This was the first Paula Brackston I've read but I loved it from beginning to end. The writing was excellent, the character development was lovely, and I had a good time from beginning to end. It did move a bit slower than I would've liked but that's my own preference. I will definitely be reading more by Paula Brackston in the future.

England, 1881. Hereford cathedral stands sentinel over the city, keeping its secrets, holding long forgotten souls in its stony embrace. Hecate Cavendish speeds through the cobbled streets on her bicycle, skirts hitched daringly high, heading for her new life as Assistant Librarian. But this is no ordinary collection of books. The cathedral houses an ancient chained library, wisdom guarded for centuries, mysteries and stories locked onto its worn, humble shelves. The most prized artifact, however, is the medieval world map which hangs next to Hecate’s desk. Little does she know how much the curious people and mythical creatures depicted on it will come to mean to her. Nor does she suspect that there are lost souls waiting for her in the haunted cathedral. Some will become her dearest friends. Some will seek her help in finding peace. Others will put her in great peril, and, as she quickly learns, threaten the lives of everyone she loves.

While the cover is very eye catching the story was unnecessarily long. As this was the first in a series it was a lot of info dumping that didn't help move the plot along. I enjoyed the support Hecate received from her father in her pursuits and the overall plot was entertaining I think there was some work that could be done on condensing the story.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of this novel. I highly enjoyed it and will be recommending it to others.

Overall I enjoyed this historical mystery. I enjoyed Hecate's character the most as she is bookish and untraditional in her views and wants. I also enjoyed the scenes with Hecate and her father the most in the storyline. I did find my attention wandering quite a few times though as some bits got a bit slow. I had to put it down several times and then go back to it. And then the ending didn't really resolve anything. Not sure if I'll continue this series or not.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this book.

I enjoyed the story and the haunting aspect but the ending fell flat and I feel like I’m left with an incomplete puzzle.

# The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish
# 9/30/2024 ~ 10/2/2024
# 3.0 / 5.0

**3.5 stars**

Though I recognize the name Paula Brackston, this is my first book of hers I’ve read. This was a decent historical supernatural mystery. I might read the next in the series and I’ll definitely read another book by the author.

What I liked: it was the beautiful cover that drew me to this book at first glance. Hecate and her friends and family. The characters were fully realized including the ghosts. I loved the cathedral setting and especially the ancient library. I loved the Hecate (the goddess) angle with the cameo, the museum visit, etc. That was a unique aspect to the story as well as the ancient map.

What I did not like: sigh…there were a few things. The pacing could have moved along better, it was around 20% I think before Hecate even gets to the cathedral. Also it was a bit too long and could have used a little more editing. The mystery started in this book had no ending which I understand now that I’ve finished that that must be the storyline for the whole trilogy. Admittedly if I’d known when I requested this from NetGalley that it was going to be a trilogy I’d never have requested it but it wasn’t labeled as a series.

Will I continue with the series? Probably. I just hope the pacing moves along better with the next book.

**Thanks to the author and publisher for the e-arc I received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.**

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish!

1881: Hecate has just gotten her dream job as Assistant Librarian at Hereford Cathedral and she proudly bicycles her way to work everyday. Even the head librarian's sexist attitude and overall grumpiness does not deter her from her joy at being amongst the books. But one day the fabled Mappa Mundi, a medieval world map depicting mythological beasts from all different fables around the world, begins to move and Hecate's entire worldview is forever altered. As Hecate finds love and an entirely new world, will the evil creeping into Hereford ruin her new life?

This book was so much fun! Hecate is a great main character and her relationship with her dad is so awesome! I could have done without the love triangle but it didn't distract that much from the story so I'm not put off by it. This book is the slightest bit spooky but then has such lightness by the creatures on the Mappa Mundi. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!!!

I'm sorry to say I stopped reading this around 40% through. I wanted to love it, but I was so incredibly bored by the story that I had to force myself to read it. This story has an intriguing premise, and I love the setting, but I think I wanted just a little more excitement to happen earlier in the story. Also, at times, the writing felt very "and then I woke up. And then I did this. And after I did this"...if that makes sense.

Ultimately, I really wanted to enjoy this story, and most likely it was a case of the right story for the wrong reader! I would definitely try more of Ms. Brackston's work in the future, and I wish her every success.

Loved this. I’ve really enjoyed everything by this author. She’s an autobuy author for me. I love how every one of her stories is completely different from the others but you can still feel she’s the author. A very strong voice - one I really enjoy.

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston is a delightful mix of historical fiction and supernatural mystery that’s sure to charm readers. Set in 1881 England, the story follows Hecate Cavendish, a spirited young woman who takes on the role of Assistant Librarian at Hereford Cathedral's ancient, chained library. Right from the start, you can feel the cozy yet eerie atmosphere as Hecate discovers her ability to see and communicate with ghosts. The cathedral, with its secrets and ghostly inhabitants, becomes a character in its own right, making you want to explore every shadowy corner alongside Hecate.

Brackston's writing is engaging and vivid, pulling you into a world where adventure and whimsy abound. Hecate is a relatable protagonist, balancing spunk with maturity, and her relationships with both the living and the dead add depth to the narrative. While some plot points may stretch your imagination a bit, the overall experience is enchanting. If you’re looking for a cozy read with a touch of magic and mystery—perfect for curling up with on a chilly evening—The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is definitely worth adding to your reading list!

I really enjoy reading Paula Brackston especially her magical realism books. I really like Hecate Cavendish and her story. I look forward to reading the next book in the series!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this historical supernatural adventure story. I enjoyed the main character Hecate and her strong personality. She challenges the norms while maintaining the social norms. I could absolutely see this book as a movie/series. I loved the elements surrounding the Map and the characters within. Hecate is exactly haunted but rather can commune with the spirits around her. I look forward to further books is this series. I need to know what happens next.

Definitely a book for library purchase. Thanks to #netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an ARC.

Review will be posted on 9/17/24

It's Victorian England and young women have very few options. To avoid a marriage, Hecate takes a job as an assistant librarian at Hereford's Cathedral. While working there, she realizes that she can communicate with spirits. There are also strange things happening at the cathedral. In the crypt, bodies are going missing. This isn't the run-of-the-mill grave robbery though, Hecate knows something else, possibly sinister, is going on and it's up to her to figure it out. Paula Brackston's The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is a dark fantasy that has a little bit of everything: a mystery, fun fantasy elements like ghosts and mythical creatures, a strong protagonist, and a memorable setting.

Hecate is the kind of character I love in The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish. She is unconventional, adventurous, and daring despite the limits placed on her in the 1880s. I really enjoyed the paranormal elements of the novel and the setting of a haunted library and cathedral made this the perfect fall read to cozy up with on a cool evening. Another aspect of the novel I enjoyed was the setting of Victorian England. I thought Brackston did a great job bringing it to life. While I enjoyed all these aspects of the novel, I did feel like it didn't stand out as much as I had hoped for, as this genre is pretty saturated with stellar options, and on top of that, there's a sequel that will hopefully answer a lot of questions. I was hoping to get more closure in this book; nonetheless, The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is a solid option for fans of dark fantasy.

This was my first book by this author and did not disappoint. I enjoyed the plot and the story was captivating and engaging. I am interested in the sequel. Thank you to netgalley and St. Martin press for an opportunity to read.
3.75

3.5 stars
The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish follows an eccentric young woman who gets her dream job, only to find out that she can see ghosts and some malicious spirits are following her. I had some issues with this book. For example, I found that neither Hecate as a character nor the romance really developed until the final third of the book, and the pacing felt incredibly slow at times, but there were also aspects that I loved. I really enjoyed the premise of the books and some of the darker elements it introduced (both in terms of horror and tone). Although the beginning felt slow, the end really hooked me. Overall, my main issue with this book is that I just couldn't get my brain to latch onto it and care about it. While this would normally be a red flag for me, I believe that in this case I was just in a bit of a reading slump. Additionally, this book feels like it's meant for a slightly older demographic (older women who like cozy mysteries, not young adults who want fast paced romantic fantasies). So while I did find this story slow at times and didn't form a strong connection to it, I think that is all subjective, and overall, this is a pretty solid mystery with fantasy elements.
Thank you to the publisher and Macmillan AuDio for the eARCs in exchange for an honest review!

Paula Brackston’s “The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish” is a captivating dive into a world where history, mystery, and the supernatural intertwine seamlessly. The novel’s strength lies in its richly imagined setting and its blend of historical detail with fantasy elements. The ancient chained library and its medieval world map are intriguing focal points that draw Hecate—and the reader—into a web of forgotten magic and spectral encounters. Brackston excels at creating a sense of place that is both immersive and eerie, making the cathedral itself a character in its own right. While the plot is engaging and filled with twists, some readers may find the pacing uneven, with certain sections feeling slower. However, the compelling character development and the atmospheric setting more than compensate for these minor pacing issues. Overall, “The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish” is a delightful read for fans of historical fantasy and ghost stories. Brackston’s vivid storytelling and intricate world-building create a mesmerizing tale that lingers long after the final page is turned.

This author is new to me, so I traveled slowly through Hecate's world.

I loved the map, the griffin, Hecate's backstory and her sensitivity to all things paranormal. Also enjoyed the fiance found, all the haunts, the supportive family, as well as the many tangibles with minds of their own - totally enjoy this kind of fantasy.

My three stars suffered from an ending that fell short - considering all that had been sacrificed to arrive at that last page, I needed more than I got. But. . .did get the griffin and that was Not Nothing. Will be reading more of this author!

*A sincere thank you to Paula Brackston, St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*

I started this story however it just didn’t click for me at this time. I do enjoy this author so will attempt to read this again in the future!

Thanks

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston is a spellbinding blend of historical fiction, witchcraft, and gothic mystery that enchants as much as it unnerves. Set in a small, eerie village filled with secrets and whispers of the past, Brackston weaves a tale of dark magic, hidden identities, and the lingering presence of the supernatural.

The novel follows Hecate Cavendish, a woman with a mysterious past who arrives in a village where her reputation precedes her. As strange occurrences begin to unfold, it becomes clear that there’s more to Hecate than meets the eye. Brackston does a fantastic job of creating a richly atmospheric setting, and her prose is as lyrical and bewitching as ever, drawing the reader into a world where the lines between reality and magic are blurred.

While the story holds much promise with its intriguing premise and captivating descriptions, there are moments when the plot feels sluggish, particularly in the middle. Some readers may find the pacing uneven, and the build-up to the story's climax a bit slow. However, the book picks up momentum towards the end, delivering a satisfying conclusion with a twist that lingers in the mind.

Character development is a mixed bag. Hecate herself is a compelling protagonist, and Brackston successfully portrays her as a woman caught between the past and the future. However, some of the secondary characters feel less fleshed out, leaving them to serve more as plot devices than fully-realized individuals. This occasionally detracts from the emotional depth that the story could have achieved.

Overall, The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is an enjoyable read for fans of witchy fiction and gothic tales. Paula Brackston's talent for atmosphere and suspense shines through, even if the narrative could have benefited from a tighter pace and more character depth. If you love stories filled with dark magic, secrets, and a touch of the supernatural, this book is worth picking up.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for access to this title in exchange for an honest review.