I was fascinated by the author's depiction of 1950s Missouri and the subtle ways in which the era's societal norms and expectations shape the characters' experiences. Loretta's struggles to assert her own identity and agency within a stifling marriage and community resonated deeply. I appreciated how the supernatural elements served as a metaphor for the ways in which women's voices and experiences have been marginalized and silenced throughout history. Pete's character served as a chilling reminder of the dangers of toxic masculinity and religious fundamentalism. Dr. Hansen's character provided a refreshing counterpoint, highlighting the importance of empathy and intellectual curiosity. A compelling and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and psychological thrillers alike.

This is the second book I have read lately based in Missouri and I must say I have enjoyed them both. This book is a bit different than what I would normally read as it has a paranormal theme that is quite interesting. I enjoyed the characters and the way the story has been written. It kept me interested and intrigued.

This is a very well written book and believable with characters you can relate to and find in your own community (albeit in a different era). A different theme/genre for me but I really enjoyed it.

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Paulette Kennedy's best work yet. In <i>The Devil and Mrs. Davenport</i> we follow Loretta, the wife of a devout professor at the local seminary. Loretta begins to have visions and experience things she cannot explain, and she wants to use these abilities to help people. But her husband is convinced that only men receive holy gifts, so Loretta must be under the influence of evil. As Loretta explores her abilities and gets to know herself better, she finds friends and support to help her match the newfound difficulties she faces. So much about Loretta's story was relatable and impactful for me, as I'm sure it will be for many others.
Read the content warnings before this one, but know that Loretta's story is ultimately one of hope.

“You’re ever saving Ophelia in all your books, darling.” This line. A thousand times, yes. And it’s one of the many reasons why I love Paulette Kennedy’s books, but especially this one.

I am really enjoying this boom. Love the way it is written and how compelling the story is. Looking forward to chatting with the author

I came to this book already being a huge, huge fan of Paulette Kennedy’s books. And she absolutely still has a fan in me.
This book was entirely enthralling. It was filled with suspense from the very first page. As always, Kennedy wrote characters that you can relate to and root for but are also so nervous for throughout. The writing was superb, some lines really packing a punch and making me pause just to think on them. And the way heavy topics like mental health were handled was great, and really felt nuanced and empathetic.

This book both gripped and appalled me. Although a work of fiction, there will have been women living this life and not being able to escape as the husband had all the power and was able to ‘quieten’ them by suggesting they must be mad.

Such a good read.

A gripping and beautifully written book. Loretta is a 1950's housewife with paranormal abilities. Trapped in an abusive marriage the narrative deftly brings us in to her world while tackling important issues. The language and the setting were so well done and for me the pacing was perfect until the end which felt slightly rushed. I was so absorbed in Loretta's journey - she's a wonderful protagonist.

The Devil and Mrs. Davenport has left me speechless. When I say that Paulette Kennedy writes books that are totally my jam, I mean it. I've read and loved her previous works, but when I heard she had written a book about a 1950's housewife who discovers she can speak to the dead, I was reaching for it with grabbing hands. I loved Loretta, and I've been thinking of her since I turned off my Kindle days ago. Don't hesitate to pick this book up! If you like stories that hold on to you until the last breathless page, then look no further. Kennedy has crafted an addicting read that will soak you in atmosphere until your fingers turn pruny. This story isn’t just a home run—it’s a grand slam.

Gothic thriller with paranormal elements. I was drawn in from the first page.

The characters were fully drawn and relatable and being set in 1950s i love it. .

The book was well written and very enjoyable to read.
Thanks NetGalley for letting me review and read.

This will have you hooked straight from the beginning. A dark, tense thriller combining life as a woman in the 1950s and paranormal elements of ESP. The Devil and Mrs Davenport was so well written and I felt a constant sense of dread about everything Loretta was going through. Especially at the hands of her husband.

The Devil and Mrs. Davenport
by Paulette Kennedy
Pub Date: 05 Mar 2024
☆☆☆☆☆

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.

Excellent Book

Loretta Davenport is leading a normal life as a mother and wife, when she starts to experience visions. Initially, Loretta is unsure of what is going on. Is it an illness, is it brought on by her virtual isolation, imposed by her husband, Pete, a professor at a local bible college. Life is not easy for Loretta, as she is expected to “toe the line”, Pete’s version of it at all times. Pete is a ‘supposed’ religious zealot that is against anything that speaks of a secular nature. Imagine how dissatisfying it is to Pete when Loretta begins to receive messages from the “other side”, people who have departed, by natural means or otherwise. Unbeknownst to Pete, Loretta begins to meet with a psychologist that specializes in the paranormal. Loretta is divided between 2 men, one that views her sightings as a gift, and the other that is convinced that her messages are links to the devil and that she requires institutionalization. Loretta suffers dearly as the result of her husband’s actions that are taken in order to eradicate her connection with the devil.

This story is a combination of drama, mystery, thriller, and paranormal. It cannot be constrained to just one genre. This will make it an interesting story for a variety of readers. There are so many themes encompassed in just this one book which will captivate multiple audiences. The plot was well developed and there were twists that were unanticipated. This book will interest many. I will be on the look out for more by this author. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.

An dark, challenging, subtle exploration into the horror of being a woman in 1950’s America. Bleak, demanding with elements of the supernatural. A gripping read.

I couldn’t put this down! Set in the 50’s, Mrs. Davenport is a housewife married to a fervently religious man who teaches at a local bible college. Mrs. Davenport, Loretta, begins having messages from the beyond after a local girl goes missing. Her husband is quick to dismiss her gift as the work of the devil, but Loretta knows she can help those struggling on the other side. How far can she go to help them, yet keep her own children safe? And just who is the devil? This book was fast paced and beautifully written. Kennedy explores what it means to a woman, and the inner strength that women possess when faced with adversity.

I loved this story, though as a strong independent woman, i wouldn't want to live in the 1950s.

The supernatural, psychological suspense, and domestic drama make this one to read.

The characters,writing and the heavy topics make this an emotional read. This is a story that i wont forget for a long time.

A definite recommend

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for allowing me to read this arc.

All thoughts and opinions are my own and aren't influenced by anyone else

Let me start by saying that I’ve read all of Paulette’s published books in ARC-format. What stood out the most to me in this novel was how very different the protagonist is. Both from the protagonists in Paulette’s previous books, but also purely for a protagonist. Period. It’s rare for an understated performance to be so powerful in its own understated-ness. So impactful in what it doesn’t do rather than what it does. But that’s what Paulette pulls off with Mrs. Davenport. The phrase “it’s the small victories that matter” has never felt truer to me than when I read this book. For me, the characterization is what shone the brightest in this book. Closely followed by the historical accuracy/research (which is thankfully always accounted for in the notes at the end) and the mystery that is the main plot of the book. But the characterization took the cake for me. It far outshines what I’ve seen before from Paulette, and I’m thoroughly tickled to see what comes next!

This was a truly absorbing novel! I love the 1950’s time frame meshed with the paranormal. The attitude of the husband is so frustrating and really paints the picture of what life was like for women during the time. I would definitely recommend this book and the author.

Mrs. Davenport has the quintessential life in her small Missouri town; a husband who is a professor at the local university and respected in their church, 2 children she adores and......visions of the dead. More specifically, visions of the dead who have something left to say, the dead whose deaths are unsolved and they need someone to speak for them.
It's the 1950's and the perfect life isn't all it's chalked up to be; an abusive, controlling, drunk of a husband who forbids her to see someone to help her make sense of her visions. Mrs. Davenport begins sneaking- sneaking to a therapist, sneaking out to help police with her visions, sneaking out to meet up with family members and try to help the dead find closure, and justice. The visions are stronger and stronger, taking her into the victim's POV and the horrors that they experienced. And now, after a mirror breaks in a moment of anger, she realizes her gifts are more powerful than she could perhaps control.
But being a woman in the 1950's isn't so easy- unable to own a credit card, have a bank account, or be the owner of her own life, she realizes that if she doesn't find a way out, her husband may find a way to keep her from ever seeing her kids again.
This book took off and kept me turning pages at a frantic pace. The ending was a bit too tidy for my liking, but it did not take away from the overall experience.
Mrs. Davenport's transformation from a meek church wife to a strong and formidable woman was done expertly. Make sure you read the author's notes at the end.

I tried to read this like four times and could not get into it. A shame because the blurb made it sound like something I'd love. Maybe it picked up but the first few chapters were a slog and didn't hook me. I couldn't relate to the main character and the writing was sort of faux old timey in a way that I didn't care for.