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.

Book Name: **The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish**

Author: Paula Brackston

ARC

Thank you to Netgalley and [**St. Martin's Press**](https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/publisher/30204) for an ARC

Stars: 3 DNF

- Thoughts.
- Slooooow
- Gothic
- Engaging FMC Bookoih Achelogist Daughter who can see spirits
- Very Rooted in 18th Centerury Catholicism
- Highly Interesting but SO SLOW
- Ended up DNFing at 45%

First, I apologize to the author and publisher for the lateness of this review.

While the allure of the plot originally hooked me, this book failed to hold my attention. I have tried multiple times to get into this book. Restarting over and over but still not being able to push through. this is a DNF for me.

In respect to the author and publisher, I will not publish this review to any socials or retailers

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for an ARC copy!
This was my first read for Paula Brackston and consider me impressed! The meshing of historical and magic was done well and kept the plot interesting. There is more than one twist that totally caught me off guard which brought up all kinds of emotions (all good of course). My only qualm was that most of the story remained dry with action occurring 85% of the way through in my opinion. It’s not a long novel by page number but it ends up feelings super drawn out.
I loved Hecate from the start and appreciated how she remained uniquely her own for the entirety of the book. There was some good character development however small it was. The secondary characters, though quite a large cast were all a delightful additional to the story (both human and ghost!)
I really liked that there was not a wild cliffhanger at the end, even though this is the first book in a series.

I definitely liked the premise of this book. It was clever and had great promise. Hecate's character was a bit like a modern woman in a time where that wasn't as understood or approved of - - with the twist of having some special abilities.

I found the characters and the plot interesting. There were some points in the story that moved a bit slowly and others that felt a little unnecessary. But overall, I found it to be enjoyable to read. It had a little of everything. Some paranormal, romance, historical feel, mystery and more. Yet it didn't feel disjointed. The author managed to blend it all together seemlessly.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: I really enjoyed the audio version. The narration was done well and gave the story a more gothic and atmospheric feel. 4 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for these early release copies.

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston is a spellbinding blend of history, mystery, and the supernatural. Set against the haunting backdrop of 19th-century England, Brackston weaves a tale of dark secrets, ghostly encounters, and magical intrigue within the walls of Hereford Cathedral's ancient library.

Hecate Cavendish is a refreshingly bold and independent protagonist for her time—a woman determined to chart her own course, even as the expectations of society and her family pull her in different directions. Her wit, courage, and curiosity make her an easy character to root for, especially as she begins to discover her extraordinary ability to communicate with the spirits that haunt the cathedral. Her journey of self-discovery feels organic and compelling, as she learns to balance propriety with a newfound sense of power.

What truly intrigued me was the rich, atmospheric world Brackston has built. The cathedral's labyrinthine corridors, the dusty chained library, and the mysterious Mappa Mundi that holds far more than meets the eye—every detail is steeped in history and magic, making the setting feel both enchanting and ominous. The paranormal elements are expertly balanced with historical authenticity, and I found myself completely immersed in this otherworldly version of Victorian England.

The cast of characters, both living and spectral, are as well-crafted as the setting. Hecate's relationship with her archaeologist father is particularly touching, adding warmth and depth to the narrative. Their shared love of knowledge and adventure makes for a wonderful dynamic that underscores the book's themes of curiosity and discovery. The ghosts and magical beings Hecate encounters are equally memorable, each with their own story to tell, and I was just as invested in their fates as I was in Hecate's.

While the book does leave some mysteries unresolved, this only heightens my anticipation for the next installment. Brackston has expertly laid the groundwork for what promises to be an exciting and richly layered series, and I can't wait to see where Hecate's adventures take her next.

If you love gothic historical fiction with a dash of magical realism, The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is a must-read. Brackston's lush prose, compelling characters, and intricately woven plot make this a book to savor—and one I’ll be thinking about long after I’ve turned the final page.

As much as I wanted to enjoy reading “The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish” by Paula Brackston, I just did not, although I was excited when I saw the name Hecate in the title. This is because in Greek mythology Hecate is the goddess of magic and witchcraft who oversees the realms between the living and the dead. So, there’s a lot of potential to work with there.

The heroine of our story, Hecate Cavendish, is the smart, spunky and head-strong Victorian daughter of an British archaeologist, who works as an assistant librarian at the local Cathedral Library, a prestigious position for a young woman—especially during the 1800s times.

Hecate, like her namesake, is sensitive to ghosts and otherworldly spirits that make themselves known to her. Many of these apparitions are friendly, helpful, and sweet, like a cartoon Casper. Although some others who have been recently summoned from desecrated graves are vicious, violent, and demonic—and are on the prowl to possess Hecate.

With that said, there is no cursing, hanky-panky, or anything otherwise naughty or inappropriate in this novel. Hecate and her father, Edward, are a “cozy mystery” pair of sleuths in this ghost busters-themed light comedy drama.

It is written more for either a young teen audience or perhaps a senior one. It just didn’t hit its mark with me because it is too slow paced and loaded with lots of ebullient Hecate self-talk.

As mentioned, I found this particular Brackston first installment in a series too much fluff and puff without meat and substance. For example, an ancient map features in this novel and is displayed in the library where Hecate works. It is a prominent main character in and of itself.

We are told that the map is rare and extremely valuable. But why? Furthermore, it has demonstrated magical and mysterious properties to certain individuals—such as Hecate.

Nothing of note, however, is ever truly explained about the specifics of the map and how, when, or why it came into the possession of priests at the cathedral Library.

No one in the book ever discusses the map’s significance or origins. What is it a map of? Who made it for whom? When? Why? Why is this map so rare and valuable now? Why does it have magic properties?

This is a prime example of why I don’t find “The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish” up to Paula Brackston’s typically high standards. This is lazy and vexing to me, and I’m confident to all intellectual readers.

JoyReaderGirl1 graciously thanks NetGalley, Author Paula Brackston, and Publisher St. Martian’s Press for this advanced reader’s copy for review.

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston is a magical tale with mysterious ghosts, enchanted maps, and a clever, gifted female protagonist. I loved Hecate so much! She's a delightful character and I felt like she is neurodivergent coded so I could definitely relate to her. I especially loved her relationship with her equally quirky dad. Her curiosity and desire for knowledge made me think of Elisabeth from Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson. If you enjoy fantastical fiction full of mystery and magic, this book is for you!

What a wonderful treat it is to go back to another world that Paula Brackston has created! Hecate is just delightful and I alternated between wanting to read as fast as I could and wanting to slow down and make it last. I'm so glad there are more books coming in this series.

I read and listened to the audio book and Marisa Calin, as usual, did a fabulous job narrating. She also narrated the Found Things series by Paula which is one of my favorite series ever!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 23 July 2024

I liked parts of this book, but overall it's a bit too long. I wanted more magic and library intrigue, and less highly descriptive day to day goings on. The books, the map, Hecate's burgeoning abilities, and the mystery portions are all good; the story just felt a tedious at times and I didn't care much about the romance. Overall this is a 3.75 for me.

Thanks NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy of this book.

I got sucked into this book right away. The characters are well done with alot of details. The ending though I didn't like it just stopped abrubtly after some heavy events, without much explanation- probably for the sequel. Overall I gave it 3 starz and would recommend.

I'll be honest, I wasn't sure about this one at first, it took me a while to get into but I'm so glad I continued it.
This was an incredibly engaging read!
There’s so much to love about this book. Hecate is smart, savvy, and wonderfully human, and her love of books makes her instantly relatable. The setting of Hereford, a quintessential British small town with rich history and easy access to London for plot twists at the British Museum, is delightful. The supporting cast was also engaging, providing the perfect ensemble for a mystery.
I'm looking forward to book 2!

Paula Brackston could publish her grocery list and I would gladly read it. I know that she never disappoints and I don’t hesitate to read whatever new book she publishes. I read and enjoyed her four books in the Found Things series, so I was thrilled when I saw that she had published book one of a new series - The Hecate Cavendish series.

We first meet Hecate Cavendish as she is heading off on bicycle to her new job, Assistant Librarian at a very old Cathedral Library. We’re already off to a good start, because library settings make for especially nice book settings!

This library holds many medieval texts and next to Hecate’s desk is a gorgeous old medieval map filled with scenes and creatures seemingly of a magical world.

Soon Hecate discovers that she has the ability to communicate with the lost souls that are roaming the cathedral. This comes very much to her advantage, as there is also evil lurking and she will need all the help she can get.

Hecate is a strong character, going against the standards of her time. She has no desire to marry and have children, she wants to learn and explore.

I must warn you, if you like your endings neatly tied up with a bow, you do not get this in this book. There are many unanswered questions, and it is obviously set up for book 2. I am not really a fan of this, but it didn’t take away my enjoyment of the book.

The Haunting of Hecate Cavenish - Paula Brackston. I don’t think it’s fair to review this book. I am a huge fan-girlie of Paula Brackston’s, and I love everything she does. This book is about Hecate, she has gifts, she can communicate with the dead and the more she learns about her gifts, the more she puts the people around her in danger.

I love the writing style. I love the characters and the way the author weaves such a hypnotic tale. I was addicted from start to finish. I got the ARC and the ALC and both were phenomenal. It is the start of a new series and if you love historical fiction, add this one to your TBR. 5 stars

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston is a spellbinding blend of historical fiction, mystery, and magical realism set in 1881 England. The novel follows Hecate Cavendish, a determined and compelling protagonist, as she begins her new role as Assistant Librarian at Hereford Cathedral’s ancient chained library. As she navigates the mysterious world of forgotten souls and mythical creatures depicted in a medieval world map, Hecate’s life becomes entwined with the paranormal and the historical mysteries housed within the cathedral’s walls.

Brackston excels in creating an atmospheric setting, where every detail of the cathedral, the library, and its artifacts is steeped in history and wonder! The careful attention to the academic setting adds a rich layer of authenticity to the story, making it easy to get lost in the pages. The paranormal elements, especially the ghosts, are woven seamlessly into the plot, enhancing the eerie, yet enchanting, tone of the novel!!

One of the novel’s strongest aspects is its portrayal of Hecate’s relationships. Her father is a standout character—an unwavering ally who truly believes in her abilities, which is refreshing to see in a period piece. The dynamic within Hecate’s family, including her ailing younger brother and a mother who pressures her to conform to societal norms, adds depth and realism to Hecate’s personal journey. I also loved the relationships formed with her library family, the ghosts, and all the quirky inhabitants therein!

However, the pacing is occasionally slow, this book got off to a rather slow start, which may challenge some readers’ engagement. Additionally, while the story leaves certain questions unanswered—presumably to be addressed in future installments—this could be frustrating for those seeking a more complete resolution!

Overall, The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is a richly detailed and atmospheric novel that beautifully blends history, mystery, and the supernatural. Fans of paranormal and historical fiction with a touch of magical realism will find much to enjoy in Hecate’s story!