FICTION

The Devil and Mrs. Davenport

by Paulette Kennedy
Lake Union. Mar. 2024. 351p. ISBN 9781662514883. pap. $16.99. F
COPY ISBN
Kennedy’s third novel (after The Witch of Tin Mountain and Parting the Veil) is an homage to both Shirley Jackson and the American Midwest in the 1950s. Loretta Davenport is a mother of two, married to Pete, an assistant professor at a Missouri Bible college. Her midcentury domestic lifestyle is upended when a local girl is murdered and she begins to hear voices from beyond. This exposes her to the casual misogyny that has isolated her and makes her a target of her husband’s religious fervor. The only person who can help her claim her new gifts and possibly reveal the girl’s murderer is parapsychologist Curtis Hansen, who believes in her gift. But in 1955 this is difficult for a woman to accomplish, leaving Loretta with a choice: take control of her life or accept her isolation.
VERDICT 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.
Reviewed by Mara Shatat , Jan 26, 2024
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

MEDIA

Help Wanted
by Waldman, Adelle
MEDIA

A Dream in the Dark
by Justice, Robert
MEDIA

The River View
by Harrison, Jamie
MEDIA

Signal to Noise
by Moreno-Garcia, Silvia
FICTION

Dogs and Monsters: Stories
by Haddon, Mark
FICTION

Shred Sisters
by Lerner, Betsy
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?