’s sense of hope.”
And you’re probably asking, but is it scary? Why is it considered a gothic horror story, well–I’d like to keep my cards close to the vest on this one but I will tease you with the promise of shocking escalation, dark secrets, and the very real threat of truly losing one’s personal agency.
Final Recommendation: Fans of strong female protagonists, small-town horror, murder mysteries, historical fiction, atmospheric gothic vibes, psychic mediums, and romance need this book in their lives and on their shelves.
Comps: The Death of Jane Lawrence by Caitlin Starling, The Cherry Robbers by Sarai Walker, An Unthinkable Thing by Nicole Lundrigan
February 19, 2025
—— 𝟒.𝟓 ✰ 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬. ⛪️
❝𝙸𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚠𝚊𝚜. 𝚃𝚘 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚕𝚍, 𝚋𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚙𝚕𝚞𝚗𝚐𝚎 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚢, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚊 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚍 𝚠𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗. 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚖𝚎𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎.❞
📖⋮ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐫𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐝𝐲
🗓️⋮ 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝: 𝟚/𝟙𝟝/𝟚𝟝 - 𝟚/𝟙𝟡/𝟚𝟝
📝⋮ 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲
「 ”The subtle horrors of 1950s America in a gripping novel about a woman under pressure-from the living and the dead. The first day of autumn brought the fever, and with the fever came the voices.”」
•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•••·•·•·
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★★★★½
ꜱᴇᴀꜱᴏɴ: 🍂🎃
ᴘᴀɪʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ: ᴄᴏꜰꜰᴇᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴀʏ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ ɪᴛ ☕️
ɴᴏᴡ ᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ: 📻 ᴄᴀꜱꜱᴀɴᴅʀᴀ ♪ ᴛᴀʏʟᴏʀ ꜱᴡɪꜰᴛ
ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ʀᴇᴄᴏᴍᴍᴇɴᴅ?: ʏᴇꜱ!
ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
⛪️ ɢᴏᴛʜɪᴄ ꜰɪᴄᴛɪᴏɴ
⛪️ 1950’ꜱ ꜱᴇᴛᴛɪɴɢ
⛪️ ꜱᴇʟꜰ ᴅɪꜱᴄᴏᴠᴇʀʏ
⛪️ ᴘꜱʏᴄʜɪᴄ ᴍᴇᴅɪᴜᴍꜱ
⛪️ ᴡᴏᴍᴇɴ ᴇᴍᴘᴏᴡᴇʀɪɴɢ ᴡᴏᴍᴇɴ
⛪️ ꜱᴛʀᴏɴɢ ꜰᴇᴍᴀʟᴇ ᴘʀᴏᴛᴀɢᴏɴɪꜱᴛ
⚠️ TW: domestic abuse, self harm
❝𝙱𝚞𝚝 𝚖𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚊𝚕𝚕, 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚏 𝚋𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘—𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚕𝚢 𝚋𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚍—𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝙻𝚘𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚊’𝚜 𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚜𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚑𝚘𝚙𝚎.❞
•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•••·•·•·
💭⋮ I was rooting for Loretta from the moment I was introduced to her & was completely invested in her story. Even though the murder mystery aspect was easy to guess (for me, at least) I still really enjoyed this. Loretta is a character that will stay with me for a long time. *short & sweet review cause I feel a migraine coming on 🤕
❝𝚆𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚗’𝚝 𝚕𝚎𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙳𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚕 𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚊 𝚏𝚘𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚜𝚎.❞
•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•••·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•••·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•••·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·••
May 7, 2026
From the outside, looking in, Loretta Davenport has the most ideal life. She has two wonderful children, and her husband is up for tenure at the local college. However, behind those doors, things aren’t quite so perfect. Her husband is extremely controlling, and she has no real course of action being that it is in the 50s, where women’s rights were slim to none. As if that were enough, Loretta has been finding herself losing time and consumed by visions of what she can only determine are messages from beyond the grave. It is up to Loretta to try and decipher these messages without her husband being aware.
Where I found this novel really excelled was describing Loretta’s life with her husband, Pete. It was absolutely infuriating to see what she went through. As much as I enjoy paranormal elements within a novel, I kinda didn’t like that aspect of it as much in this one. There was nothing wrong with the mystery that came along with it, I just found myself more drawn to the domestic side of things. The ending had a nice little twist thrown in that I didn’t see coming, which is always a plus.
This took me a little bit to get into as I wasn’t fully vibing with a paranormal element, but I was just so drawn into Loretta’s plight that I absolutely had to know how it all turned out. Once it got going, it was hard to put it down.
Where I found this novel really excelled was describing Loretta’s life with her husband, Pete. It was absolutely infuriating to see what she went through. As much as I enjoy paranormal elements within a novel, I kinda didn’t like that aspect of it as much in this one. There was nothing wrong with the mystery that came along with it, I just found myself more drawn to the domestic side of things. The ending had a nice little twist thrown in that I didn’t see coming, which is always a plus.
This took me a little bit to get into as I wasn’t fully vibing with a paranormal element, but I was just so drawn into Loretta’s plight that I absolutely had to know how it all turned out. Once it got going, it was hard to put it down.
February 10, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ½
Genre: Historical Fiction + Horror + Mystery Thriller
The story takes place in 1955 in Missouri. A young housewife and mother named Loretta Davenport becomes ill with a fever that not only causes her to experience chills and aches, but also causes her to have unsettling hallucinations and hear voices from beyond. These voices are those of restless spirits, desperately pleading with Loretta to assist them in solving the murders that have not yet been solved. But her husband thinks all this is the work of the devil!
One of the things that you need to do is figure out who among the characters will be trustworthy. The author has done such an excellent job of developing the characters that I found myself questioning each and every one of them, including the main character.
The story was quite atmospheric. I enjoyed the gothic atmosphere of the 1950s. The story touches on many sensitive subjects, like motherhood, domestic abuse, and unsolved crimes. It also has themes of the supernatural and how women were treated and looked at in the 1950s.
I found Paulette Kennedy's writing style to be enjoyable. Not only was the story captivating, but it was also entertaining. The combination of historical fiction and horror, along with the addition of a mystery element, has worked very well for the book. I feel this book would make such a great movie if it got adapted.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
Genre: Historical Fiction + Horror + Mystery Thriller
The story takes place in 1955 in Missouri. A young housewife and mother named Loretta Davenport becomes ill with a fever that not only causes her to experience chills and aches, but also causes her to have unsettling hallucinations and hear voices from beyond. These voices are those of restless spirits, desperately pleading with Loretta to assist them in solving the murders that have not yet been solved. But her husband thinks all this is the work of the devil!
One of the things that you need to do is figure out who among the characters will be trustworthy. The author has done such an excellent job of developing the characters that I found myself questioning each and every one of them, including the main character.
The story was quite atmospheric. I enjoyed the gothic atmosphere of the 1950s. The story touches on many sensitive subjects, like motherhood, domestic abuse, and unsolved crimes. It also has themes of the supernatural and how women were treated and looked at in the 1950s.
I found Paulette Kennedy's writing style to be enjoyable. Not only was the story captivating, but it was also entertaining. The combination of historical fiction and horror, along with the addition of a mystery element, has worked very well for the book. I feel this book would make such a great movie if it got adapted.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
May 24, 2024
—I’ve tried to tone this down a couple of times. I know it was a terrible knee jerk reaction when I wrote it. So I’ll try once more. —
Ohhhhh. Noooo. Hallmark channel romance meets The Dead Files. I didn’t think I was signing up for this silly story, but I toughed it out. Now I wish I hadn’t wasted so much time.
Loretta Davenport, the abused wife of a controlling religious zealot, develops blackout spells with psychic visions after a bout of the flu. Lucky she has free guidance from a psychiatrist who just happens to be an expert in parapsychology, right there in her own 1950’s town. Lucky for us, too, because we get a long lesson on ESP, and the different ways it can manifest through the first part of the book. Boring. Of course, the blackout spells stop when they are no longer needed to advance the plot.
There’s a murder mystery, and Loretta and the muggles work together to solve it, while trying to keep under her abusive husband’s radar. There’s also another dead body to be found in this small town, and the police detective eagerly welcomes Loretta’s help (really??). If there’s any horror in this story, I must have fallen asleep and missed it. At about 70%, the actions of the characters become unbelievably over the top.
In one of my other reviews, I mentioned my pet peeve of looking at the past with a slanted, superior attitude. There are more and more books being written with this attitude, and soon there will be no one who actually remembers the ‘50’s to set the record straight. There are so many stereotypes in this story I can’t take time to go over all of them.
Loretta is a stereotype and her situation is stereotypical, but that’s all we know about her. The general character development was very poor. The characters’ motivations and actions are all over the place, and not believable. No common sense.
I can NOT understand all the high reviews for this one. One star.
Ohhhhh. Noooo. Hallmark channel romance meets The Dead Files. I didn’t think I was signing up for this silly story, but I toughed it out. Now I wish I hadn’t wasted so much time.
Loretta Davenport, the abused wife of a controlling religious zealot, develops blackout spells with psychic visions after a bout of the flu. Lucky she has free guidance from a psychiatrist who just happens to be an expert in parapsychology, right there in her own 1950’s town. Lucky for us, too, because we get a long lesson on ESP, and the different ways it can manifest through the first part of the book. Boring. Of course, the blackout spells stop when they are no longer needed to advance the plot.
There’s a murder mystery, and Loretta and the muggles work together to solve it, while trying to keep under her abusive husband’s radar. There’s also another dead body to be found in this small town, and the police detective eagerly welcomes Loretta’s help (really??). If there’s any horror in this story, I must have fallen asleep and missed it. At about 70%, the actions of the characters become unbelievably over the top.
In one of my other reviews, I mentioned my pet peeve of looking at the past with a slanted, superior attitude. There are more and more books being written with this attitude, and soon there will be no one who actually remembers the ‘50’s to set the record straight. There are so many stereotypes in this story I can’t take time to go over all of them.
Loretta is a stereotype and her situation is stereotypical, but that’s all we know about her. The general character development was very poor. The characters’ motivations and actions are all over the place, and not believable. No common sense.
I can NOT understand all the high reviews for this one. One star.
August 10, 2024
4.0 Stars
I love stories that are set in the 1950s and explore the role women were expected to play in this period. This one is beautifully written with well drawn characters. Mrs Davenport is immediately a sympathetic character who is trying to maneuver in a world that perceives her experience as female hysteria. The story escalated well and came together in a way I found satisfying.
I would recommend this to readers looking for a well written narrative that deconstructs the traditional role of women.
I love stories that are set in the 1950s and explore the role women were expected to play in this period. This one is beautifully written with well drawn characters. Mrs Davenport is immediately a sympathetic character who is trying to maneuver in a world that perceives her experience as female hysteria. The story escalated well and came together in a way I found satisfying.
I would recommend this to readers looking for a well written narrative that deconstructs the traditional role of women.
April 23, 2025
This was actually pretty good. It reads like a soft/gloomy afternoon session thriller movie.
Loretta finds herself in an abusive relationship, with a religious hypocrite while she is stuck at home, with two children, no freedom, no rights as a woman in the 50s and as ghosts start contacting her asking for help.
You follow this character as she tries to handle her newfound supernatural powers while not being believed by the people around her.
I could see the twist coming from a mile away but I still think it was done in a very entertaining way. This author's writing is gripping and her dialogues and impactful scenes really stand out.
She has a softness to her words. Nothing is said in a jarring manner but the impact is there and I think that is a really neat skill.
Not my usual read but I had a good time and will consider picking up more from this author and within this Historical Fiction/Thriller/Supernatural genre again.
This would also look great on the screen.
February 29, 2024
It's 1955 in Missouri. The main character, Loretta Davenport, a wife and mother of two is unwell, stuck in bed fighting off a fever. Along with a fever, Loretta begins hearing voices...
I FLEW through this book. Could NOT put it down!! What a rollercoaster of emotions this story was.
I REALLY liked the main character and the secondary characters were well written as well. I certainly didn't like all of them though. You'll have to read the story and find out why for yourself. No spoilers here! :)
The stress I felt for Loretta at certains parts throughout the story was intense. There were moments where I was so frustrated by the actions of other characters that I considered throwing the book. How's that for some reactive writing? Ha Ha!
I admire characters that experience a lot of personal growth, empowerment and self discovery. Loretta Davenport has that in abundance. Despite her trials and tribulations she remains strong.
I highly recommend to those who enjoy a good gothic novel.
My thanks to Over The River PR and Lake Union Publishing for this gifted copy.
I FLEW through this book. Could NOT put it down!! What a rollercoaster of emotions this story was.
I REALLY liked the main character and the secondary characters were well written as well. I certainly didn't like all of them though. You'll have to read the story and find out why for yourself. No spoilers here! :)
The stress I felt for Loretta at certains parts throughout the story was intense. There were moments where I was so frustrated by the actions of other characters that I considered throwing the book. How's that for some reactive writing? Ha Ha!
I admire characters that experience a lot of personal growth, empowerment and self discovery. Loretta Davenport has that in abundance. Despite her trials and tribulations she remains strong.
I highly recommend to those who enjoy a good gothic novel.
My thanks to Over The River PR and Lake Union Publishing for this gifted copy.
March 28, 2026
I’ve never hated a fictional character (Pete) more in my life! The Author did an amazing job! 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
January 11, 2024
Loretta Davenport appears to be the perfect 1950s housewife, with two loving children and a doting husband who is an assistant professor at the local Bible college. After a bad bout of the flu, Loretta begins having unsettling visions - she believes they are sent by God, yet her husband believes they are the work of the devil. Loretta tries to understand and control these visions with the help of acclaimed parapsychologist Dr Curtis Hansen, but as her world literally and figuratively crumbles around her, and her visions become more intense, she will discover that sometimes evil is closer to home than you think.
A few of my favourite horror podcasts had flagged this as an upcoming release they were really excited about, so when I saw it on NetGalley, it was an immediate request. This book started off so promisingly - it has an excellent first line - but after the first few chapters, it quickly descended into your regular run of the mill predictable suburban thriller, with a sappy romance subplot to boot (if this is your wheelhouse then you might love it!). At times I felt like I was watching an episode of bad 90s supernatural TV like The Ghost Whisperer or Charmed and almost DNF.
Even if it fits the parameter for Gothic fiction, I never got that sense of unease and terror that I have from other Gothic novels - the author cites Shirley Jackson as a huge inspiration, but this had none of the subtlety and brilliance of Shirley Jackson.
Although I felt that the book evoked a sense of voice, place and time well (if a little stereotypically), I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was reading about a mid-century housewife’s experience written through a modern lens, and was therefore a bit inauthentic. The book covers a lot of sensitive subject matter, including the mental and physical load of women and mothers; post-natal depression; religious abuse; misogyny; domestic violence; alcoholism and the taboo of being LGBTQI+ in the 1950s, however I think it tried to cover too much ground, and felt as though some of those topics were inserted just to try to redress the issue because we know now better. Another gripe I had was that the falling apart of the house didn’t add anything to the story and seemed to just be there for the easy metaphorical comparison to the protagonist’s life falling apart.
I have read a lot of excellent reviews of this book, yet I found it cheesy and predictable - a total summer read. I was under the impression that it was going to lean more towards the literary Gothic, and perhaps if my expectations were not so high, I wouldn’t have been so let down, but I can’t imagine I would have liked it any more than I did.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion
A few of my favourite horror podcasts had flagged this as an upcoming release they were really excited about, so when I saw it on NetGalley, it was an immediate request. This book started off so promisingly - it has an excellent first line - but after the first few chapters, it quickly descended into your regular run of the mill predictable suburban thriller, with a sappy romance subplot to boot (if this is your wheelhouse then you might love it!). At times I felt like I was watching an episode of bad 90s supernatural TV like The Ghost Whisperer or Charmed and almost DNF.
Even if it fits the parameter for Gothic fiction, I never got that sense of unease and terror that I have from other Gothic novels - the author cites Shirley Jackson as a huge inspiration, but this had none of the subtlety and brilliance of Shirley Jackson.
Although I felt that the book evoked a sense of voice, place and time well (if a little stereotypically), I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was reading about a mid-century housewife’s experience written through a modern lens, and was therefore a bit inauthentic. The book covers a lot of sensitive subject matter, including the mental and physical load of women and mothers; post-natal depression; religious abuse; misogyny; domestic violence; alcoholism and the taboo of being LGBTQI+ in the 1950s, however I think it tried to cover too much ground, and felt as though some of those topics were inserted just to try to redress the issue because we know now better. Another gripe I had was that the falling apart of the house didn’t add anything to the story and seemed to just be there for the easy metaphorical comparison to the protagonist’s life falling apart.
I have read a lot of excellent reviews of this book, yet I found it cheesy and predictable - a total summer read. I was under the impression that it was going to lean more towards the literary Gothic, and perhaps if my expectations were not so high, I wouldn’t have been so let down, but I can’t imagine I would have liked it any more than I did.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion
November 12, 2025
4.5/5
Emocjonująca lektura — lata 50, „przykładna pani domu”, która odkrywa nie tylko swoje parapsychiczne zdolności, ale i pragnienie bycia kimś więcej niż dobrą żonką na każde zawołanie swojego przemocowego męża. To nie jest typowy thriller/horror — to podróż między gatunkami, która ma ukazać na jakie cierpienie skazane były kobiety, gdy mężczyźni byli im potrzebni nawet po to, aby mogły założyć własne konto w banku.
Emocjonująca lektura — lata 50, „przykładna pani domu”, która odkrywa nie tylko swoje parapsychiczne zdolności, ale i pragnienie bycia kimś więcej niż dobrą żonką na każde zawołanie swojego przemocowego męża. To nie jest typowy thriller/horror — to podróż między gatunkami, która ma ukazać na jakie cierpienie skazane były kobiety, gdy mężczyźni byli im potrzebni nawet po to, aby mogły założyć własne konto w banku.
September 10, 2025
I would never have survived being a house wife in the 1950's.
This may not be considered a "horror" book, but it was for me. Combine the tight morals of the 1950's with a religious and ambitious husband; throw in a couple of kids and then a bit of psychic ability, and that results in a horrific read for me. It results in a wife that cannot escape her situation. She is and always will be TRAPPED.
I absolutely loved this book while I absolutely hated the situation the main character found herself in. Half the time I was intrigued by the psychic ability, and the other half I was OUTRAGED at how this woman was treated.
While the ending was a bit sugary for me, everything else about this audiobook slayed, so 5 stars it is!
*Thanks to my local library for the free audio download. LIBRARIES RULE!*
This may not be considered a "horror" book, but it was for me. Combine the tight morals of the 1950's with a religious and ambitious husband; throw in a couple of kids and then a bit of psychic ability, and that results in a horrific read for me. It results in a wife that cannot escape her situation. She is and always will be TRAPPED.
I absolutely loved this book while I absolutely hated the situation the main character found herself in. Half the time I was intrigued by the psychic ability, and the other half I was OUTRAGED at how this woman was treated.
While the ending was a bit sugary for me, everything else about this audiobook slayed, so 5 stars it is!
*Thanks to my local library for the free audio download. LIBRARIES RULE!*
February 11, 2025
This 👏🏻 Was 👏🏻 FANTASTIC 👏🏻 Gahhhhh I wish I could go back and read it again for the first time! Y’all- Please appreciate what women in our elder generations had to endure. My goodness.. the respect I have for this FMC! ✨ Amazing book. 10/10 Recommend!
January 18, 2025
I yelled and threw the book, then ran and picked it up to see what happened.
I pretty much read this in one setting because I couldn’t put it down. A lot of the time fueled by rage.
I pretty much read this in one setting because I couldn’t put it down. A lot of the time fueled by rage.
March 8, 2024
My first DNF of the year. I got to 50% and I couldn’t take it anymore. This was one of my most highly anticipated reads of 2024 and what a massive let down.
“The Devil and Mrs. Davenport” is a book that takes place in the 1950’s (an era I love to explore). It follows Loretta Davenport, a housewife to a pastor/professor, as she discovers her abilities to see spirits and communicate with the dead (also a troupe I love). While trying to figure out her new role as the town’s Cleo (call me now for your free reading!) with a local metaphysical therapist (because those DEFINITELY existed in 1950’s small town), Loretta gets a vision about a local girl’s death and sets out to solve the case. Friends, you would think that would lend itself to a good read. But this book?….this is bad book.
I’m a housewife/homemaker, so I’m not ignorant to the ways of the stay at home world. It’s extremely clear that the author has a vendetta against my ladies at home because she couldn’t have written a more dull, two dimensional, and quite frankly dumb character in Loretta. All her ills were caused because she was a bored homemaker with two kids (albeit best part of the book) to weigh her down. The victimhood of motherhood strikes again! Oh, to be a mother is the WORST.
Loretta is LUCKY she caught a ghastly fever (which never really adds anything to the storyline) because that has prompted a newness in New Agism and the mystical…and dammit, that’s where TRUE autonomy lies. Her “deathbed” was the catalyst her newfound ability to be the ghost whisperer. Every decision, every conversation was so generic and so unbelievable for the time frame, I’m pretty sure the author just wanted to use the 1950’s because…men are bad…women are repressed. Never mind the woman who claims to be a Medium….in the 1950’s. lol! The comedy writes itself.
When Loretta hobbles down to the police station to report her vision with ZERO evidence for the murder, I laughed.
When the strong female role model turned out to be the town lesbian, I eye rolled.
When the therapist interjects himself into her marriage with some bs about how he’s worried about her (though he still gives her new age books to read and hide from her husband…like a good therapist?) and he calls her friend (you know, after a month of weekly sessions), and Loretta gives a him doe-eyed response (think Patrick Star from SpongeBob, “Friiieenndd”) I had enough.
Loretta is a vulnerable idiot. Vulnerable to the vices of progressivism; An idiot because she was drawn that way.
Yes, the husband was a shmuck. Period.
Clearly the 1950’s background was just a front for what the author really wanted….to push her beliefs.
Religion=bad
Men(particularly religious men)=EVIL
Housewives=oppressed
New agism=good
Feminism=the way and the truth
Oh, and here’s my LGBT representation!
Generic. Bad. Cheap writing. And even more offensive, BORING!
You could make ALL those references without being so heavy handed. Stephen King NAILED it in “11/22/63.” And I don’t know…talk to a housewife. You may be surprised.
DNF.
“The Devil and Mrs. Davenport” is a book that takes place in the 1950’s (an era I love to explore). It follows Loretta Davenport, a housewife to a pastor/professor, as she discovers her abilities to see spirits and communicate with the dead (also a troupe I love). While trying to figure out her new role as the town’s Cleo (call me now for your free reading!) with a local metaphysical therapist (because those DEFINITELY existed in 1950’s small town), Loretta gets a vision about a local girl’s death and sets out to solve the case. Friends, you would think that would lend itself to a good read. But this book?….this is bad book.
I’m a housewife/homemaker, so I’m not ignorant to the ways of the stay at home world. It’s extremely clear that the author has a vendetta against my ladies at home because she couldn’t have written a more dull, two dimensional, and quite frankly dumb character in Loretta. All her ills were caused because she was a bored homemaker with two kids (albeit best part of the book) to weigh her down. The victimhood of motherhood strikes again! Oh, to be a mother is the WORST.
Loretta is LUCKY she caught a ghastly fever (which never really adds anything to the storyline) because that has prompted a newness in New Agism and the mystical…and dammit, that’s where TRUE autonomy lies. Her “deathbed” was the catalyst her newfound ability to be the ghost whisperer. Every decision, every conversation was so generic and so unbelievable for the time frame, I’m pretty sure the author just wanted to use the 1950’s because…men are bad…women are repressed. Never mind the woman who claims to be a Medium….in the 1950’s. lol! The comedy writes itself.
When Loretta hobbles down to the police station to report her vision with ZERO evidence for the murder, I laughed.
When the strong female role model turned out to be the town lesbian, I eye rolled.
When the therapist interjects himself into her marriage with some bs about how he’s worried about her (though he still gives her new age books to read and hide from her husband…like a good therapist?) and he calls her friend (you know, after a month of weekly sessions), and Loretta gives a him doe-eyed response (think Patrick Star from SpongeBob, “Friiieenndd”) I had enough.
Loretta is a vulnerable idiot. Vulnerable to the vices of progressivism; An idiot because she was drawn that way.
Yes, the husband was a shmuck. Period.
Clearly the 1950’s background was just a front for what the author really wanted….to push her beliefs.
Religion=bad
Men(particularly religious men)=EVIL
Housewives=oppressed
New agism=good
Feminism=the way and the truth
Oh, and here’s my LGBT representation!
Generic. Bad. Cheap writing. And even more offensive, BORING!
You could make ALL those references without being so heavy handed. Stephen King NAILED it in “11/22/63.” And I don’t know…talk to a housewife. You may be surprised.
DNF.
August 23, 2026
After reading several fabulous books this year in which a 1950s or 60s housewife is accused of hysteria, melancholia, or some other mood disorder to explain her desire for equality, a friend told me The Devil and Mrs. Davenport was right up my alley, and it was! Paulette Kennedy adds an extra layer of angst in her version by including religious suppression and manipulation. I loved how she used the family home as a metaphor for the breakdown of the family system. I loved the ending. Highly recommend!
February 25, 2025
If you ask me for any book recommendation from now until eternity - it will be this book.
Holy Moley this was so good! I could not put it down once I started it, I loved the 1950s housewife but add ghosts, excuse me? How unique, how bingeable, how incredible! Everyone needs to read this book immediately, because I honestly don’t know why it’s not talked about more!
Holy Moley this was so good! I could not put it down once I started it, I loved the 1950s housewife but add ghosts, excuse me? How unique, how bingeable, how incredible! Everyone needs to read this book immediately, because I honestly don’t know why it’s not talked about more!
April 7, 2024
Should’ve followed my instincts at 20% and DNF’d this book but here we are 🥲 I just really hoped it would get better and it really did not.
April 9, 2024
A hazy gothic horror that gave me chills throughout, this was atmospheric and perfectly captured the 1950s attitude towards women, an eye opening social commentry with a supernatural twist, *chefs kiss* a compelling and unapologetic feminist read, the main theme throughout was one of personal empowerment and self discovery which Kennedy achieves in abundance with the character of Loretta, this deals with some heavy themes but felt cathartic at times, its evocative in nature and I found myself incredibly moved in parts (angry in others), I personally felt the fever was a physical manifestation of the impact of oppression women faced?, reminiscent of Shirely Jackson but utterly unique Kennedy takes a seat at the table of great gothic fiction writers of our time with this haunting historical novel
November 7, 2023
Oh, I really loved the whole vintage feel of this one!
I would not want to be a woman in the 1950’s (okay, I’m also not white so I REALLY wouldn’t want to live then). Behind the pretty dresses and quiet streets, the author shows us the absolute horror of a woman dealing with a challenging marriage, the demands of fundamental religion, judgmental neighbors and a little supernatural issue. I’d implode!
Loretta is wonderful. I adored her and found myself worried for her and hoping she’d find her happy.
I wanted to punch Pete. Still do.
The story has some very dark parts, but Loretta herself is an absolutely delightful light in that darkness.
I read this at breakneck speed and was so sorry when it was over!
Loved this!
• ARC via Publisher
I would not want to be a woman in the 1950’s (okay, I’m also not white so I REALLY wouldn’t want to live then). Behind the pretty dresses and quiet streets, the author shows us the absolute horror of a woman dealing with a challenging marriage, the demands of fundamental religion, judgmental neighbors and a little supernatural issue. I’d implode!
Loretta is wonderful. I adored her and found myself worried for her and hoping she’d find her happy.
I wanted to punch Pete. Still do.
The story has some very dark parts, but Loretta herself is an absolutely delightful light in that darkness.
I read this at breakneck speed and was so sorry when it was over!
Loved this!
• ARC via Publisher
February 4, 2024
I really enjoyed Paulette Kennedy's The Witch of Tin Mountain so I was happy to get a chance to read more from this author. She writes beautifully and is a good story weaver.
Description:
The first day of autumn brought the fever, and with the fever came the voices.
Missouri, 1955. Loretta Davenport has led an isolated life as a young mother and a wife to Pete, an ambitious assistant professor at a Bible college. They’re the picture of domestic tranquillity—until a local girl is murdered and Loretta begins receiving messages from beyond. Pete dismisses them as delusions of a fevered female imagination. Loretta knows they’re real—and frightening. Defying Pete’s demands, Loretta finds an encouraging supporter in parapsychologist Dr. Curtis Hansen. He sees a woman with a rare gift, more blessing than curse.
With Dr. Hansen’s help, Loretta’s life opens up to an empowering new purpose. But for Pete, the God-fearing image he’s worked so hard to cultivate is under threat. No longer in control of his dutiful wife, he sees the Devil at work. As Loretta’s powers grow stronger and the pleading spirits beckon, Pete is determined to deliver his wife from evil. To solve the mysteries of the dead, Loretta must first save herself.
My Thoughts:
Anyone would have been scared hearing voices. I admired Loretta's bravery going to see the parapsychologist to try to understand what was happening to her, even though her husband was dead set against it and she had to be very secretive. I certainly didn't like Loretta's husband Pete at all with his controlling manner. The book was successfully in providing a good look at women in the 1950's as well as the atmosphere of that period. The story has a distinct feminist view which totally fit the story. I would recommend to anyone who likes a good period novel.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy. Expected publication on March 5, 2024.
Description:
The first day of autumn brought the fever, and with the fever came the voices.
Missouri, 1955. Loretta Davenport has led an isolated life as a young mother and a wife to Pete, an ambitious assistant professor at a Bible college. They’re the picture of domestic tranquillity—until a local girl is murdered and Loretta begins receiving messages from beyond. Pete dismisses them as delusions of a fevered female imagination. Loretta knows they’re real—and frightening. Defying Pete’s demands, Loretta finds an encouraging supporter in parapsychologist Dr. Curtis Hansen. He sees a woman with a rare gift, more blessing than curse.
With Dr. Hansen’s help, Loretta’s life opens up to an empowering new purpose. But for Pete, the God-fearing image he’s worked so hard to cultivate is under threat. No longer in control of his dutiful wife, he sees the Devil at work. As Loretta’s powers grow stronger and the pleading spirits beckon, Pete is determined to deliver his wife from evil. To solve the mysteries of the dead, Loretta must first save herself.
My Thoughts:
Anyone would have been scared hearing voices. I admired Loretta's bravery going to see the parapsychologist to try to understand what was happening to her, even though her husband was dead set against it and she had to be very secretive. I certainly didn't like Loretta's husband Pete at all with his controlling manner. The book was successfully in providing a good look at women in the 1950's as well as the atmosphere of that period. The story has a distinct feminist view which totally fit the story. I would recommend to anyone who likes a good period novel.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy. Expected publication on March 5, 2024.
March 10, 2024
The Devil and Mrs. Davenport is a compulsively readable, eye-opening portrayal of a 1950s housewife trapped in a restrictive marriage. But the story comes with a twist: after an illness, Loretta begins to hear voices that will help solve a local crime. Kennedy masterfully blends gothic fiction with supernatural elements to create a novel unlike any you’ve read before.
April 8, 2024
I’m staggered by the amount of stellar reviews for this book, because it’s a full on disaster. Each chapter is chocked with cliches and stereotypes, and the overall plot was so lackluster that I was literally dying a little inside. The entire story felt like it was borrowed from a collection of far more interesting books or movies, and in short, I strongly disliked this book and also Loretta.
March 20, 2025
4 stars ↠ this was a lot of fun! creepy, atmospheric, and i loved loretta as a main character. the pacing did feel a bit off to me at times and i didn’t love the ending, but overall it was a great read. i wish i had read this back in the fall like i originally meant to, it’s definitely perfect for that time of year (i say this, but i also read thrillers and horror books all year, so every time is a great time for a book like this for me).
tw ↠ domestic violence (also, it’s in the 1950s and the characters occasionally act accordingly).
tw ↠ domestic violence (also, it’s in the 1950s and the characters occasionally act accordingly).
May 16, 2025
I finished the audiobook this morning and loved it. I’ve been seeing this one circulating around BookTok as well as a few review groups and just knew I had to check it out. It’s a little slower to start but once it gets going it’s a roller coaster of emotions.
The story follows a 1950’s housewife Loretta Davenport who begins hearing voices and seeing things that are not there. Is she loosing her mind?? Is she being possessed by the devil?? Or it is something else?? I found myself rooting for Loretta the entire time and felt so much sympathy for her character and what she goes through.
I don’t want to say too much for fear of spoiling it for others but I highly recommend you all check this out immediately- especially if we have the same taste in books.
The story follows a 1950’s housewife Loretta Davenport who begins hearing voices and seeing things that are not there. Is she loosing her mind?? Is she being possessed by the devil?? Or it is something else?? I found myself rooting for Loretta the entire time and felt so much sympathy for her character and what she goes through.
I don’t want to say too much for fear of spoiling it for others but I highly recommend you all check this out immediately- especially if we have the same taste in books.
January 6, 2024
I love a good gothic novel and this one hit the mark on page one. With echoes of Shirley Jackson and Daphne du Maurier, plus a touch of the supernatural, gothic novel readers will devour this. The writing flowed, the tension was on every page, and I held my breath through the last quarter of the book. Looking forward to Paulette Kennedy’s next book because this one was a treat. Great story about personal empowerment and discovery of self.
January 26, 2024
Taut with suspense, haunting, and unapologetically feminist, in The Devil and Mrs. Davenport Kennedy masterfully nods to gothic greats such as Shirley Jackson and Daphne du Maurier while cementing her own voice as one of the strongest in the genre today. A true masterpiece.
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