The Devil and Mrs. Davenport by Paulette Kennedy
Published by Lake Union Publishing on March 5, 2024
Genre(s): horror, historical fiction, thriller, paranormal
Format: Audio / Ebook
Hours/Pages: 12 hours and 14 minutes / 347
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trigger warnings
Abuse (physical, emotional, sexual and religious); fatphobia; murder; self-harm; substance abuse; alcoholism; pregnancy; abortion.
plot details
Set in 1955, an oppressed housewife discovers she can communicate with the dead but must fight her controlling, abusive husband – a Bible college professor – who claims her supernatural gifts are the work of the devil.
my thoughts
The Devil and Mrs. Davenport is a fascinating and terrifying look into the life of a 1950s housewife. Paul Kennedy does a great job of making her story feel authentic while authentic. Loretta has few freedoms and isn’t allowed to work. To leave her marriage, she skims money when she buys groceries and hides money in places Pete won’t look. Her mother taught her to take care of herself, and she does.
Loretta was well fleshed out. She’s compliant, meek and eager to please her husband. Why, you may ask. Well, dear reader, her dear Pete has a drinking problem and a nasty temper that he often takes our on Loretta and their children. When she meets Dr. Curt Hansen, her world opens. He encourages her to start writing and submit those pieces to maganizes and newspapers. He also believes in her otherwordly abilities and the helps her improve those talents. Having this outside perspective helps Loretta see her marriage in a new light.
The murder mystery was great and what drew me in. Loretta piecing together the clues she gets from her visions and the discussions she has with ghosts.
The paranormal elements are subtle, which I loved. It was both heartwarming and heartbreaking that Loretta is visited by her mother. We learn of traumatic events during her childhood and learn that she is still struggling with this as an adult.
I rooted for Loretta and Curt as their relationship blossomed. Although it seemed like maybe he wasn’t trust worthy for a moment, I couldn’t help but keep my hope alive. It paid off! Loretta remains loyal to Pete, despite multiple instances and the deep feelings Loretta and Curt feel.
During the last act, things too an extremely dark turn. It was entertaining, but not really the vibe. Pete insists that she is hallucinating, and possessed by a demon and takes shocking her as the action to heal her. This leads to a mental hospital and a child custody case. It was over the top, and I really wished this was more subtle or went a different, less obnoxious way. I can see why Kennedy would include it though as it helps Loretta’s story come full circle. It also helped emphasize that women had very limited autonomy at this time. Nonetheless, I was more invested in the murder mystery and the subtle paranormal aspects rather than this religious turning point.
final verdict
Absolutely I recommend this! If you enjoy historical fiction with subtle paranormal elements, emotionally complex female characters and murder mysteries. The book is at its strongest when it focuses on Loretta’s personal growth, the ghostly elements, and the tension that surrounds the murder investigation. While the final act is a bit too dramatic for my taste, it didn’t ruin the overall experience. Loretta is a character worth rooting for and her journey makes the novel both heartbreaking and satisfying.
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