The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is my first read by Paula Brackston & it will not be my last. She has an amazing imagination & an equally brilliant writing style. Definitely re-reading this one at Halloween.

Thank you NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This novel begins a new fantasy series set in Hereford Cathedral, which houses the famed chained library, and the medieval masterpiece, the Mappa Mundi. In 1881, Hecate Cavendish is eagerly beginning her adult life with her first job as the cathedral’s assistant librarian. Over the next few days, she senses peculiarities to which the chief librarian is not privy. While reverently cleaning the map frame, her fleeting touch sets off restless movement fluttering through the various depictions. The little griffin leaves his one-dimensional home, circumnavigates the library, and comes to rest on her shoulder, soon becoming an ally. With the advent of these strange occurrences, Hecate’s life takes a different turn, her only confidant being her archaeologist father, who has been chasing elusive artifacts most of his life and admits he has been longing for her inherent ‘gift’ to blossom. Brother Michael, the ghostly, centuries-old resident of the library, comes to Hecate’s aid. When the crypt is broken into, the police inspector agrees with Hecate’s speculation that, rather than someone breaking into the tombs, something has clearly broken out.

Brackston is an evocative writer and always mistress of an imaginative story, imbuing multifaceted characters with warmth and relatability. She adds charming imagery to her surprisingly human ghosts; Brother Michael’s ethereal makeup allows him to turn pages using only his ghostly breath, so if he spills loose folio leaves, Hecate tidies up. Hecate is an intelligent, principled protagonist, with a willingness to fight evil to her last breath, as the novel ventures into darker territory than Brackston’s previous novels. As with her Found Things series, I loved the marvelous believability of it all, although I did not expect so many unfinished threads at the conclusion, or to have to wait to discover who is responsible for all this mayhem. But, wait and anticipate, I must!

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is a historical tale of a librarian assistant at a Cathedral library. It is here she witnesses ghosts, interacts with a magical map with mythical creatures. While it all sounds exciting, this story was a bit slow, and the ending was unsatisfying.

Thank you, St. Martin's Press

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston was such a fun book. Hecate Cavendish, a young woman in 19th-century England, can see and speak with ghosts. She doesn't realize this until she begins working as an Assistant Librarian at the Hereford Cathedral. But things get interesting and scary for Hecate's family. She loves her father, and is kind to her ailing brother. She wants her mother to stop pushing her to find a husband!
She doesnt need her mothers persistence. I really liked her relationship with her father.
I really enjoyed the mix of mystery and adventure and I look forward the next book in this series.

I really liked the story. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, St. Martin's Press, for an advanced readers copy.

Paula Brackston is one of my favorite authors. I really enjoyed her Found Things series, so I picked this book up as soon as I saw it was available. This is the first book in The Hecate Cavendish series, and I'm already looking forward to the next one.

Description:
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.

My Thoughts:
Hecate Cavendish is a great character with special witchy abilities atrributable to the goddess of witches/ghosts she was named after. Her father, an unconventional man for his time, named her and he also served as a great role for Hecate. I liked Hecate's unconventional approach to life - she didn't want to just get married and have children, she wanted to do purposeful work in the great library at Hereford. Hecate became aware of her special abilities only after she began work as an assistant librarian in Hereford Cathedral. I enjoyed her relationship with the ghosts she met, but I especially liked her interactions with the Mappa Mundi and the characters on the map. There is both darkness and light in this book and Hecate must try to defeat an evil presence. I didn't like the ending to the book as it did not provide the answers to my questions; however, I assume this was the author's intent and more answers will come as the series progresses. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes magical realism, stories about witches and ghosts, or historical fiction.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy.

Reads like a procedural. Very interesting, but kind of slow and quite the cliffhanger for an ending. Loved the protagonist, especially the fact that she's a woman, and a.young one at that! She goes about her mystery in quite the methodical way, dealing with ghosts and malevolent spirits in such a calm way. She's a young woman in Victorian times who gets a job in the library at the Cathedral as a library assistant to the Master Librarian. She reacts to something called the Mappa Mundi, which comes to life in her presence. She has a little pet from it! She is investigating a series of murders that have taken place since the crypts were desecrated and has determined that there are paranormal forces at work. With the help of her father, an archeologist, a reverend from the Cathedral, and a police detective, she comes to find what is happening, but by the end still needs more time to determine the who, and that is the cliffhanger. Some sad parts, beautiful friendship, an amazing mystery. Quite an interesting read.

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.

I loved this novel. From the magic in the library to the lines of family and romance. At first it was slow, but gradually it went faster and faster as more information was discovered. Hecate is such a unique character. She loves her family but refuses to be anything but herself. I love the supportive parent, though the mother occasionally left a bitter taste to my mouth.

I love just about any novel that involves a library, but a magical library is definitely my favorite. The paranormal elements that combine the Christian faith with older, or Pagan, beliefs was interesting. I want to see a visual of the map, however. Maybe its something the author could add to the next book.

Overall, I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars.

I have always enjoy reading any book by Paula Brackston. I love the historical settings and they are so descriptive. Hecate Cavendish worked in the library at Hereford cathedral. She discovers she can see the several ghost that are still in the cathedral. There is a map, Mappa Mundi, that only she can see the figures come to life. I can’t wait for the next book to continue with the adventures with Hecate.

Thank you NetGalley, St Martin’s Press, and Paula Brackston for the ARC.

I liked Hecate as our main character and enjoyed her relationship with her father and brother. I loved her interest in learning and working in the library; some really cool magical things were happening. However, I didn't feel any urgency when things would happen, no suspense, no moments where I felt like I had to continue reading to see what was going to happen next. At least until more towards the end when things pick up in the story but by then I wasn't really interested anymore.

Early Release/NetGalley/Now Available

I was genuinely amped up when I saw Brackstone had released something, not related to her prior long running compilations, and was extremely anticipatory for new material.

But shortly into this one, I came to the realization that there’s an abundance of expendable details describing various aspects of the surrounding area, that serves no purpose other than to drag the story and plot out. I refer to these as filler and fluff. Just one more way to add to the page numbers, yet adding no value to what’s happening.

It’s actually distracting, and can be motivationally deadening. As well as interfering with a respectable tempo, it can also deflect away from what’s going on in the major step-up of the characters, the storyline and plot of the novel, and even the building of the "world" this takes place in. The beginning was dragged under by a fair extent of dispensable drivel.

Finally, at 60+% of the book, not only does the pace pick up, it accelerates at breakneck speeds, where I had to put the book down for extended periods. Where was all this before, when it was needed? Now, as everything begins to fall apart, Now, as so much begins to come to fruition, NOW it "increases to warp speed???
Just when you’re trying to link the plots together, the good and the bad, and make sense of everything up until this point, NOW you’re NOT provided with a breather??

Fortunately/unfortunately since this is a pre-press release, I’m hoping a lot of the run-ons, nonessential prattling, and lack of paragraphs will be addressed prior to the official release.

The book involves ghosts, or as they prefer to be identified: “the lost souls,” and they’re of monumental importance in the book. They were a conclusive surplus, adding a heightened intrigue to the plot.
Without adding a spoiler, I will say I strongly remonstrated against the living soul that was lost, toward the end of the book. Particularly with it happening at a significant and critical point where it appeared a crucial endeavor was possibly beginning to wrap up.
Not the best way to throw in such a major event, at the same moment another major event is coming to a wrap.

I am compelled to point out an intensity
of discontentment I didn’t expect from such a seasoned author. I have come to expect a greater degree of enrichment from her. A cleaner presentation, a more concise approach to the plot and storyline, than what this provided would have brought it up a notch or two.

The majority of the book reads at a 2, with the end coming in closer to a 3, which made it difficult to rate. I don’t feel I should have to sludge my way through 215 pages out of 359, before it opens up to the level of stimulation it began to show. But alas, once again, I came across with more disappointment when I saw I only had 3-4% to finish, and it was nowhere near being wrapped up, not even smaller fragments of the plot, and subplots which were thrown in along the way.

I abhor the fact that my final rating is a 2. Saddened indeed!

I appreciate the opportunity provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/MacMillian in obtaining a pre-released transcript of this novel.

I love ties to Greek mythology, so naturally I had to pick this up. Marisa Calin did a wonderful job portraying Hecate and the story. I was drawn in at first to the wonder and world building. The historical aspect of being in 1881, it followed a lot of the “woman must be proper” but our girl Hecate pushed against the “normal” and I was here for it. Finally gaining permission to be an Assistant Librarian (GOALS), she found herself in a bit of a pickle when a portrait appeared to be moving.
If you’re searching for a novel with ties to,
-Greek Mythology
-Dark/sinister, semi religious
- Ghosts
- Historical Romance
This is it. And it is out now.

Hecate Cavendish is looking forward to her new job as an Assistant Librarian to books that are no way ordinary. The library contains insight into centuries of mysteries and more. It's biggest prize is a medieval world map that is located next to her new desk. She soon learns that it is more than a map and all that is depicted on it will become a part of her new and exciting life. Follow along as her tale begins and meet those who enter her new life as a Librarian. A new adventure awaits her at a job that she thought would be easy and simple.

What did I not like?nThe pacing of this story was inconsistent and the ending was abrupt. What did I like? I liked Hecate. She was all business but very likable. In fact, I loved most of the characters in the book and loved the way Hecate and her family just gaslighted the mother. The next book will be something to watch for. I received a digital ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. My opinion is my own.

A delightful blend of supernatural historical mystery, with a memorable heroine with the ability to communicate with ghosts! Hecate defies the social conditions of 1880's England by seeking employment as the Assistant Librarian in her local Cathedral. Upon starting her new role, she quickly learns in her magical ability to communicate with a variety of 'lost souls' who live in the Cathedral. When evil forces use magic to set free previously entombed spirits leading to murders in town, Hecate feels it is her duty to use her gift and access to ancient texts to solve the crimes. With descriptive prose, a gothic immersive setting, endearing secondary characters, and a propulsive mystery, this new series opener captivated my attention and has me anxious to return to this magical world!

I really enjoyed this read ,Hecate is a wonderful character whom I look forward to reading more in the series , she is strong willed and determined to protect her family , her ghostly friends and the important books in the libaray This was fast paced , keeps you engaged and a page Turner , did not want to put this down , had to know what happened next , .

Hecate Cavendish is a young woman not really interested in marriage so much as working in a job she loves and being independent. Her father secures her a position in the cathedral library where she is repairing old manuscripts when she realizes that she is seeing spirits in the library and around the cathedral. Then a couple of murders occur in the town and she is convinced they are connected to some damage in the crypts.

I thought the characters of Hecate and her father were developed but not so much anyone else. One of the local farmers was interested in courting her and also one of the vicars so a little romance was a nice contrast to all the other darkness. The plot was an interesting concept but it was slow. At times it felt repetitious and the pacing was off, at times just plodding along and I was waiting for something, anything to happen and then at the end there was the big finish but I'm not sure what to make of the ending.

I would like to thank Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a digital copy.

When I was growing up, my small-town Canada public library was one of my favorite places in town to visit. I still remember some of the books I took home with me: Daniel Pinkwater’s The Snarkout Boys and the Avocado of Death, a book I would re-read as an adult to gleefully find that still held up despite the years and my age. I read all of the Little House on the Prairie books and just about every Choose Your Own Adventure tale I could get my hands on. Later, I would gravitate to books on the adult section’s shelves: Stephen King, some fantasy books by Raymond E. Feist and others. Now that I’m a book reviewer, I go to the library less often because I can get digital copies of books directly from the publisher. However, I am a fan of public libraries, and it is with this knowledge that you can know that I approached the first book in the Hecate Cavendish series with joy. It turns out the read is a middling sort — there are both good and bad things to say about it — but one thing I think I share with author Paula Brackston is that we both love our libraries. And books, of course.

The book is about twentysomething Hecate Cavendish, who lives in Hereford, England, in the early 1880s. She’s just been hired as an assistant librarian at the city’s cathedral, which is a significant accomplishment considering that women tended to not get those sorts of jobs back in that day and age. In any event, once she starts working in the library, strange things begin to happen. A map on the wall starts moving, and weird creatures in the margins come to life. Then, Cavendish starts to see ghosts who are part of the cathedral. Suddenly, crypts containing the dead burst open violently from the inside out, and people then begin acting murderously towards one another in various areas of the city’s surroundings. What could be causing this? And what can Cavendish do about it?

I’ll start with the good stuff first to be charitable and respectful. This novel is built on a particular atmosphere of the past. The book succeeds in this manner because it is as though it was written in the nineteenth century — just without a lot of Old English employed at the time. And the book certainly is a big sopping love letter to churches and libraries everywhere. It’s evident that a lot of research has gone into this novel, and the level of detail is striking. As well, as a work of speculative fiction and light horror, it certainly is creative. A rousing exorcism is teased throughout the work and comes to life in the book’s later pages. So, yes, there are many things to like about this book, which I think will find an audience with sassy ladies. However, The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish also requires suspending your sense of disbelief. Even without the ghost elements, much in this book happens as a matter of coincidence (the lazy writer’s tool) and things that go bump in the night that ordinarily shouldn’t. I also found the lead character childish, immature, and thus somewhat unlikable. However, I will add that she does grow up a little by the end, but a large swath of this read is written in girly prose that a guy like me found hard to stomach.

Overall, The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish only really picks up in the latter quarter of the book. You will love this book if you’re a young woman who loves Charles Dickens and musty old libraries. I found the book to be overlong for the rest of us, with the promise of multiple sequels teased in the book’s acknowledgments section. In its first three-quarters, this novel is padded out with stuff that wasn’t too interesting and only got going in its final pages. I know that I am continuing with my criticism here. I shouldn’t be churlish because I suspect that there is a market for this (the young woman mentioned earlier), considering that the publisher feels comfortable enough to take a risk on a multiple-book series with the first book being a slight doorstop. The book reeks of empathy, at least when you find out that the abbey’s cat is named after a real-life person somehow in the author’s orbit and was asked by the distraught parents to be made a character in the read. So, see? Readers may find nice things about this book that are touching and endearing. I suppose there are worse things you can do than read this book, but just be aware that the first part of the book is slow-going and a bit boring. It could have certainly used a bit of a trim by an editor or the interjection of more tension by the request of one. Still, The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is a novel that will set the stage for something more. Based on this, it’s just a matter of whether readers want to come along for the rest of the ride. However, Book number two looks more promising now that the main character has matured and lost someone important to her. If it is as much about libraries as this one, some bookworms may want to take a chance and continue with this series. It’s worth a look if you’re curious.

I received this book through NetGalley. This was a refreshing read and I was quite happy to quietly read about Hecate and her awesome (yet I’m not sure I’d want it) gift of seeing dead people. They don’t want to be called ghost but would rather be called lost souls. Hecate has started a new exciting job at the local Hereford Cathedral working in the library, much to her mother’s dismay. Her father has fostered in her a thirst for knowledge so the library is the perfect place for her. Days into her job strange things start to happen and soon murders happen. With the help from the lost souls, her friends and her father, Hecate begins to search for answers. Hecate is a well rounded character that I have enjoyed getting to know. I look forward to her next adventure.

I just really enjoyed this story and I just didn’t want it to end. I just lost myself in and I just couldn’t get enough of these interesting characters. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.

Title: The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish
Author: Paula Brackston
Genre: Historical fiction
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

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.

I really enjoyed this read! Hecate is a fascinating character, and I loved getting to know her. This is a very atmospheric novel, and I was fully absorbed into the setting. The characters—including the ghosts—are well-done and believable, and I was eager to see where the story took them. Can’t wait to read more in this series.

Paula Brackston is a bestselling author. The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)