After discovering her Found Things series and falling in love with this author's writing, I've been eagerly anticipating her new series. I thought this book was an excellent setup for a great series. Set in the 1800s the heroine, Hecate, takes a position as librarian in Hereford Cathedral and discovers that she can hear the ghosts that reside there, some friendly some not. And though the ending left me with questions, I felt it was a great start to her new series. I'm so excited for the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Paula Brackston is so good at writing witches! This is the start of a new witchy series starring a young eccentric lady who can speak to the dead. It is 1881 and Hecate Cavendish is the independent-minded, bright daughter of an archaeologist. She speeds through Hereford on her bicycle, thrilled to be starting her new job as an assistant librarian at the local cathedral. There, she's enthralled not only by the collection of old, obscure books, but by the medieval map over her desk--and in it, the figures seem to move, for her eyes alone. Within the first day, she discovers that she can see and converse with the ghosts that roam the cathedral. But when evil entities burst forth from the crypt beneath the cathedral, darkness soon stalks the streets of Hereford. Hecate becomes embroiled in a battle for her friends and family and their very souls.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this e-arc.*

THE HAUNTING OF HECATE CAVENDISH by Paula Brockton pits the indomitable, intelligent, curious Hecate Cavenish squarely in the role she yearns to fulfill at assistant librarian at Hereford Cathdral with its history, majesty, and rare works. Little does she know that the puzzling events that occur from her first day on the job will grow larger, more powerful, and frequent with delights and horrors that threaten her life, sanity, and everyone she cares about. I very much enjoyed spending time with Hecate, probing mysteries and threads of clues that draw her further into what is impossible, magical, and transformational. I confess that I had to read the book with the lights on bright and the blankets pulled up tight around my neck -- the story is that engrossing, the events so well-drawn, and the characters so believable. A truly enjoyable read! I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

Excerpt Review:

Paula Brackston's The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is a captivating gothic tale set in 1881 England, where the spirited Hecate Cavendish begins her role as Assistant Librarian at Hereford Cathedral's ancient chained library. The cathedral, with its atmospheric presence and centuries-old secrets, becomes a character in itself, drawing readers into a world of mystery and supernatural intrigue. While Hecate encounters both allies and adversaries among the spectral inhabitants, the novel's strength lies in its richly detailed setting and the unique premise of the mystical medieval world map. Though occasionally slowed by overly descriptive passages and underdeveloped secondary characters, the story remains an engaging read for fans of historical fiction with a supernatural twist.

Full Review:

Paula Brackston's The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish transports readers to 1881 England, where the city of Hereford and its majestic cathedral set the stage for a gothic tale brimming with mystery, intrigue, and the supernatural. Hecate Cavendish, the spirited protagonist, embarks on a new chapter of her life as an Assistant Librarian in the cathedral’s ancient chained library, only to discover that this is no ordinary collection of books.

The story begins with Hecate racing through the cobbled streets of Hereford on her bicycle, her skirts hitched daringly high—a bold and evocative image that immediately sets the tone for her character. Upon her arrival at the cathedral, she is drawn to the medieval world map hanging next to her desk, an artifact whose significance will unravel as the narrative progresses.

Brackston excels in creating a richly atmospheric setting. The cathedral, with its towering presence and centuries-old secrets, serves as a perfect backdrop for the haunting elements of the story. The library itself is a character, its worn shelves and ancient tomes harboring both wisdom and mystery. The detailed descriptions of the library and the map evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity, drawing readers deeper into the world Brackston has crafted.

As Hecate delves into her new role, she encounters various lost souls within the cathedral. Some become her allies, seeking her help to find peace, while others pose a significant threat to her and those she loves. The interactions with these spectral entities are both poignant and suspenseful, adding depth to Hecate's character as she navigates her newfound responsibilities and the dangers that come with them.

However, the novel does have its drawbacks. While the premise is captivating and the setting atmospheric, the pacing can be uneven at times. Certain sections feel overly descriptive, slowing down the narrative and detracting from the overall suspense. Additionally, some secondary characters lack development, making their roles in Hecate's journey less impactful.

Despite these minor flaws, The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish remains an engaging read. Brackston’s ability to blend historical fiction with supernatural elements creates a unique and compelling story. The novel’s strengths lie in its evocative setting, the intriguing concept of the chained library, and the character of Hecate herself—a determined and brave young woman facing both mortal and ethereal challenges.

For fans of gothic fiction and historical mysteries with a supernatural twist, The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish offers a satisfying escape into a world where the past and present intertwine, and where bravery and curiosity are key to unlocking long-hidden secrets.

I was excited to receive a widget inviting me to be an early reader for The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish. Having read some of Paula Brackston’s books before, I knew that they had a magical essence about them and that’s why I find them so appealing. And this story which I believe is the start to a new series was not only special with its paranormal activity but there was a bit of mystery to it as well. It was fun to read as Hecate, the main character, is a strong, brave and intelligent young woman. With the help of her father who she has a very close and special bond with, she obtains the job of library assistant at the Hereford Cathedral. It’s there at the cathedral that she almost immediately realizes that she has a special gift that permits her to see and speak with dead people! Something terrible happens that causes danger to the village people and it’s left to Hecate to make things right. This was a great read and I look forward to reading more about these characters and to see if Hecate ever finds what or who will bring her true happiness and contentment. I’d like to thank Trade Marketing and St. Martin’s Press for the invite to read an early copy and NetGalley for the arc. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading a good mystery with a touch of paranormal added for fun. I’m giving this book a 4 star rating and am anticipating the chance to read more by this author very soon!

THE HAUNTING OF HECATE CAVENDISH is the first book in a new series by Paula Brackston. I have greatly enjoyed this author’s previous series and this one is off to a good start. This book is set in 1881 in England. Hecate Cavendish is a feisty and eccentric young woman who doesn’t necessarily want to follow the norms expected of her. Her mother only wants her to find a suitable marriage partner, but her father understands Hecate better and helps her find a job as assistant librarian at the famed Hereford Cathedral. But Hecate will quickly discover that there is more to the library than a collection of books. She will also discover that she has the special ability to converse with ghosts of people from the past who are trapped within the cathedral walls. Most of these ghosts are kind and helpful, but evil also lurks nearby and soon, Hecate’s life and the lives of those she loves, may be in danger. Full of magic, intrigue, history and adventure, this intricately plotted story kept me on the edge of my seat. I especially enjoyed the portrayal of the relationship between Hecate and her father. The ending comes rather abruptly, leading the way to the next book in the series, which I look forward to reading. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an early copy.

I requested an ARC of The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston because it’s set in an old library, the library is inside a gothic cathedral, and there are ghosts. Lots of ghosts. And best of all it’s during the Victorian period!

Paula Brackston is an author I’d not read before and she really made this story come alive, I could practically feel the ancient drafty air in the library and gothic cathedral she created. The characters were all so unique and well written. It’s the first book in a series, so the fascinating world and characters she created will continue on in future books.

In the story, Hecate Cavendish had just been hired as a librarian assistant. Excited by her new position, Hecate’s intense curiosity has her exploring the building as much as she’s able to get away with. She discovers a fascinating medieval map that shows the locations of fantastical creatures. There are endless books and manuscripts hundreds of years old. There is a mysterious cabinet she is told to STAY AWAY from. And then, she discovers a curious talent: she can see and speak with ghosts. But what are they doing there in the cathedral?

This was a nice mix of historical fiction, fantasy, and romance and I look forward to seeing where the rest of the series goes. Best of all, the book releases tomorrow so be sure to check it out for yourself!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston is a truly amazing novel from the first page to the last.
The characters were described with such detail you could almost see them.
They are superb - so realistic. Brackston is so great at description!
Her phenomenal writing style draws the reader in and keeps them there throughout the story. You don't just read this novel—you are living in it.

Thank You NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Thank you so much @stmartinspress for the gifted copy for an honest review

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is an historical, fantastic, mystery book.

Hecate can communicate and see ghosts. She works in the library in the cathedral. It's there that she learns about her abilities. While she learns to navigate with her power, the crypt where she works was desecrated and murders keep happening in the city.

At the end of the book, it was almost creepy. The Exorcist scene 🫥 .

I absolutely adored her.
She's strong, fierce, loyal and she's true to herself. Her love for books and everything antique made her a character that everyone will love. She's sharp and brilliant.

Her relationship with her father was beautiful and so well-written.

If you love :

✨ Academia;
✨ Historical fantasy;
✨ Mysteries ;
✨ Magic and ghosts ;
✨ Scandal and murder mystery;
✨ 1880s era.

Hecate Cavendish can interact with spirits. She starts working at a library where many old texts and books are held, but strange things begin happening to her inside it's walls. There is also something else prowling around and Hecate might be the only one that can figure it out,

This book is really slow. I wanted to enjoy it but was put off by pages dedicated to her hemming her dress and then jumping multiple days into the future without any warning. It felt very disjointed and full of a lot of unimportant information that did not push the narrative forward. I think that someone who likes a fast paced thriller (myself) would find it very hard to get into the storyline,.

This one is for Brackston's fans and those who like historical fiction about intrepid young women who, in this case find they have a connection with the spirit world. It's 1881 and Hecate's father endorses her desire to work and explore life more before she marries (if she marries) so he helps her get a job at the library at the cathedral. And then she discovers she can speak with the spirits that haunt it. Know that Brackston sometimes wades a little deep into a tangle but Hecate is a good character and the plot moves along briskly. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This reads as if it's the first in a series so I'm now looking forward to the next one.

In general, I really enjoyed this book. I like Hecate's sassy, independent personality, especially being a Victorian Miss. I love her relationships with her Father and her best friend, great character development there. I love how the author researched the history and the settings of her book. You felt immersed in the story. I found myself googling Hereford Cathedral's history - absolutely fascinating!

Now on to the cons. It was a slow read and tended to drag on. I was not satisfied with the abrupt ending and felt that there was no true resolution. I understand that this is going to be a series, however something should have been solved. However, I am glad that the author has a new series and I do look forward to Hecate Cavendish's next adventure.

This is going to appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction with dark supernatural elements. The main character, Hecate, is an interesting and strong female character, and one of my favorite things about this book. I also enjoyed the fantasy elements of ‘ghosts’ and a creatures on an old map coming to life.

This is the first book in a series and ends mid story. Readers will have differing opinions and reactions to that. My other personal hesitation with this book is that it deals with evil elements as part of the storyline, so it is not a happy read, and I found the ending downright sad and unsatisfying.

This was an interesting book about a woman named H ECA TEC.A v e r n dish. She started to work in the cathedral.And this was interesting because there was a map there. She's very helpspoken about a lot of things too. Her father was a person of interest too because he was into egypt Artifacts. Her mother ran the house and her brother was very sick. She did not trust the person who was in charge of the cathedral because weird things started happening when she touched the snap. She started to see ghost after that and they all had a very interesting past as well. John was her friend and he was a part of the church. Things got very interesting when the graves were open And under the cathedral. This is played a very important part of the book and it all gets tied together and you find out at the end what really happened. She was a very clever woman and she had keys made because she needed to see certain books. I can't wait for the other series to start because I really want to know what happens to this Woman

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston is a very unique story where a library houses chained books, ghosts, and maybe some things in the library are full of mysteries.

Set in 1881, Hecate Cavendish has got a job as an assistant librarian at Hereford Cathedral. The library contains several secrets, and Hecate, just like her namesake Goddess, has talents that might make her life interesting.

This gothic mystery is definitely interesting. Hecate is an amazing character, especially due to the time period this book is set in. The whole premise of the library happenings was something I really enjoyed. However, I felt the pace was kind of slow, and I am hoping that in the sequel, we get more answers for some of the loose ends. I am definitely going to be on the lookout for the next book in the series.

Thank you, St. Martin's Press for this book.

I received a complimentary ARC copy of The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish (Hecate Cavendish #1) by Paula Brackston from Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press to read and give an honest review.

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish the series debut by author Paula Brackston introduces us to the young heroine Hecate Cavendish. Living with her retired archaeologist father, proper Victorian Mother, and fragile little brother, in Hereford England Hecate is ready to take on a new adventure. Hecate has landed a job at Hereford Cathedral as the new library assistant, in charge of cataloging and repairing ancient tomes. Many of the books are so valuable they are chained to the shelves, and some are completely locked away from everyone’s reach. The library contains so many secrets and the ever-inquisitive Hecate is in heaven. She settles in quickly with her daily routines and quirky colleagues, but it is the Mappa Mundi, an old medieval map that draws Hecate to work every day.

When the cathedral’s mausoleum is broken into it releases an ancient evil that threatens Hereford, murdering innocents, Hecate must investigate by pooling as many resources as she can to locate and stop the evil before it takes hold. With the help of her father and new friends she follows the clues with help from the Mappa Mundi, old books, and letters, leading Hecate to an ancient rite and the realization this was a path chosen for her long before she was born.

I am so conflicted with this book, I read it in one sitting (minus the daily acts of living, giving up any idea of sleep and with total disregard to being a functioning adult the next day). The book was truly spellbinding, captivating the reader with such an intriguing protagonist, brilliantly bookish plot and gothic atmosphere. In The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish, the author as is her style, has woven a rich tapestry of a plot intertwining mystery, magic, heartbreak, fantasy and romance so much so that I did not want to put it down. The protagonist, Hecate (named after the Goddess) is intelligent, sassy, courageous and empathetic in addition to the incredible multifaceted secondary characters who all seemed to have a place in the story.

My biggest complaint was the ending, it was such an incredible letdown after such a brilliant build up. The character arc showed a dynamic change but the plot itself felt unfinished, unresolved even for a cliffhanger, there was just too much left hanging without even the hope of being close to a resolution. I am hoping that the next book gives us the answers we longed for this time around. I would have gladly given five stars but how do you rate a book that was brilliant until the last few pages.

Normally I don’t like to read historical pieces, but this one pleasantly surprised me.

Hecate Cavendish is a girl after my own heart, with plenty of spirit who can SEE spirits. She’s smart, witty, can see and converse with ghosts, which is a help to the murders happening in her city.

It took me a hot minutes to get into it, but this book was rather interesting and was well written.

I always enjoy Paula Brackston's books and The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is a wonderful start to another great series. I loved the historical setting of England and Hecate's eagerness to work in the cathedral's library. This magical story kept me turning pages to the end. Thanks to the author, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this ebook. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Only minor detail spoilers, no major plot spoilers below:


The first 60% was very slow, a lot of establishing the world and mundane things, follower by 20% of "oo is it starting to pick up?", followed by the remaining 20% going full tilt. I texted my friend to tell them the book I was reading was mid, and 2 hours later my tears were falling on my kindle mourning a character I hadn't realized I was attached to?? It's very much a whiplash-y read.
The ending felt a little too daydreamy, with her putting on a special magic girl outfit and deciding to exclude everyone that could have helped her because of the "I need to do this on my own" trope, and I was genuinely furious to realize at the end that it ISN'T a standalone.
Also fair warning it does has that English mindset of "foreign 'exotic' magics are about death and evil", which yes is partially due to it being historical but also I feel is just reflecting the biases of the creator a bit? I mean, the father is an English ARCHAEOLOGIST, and he is seen as beloved and well traveled, as if English archaeologists didn't either steal or destroy half of the world's treasures, (some of which this character keeps in his attic. No joke.) I believe it is a reflection of internal biases due to a collection of small details such as the father's occupation and such, but the other details would be full-on spoilers, so please understand I'm not just hating on the English. I lived in England for a bit, and the reason I see these biases in the text is because I study English literature specifically, and these are the things we look for.

Was it fun? Sure! Did I learn a lot about a cathedral that exists in England! You betcha! Am I going to seek out the sequel? Probably not.

This is a book for anglophiles and mythology lovers, so this might be the book for you! It just so happened to not be the book for me, and that's okay, my opinion is subjective and I still believe this book is well-written and very much worth publishing

Thank you to Netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review

In England in 1881, Hecate Cavendish gets a new position as Assistant Librarian in the Hereford cathedral. 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.

This is the first book in a new series, and I am eager to see where Hecate's story goes from here. I had never heard of the term Mappa Mundi before, and I was also unfamiliar with chained libraries, so as I was reading this book, I was doing research on the things I was reading about. Hereford Cathedral is also actually a real place, and I loved all of the factual elements that were incorporated into this work of faction. I adored Hecate. She was so headstrong and brave, and I can't wait to read more about her. If you are a fan of historical fiction, or even fantasy fiction since there were elements of that in the book, then you are going to love this book. I highly recommend it!