Hello 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to post the novel’s content warnings and also inform my readership that this novel contains era-specific but now outdated terminology for many mental health and behavioral health conditions. Although I attempted to keep this outdated terminology to a minimum, historical accuracy necessitated the use of this era-specific slang and terminology.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.44 s14 comments Sadie HartmannAuthor 22 books5,802

This will definitely be on my Best of 2024 book list! It hits on so many of my favorite tropes. Expertly crafted, compelling storytelling, dynamic characters, and it felt a classic movie! Longer review on Patreon Monday!42 s Constantine943 247

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, 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.giveaway-read netgalley x-4-half-star ...more32 s10 comments Dana761 9

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 d the main character and the secondary characters were well written as well. I certainly didn't 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.review-copies16 s Judy1,250 32

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 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 s a good period novel.

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy. Expected publication on March 5, 2024.14 s1 comment Christine NolfiAuthor 20 books3,897

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 un any you’ve read before. 11 s OutlawPoet1,430 69

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
10 s KerryAuthor 11 books2,914

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. 10 s1 comment Hester FoxAuthor 7 books1,775

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.fiction gothic-fiction historical-fiction10 s1 comment Erin CraigAuthor 8 books4,942

Absolutely adored! 9 s2 comments Aoife Cassidy McM661 242

The vintage cover and dark occult-ish 1950s setting lured me into requesting this one on Netgalley. It was an easy (if ultimately cheesy) read that took some dark turns and held my attention, but the plot was just a little too simplistic.

Loretta Davenport is a frustrated suburban housewife in 1950s Missouri, married to Pete, a Bible studies professor and religious fanatic. When Loretta begins to have visions following a dose of flu, Pete dismisses them as delusions and encourages Loretta to turn to God. Loretta seeks out the help of a parapsychologist instead to help her make sense of the visions, enraging Pete who sees it as his job to expel the devil possessing Loretta.

The book reminded me of a short story I’d have read in my mum’s Women’s Way or Reader’s Digest in the 1980s/90s, in the sense that it is well written, but fairly twee and with some quirky/bizarre elements thrown in (the crumbling house
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