Reviews tagging 'Child abuse'

The Devil and Mrs. Davenport by Paulette Kennedy

11 reviews

ashleekraus's review

5.0
challenging emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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tess_gee's profile picture

tess_gee's review

4.5
dark emotional hopeful inspiring tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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chrissyb5758's review

4.25
dark emotional mysterious sad tense
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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earlgreywithmilk's review

4.75
dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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freemakd's review

4.0
challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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thehauntedfawn's profile picture

thehauntedfawn's review

4.5
dark tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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sarahww's profile picture

sarahww's review

4.25
dark mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing me an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feedback are my own. 

It's a rare thing for me to experience real fear while reading a book. Most of the time there's a sense of distance between myself and the events I'm reading (it's not like a book is going to jumpscare me the way a movie might). It turns out all I need to be absolutely terrified while reading is a well-written, horrific man in the 50s. The visceral feelings of claustrophobia and entrapment that plagued  me while reading was something I've never gotten form a book before. While there are , of course, some horror supernatural elements to this story, the misogyny and abuse and feelings of helplessness experienced by our protagonist were so real and so possible it made me almost ill (complimentary!).

I liked our characters and the relationships between them (and I loved to hate/fear the bad ones). I thought the plot was interesting and the execution was well-done. I also liked the ending, even if I feel it didn't really macth with the rest of the story.

TLDR; keep an eye on Paulette Kennedy, because this was a real winner.

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dark emotional tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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bellebookcorner's profile picture

bellebookcorner's review

5.0
challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Another fantastic read by Paulette Kennedy! 
This book was such a page turner - the perfect combination of historical fiction, horror and mystery! 
 
I was hooked into the story early in the beginning with great and easy to read writing style and fascinating plot that keep my eyes glued into my kindle! 
The author definitely gives a thorough research to write this book that makes the readers feel transported back to the 1950s with Loretta. 
 
I really enjoy my time following Loretta’s journey as she explore her new-found ability with Dr. Hansen as well as finding the courage to stand up for herself and save her kids. 
Aside from that, I’m also intrigued with finding out the culprit behind the murder mystery and figuring out the identity of the real 'devil' in this story. 
 
This story brings up several sensitive topics about how women was treated during the 1950s so I highly suggest checking out the trigger warnings below before reading this book. 
 
Overall, this was a remarkable well written story that comes with a satisfying ending and justice for all the characters – a fitting end! 
I will definitely keep an eye out for more books by this author in the future! 
 
I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
 
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: physical, emotional, sexual, child and religious abuse; fatphobia; murder; self-harm; alcohol dependence; pregnancy; and abortion. 

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