Did not read - review for another book was posted in error - star rating is included because it was necessary to include one in order to correct the posting error

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* Love this author!!! she has so many great books in what seems like the same world! i love it!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston is an atmospheric, richly imagined gothic tale with a dash of historical romance, a swirl of ghostly encounters, and a deep-rooted thread of ancient myth that ties it all together in delightfully haunting fashion.

Set in 1881 England, the story introduces us to Hecate Cavendish—yes, her name is just as perfect as her personality—who is anything but your typical Victorian heroine. She’s whip-smart, irreverently bold, and rides a bicycle with her skirts scandalously hitched (gasp!). But beneath her charm and wit lies a much darker gift: she can see ghosts.

As Hecate steps into her new role as Assistant Librarian at the cathedral’s ancient chained library, she quickly finds herself entangled in secrets far older and darker than she imagined. The setting is deliciously gothic—dusty tomes, candlelit halls, and the ever-watchful eye of the cathedral's eerie medieval map. There’s an unsettling, almost reverent quality to the sinister forces at play, especially as the story weaves in layers of Greek mythology and semi-religious symbolism that give the book a mythic weight.

Brackston’s writing is moody and immersive, with a lyrical style that brings 19th-century Hereford to life, complete with foggy streets, shadowy corners, and restless spirits. The ghosts range from friendly to fearsome, and the line between the living and the dead blurs in some truly chilling moments. And yes, there is a romantic thread—slow-burning and quietly tender—that adds an extra layer of heart to all the haunting.

My only hesitation? At times, the pacing felt a bit uneven, especially in the middle, where atmosphere sometimes took precedence over plot movement. But the rich world-building and Hecate’s irresistible voice more than made up for it.

Fans of historical fantasy, gothic mysteries, and myth-soaked tales with strong, quirky heroines will find a lot to love here. The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is an enchanting (and sometimes unsettling) start to what promises to be a spellbinding series.

Paula Brackstone’s writing is lush and atmospheric. Plot twists with a past and present thread that makes you want to keep turning the pages faster and faster. The pacing is deliciously slow-burn in the best way—mystery unfolding in layers like peeling back old wallpaper to find something sinister underneath. There’s also a sprinkle of dry humor and a touch of romance. Spellbinding and a bit spooky.

DNF'd at 35%

I tried, I did. But this writing style and the plot line just wasn't for me. That's okay, but I appreciate the publisher for giving me the chance to read and know that it wasn't my type of book.

I was introduced to Paula Brackston's writing a couple years ago. Her books generally featured magical realism with a light side of romance. Usually there's some dilemma that needs to be solved.
This novel had those Brackston traits but seemed a bit darker. The first in the series; perhaps, it will lighten up.
All in all, I'll give the next one a try to see what direction it goes in.

I really love Paula Braxton. this novel is not like many of her others, its more atmospheric, and a bit more creepy. I really liked Hecate, her family and some of the ghosts. Paula does problematic romance really well and she did that here. I really enjoy a good atmospheric slow novel, I just wish the plot was a little bit more, well, more. The Map was cool but the way the mystery was handled, did leave you at a cliff ending. I am assuming because this is a series. I wouldn't start here with Paula Braxton's work, but I would recommend it once you read more of hers.

I really enjoyed this story. I switched back and forth between the ARC and the audiobook, and both were well done. I am looking forward to the sequel.

DNF @10%

Unfortunately, I don't think this book is for me.

I made it about 10% in and I can tell this is just not what I thought it was going to be. I expected something a little darker, a little creepier. I wasn't a fan of the writing style, nothing much has happened at all yet (which is fine, since it's still early), but even when she has seen a ghost - zero creepiness.

I just don't care enough to push through to finish this book since it looks like it's going to be a series.

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is about a young woman in 1880s Britain who starts working as an Assistant Librarian in a local cathedral. Ahead of her time and content to be an eager, single working gal, she quickly finds out that she is seeing people and images that others aren’t. Surprise! Hecate sees ghosts and magical images come to life. Her ghostly friendships come in clutch as mysterious things begin to happen at the cathedral. What I really enjoyed about this book was Hecate’s character. She is smart, brave, non-conforming, and curious! I was pulled into her journey from the start. While I was surprised by the ending of this book, it is a fantastic setup to continue Hecate’s story. If you want to read a mysterious and mystical story rooted in history, The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is for you!

This historical mystery transports readers to a world that spans both the physical and the spiritual realms. Hecate Cavendish discovers there’s more to her than just a brilliant mind and a passion for ancient texts. She finds out that she can communicate with lost spirits, and it’s now her responsibility to help them. However, as a woman in the 1800s, she faces numerous limitations. Hecate must navigate not only the challenges of her newfound abilities but also the societal constraints placed upon her. Along the way, she will experience love, heartbreak, adventure, and mystery. But can she uncover the true purpose of her gifts before it is too late?
I was really excited about this story based on the synopsis, but unfortunately, I felt the narrative fell flat at times. There were a lot of unnecessary descriptions that pulled me out of the story and left me feeling disconnected from the characters and their development. I also hoped the love interest or a slow-burning romance would emerge earlier in the book, with more focus on that relationship rather than the overemphasis on Hecate’s connection with her father.

*Thank you to Paula Brackston, St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is the first book in the Hecate Cavendish series and sadly this one was not for me. This is about a young women who can see ghost. I did feel that the story was slow and the characters were ones I did not like as much. One thing I did enjoy was the ghost aspect and mystery. Overall, this one I did not like but I do suggest readers who like fantasy to give it a try. Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this read in exchange of my honest review of The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston.

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish took me for a spin with this historical fiction fantasy book. There was a nice blend of suspense and drama. Hecate has a ton of work ahead of her, and the venture to get her to this point was sad as hell.

My girl found her life's passion, work and love - and lost most of it in the same damn business day. I am familiar with the Goddess Hecate, but I love how this story taught more info about the Goddess but also added to her lore - in regards to Hecate's Hounds.

I am looking forward to see how the rest of the series plays out.

Let's see a librarian who can see ghosts, I'm in! This story has a grand old library filled with even older artifacts, magical items, a love affair, and of course an epic battle between good and evil. Then of course there's the added element of the connection Hecate has with the goddess Hekate. Pacing was slow and the story needed time to take off but once it did it was non-stop. I'll be interested to see where Brackston takes the series in the next installment.

It is 1881 in England and Hecate Cavendish, a bit of a rebel, wants to live her life the way she wants to; she has no desire to marry and have children. While she has dreams and aspirations for her life, she is happy working as an Assistant Librarian in Hereford Cathedral, watching over the collection housed within its walls. There is one thing that is strange about this library however, and that is that the books are chained. The library is also home to a medieval world map containing illustrations of mythical creatures around its borders, the prized possession of the library. Another strange thing about the cathedral and its library? It is home to ghosts both kind and not, and Hecate can see them.

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is a beautifully written novel that I was able to immerse myself in. Hecate is an independent, strong female character and I enjoyed going on this journey with her. There were some parts that were rather slow going and I found myself a little bored, but overall I was hooked by the narrative and wanted to read on to see what would happen. I also liked the magical and mythical aspects of the story, especially some of the ghosts.

The audiobook added to my enjoyment of the tale. Calin uses pace and inflection to add to the emotions of the characters and events of the story. She brought life to the story and to the characters; I really hope that she narrates the next novel in the Hecate Cavendish series.

Although I enjoyed the story, when it came to the end of the book there was no resolution to the mystery of the villain, so I was disappointed. I had read that this was the first book of a series but didn’t realize the first book would continue to the second. Not my cup of tea but others may enjoy. Thanks to NetGalley for an e-book in exchange for an honest review.

Atmospheric with a good mix of mystery and adventure. I loved the gothic vibes! The author combines elements of paranormal and murder mystery, historical fiction, magical realism and mythology and romance into an immersive narrative that kept me glued to the pages.

I love a good genre-blender.

Fantasy and Romance and Mystery. Oh my!

There was so much going for this book. The characters are fleshy and likeable (particularly Hecate’s father). The setting is moody and gothic. The story was twisty and turny.

And the best part? It’s the start to a whole new series!

Can’t wait for the next installment.

While I really tried, I just didn’t find myself engaged in this story. I think it just wasn’t for me, but I think many will enjoy.

A historical fantasy about a magic cathedral library with Hecate who just started when she discover that the library has secrets and magic.
Intrigue, drama suspense, twists, magic, romance and good characters.
Voluntarily reviewed.