Paula Brackston could publish her grocery list and I would gladly read it. I know that she never disappoints and I don’t hesitate to read whatever new book she publishes. I read and enjoyed her four books in the Found Things series, so I was thrilled when I saw that she had published book one of a new series - The Hecate Cavendish series.

We first meet Hecate Cavendish as she is heading off on bicycle to her new job, Assistant Librarian at a very old Cathedral Library. We’re already off to a good start, because library settings make for especially nice book settings!

This library holds many medieval texts and next to Hecate’s desk is a gorgeous old medieval map filled with scenes and creatures seemingly of a magical world.

Soon Hecate discovers that she has the ability to communicate with the lost souls that are roaming the cathedral. This comes very much to her advantage, as there is also evil lurking and she will need all the help she can get.

Hecate is a strong character, going against the standards of her time. She has no desire to marry and have children, she wants to learn and explore.

I must warn you, if you like your endings neatly tied up with a bow, you do not get this in this book. There are many unanswered questions, and it is obviously set up for book 2. I am not really a fan of this, but it didn’t take away my enjoyment of the book.

The Haunting of Hecate Cavenish - Paula Brackston. I don’t think it’s fair to review this book. I am a huge fan-girlie of Paula Brackston’s, and I love everything she does. This book is about Hecate, she has gifts, she can communicate with the dead and the more she learns about her gifts, the more she puts the people around her in danger.

I love the writing style. I love the characters and the way the author weaves such a hypnotic tale. I was addicted from start to finish. I got the ARC and the ALC and both were phenomenal. It is the start of a new series and if you love historical fiction, add this one to your TBR. 5 stars

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston is a spellbinding blend of historical fiction, mystery, and magical realism set in 1881 England. The novel follows Hecate Cavendish, a determined and compelling protagonist, as she begins her new role as Assistant Librarian at Hereford Cathedral’s ancient chained library. As she navigates the mysterious world of forgotten souls and mythical creatures depicted in a medieval world map, Hecate’s life becomes entwined with the paranormal and the historical mysteries housed within the cathedral’s walls.

Brackston excels in creating an atmospheric setting, where every detail of the cathedral, the library, and its artifacts is steeped in history and wonder! The careful attention to the academic setting adds a rich layer of authenticity to the story, making it easy to get lost in the pages. The paranormal elements, especially the ghosts, are woven seamlessly into the plot, enhancing the eerie, yet enchanting, tone of the novel!!

One of the novel’s strongest aspects is its portrayal of Hecate’s relationships. Her father is a standout character—an unwavering ally who truly believes in her abilities, which is refreshing to see in a period piece. The dynamic within Hecate’s family, including her ailing younger brother and a mother who pressures her to conform to societal norms, adds depth and realism to Hecate’s personal journey. I also loved the relationships formed with her library family, the ghosts, and all the quirky inhabitants therein!

However, the pacing is occasionally slow, this book got off to a rather slow start, which may challenge some readers’ engagement. Additionally, while the story leaves certain questions unanswered—presumably to be addressed in future installments—this could be frustrating for those seeking a more complete resolution!

Overall, The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is a richly detailed and atmospheric novel that beautifully blends history, mystery, and the supernatural. Fans of paranormal and historical fiction with a touch of magical realism will find much to enjoy in Hecate’s story!

What a charming, appealing character. Daughter of an archeologist, she's bookish and wants to pursue research over settling into a traditional route (marriage, house, kids). Her father helps her get a job in the library at Hereford Cathedral and she encounters paranormal activity almost immediately. It's interesting to see very heavy use of ancient religions, Christianity, and the paranormal. At times, I found myself wishing this was more of a fantasy story because the heavy use of Christian concepts (especially during an exorcism) felt cartoonish and yet that was a climatic scene with a dramatic ending.

Story Review: I feel like there should be a category for rating for people who have aphantasia or hypophantasia. The writing in this was incredibly descriptive and beautiful from a word perspective. Unfortunately, for someone who is unable to render images in their mind, it just starts to mumble all together. I love witchy books, LOVE. I received both the audio netgalley copy and the ebook and even attempted to stick with the story in immersion reading style, but alas, the descriptions just took me out of the story resulting in a 3 star.

Audio Narrator Review: As for the audio narration, the voice was clear, crisp and well metered. The pacing was excellent. The difference voices were great and the accent selected fit the story quite well. If not for the description lengths at points I would have really enjoyed this book based on narration. I am giving the narration 4 stars, while the book gets a 3.

I loved the cover of Paula Brackston's new book - The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish. The colors and motion highlights caught my eye - and then I saw the ring of keys. I was hooked.

The time frame and setting is one I always enjoy - England in the1800's. The dialogue is written as if it was in that time frame and transports the reader to the time and place.

Our protagonist is Hecate Cavendish - a young woman who has just been hired as an Assistant Librarian in a chained library. I loved her enthusiasm, her awe, and her joy being surrounded by so many ancient books and maps. She is warned to confine her tasks to what is been assigned. But there is one map that she is drawn to time and time again. And then...

Oh, I'm going to let you discover what the the 'and then' might bring! I thought it was a fabulous plot - one that kept me engaged and eager to see what the next chapter would bring. The sub plot is for Hecate and her personal life - which adds much to the plot.

There's action, suspense, romance, duty and so much more. It's a magical read - and you know what magic brings don't you...? Evil...

This is the first book in a new series from Brackston. The ending of the book was satisfying, but the door is just waiting for the second book.

I just could not get into this story no matter how much I tried. I loved the idea and direction the author proposed in the blurb but it just didn't grab me emotionally like I anticipated. The writing itself is well done so if it sounds like something you enjoy check it out.

A young woman with the gift of communing with the dead
The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish features a strong, quirky, and sharp-witted protagonist named Hecate (pronounced Hek-atee), after the Greek goddess of witchcraft and the boundary between life and death. Hecate’s story begins on her first day as the assistant librarian to the renowned collection of ancient manuscripts located in the Hereford Cathedral. Within the cathedral’s walls, Hecate uncovers a surprising and extraordinary gift: she can see and communicate with ghosts.

A black and white photo of a cathedral tower with a quote overlaying the picture.
“That is what we all think of ourselves here

at the cathedral; the lost souls.”
The group of ghosts she encounters in the cathedral, known as “lost souls,” are really endearing characters. There is the monk who worked in the library centuries before, a solider from the Napoleonic War who keeps vigil over the property, a housekeeper who is always polishing and tidying in preparation for a visit from King George III, and a delicate lady who flung herself from the bell tower in grief over a lost love. Hecate also has supernatural experiences with the cathedral’s ancient Mappa Mundi, a large map of the world displaying the mythical, the historical, and the mysterious across the globe. The creatures and people on the map come alive in Hecate’s presence (my favorite was the ghostly griffin who would perch on her shoulder like a pet).

Hecate quickly realizes there’s no place she’d rather be than the cathedral library. Surrounded by books and wandering spirits, she feels a sense of belonging. But when dark magic endangers the community, she finds herself in the middle of a mystery driven by an unknown evil presence.

How many lives might we ourselves live when transported through the words kept in that library, as if the very ghosts of those who wrote them are whispering in our ears as we read?
Brackston writes a whimsical story that certainly is unique. It is historical fantasy and paranormal mystery with a touch of romance. The author’s writing style is highly descriptive; Brackston takes time and care to set each scene. And in very Moira Rose-type fashion, the vocabulary is unparalleled. Words that I had to stop and look up included “gabbling,” “vertiginous,” “dilettante,” “ensorcelled”, and “pullulating.” I enjoyed the oddity and originality of such word choices.

While the writing style was enjoyable, it unfortunately distracted from the narrative flow and diminished the tension expected of a page-turning gothic mystery. This led to me setting the book aside multiple times before returning to it. Navigating through a significant part of the book was a struggle, and towards the end, I found myself skipping paragraphs just to see a change in the story’s events.

Am I glad that I met Hecate Cavendish? Absolutely. She’s a great character. Am I happy to have been introduced to Brackston as an author? You bet. This was a change of pace and voice from what I have been reading lately, and overall, I enjoyed the story. Will I be reading more of the Hecate Cavendish series? Hmm. Maybe. I think in the future I’ll reserve Hecate’s tale for the quiet of late fall and early winter, when I’m inclined to slow down, ponder life and the passage of time, and embrace the journey that Brackston’s writing promises.

Ghosts and demons rising!

Old magic truths, exorcism and a few people of valour who take a stand. This coalesced into a fabulous tale of Victorian gothic mystery and adventure in the cathedral town of Hereford.
Hecate Cavendish is the girl child who will save the world. Only no-one told her, or her scholarly archaeologist father who’s imbued Hecate with his love of the ancient world.
Hecate has been appointed to assistant librarian. Much to her father’s delight and Master of the Library, the Reverend Thomas’ horror. Hecate can hardly wait to see the ancient texts held here, and in pride of place the Mappa Mundi, a map of philosophies and thoughts.
Threatening circumstances, including a wicked ancient sect from beyond the grave is gathering at the cathedral bringing death and disaster to Hereford. Only Hecate, her father, and Reverend Forsyth, who heads up the vicars chorale and is the Cathedral’s exorcist, along with the ghosts left behind, can stand against the malevolent forces seeking to take over the seats of power in the British Government.
Hecate’s battle is frightening and heartbreaking.
I was entangled from beginning to end.

A St. Martin’s Press ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Well, this wasn't exactly what I was expecting from Brackston. I've come to expect great historical fantasy from her, and in some ways, this book delivered. Ghosts, witches, spells, fantastical creatures, and disembodied spirits all make an appearance. So, in theory, this should be a great spooky season historical fantasy. Sadly, though, this book was just okay. As an avid historical fiction reader, I appreciated her dedication to the genre and how she incorporated fantasy elements with such flair. But this book suffered from pacing issues throughout. I don't think it needed a second book, and I fear many readers, myself included, will be frustrated with the ending. Hecate as a character was charming enough, which helped me stay engaged with the book and interested in finishing. However, the pacing issues made it difficult to read my physical/ebook copy; I switched to audio to speed things along, which is never a great sign. I loved the relationship development between Hecate and her beau, but overall it was a bit too chaste. Honestly, I'm not sure why this book is categorized as "adult" fiction, as it felt very YA to me. Will I read book two? Yes. Do I recommend this read? Sure, but only if you don't mind an ambling tale and a major cliffhanger.

Hecate Cavendish starts her new life as Assistant Librarian at Hereford cathedral. The cathedral houses ancient books, and Hecate is thrilled to be employed there (despite her mother's misgivings and desire Hecate start thinking seriously about marriage). Hecate is particularly entranced by a fascinating medieval world map that hangs next to her desk. It has all sorts of mythical creatures and beings illustrated on it, and Hecate finds herself constantly drawn to the map.

One day, after touching the map, she begins seeing the ghosts who inhabit the cathedral, and shares this revelation with her archaeologist father, who is thrilled for her. (These two have a great relationship.)

Lots more fantastical stuff happens, but honestly, I can't really say I paid much attention to the events. There was something about the writer's style, or the situations or characters that just never quite engaged my interest.

Hecate feels a little too wonderful. I found the other characters' belief that she was wonderful and special unbelievable and irritating, her mother's characterization as a nag was irritating, and the revelation about Hecate, as Hekate, didn't interest me. In fact, this book did not engage me, and was forgettable.

Thank you to Netgalley and to St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for my review.

This book took me awhile to get into. I think it was because I started it on Ebook and then eventually got the audiobook. I thought it was a nice fantasy book and made for a light read. This book didn't seem like a YA from the cover but I think it might make people more interested if marketed as YA.?
I am interested to see where the series will go. Finding out what else Hecate is capable of will be cool. This book was definitely a good establishing story.

I have mixed feelings. I loved the writing and Hecate's character. I forgot how much I love historical fiction, and this reminded me. I was hooked from the start and never wanted to put it down. It felt long in some parts, but then the ending felt rushed. I also didn't realize this was the first in a series. I thought this was a standalone, so to my surprise, at 98%, I had no idea how it would be wrapped up. Alas, it was not, and I'll be continuing the series solely to figure out what I want to know most.

It took me a little while to get into this one because the dialogue and the treatment of the narration felt way too modern in many places. Also, Hecate is a lovely character, but everything comes so easily to her in the majority of the book. Everyone believes she can see ghosts, and her father in particular is her complete confidante from the get-go. It's encouraging to see a father-daughter relationship shown as so sweet and supportive, but at times I wished there was at least a little more tension between them (or between her and anyone really.) At times it felt like Edward was willing to throw all caution to the wind because he was on the lookout for his next big adventure. Also, John and Phileas were so taken with Hecate that I kept guessing that one of them had to be the culprit Hecate was looking for. On the one hand, I'm glad John turned out to be a true supporter but that also led to my impatience with the book. It's missing a strong central internal conflict for Hecate; all of the conflict is external, and because modern books just don't follow that approach anymore, it took some readjusting in my head to go with it.

This one feels like it's written in the tradition of older novels where clear lines are drawn between Good and Evil, Heroes and Villains. Once I was on board with that idea, I started to really get into the book. Charlie is an absolutely sweet, lovely character; I was truly worried for his health. Hecate's mother, Beatrice, surprised me and also sounded familiar; she's similar to many matriarchs in traditional books whose job it is to make sure her daughter marries well.

I wasn't put off at all by the depictions of the demon figures or the exorcism; clearly Paula Brackston has done her research. And Hereford sounds like such a lovely place that I wanted to go there to take a stroll and then visit the cathedral. I was also surprised by how much I enjoyed the friendly ghosts and the griffin. Kudos on those characters!

Some of the modern-day attitudes seemed shoe-horned into the story, but even with the few issues I've mentioned here I actually really liked this book and am curious to read the sequel to find out what happens next. Who, I want to know, is summoning the dead and why? If nothing else, Paula Brackston has left me waiting for that answer.

Good fun all the way around.

This beginning of a new series mixes historical fiction with the supernatural as Hecate Cavendish begins a job in the library of a cathedral and is soon drawn into a battle of good versus evil. One night the crypts of the cathedral are desecrated, with old coffins shattered and remains removed. It is not the act of simple grave robbers, and Hecate learns she has special talents that will make her indispensable to the investigation. When strange murders occur in her village the stakes appear to become even higher. I look forward to the next volume!

I didn't think I could like Paula Brackston more than I have with her Found Things Series, but I loved the origin story of this new series and cannot wait to read the next one! It had all the elements I love when I'm reading; elements of history, magic, interesting/rich relationship dynamics and a strong female character overcoming adversity. No one is rescuing this heroine but her! There were points in the book that I had hoped for a different outcome but again I love that it was not predictable, There was one tiny moment where the timeline seemed to suddenly leap ahead and for a moment I was lost but it might have been me and it sorted itself quickly.

This book is really interesting. It’s a historical mystery with fantastical elements like ghosts and incantations. It also takes place in Hereford Cathedral (an actual historical place in the UK) and incorporates real-life elements like its chained library and mappa mundi. Respect is paid to both the Christian God and other deities like Hecate. Seeing as how Hecate rules over liminal realms, it felt fitting for this story to incorporate so many dichotomies and in-betweens.

As much as I enjoyed this book, I must confess that I was not prepared for the emotional rollercoaster near the end. (I’m really hoping some sort of hocus pocus comes into play in a future book, because I was devastated.)

The Haunting Of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston is a beautifully written historical fiction fantasy with a dose of paranormal mystery and a sprinkling of romance. 

I liked Hecate as a protagonist. From her kind heart to her desire to not be forced into societal norms during her era, she's a cute little ball of feisty. With a supportive father, she's able to explore her passions and find a job working as an assistant librarian at the cathedral. 

Brackston has a poetic way with words.  The world building is vivid and atmospheric. The way the settings are depicted and the gorgeous map really pull the imagery together.  Even though Hecate has a powerful connection to something ancient and can speak to ghosts, I felt this was more a paranormal mystery than witchy like other books. I think the historical points make the magical elements pop more and add a whimsical touch.

I did feel that the novel was a bit longer than I would've liked. There are a few areas I felt it could've ended smoothly. A few times I started drifting to other thoughts as I read or listened.

Overall though, I had such a fun time in this new series and look forward to where Hecate takes us next. With a mystery still to solve, danger on the loose and a little cliffhanger, I'll be patiently waiting for the next release in this series.

Thank you macmillan audio for the gifted ALC read by Marisa Calin. Calin has a gorgeous reading voice and I felt she fit Hecate's personality well. I also want to thank St. Martins Press for the gifted copy to add to my Brackston collection! All thoughts are my own.

You had me at Paula Brackston and magical historical fiction! Another brilliant novel and captivating start to a new series. I look forward to the next installment!

Hecate Cavendish is a bookish young woman who is more interested in research and academics than most girls her age but that’s not all that sets her apart - she has a special ability that allows her to interact with the spirit world.

This is a solid start to what I assume will be a series. Hecate is a delightful character that you can truly get behind and the fantasy elements are fun and whimsical rather than silly. I loved Hecate’s relationship with her father.

Overall, I enjoyed this story - plenty of mystery to keep it going and excitement. My only reservation is the ending was a bit of a let down. There’s a lot of action building up but the story didn’t feel fully resolved. I assume this is because some elements will continue in the next installment. I will definitely give the series consideration.

I received this ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.