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Graphic: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Medical trauma
Moderate: Rape, Self harm, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder
Minor: Child death, Racism, Vomit, Stalking, Abortion, Pregnancy
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Forced institutionalization, Car accident, Abortion, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Car accident, Abortion, Murder, Gaslighting
Moderate: Cursing, Gore, Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Vomit, Medical content, Medical trauma, Pregnancy
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Stalking
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body horror, Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual violence, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Murder, Pregnancy, Alcohol
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Infidelity, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Vomit, Grief, Car accident, Abortion, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Alcohol
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Car accident, Abortion, Death of parent, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Gaslighting, Alcohol
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual violence, Forced institutionalization, Religious bigotry, Gaslighting
Moderate: Self harm, Car accident, Death of parent
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.
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault
Moderate: Death, Self harm, Sexism
Minor: Child abuse
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Self harm, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Murder
THE DEVIL AND MRS. DAVENPORT is such an interesting combination of genres. Who knew that 50s historical gothic paranormal mystery would work so well? It’s not too dark and it’s not too creepy but it will scratch a horror itch with spirits from the other side while also hooking you with Mrs. Davenport herself.
The story follows Loretta as she grapples with her abusive, controlling husband (in a time where that was totally a-ok with society) and newfound psychic abilities. When a local girl is murdered, Loretta becomes entangled in the mystery by way of visions and visitations from the girl’s spirit. The character development is fantastic and I absolutely adored watching Loretta grow into the confident woman her husband was gaslighting and berating her into thinking she could never be.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who is into any one of the genres that are tied together to create this story. I definitely plan to check out other works from PAULETTE KENNEDY after loving this one so, so much! (I rounded down to 4 stars but it’ll be a 4.5 on StoryGraph.)
CW NOTE :: There are scenes containing a multitude of abuses, so this is just a heads up to consider CWs on @the.storygraph before reading.
Graphic: Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Forced institutionalization, Car accident, Death of parent
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Infidelity, Self harm
Minor: Alcoholism