The Devil and Mrs. Davenport

A Novel

By: Paulette Kennedy

Narrated by: Lauren Ezzo

Length: 12 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

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 tranquility—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.

©2024 by Paulette Kennedy. (P)2024 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Shirley Jackson fans will appreciate this novel with a distinct vintage vibe; readers of gothic and supernatural titles will be drawn in by the book’s feminist empowerment narrative.”—Library Journal

“With a mystery that steadily builds, this gothic novel masterfully captures the horrors and sexism of 1950s suburbia. A bewitching page-turner with author Kennedy's signature: a strong heroine who cleverly navigates twist after twist.”—Booklist

“There is a bit of romance, and a theme of embracing one’s true self. This is a satisfying mix of historical mystery and paranormal fiction that fans of those genres will enjoy. Highly recommended.”—Historical Novels Review

Feminist Lit with a gothic twist at it’s best

What a great book. A little scarier than I normally read—one night I had to put it aside because it was perfectly frightening, but I was eager to pick it back up in the morning. This book manages to do what is supremely hard: Tell a good story while also exposing the mirror between history and now. I was riveted. And the audiobook is a really immersive, well-told experience. In the end, I both listened and read because I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss a word.

Loretta Davenport is just a normal 1950s housewife—if normal means being subject to the dictates of the king, her husband. When a fever strikes and brings voices with it, Loretta is now what, clairvoyant? One thing is sure: She sees dead people. And worse, the mere touch of one of their treasures can send her spiraling toward their last moments. Meanwhile, her need to escape the strictures of her existence acts as lighter fluid to her deeply rotten husband. And is it magic or happenstance—or deliverance—that frisures soon appear in their home?

You’ll have to read further to find out. Also know this—you’ll learn a good deal about the plight of women in the US during those times. Read and rage, my friends, and take notes, lest it happen again.

Fantastic work from my new favorite author

Paulette Kennedy has done a fantastic job making me feel genuinely that I was in the 50s, living life alongside Loretta as she battled the forces of life, and those beyond. Fantastic storytelling, and absolutely fantastic narration. 10/10 100 gold stars.

Excellent Read

Absolutely Love Paulette Kennedy’s books, couldn’t put it down. 10/10 would recommend! Can’t wait for her next journey! Must Read!

Story and narration perfect

Couldn't put it down!So many topics in one book,murder mystery,Para psychology/medium/esp,1950s women were considered property of husband,,religion played a part in their lives,all around so interesting!

Suspense and a thriller

Wow this book! Set in the mid 1950s. Loretta is a 27 year old wife ( I hate the term housewife but it seems to be coined in the 50s) she is married to Pete, a professor at a religious college, she had two kids. After a brief illness she is plagued by visions. What happens next is a roller coaster of events. I found myself thinking of my grandmother and the rights a woman didn’t have in the 1950s. A woman in this time couldn’t open a bank account or cash a check without a male relative to vouch for her. I loved this book and the strength of Loretta was palpable. 5 Stars

My First of Many Paulette Kennedy Books

I rarely leave reviews because I’m far too lazy, but this book deserves all the praise that can be typed. I started this book yesterday and finished today! This is my first Paulette Kennedy and I absolutely love the characterization and plot construction in this book. The discussion of womanhood, sexism, and the nuclear family really resonated with me. I will definitely be reading more Paulette Kennedy in the future!!

All hail Shirley Jackson core

Massive thank you to Agatha at She Wore Black Podcast for introducing this novel to my world.
The Devil and Mrs. Davenport is a mid-century gothic romance that checks all the boxes, while simultaneously bringing something fresh to a specific formula. All I could ask from a book was contained within its pages.
The characters in this novel were palpable, raw humans. I cared for them and their happiness. (Paulette Kennedy said Dr. Hansen is inspired a bit by Jude Law in The Holiday and I can't get that image out of my mind!)

Only negative aspect is the narrator when it comes to narrating Dr. Hansen. I’m sorry, I just couldn’t do it. I saved scenes with him for my kindle copy. It just didn’t fit for me!
I am so glad I picked this book up and can't wait to tell everyone to read it.
All hail Shirley Jackson

Good story, bad reading

The story was good, but my god… the breathy, whispery affect the reader was putting on…there were many times when thought, ‘no… return this book. I cannot do another 9 hours of this book…” but the story kept me listening