"The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish" - 3.5 Stars - Out Now

Paula Brackston has never been at the top of my list of "witch book authors" to read...and not for lack of trying. The synopsis' and themes are ones that I standardly read no matter who authors the story, but after multiple attempts, I'd never finished one of her books. Hecate wins the prize for being the first and I'm so glad I did, although some of the issues I've had in the past were still present in this narrative.

What's Good - Hecate herself is a great character. Her father, her lover/s, and the big baddies are all strongly and consistently written. I enjoyed too, the backstory with the Goddess, the ancient texts, and one can never go wrong with a good gothic library, ghosts, and toothy monsters. This book was just "entertaining" and for the most part that is exactly what I needed. It took me longer to read in some part because of my post-election emotional hangover and that has in now way affected my review.

Opportunities - Like other Brackston books, Hecate was just SLOOOOOWWWW to start. The descriptive language and speech patterns were scene-building, but also a little over-formal/prosaic and I found myself mentally hurrying her (the author? the characters? the plot? along. Because of the pacing, I found myself predicting more complex outcomes then what actually ended up happening and when I realized that I had overcomplicated the plot, I was then less enthusiastic about the actual plot I don't know if this was a "me" problem, or if the story was just not clear enough (or TOO clear, lol). Either way, the ending was redeeming...excellent and exciting and prose was much more solid. The ending saved it from a straight 3 star. Better pacing in the beginning would have bumped it to 4.

I didn't realize when I started that this is the first in a new series, or I probably would have waited and read them all at one time, I struggle to keep stories straight in between publications, but now...I'm interested enough that I will read subsequent stories about Hecate.

As always, I appreciate the opportunity afforded me to have an early read by netgalley and St. Martin's Press. The opinions in this review are expressly those of ButIDigressBookClub and are intended for use by my followers and friends when choosing their next book. #butidigress #butidigressbookclub #thehauntingofhecatecavendish #paulabrackston #netgalley #netgalleyreviewer #arc #arcs

Details
Review Shared on Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6812369461
Publishing Review 12/30/2024

I enjoyed Brackston's "Found Things" series, and looked forward to another magical trip to England, this time in the late 1800's in Hereford.

Hecate Cavendish gets a job in the cathedral library with her father's support, even though the head librarian doesn't welcome her, and her mother is completely opposed to her working. She is a feisty and dedicated librarian, though, even when things start to get weird, with ghosts, and magical maps starting to talk to her.

I enjoyed suspending belief for a few hours, and letting myself get swept into Hecate's world, but I was disappointed in the ending of the book, when a likeable character got killed off, and there was little plot resolution.

Oh well! I guess I'm on the hook to read the next in the series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love me a good witchy book and this one did not disappoint. I loved that it was a stand alone. I loved the characters. I can't wait to see more by Brackston!

This opens an excellent fantasy series set in 1881 Hereford, England, where only red-haired Hecate and her ghostly friends can stand between townsfolk and the risen dead.

I really look forward to what comes next!

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston is the first novel in a new historical fantasy series by the bestselling author. Set in 1881 England, the story introduces Hecate Cavendish, an independent and daring young woman who begins her job as an assistant librarian in Hereford Cathedral’s ancient chained library. This library houses mysteries, ancient artifacts, and a medieval world map that holds magical and supernatural secrets.

The narrative weaves historical fiction with light fantasy and paranormal elements, including ghostly encounters that range from friendly to perilous. Hecate is portrayed as a strong and intelligent character, and her growing involvement with the haunted cathedral and its secrets sets the stage for intrigue and adventure. However, some reviewers noted the pacing issues, with the plot picking up significantly near the end, leaving readers feeling the buildup was slow and the conclusion somewhat rushed. The book sets up future installments in the series, leaving certain threads unresolved.

Readers who enjoy a blend of historical settings, mild supernatural themes, and a strong, quirky protagonist may find this an engaging read, though its lighter approach to fantasy might not satisfy those seeking more intensity in the genre.

The setting and the fact that Hecate was an assistant librarian are the factors that caused me to choose to read this novel. I loved the old cathedral with its chained library. (still in existence today!)

However, after reading more than half of the novel, the fantasy aspect became too much for me. As many of you know, the fantasy genre is one of my least favourites. I do like a time travel novel and I can take a bit of the supernatural, but this one overwhelmed me. "If there are Resurgent Spirits roaming the city of Hereford looking for hosts, they have not risen by themselves. They have been called. And called by someone who possessed the incantations, spells, curses... whatever words the Essedenes used."

That being said, I did enjoy the writing style and the protagonist was an engaging young woman. I loved her curious mind and her thirst for knowledge. I particularly enjoyed her close bond with her father, her courage, and her unconventional views for a woman of her time. Many readers will appreciate that there was also a romantic element to the story.

The medieval cathedral was vividly brought to life with the author's prose. I would love to visit Hereford cathedral one day and visit its infamous Mappa Mundi in person.

My favourite quote of this novel was "Never underestimate the value of listening to the words of another, my child. Particularly when they are spoken by the lonely."

Beware, this was an ambling, slow paced novel, and readers must be made aware that it is the first novel in a prospective series. For that reason, the ending did not wholly satisfy. I'm certain you guessed it is a series that I will not personally be pursuing.

In all, though this historical novel was just too fantastical for me, I can heartily recommend it to those readers who are true fans of the fantasy genre and who also love old libraries.

I wasn’t able to review this book before it’s publish date but now that I have read it I am giving it 2 stars.

I loved the paranormal aspects of this book! Hecate is a strong, capable, and smart protagonist, and her abilities are wonderfully intriguing. The setting was atmospheric, and the ghosts contributed nicely to the overall storyline.

While this started off slow, it was well worth the wait as there was a lot of action towards the end. The last part of the book was twisty and truly surprising. With questions left unanswered, I'm highly anticipating the next book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This was a fun mash up of historical fiction and paranormal. Hecate can talk to ghosts, which is an interesting concept as she works in a library with several of them hanging around. She's a fun character, and I really enjoyed how although this took place in the 1800s, Hecate is educated and working.

This one kind of dragged in places though. It took me a bit to get into and there were several chunks that I pretty much skimmed. I might give it a better go when I have more time, but sadly this one wasn't my favorite.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me access this book!

I honestly thought this might be a 5 star read for me once I got into it and the plot started moving. The cast was interesting, the romance present enough to be exciting without taking away from the main plot, and steady progress into solving the mystery. However, when the author decided to kill off the romantic lead (which really made no sense to me and destroyed any lightness the story had) and then decided that there were be no resolution to the mystery—despite Hecate solving the mystery—I was lost. I have no interest in reading the sequels and wish this had ended very differently. Presumably the other suitor was in the background to sweep into the space left by John and soothe Hecate’s sad heart, despite clearly having several red flags and maybe being an unwitting accomplice to the villain.

I really wanted to love The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish. It had all of the elements of stories I love - mystery, magic, murder. Alas, it feel short for me. I loved the premise of the magical books and the map coming to life, and when all of that first happened, I was really hopeful for the rest of the story. Ultimately, I found myself constantly how many more pages were left. I feel like I'm in the minority, but it just feel like it moved really slow.

The writing is beautiful, almost lyrical at times, and I did enjoy the characters. It simply moved too slow. Again, I'm sure I'm in the minority here, but it was just an okay read for me.

Thank you St. Martins Press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I had a complicated relationship with this book. There were aspects I adored, but overall it wasn't compelling to me.

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱:
▪️Victorian England (my favorite time period to read about)
▪️Strong, smart, daring, bookish female lead
▪️Haunted library (yes, please!)
▪️Haunted cathedral (also yes, please!)

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗜 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲:
▪️Story wasn’t compelling to me, sluggish
▪️Took a long time for the story to pick up speed
▪️Formal language (I’m usually a fan of upper crust, formal language, but this time it felt overdone)
▪️Ending wasn’t impressive (didn’t realize it was a series going in)

This book should have been an absolute hit for me based on my reading preferences, but it took me weeks to get through it. I was hoping for a great spooky October read, but this one missed the mark for me. It’s not a bad story (many people have raved about it and I’m glad to see that), it just didn’t work for me.

Thank you @netgalley and @stmartinspress for an eARC of this book which I have read and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

This book feels like an invitation to walk into the eerie and unknown, yet somehow it feels oddly comforting, like a shadow that whispers secrets. The book isn’t just haunting by name—it’s haunting in its atmosphere and its effect on you. Hecate’s story combines mystery with a subtle emotional depth, hinting at lost loves and unsaid goodbyes. It’s a ghost story at its core, but it’s also a reminder of how memories have the power to haunt us in beautiful ways.

Very (too!) long with slow pacing, but an incredibly abrupt ending! This book would have really benefited from a cutdown in length, as the idea for the story was great and the writing was enjoyable. It was hard to stay focused in the middle and I longed for more snappy writing that moved us along the plot.

Paula Brackston has done it again!
This author really knows how to set the atmosphere, and write a great witchy story! I’ve loved all her books, and this one is no exception. I can’t wait to know what happens next!!

The writing in this book was really good as was the character building but the plot really lacked. It could have been drastically shortened which would have made it more enjoyable.

Reading this was a breath of fresh air, Paula Brackston did a great job piecing together Hecate’s spiritual connection to the goddess herself. I was enthralled from the first chapter and could not put my kindle down! I can’t wait to read her other works and more adventures in this new series!

I loved John’s character and everything he did for Hecate, making her believe love could be real and pure. I fell in love with Brother Michael and the other friendly souls. I found it so sweet to know that Solomon is named after a sweet boy who will be immortalized in this book now. I cried tears after reading the acknowledgments for that little snippet alone!

Hecate goes through so much in the man-led world and I was so happy she had the patience to deal with the unfair treatment and foolish remarks made by some of the male characters. I hope she can be more in tune with her actual power and what she can harness in follow up books, but overall great writing that just felt like a nice cozy blanket during winter. Thank you to NetGalley, Paula Brackston and St. Martin’s Publishing Group for the ARC.

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.