The Devil and Mrs. Davenport

A Novel

By: Paulette Kennedy

Narrated by: Lauren Ezzo

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

What a great book!

Wow, I loved this book! Great narration and plot. One of my favorite audio books in a long time.

Sucha Crazy ride to 1950s

The performance is at peak.., the writing the delivery everything is fresh and an amazing experience. Must listen in out present bleak times for women,,,

I didn’t want it to end

The book was perfect, I enjoyed it so much. I stumbled upon it and I feel so lucky I did. It was that good.

Quick read

I’d say this is a a psychological suspence piece. Mrs Davenport is a homemaker with a very religious, professor husband. She is only seen has a caregiver of the home and kids. Her husband is not thrilled when she shares with him her visions. I guessed the plot twist.

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!

what a wonderful story

a very good picture of the life of a house wife and a damn good story.....and I have an orange cat..named Oliver :)

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.

Not your average household

Loved the narrator in this Gothic novel. Many themes going throughout this book, such as Domestic Violence, Feminism, Women's Friendship, Romance, Religious Cults, etc. Loved the messages the author conveyed in this book. I couldn't stop listening, I needed to find out about Loretta and her children.
Finished in 2 days. A must read for every woman!