Gothic Book Review: The Devil and Mrs. Davenport

---

Publisher’s Summary

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.

What I Loved

It’s a midcentury nightmare for long-suffering housewife Loretta. I loved the setting and world building of this 1950s gothic story, but what makes this story truly captivating isn’t just the eerie atmosphere, but the struggles Loretta faces in her quest for agency. Her story serves as a stark reminder of how recent many of our freedoms are. Not so long ago, women couldn’t open a bank account without a male relative’s approval or make decisions about their own medical care.

Loretta’s journey is a powerful reflection of modern political currents, highlighting issues that are still relevant today. These real-world horrors are far more terrifying than any paranormal activity. This story is a timely and poignant reminder of the progress we’ve made and the importance of safeguarding these hard-won rights.

What I Didn’t

The book embraces its Gothic roots with clear, familiar tropes, which might delight some readers but feel a bit predictable to others. It really leans into the romance aspect of a Gothic, featuring a pretty predictable cinnamon roll love interest and an interesting LGBTQ subplot. Loretta is a disillusioned housewife who finds solace in writing horror stories, which is a bit on-the-nose. While the obvious tropes add to its charm for genre enthusiasts, the abundance of plot points and social commentary can make it feel a bit crowded.

Favorite Line

Another idea had taken root, as she lay in bed, watching her house crumble around her – something darker. Something horrific and honest. Something that better reflected her circumstances and the broken word she lived in. Loretta wound a fresh sheet of paper into the typewriter and began.”

Paulette Kennedy, The Devil and Mrs. Davenport

Last Words

Overall, this book was a fun summer read and a unique take on a Gothic atmosphere. If predictable characters and plot points aren’t your jam, this might not be the book for you. But if you love the tropes and trappings of a classic gothic romance, you will really enjoy this one!