**3.5 stars**

Though I recognize the name Paula Brackston, this is my first book of hers I’ve read. This was a decent historical supernatural mystery. I might read the next in the series and I’ll definitely read another book by the author.

What I liked: it was the beautiful cover that drew me to this book at first glance. Hecate and her friends and family. The characters were fully realized including the ghosts. I loved the cathedral setting and especially the ancient library. I loved the Hecate (the goddess) angle with the cameo, the museum visit, etc. That was a unique aspect to the story as well as the ancient map.

What I did not like: sigh…there were a few things. The pacing could have moved along better, it was around 20% I think before Hecate even gets to the cathedral. Also it was a bit too long and could have used a little more editing. The mystery started in this book had no ending which I understand now that I’ve finished that that must be the storyline for the whole trilogy. Admittedly if I’d known when I requested this from NetGalley that it was going to be a trilogy I’d never have requested it but it wasn’t labeled as a series.

Will I continue with the series? Probably. I just hope the pacing moves along better with the next book.

**Thanks to the author and publisher for the e-arc I received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.**

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish!

1881: Hecate has just gotten her dream job as Assistant Librarian at Hereford Cathedral and she proudly bicycles her way to work everyday. Even the head librarian's sexist attitude and overall grumpiness does not deter her from her joy at being amongst the books. But one day the fabled Mappa Mundi, a medieval world map depicting mythological beasts from all different fables around the world, begins to move and Hecate's entire worldview is forever altered. As Hecate finds love and an entirely new world, will the evil creeping into Hereford ruin her new life?

This book was so much fun! Hecate is a great main character and her relationship with her dad is so awesome! I could have done without the love triangle but it didn't distract that much from the story so I'm not put off by it. This book is the slightest bit spooky but then has such lightness by the creatures on the Mappa Mundi. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!!!

I'm sorry to say I stopped reading this around 40% through. I wanted to love it, but I was so incredibly bored by the story that I had to force myself to read it. This story has an intriguing premise, and I love the setting, but I think I wanted just a little more excitement to happen earlier in the story. Also, at times, the writing felt very "and then I woke up. And then I did this. And after I did this"...if that makes sense.

Ultimately, I really wanted to enjoy this story, and most likely it was a case of the right story for the wrong reader! I would definitely try more of Ms. Brackston's work in the future, and I wish her every success.

Loved this. I’ve really enjoyed everything by this author. She’s an autobuy author for me. I love how every one of her stories is completely different from the others but you can still feel she’s the author. A very strong voice - one I really enjoy.

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston is a delightful mix of historical fiction and supernatural mystery that’s sure to charm readers. Set in 1881 England, the story follows Hecate Cavendish, a spirited young woman who takes on the role of Assistant Librarian at Hereford Cathedral's ancient, chained library. Right from the start, you can feel the cozy yet eerie atmosphere as Hecate discovers her ability to see and communicate with ghosts. The cathedral, with its secrets and ghostly inhabitants, becomes a character in its own right, making you want to explore every shadowy corner alongside Hecate.

Brackston's writing is engaging and vivid, pulling you into a world where adventure and whimsy abound. Hecate is a relatable protagonist, balancing spunk with maturity, and her relationships with both the living and the dead add depth to the narrative. While some plot points may stretch your imagination a bit, the overall experience is enchanting. If you’re looking for a cozy read with a touch of magic and mystery—perfect for curling up with on a chilly evening—The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is definitely worth adding to your reading list!

I really enjoy reading Paula Brackston especially her magical realism books. I really like Hecate Cavendish and her story. I look forward to reading the next book in the series!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this historical supernatural adventure story. I enjoyed the main character Hecate and her strong personality. She challenges the norms while maintaining the social norms. I could absolutely see this book as a movie/series. I loved the elements surrounding the Map and the characters within. Hecate is exactly haunted but rather can commune with the spirits around her. I look forward to further books is this series. I need to know what happens next.

Definitely a book for library purchase. Thanks to #netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an ARC.

Review will be posted on 9/17/24

It's Victorian England and young women have very few options. To avoid a marriage, Hecate takes a job as an assistant librarian at Hereford's Cathedral. While working there, she realizes that she can communicate with spirits. There are also strange things happening at the cathedral. In the crypt, bodies are going missing. This isn't the run-of-the-mill grave robbery though, Hecate knows something else, possibly sinister, is going on and it's up to her to figure it out. Paula Brackston's The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is a dark fantasy that has a little bit of everything: a mystery, fun fantasy elements like ghosts and mythical creatures, a strong protagonist, and a memorable setting.

Hecate is the kind of character I love in The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish. She is unconventional, adventurous, and daring despite the limits placed on her in the 1880s. I really enjoyed the paranormal elements of the novel and the setting of a haunted library and cathedral made this the perfect fall read to cozy up with on a cool evening. Another aspect of the novel I enjoyed was the setting of Victorian England. I thought Brackston did a great job bringing it to life. While I enjoyed all these aspects of the novel, I did feel like it didn't stand out as much as I had hoped for, as this genre is pretty saturated with stellar options, and on top of that, there's a sequel that will hopefully answer a lot of questions. I was hoping to get more closure in this book; nonetheless, The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is a solid option for fans of dark fantasy.

This was my first book by this author and did not disappoint. I enjoyed the plot and the story was captivating and engaging. I am interested in the sequel. Thank you to netgalley and St. Martin press for an opportunity to read.
3.75

3.5 stars
The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish follows an eccentric young woman who gets her dream job, only to find out that she can see ghosts and some malicious spirits are following her. I had some issues with this book. For example, I found that neither Hecate as a character nor the romance really developed until the final third of the book, and the pacing felt incredibly slow at times, but there were also aspects that I loved. I really enjoyed the premise of the books and some of the darker elements it introduced (both in terms of horror and tone). Although the beginning felt slow, the end really hooked me. Overall, my main issue with this book is that I just couldn't get my brain to latch onto it and care about it. While this would normally be a red flag for me, I believe that in this case I was just in a bit of a reading slump. Additionally, this book feels like it's meant for a slightly older demographic (older women who like cozy mysteries, not young adults who want fast paced romantic fantasies). So while I did find this story slow at times and didn't form a strong connection to it, I think that is all subjective, and overall, this is a pretty solid mystery with fantasy elements.
Thank you to the publisher and Macmillan AuDio for the eARCs in exchange for an honest review!

Paula Brackston’s “The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish” is a captivating dive into a world where history, mystery, and the supernatural intertwine seamlessly. The novel’s strength lies in its richly imagined setting and its blend of historical detail with fantasy elements. The ancient chained library and its medieval world map are intriguing focal points that draw Hecate—and the reader—into a web of forgotten magic and spectral encounters. Brackston excels at creating a sense of place that is both immersive and eerie, making the cathedral itself a character in its own right. While the plot is engaging and filled with twists, some readers may find the pacing uneven, with certain sections feeling slower. However, the compelling character development and the atmospheric setting more than compensate for these minor pacing issues. Overall, “The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish” is a delightful read for fans of historical fantasy and ghost stories. Brackston’s vivid storytelling and intricate world-building create a mesmerizing tale that lingers long after the final page is turned.

This author is new to me, so I traveled slowly through Hecate's world.

I loved the map, the griffin, Hecate's backstory and her sensitivity to all things paranormal. Also enjoyed the fiance found, all the haunts, the supportive family, as well as the many tangibles with minds of their own - totally enjoy this kind of fantasy.

My three stars suffered from an ending that fell short - considering all that had been sacrificed to arrive at that last page, I needed more than I got. But. . .did get the griffin and that was Not Nothing. Will be reading more of this author!

*A sincere thank you to Paula Brackston, St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*

I started this story however it just didn’t click for me at this time. I do enjoy this author so will attempt to read this again in the future!

Thanks

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston is a spellbinding blend of historical fiction, witchcraft, and gothic mystery that enchants as much as it unnerves. Set in a small, eerie village filled with secrets and whispers of the past, Brackston weaves a tale of dark magic, hidden identities, and the lingering presence of the supernatural.

The novel follows Hecate Cavendish, a woman with a mysterious past who arrives in a village where her reputation precedes her. As strange occurrences begin to unfold, it becomes clear that there’s more to Hecate than meets the eye. Brackston does a fantastic job of creating a richly atmospheric setting, and her prose is as lyrical and bewitching as ever, drawing the reader into a world where the lines between reality and magic are blurred.

While the story holds much promise with its intriguing premise and captivating descriptions, there are moments when the plot feels sluggish, particularly in the middle. Some readers may find the pacing uneven, and the build-up to the story's climax a bit slow. However, the book picks up momentum towards the end, delivering a satisfying conclusion with a twist that lingers in the mind.

Character development is a mixed bag. Hecate herself is a compelling protagonist, and Brackston successfully portrays her as a woman caught between the past and the future. However, some of the secondary characters feel less fleshed out, leaving them to serve more as plot devices than fully-realized individuals. This occasionally detracts from the emotional depth that the story could have achieved.

Overall, The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is an enjoyable read for fans of witchy fiction and gothic tales. Paula Brackston's talent for atmosphere and suspense shines through, even if the narrative could have benefited from a tighter pace and more character depth. If you love stories filled with dark magic, secrets, and a touch of the supernatural, this book is worth picking up.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for access to this title in exchange for an honest review.

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.