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.
“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
“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
“This story of a 1950s housewife who can suddenly see and receive messages from the dead is so fascinating and compelling that it will be hard to put down. Loretta’s growing abilities and the cracking facade of her life are so well described. The author expertly begins to pull the curtain from Loretta’s marriage and show the truth—her husband is not perfect, and is, in fact, abusive. The combination of a bad marriage and explosive new psychic abilities makes this book shine… This is a satisfying mix of historical mystery and paranormal fiction that fans of those genres will enjoy. Highly recommended.” —Historical Novels Review
Paulette Kennedy‘s latest domestic gothic novel THE DEVIL AND MRS. DAVENPORT focuses on Loretta Davenport, a housewife who develops psychic abilities after recovering from a virus (Lake Union; March 5, 2024). With the creation of an intriguing twist on the traditional 50’s homemaker and a plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat, Kennedy skillfully weaves the theme of self discovery with the important message that we must honor who we are so we can better love those around us. If you’re a fan of Shirley Jackson, Daphne du Maurier and historical fiction, this novel is a must read.
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.
THE DEVIL AND MRS. DAVENPORT is a compulsive read full of unforgettable characters, classic gothic components, and page-turning suspense.
Here’s the stellar schedule of bloggers who will post reviews, features, and giveaways. We hope you will follow along:
Friday, March 1 – Purrfect Pages
Saturday, March 2 – Stacy 40 Pages
Sunday, March 3 – Kera’s Always Reading
Monday, March 4 – Steph on a Shelf
Tuesday, March 5 – Gwendalyn Books
Wednesday, March 6 – Hooked By Books
Thursday, March 7 – Amy’s Book Nook
Friday, March 8 – We Love Big Books And We Cannot Lie
Saturday, March 9 – Reading with Mel Ann Rosenthal
Saturday, March 9 – What Is That Book About
Sunday, March 10 – Mabel Journals
Monday, March 11 – Dive Into A Good Book
Monday, March 11 – Linda’s Book Obsession
Tuesday, March 12 – Love My Books 2020
Wednesday, March 13 – Lilacs and Literature
Thursday, March 14 – Nurse Bookie
Friday, March 15 – Reading with Nicole
Saturday, March 16 – Books Arevida
Sunday, March 17 – Dreams of Manderley
Monday, March 18 – It’s Bibliotherapy
Tuesday, March 19 – Bookapotamus
Wednesday, March 20 – Secret Reading Life
Thursday, March 21 – Bookalong
Friday, March 22 – Library of Bookish
Sunday, March 24 – Read Review Coffee
Monday, March 25 – Danish Mustard Reads
Tuesday, March 26 – Sarah and Her Bookshelves
Wednesday, March 27 – Lexijava
Thursday, March 28 – Gloriana Wong
Thursday, March 28 – Well Read Traveler
Friday, March 29 – We Break For Books
Sunday, March 31 – Subakka Bookstuff
