I was introduced to Paula Brackston's writing a couple years ago. Her books generally featured magical realism with a light side of romance. Usually there's some dilemma that needs to be solved.
This novel had those Brackston traits but seemed a bit darker. The first in the series; perhaps, it will lighten up.
All in all, I'll give the next one a try to see what direction it goes in.

I really love Paula Braxton. this novel is not like many of her others, its more atmospheric, and a bit more creepy. I really liked Hecate, her family and some of the ghosts. Paula does problematic romance really well and she did that here. I really enjoy a good atmospheric slow novel, I just wish the plot was a little bit more, well, more. The Map was cool but the way the mystery was handled, did leave you at a cliff ending. I am assuming because this is a series. I wouldn't start here with Paula Braxton's work, but I would recommend it once you read more of hers.

I really enjoyed this story. I switched back and forth between the ARC and the audiobook, and both were well done. I am looking forward to the sequel.

DNF @10%

Unfortunately, I don't think this book is for me.

I made it about 10% in and I can tell this is just not what I thought it was going to be. I expected something a little darker, a little creepier. I wasn't a fan of the writing style, nothing much has happened at all yet (which is fine, since it's still early), but even when she has seen a ghost - zero creepiness.

I just don't care enough to push through to finish this book since it looks like it's going to be a series.

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is about a young woman in 1880s Britain who starts working as an Assistant Librarian in a local cathedral. Ahead of her time and content to be an eager, single working gal, she quickly finds out that she is seeing people and images that others aren’t. Surprise! Hecate sees ghosts and magical images come to life. Her ghostly friendships come in clutch as mysterious things begin to happen at the cathedral. What I really enjoyed about this book was Hecate’s character. She is smart, brave, non-conforming, and curious! I was pulled into her journey from the start. While I was surprised by the ending of this book, it is a fantastic setup to continue Hecate’s story. If you want to read a mysterious and mystical story rooted in history, The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is for you!

This historical mystery transports readers to a world that spans both the physical and the spiritual realms. Hecate Cavendish discovers there’s more to her than just a brilliant mind and a passion for ancient texts. She finds out that she can communicate with lost spirits, and it’s now her responsibility to help them. However, as a woman in the 1800s, she faces numerous limitations. Hecate must navigate not only the challenges of her newfound abilities but also the societal constraints placed upon her. Along the way, she will experience love, heartbreak, adventure, and mystery. But can she uncover the true purpose of her gifts before it is too late?
I was really excited about this story based on the synopsis, but unfortunately, I felt the narrative fell flat at times. There were a lot of unnecessary descriptions that pulled me out of the story and left me feeling disconnected from the characters and their development. I also hoped the love interest or a slow-burning romance would emerge earlier in the book, with more focus on that relationship rather than the overemphasis on Hecate’s connection with her father.

*Thank you to Paula Brackston, St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is the first book in the Hecate Cavendish series and sadly this one was not for me. This is about a young women who can see ghost. I did feel that the story was slow and the characters were ones I did not like as much. One thing I did enjoy was the ghost aspect and mystery. Overall, this one I did not like but I do suggest readers who like fantasy to give it a try. Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this read in exchange of my honest review of The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston.

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish took me for a spin with this historical fiction fantasy book. There was a nice blend of suspense and drama. Hecate has a ton of work ahead of her, and the venture to get her to this point was sad as hell.

My girl found her life's passion, work and love - and lost most of it in the same damn business day. I am familiar with the Goddess Hecate, but I love how this story taught more info about the Goddess but also added to her lore - in regards to Hecate's Hounds.

I am looking forward to see how the rest of the series plays out.

Let's see a librarian who can see ghosts, I'm in! This story has a grand old library filled with even older artifacts, magical items, a love affair, and of course an epic battle between good and evil. Then of course there's the added element of the connection Hecate has with the goddess Hekate. Pacing was slow and the story needed time to take off but once it did it was non-stop. I'll be interested to see where Brackston takes the series in the next installment.

It is 1881 in England and Hecate Cavendish, a bit of a rebel, wants to live her life the way she wants to; she has no desire to marry and have children. While she has dreams and aspirations for her life, she is happy working as an Assistant Librarian in Hereford Cathedral, watching over the collection housed within its walls. There is one thing that is strange about this library however, and that is that the books are chained. The library is also home to a medieval world map containing illustrations of mythical creatures around its borders, the prized possession of the library. Another strange thing about the cathedral and its library? It is home to ghosts both kind and not, and Hecate can see them.

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is a beautifully written novel that I was able to immerse myself in. Hecate is an independent, strong female character and I enjoyed going on this journey with her. There were some parts that were rather slow going and I found myself a little bored, but overall I was hooked by the narrative and wanted to read on to see what would happen. I also liked the magical and mythical aspects of the story, especially some of the ghosts.

The audiobook added to my enjoyment of the tale. Calin uses pace and inflection to add to the emotions of the characters and events of the story. She brought life to the story and to the characters; I really hope that she narrates the next novel in the Hecate Cavendish series.

Although I enjoyed the story, when it came to the end of the book there was no resolution to the mystery of the villain, so I was disappointed. I had read that this was the first book of a series but didn’t realize the first book would continue to the second. Not my cup of tea but others may enjoy. Thanks to NetGalley for an e-book in exchange for an honest review.

Atmospheric with a good mix of mystery and adventure. I loved the gothic vibes! The author combines elements of paranormal and murder mystery, historical fiction, magical realism and mythology and romance into an immersive narrative that kept me glued to the pages.

I love a good genre-blender.

Fantasy and Romance and Mystery. Oh my!

There was so much going for this book. The characters are fleshy and likeable (particularly Hecate’s father). The setting is moody and gothic. The story was twisty and turny.

And the best part? It’s the start to a whole new series!

Can’t wait for the next installment.

While I really tried, I just didn’t find myself engaged in this story. I think it just wasn’t for me, but I think many will enjoy.

A historical fantasy about a magic cathedral library with Hecate who just started when she discover that the library has secrets and magic.
Intrigue, drama suspense, twists, magic, romance and good characters.
Voluntarily reviewed.

After multiple attempts I’ve found I simply cannot get into this book. The worldbuilding lacks life and vivaciousness.

I really enjoyed Hecates character and how she fit into the story! I think the ending was missing a bit of the impact I was hoping to get especially after some of the great scenes close to the end. Overall an enjoyable read that I definitely recommend trying out!

"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

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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!