This is actually a sequel to another book that I have not read but I will review this one and keep it brief. However this book itself was very good and I am glad that I took the opportunity to read it. The characters and the setting were very drawn out and when I was through I wished there could have been more.
It follows the story of a youbg lady named Hecate who lives in the 19th century. There are people who doubt her abilities but thankfully she has her father to support her along the way.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

The second in the Hecate Cavendish series shows how much she has grown in her strength and magical abilities. With the help of a faithful dog, her father and some other worldly allies, she’s been able to beat back most of the creatures trying to take over her city. I would recommend readers or listeners start with the first book in this series to fully comprehend exactly what is happening. As usual, Brackston casts her own spell over readers

This was a good conclusion. Hecate is more comfortable in her abilities and is determined to vanish the resurgents for good. With help from her lost souls, her father, a faithful hound, and the inspector, they have a fight to save their city. Has plenty of ghosts and action to keep the story interesting. Still enjoyed following these characters and I left satisfied with the way the story ended.

📚 Book Review: The Cathedral of Lost Souls by Paula Brackston

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the chance to read this hauntingly atmospheric ARC! 🖤

I dove into The Cathedral of Lost Souls without realizing it was a sequel—my mistake, not the author’s. That said, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the narrative stood on its own. Even without prior knowledge from book one, I never felt lost in the story. For that reason alone, this deserves a full ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐—it's rare that a sequel welcomes new readers so seamlessly!

I was fully swept into the storyline, though I did find it a bit quick how the main character connected romantically with someone new. 🤷 Still, it didn’t pull me out of the immersive pace, and the overall reading experience was quick, engaging, and deeply enjoyable.

Highly recommend for fans of gothic mysteries with emotional depth and lyrical writing. Brackston knows how to weave soul and suspense with elegance! 🕯️✨

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This is the second book in this series. I have not read the first, but found this novel gave enough background information that it can stand on its own.

Cathedral of Lost Souls is a masterfully crafted novel that delivers a suspenseful, heartwarming, and utterly captivating reading experience from start to finish. From the very first page, the author weaves a spell of intrigue and tension that never lets up, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the story unfolds.

What truly sets this book apart is its unforgettable cast of characters—both the living and the dead. Each one is drawn with such warmth and depth that you can’t help but root for them, mourn their losses, and celebrate their triumphs. The relationships that develop across the boundaries of life and death are touching and beautifully rendered, adding layers of emotional resonance to the suspenseful plot.

The pacing is brisk and perfectly balanced, never lingering too long in one place but giving just enough time to savour each twist and revelation. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to devour in a single sitting, yet find yourself wishing it would never end.

Cathedral of Lost Souls is a testament to the power of hope, redemption, and connection—even in the most unlikely of places. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone in search of a story that will both thrill and move you. This novel is a true gem and deserves every one of its five stars.

Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for providing an advanced copy for me to review.

Thank you St. Martins Press and NetGalley for access to an ARC. This book is the second in a series following Hekate Cavendish and her fight against the embodied spirits of the Essedenes. In this book Hekate has grown in her knowledge and skill as a follower of the goddess Hekate and similarly, the author has grown in the depth and connections she gives each character in this book. I felt like this book did a great job of carrying on and finishing out the story from The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish. Although this book can definitely stand alone, I would strongly suggest reading the first in the series before starting this book to have the foundational knowledge of what Hekate is facing, and the characters that both support and oppose her. The story kept me engaged, and the author does a great job at weaving suspense and revelations into the storyline with a satisfying ending.

The Cathedral of Lost Souls by Paula Brackston.
What an incredible story..
Hereford, England, 1881 and Hecate is back with her ghostly friends, fighting the fight, to be rid of the Resurgent Spirits once and for all.

Along with her father and Inspector Winter, Hecate knows she has to finish this.

With the help of the goddess, the Essendenes are finally quieted and stilled. But what chaos they encountered along the way.

Great characters with superb character spacing. I really enjoyed this wonderful story!
I will be recommending this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest opinion.