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.)

This book is gorgeous, so if you love a great cover on a hardback and that's reason enough to buy a book, it's for you. And it's a good story too. I didn't connect with it as much as I'd hoped, but it had romance, danger, witchcraft, old libraries, magic maps, ghosts, and most importantly, an excellent narrator. I liked the protagonist. Overall the book was good but not going to be a favorite for me.

Thanks to @macmillan.audio and @stmartinspress for the audio and ebook.

I found Hecate to be a delightful main character. Although she is a Victoria young woman, she has agency, humour, and an ability to see and talk to ghosts. What isn't to like?

My issue with the book started in chapter twelve. This is from Inspector Winter's POV, and gives away information that hasn't even occured, let alone that Hecate doesn't know. It isn't until chapter nineteen that those two things take place. That left me a bit confused that I'd missed information (I even went back and skimmed the beginning to be sure that I hadn't). Then a few chapters later, Hecate mentions something that will later be important for her. But she hasn't even seen it, let alone know what it would be or its uses. The cat Solomon, who is very important, doesn't even show up in most of the book, only at the end when he is important. I was disappointed by that as it would have been a very lovely interaction between Hecate and the cat throughout the book.

I don't want to give away more, but one other part was a big disappointment for me.

That said, there is much to love in this story. Hecate is a strong female character. There is a bit of a steampunk vibe as the book (and Hecate's dress code) progress. And there are ghosts. And a chained library. And a magical map. Overall, the good outweighed the disappointing bits, which often doesn't happen for me. I think Brackston is a strong storyteller and I expect she will work out the bumps and her stories will just get better and better.

I love any books that entails the main character working in a library. This book hit the spot. I enjoyed learning about the ‘magical’ map and what the map contained. I was worried when Hecate kept being reminded what a ‘proper’ young lady is supposed to do. Hecate was very much ahead of her time in being allowed to work at the prestigious library. It was exciting to read all about her adventures even some of the dangerous ones. I would recommend this book to those that enjoy a gothic read.

What a great start of a new series! I found it quite fascinating that Hecate was able to communicate with the souls in the old cathedral. And what an interesting group these souls they were, very helpful.
Hecate Cavendish is the assistant librarian in the cathedral’s library. The cathedral’s library has an ancient chained book collection. Hecate is very interested in finding out all she can about the chained books, but the thing that interests her even more is the Mapa mundi.
This book is full of humor, but it also has its fair share of sadness. I did enjoy Hecates independence and also the bond between her and her father. I very much look forward to reading the next installment of this series.

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston is the first book in her new Hecate Cavendish series. I have a number of books by Ms. Brackston; unfortunately, I have not yet had the chance to read them yet. So I was super excited to start reading her work at the beginning of her latest series. I absolutely adored it!

In Hereford, England in 1881, Hecate Cavendish is excited to begin her new job as Assistant Librarian at the Hereford Cathedral. The library at the Cathedral is not like most other libraries; it holds ancient chained books - full of mysteries, stories and wisdom - that have been guarded for centuries. The most prized artifact in the library, however, is the Mappa Mundi, a medieval world map that hangs near Hecate's desk. She has no idea how much the mythical creatures and curious people depicted on the map will come to mean to her, nor that the lost souls who reside in the cathedral will become her friends. Others there will seek peace. However, there are some that will endanger Hecate's life as well as the lives of those she loves...

This book was just simply enchanting! It started off a bit slow, but it really kept my attention once I got going. I just absolutely loved Hecate Cavendish. She was such an intriguing character. She was a young, eccentric woman who thirsted for knowledge; she loved books, reading and ancient history. Her mother wished for her to simply get married, but she took after her father Edward, who was an archaeologist. She was incredibly close to her father, and he admired his daughter's curiosity and wonder, encouraging it. Hecate was thrilled to begin her job as Assistant Librarian to Reverend Thomas, Master of the Library; she looked forward to earning the privilege of reading the rare tomes housed in the Hereford Cathedral. Of course, she first had to do drudge work, such as cleaning and rebinding books. Hecate was intrigued by the Mappa Mundi, and soon began to notice some "odd" things about it; were figures actually moving?! And what were the terrifying group of men depicted on the map actually doing? (You won't like the answer!) Hecate also began to see some of the "lost souls" who inhabited the library: a monk, soldier, cleaning woman and a Lady who died there in an accident; they became dear friends to her. It seemed Hecate had the ability to commune with the dead! But she could also sense that something evil also inhabited the cathedral. What exactly had burst out of the crypts, and how were they related to the strange people on the map? And what books were hidden in a box that she was not to go near? The story, which had begun so charmingly and lightheartedly, began to get dark. Hecate began to learn her connection to the goddess Hecate. There was something I didn't expect to happen, and I had tears running down my face. I don't want to ruin any of the story for you, so I'm going to stop there. The characters were all enjoyable, especially Hecate, of course. I also loved her father Edward, Brother Michael (the deceased monk), and John Forsyth, the young "singing" vicar with whom Hecate fell in love. Well, if I'm honest, my favorite characters are Solomon, the cathedral cat, and the little Griffin from the map! They were both adorable! An interesting tidbit: the Hereford Cathedral actually exists, and it does house the Mappa Mundi! I am eagerly looking forward to more of Hecate and her adventures, and I'm thrilled to have more of this author's work already in my possession.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I received a complimentary copy of this book "The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish" and all opinions expressed are my own. I have both the kindle and the audiobook. I tried to listen to the audiobook. This book just wasn't for me. I generally like this type of book. DNF

Hecate is an endearing protagonist and I absolutely loved getting to know her and those in her circle of family and friends . Her dynamic with her loving father, who is an ally and who believes in her abilities, and their interactions were a joy to read as was her relationship with her ailing younger brother. The author balances the darkness of the plot with splashes of humor and lighter moments. I enjoyed the way both she and her father strive to appease as well as work their way around her mother. The characters (good and sinister) were well developed and I enjoyed following Hecate in her search for the truth behind the sinister occurrences. Despite the uneven pacing, the narrative flows well, dialing up the tension as we progress and at no point did I lose interest in the plot.

I did find the ending a tad underwhelming after such an intense build-up, more so because we did not get all the answers to our questions. This is a lengthy read and I can’t help but feel disappointed that the author chose to leave certain aspects of the mystery unresolved.

However, since this is the first in a new series, I suppose we will have to wait for the next installment for our answers.

Overall, I thought there was much about this novel that is praiseworthy and I will be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

Intrepid and smart Hecate Cavendish forges her own path in this first of a new series from Paula Brackston. With a feisty heroine, interesting romantic possibilities and cool magical elements, there are lots of places for it to go. I think readers will really enjoy the adventure, ghosts, and historical setting.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy. These opinions are my own.

I loved this book. Hecate is a wonderful character with charm, wit, and bravery. The detailed setting, the mix of Greek mythology with the and historical accuracy of 1881 in Hereford, London helped to paint a picture while the mysterious and slightly scary plot unfolded. I highly recommend this one for fans of paranormal suspense/mysteries.

Thank you to St Martins Press for my complimentary copy of The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was an interesting historical fiction / fantasy read. Hecate is very persistent and wise beyond her years. No doubt due to her namesake.

This one has it all. Fantasy. Horror. Mystery.
Witches. Spirits. Possessed humans.

Rather spooky at times (who’s a scaredy cat? Me)
Best read in the fall near a roaring fire.

I thought I knew who the bad guy was but I was proven wrong. I guess I will need to wait for the revelation in book 2.

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was absolutely 💯 Fantastic! I couldn't put it down & I didn't want it to end. It was great. Paula has done it again. I've read all her books & loved them all. This is one of my Favorites! I can't wait to read what is in store for Hecate Cavendish. Gooo read this Great book!
Thank you BUNCHES NetGalley!

I thoroughly enjoyed the world building in this novel.
Hecate has been raised as an educated and headstrong young woman. Finding that she has magically abilities to see the dead is actually a plus in her new job at the library. The ghostly friends are wonderfully done.
I listened to the audiobook as well and found it to be wonderfully narrated. I honestly was sad that it ended so soon and can’t wait for the next book by this author

I enjoyed this beginning of a new magical series focusing on the life and adventures of a spunky, courageous and determined young woman who can see and communicate with ghosts.

Hecate Cavendish has secured the coveted job of the Assistant Librarian at the local Hereford Cathedral. With an inquisitive mind fostered by her successful archaeologist father, this is basically her dream job…being surrounded by ancient historical books and documents. As she begins her work however, she begins to meet ghosts, who “live” at the church as well as those who are depicted on an ancient historical tapestry in the library. As evil forces are unleashed by an archaic spell, she must realize her destiny and fight to save her community.

I loved the character of Hecate. Her intelligence, her curiosity and her all-encompassing quest for good over evil made her a great heroine to follow. The villains are also frightening and well-fleshed out. There is unfortunately some heartbreaking tragedy along the way of resolution, but it serves to emphasize the seriousness of the conflict.

My only frustration (and it’s not a dealbreaker) was the lack of action scenes in the story until the denouement. I found myself putting the book down more often than I normally would have simply because there was not enough there in certain places to keep me invested at that moment. I realize that with a new series there is a lot of telling and background to get through so I’m chalking up most of my disappointment with that.

I felt overall that this was a great start to a series, and I’ll definitely be onboard for future Hecate adventures.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing the free early arc of The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

Hecate Cavendish is thrilled when she starts a new job as a librarian’s assistant at Hereford Cathedral. While there, she quickly discovers that she has the ability to both see and speak to spirits. A chain of unusual deaths occurs, and Hecate finds herself in harms way as she attempts to solve the mystery.

I thought the author did a great job portraying the time period and I enjoyed Hecate’s character. She’s a strong and smart heroine, who also loves her father and pushes back against societal standards. There were some pacing issues throughout, and the plot felt very slow at points. The ending was absolutely lacking for me. After some dramatic and quite serious events, it just kind of generically ends. There isn’t a resolution to the issue, the villain isn’t caught, and there isn’t even a cliffhanger.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

3.75⭐


Hereford, 1881: Hecate Cavendish is excited to have secured a position as librarian’s assistant at Hereford Cathedral. Though her mother would prefer she direct her efforts toward finding a suitor, her father Edward Cavendish, an archaeologist by profession, is encouraging of his daughter's endeavors. Unbeknownst to Hecate she possesses a special gift – an ability to see and interact with the spirit world with a strong sense of paranormal activity – a gift she only becomes aware of when she encounters the friendly spirits roaming about in the cathedral. But much evil also lurks within those walls, spirits with sinister motives being unleashed into the community. As chaos ensues, Hecate will have to learn how to use her gift to protect everything and everyone she holds dear.

With its intriguing premise, atmospheric setting and gothic vibes The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston is an engaging read. 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. The novel gets off to a slow start but picks up as the narrative progresses. The author writes beautifully with keen attention to detail which is evidenced in the way she vividly describes the atmospheric setting and the cathedral, the library and its collections and the Mappa Mundi, which I found particularly interesting!
( I looked up the actual The Hereford Mappa Mundi, created around 1300, which is the largest medieval map known to exist.)

Hecate is an endearing protagonist and I absolutely loved getting to know her and those in her circle of family and friends . Her dynamic with her loving father, who is an ally and who believes in her abilities, and their interactions were a joy to read as was her relationship with her ailing younger brother. The author balances the darkness of the plot with splashes of humor and lighter moments. I enjoyed the way both she and her father strive to appease as well as work their way around her mother. The characters (good and sinister) were well developed and I enjoyed following Hecate in her search for the truth behind the sinister occurrences. Despite the uneven pacing, the narrative flows well, dialing up the tension as we progress and at no point did I lose interest in the plot.

I did find the ending a tad underwhelming after such an intense build-up, more so because we did not get all the answers to our questions. This is a lengthy read and I can’t help but feel disappointed that the author chose to leave certain aspects of the mystery unresolved.

However, since this is the first in a new series, I suppose we will have to wait for the next installment for our answers.

Overall, I thought there was much about this novel that is praiseworthy and I will be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

I paired my reading with the audiobook expertly narrated by Marisa Calin. I couldn’t recommend the audiobook enough!

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for the digital review copy and Macmillan Audio for ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.