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!

What a charming, appealing character. Daughter of an archeologist, she's bookish and wants to pursue research over settling into a traditional route (marriage, house, kids). Her father helps her get a job in the library at Hereford Cathedral and she encounters paranormal activity almost immediately. It's interesting to see very heavy use of ancient religions, Christianity, and the paranormal. At times, I found myself wishing this was more of a fantasy story because the heavy use of Christian concepts (especially during an exorcism) felt cartoonish and yet that was a climatic scene with a dramatic ending.

Story Review: I feel like there should be a category for rating for people who have aphantasia or hypophantasia. The writing in this was incredibly descriptive and beautiful from a word perspective. Unfortunately, for someone who is unable to render images in their mind, it just starts to mumble all together. I love witchy books, LOVE. I received both the audio netgalley copy and the ebook and even attempted to stick with the story in immersion reading style, but alas, the descriptions just took me out of the story resulting in a 3 star.

Audio Narrator Review: As for the audio narration, the voice was clear, crisp and well metered. The pacing was excellent. The difference voices were great and the accent selected fit the story quite well. If not for the description lengths at points I would have really enjoyed this book based on narration. I am giving the narration 4 stars, while the book gets a 3.

I loved the cover of Paula Brackston's new book - The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish. The colors and motion highlights caught my eye - and then I saw the ring of keys. I was hooked.

The time frame and setting is one I always enjoy - England in the1800's. The dialogue is written as if it was in that time frame and transports the reader to the time and place.

Our protagonist is Hecate Cavendish - a young woman who has just been hired as an Assistant Librarian in a chained library. I loved her enthusiasm, her awe, and her joy being surrounded by so many ancient books and maps. She is warned to confine her tasks to what is been assigned. But there is one map that she is drawn to time and time again. And then...

Oh, I'm going to let you discover what the the 'and then' might bring! I thought it was a fabulous plot - one that kept me engaged and eager to see what the next chapter would bring. The sub plot is for Hecate and her personal life - which adds much to the plot.

There's action, suspense, romance, duty and so much more. It's a magical read - and you know what magic brings don't you...? Evil...

This is the first book in a new series from Brackston. The ending of the book was satisfying, but the door is just waiting for the second book.

I just could not get into this story no matter how much I tried. I loved the idea and direction the author proposed in the blurb but it just didn't grab me emotionally like I anticipated. The writing itself is well done so if it sounds like something you enjoy check it out.

A young woman with the gift of communing with the dead
The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish features a strong, quirky, and sharp-witted protagonist named Hecate (pronounced Hek-atee), after the Greek goddess of witchcraft and the boundary between life and death. Hecate’s story begins on her first day as the assistant librarian to the renowned collection of ancient manuscripts located in the Hereford Cathedral. Within the cathedral’s walls, Hecate uncovers a surprising and extraordinary gift: she can see and communicate with ghosts.

A black and white photo of a cathedral tower with a quote overlaying the picture.
“That is what we all think of ourselves here

at the cathedral; the lost souls.”
The group of ghosts she encounters in the cathedral, known as “lost souls,” are really endearing characters. There is the monk who worked in the library centuries before, a solider from the Napoleonic War who keeps vigil over the property, a housekeeper who is always polishing and tidying in preparation for a visit from King George III, and a delicate lady who flung herself from the bell tower in grief over a lost love. Hecate also has supernatural experiences with the cathedral’s ancient Mappa Mundi, a large map of the world displaying the mythical, the historical, and the mysterious across the globe. The creatures and people on the map come alive in Hecate’s presence (my favorite was the ghostly griffin who would perch on her shoulder like a pet).

Hecate quickly realizes there’s no place she’d rather be than the cathedral library. Surrounded by books and wandering spirits, she feels a sense of belonging. But when dark magic endangers the community, she finds herself in the middle of a mystery driven by an unknown evil presence.

How many lives might we ourselves live when transported through the words kept in that library, as if the very ghosts of those who wrote them are whispering in our ears as we read?
Brackston writes a whimsical story that certainly is unique. It is historical fantasy and paranormal mystery with a touch of romance. The author’s writing style is highly descriptive; Brackston takes time and care to set each scene. And in very Moira Rose-type fashion, the vocabulary is unparalleled. Words that I had to stop and look up included “gabbling,” “vertiginous,” “dilettante,” “ensorcelled”, and “pullulating.” I enjoyed the oddity and originality of such word choices.

While the writing style was enjoyable, it unfortunately distracted from the narrative flow and diminished the tension expected of a page-turning gothic mystery. This led to me setting the book aside multiple times before returning to it. Navigating through a significant part of the book was a struggle, and towards the end, I found myself skipping paragraphs just to see a change in the story’s events.

Am I glad that I met Hecate Cavendish? Absolutely. She’s a great character. Am I happy to have been introduced to Brackston as an author? You bet. This was a change of pace and voice from what I have been reading lately, and overall, I enjoyed the story. Will I be reading more of the Hecate Cavendish series? Hmm. Maybe. I think in the future I’ll reserve Hecate’s tale for the quiet of late fall and early winter, when I’m inclined to slow down, ponder life and the passage of time, and embrace the journey that Brackston’s writing promises.

Ghosts and demons rising!

Old magic truths, exorcism and a few people of valour who take a stand. This coalesced into a fabulous tale of Victorian gothic mystery and adventure in the cathedral town of Hereford.
Hecate Cavendish is the girl child who will save the world. Only no-one told her, or her scholarly archaeologist father who’s imbued Hecate with his love of the ancient world.
Hecate has been appointed to assistant librarian. Much to her father’s delight and Master of the Library, the Reverend Thomas’ horror. Hecate can hardly wait to see the ancient texts held here, and in pride of place the Mappa Mundi, a map of philosophies and thoughts.
Threatening circumstances, including a wicked ancient sect from beyond the grave is gathering at the cathedral bringing death and disaster to Hereford. Only Hecate, her father, and Reverend Forsyth, who heads up the vicars chorale and is the Cathedral’s exorcist, along with the ghosts left behind, can stand against the malevolent forces seeking to take over the seats of power in the British Government.
Hecate’s battle is frightening and heartbreaking.
I was entangled from beginning to end.

A St. Martin’s Press ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Well, this wasn't exactly what I was expecting from Brackston. I've come to expect great historical fantasy from her, and in some ways, this book delivered. Ghosts, witches, spells, fantastical creatures, and disembodied spirits all make an appearance. So, in theory, this should be a great spooky season historical fantasy. Sadly, though, this book was just okay. As an avid historical fiction reader, I appreciated her dedication to the genre and how she incorporated fantasy elements with such flair. But this book suffered from pacing issues throughout. I don't think it needed a second book, and I fear many readers, myself included, will be frustrated with the ending. Hecate as a character was charming enough, which helped me stay engaged with the book and interested in finishing. However, the pacing issues made it difficult to read my physical/ebook copy; I switched to audio to speed things along, which is never a great sign. I loved the relationship development between Hecate and her beau, but overall it was a bit too chaste. Honestly, I'm not sure why this book is categorized as "adult" fiction, as it felt very YA to me. Will I read book two? Yes. Do I recommend this read? Sure, but only if you don't mind an ambling tale and a major cliffhanger.