3. 5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

* New Series Alert*

Hecate Cavendish is a young woman in 19th-century England who is a bit different. You see, fellow readers, Hecate can see and speak with ghosts. Of course, she doesn't know this until she begins working at the Hereford Cathedral as an Assistant Librarian. But things are about to get much more interesting and scary for Hecate's family.


Hecate is a compelling protagonist. She loves her father, is kind to her ailing brother and wishes that her mother would stop pushing her to find a beau. Just by being herself- she manages to find two in the course of this story. The scenes that feature her father and Hecate were my absolute favourites. There was a good mix of mystery and adventure in the novel. I am intrigued to see what lies ahead for our heroine as the series continues.



Expected Publication Date 23/07/24
Goodreads Review Published 13/07/24

Paula Brackston has my undying readership loyalty, as every single novel she writes is breathtaking. This series is going to keep me awake at night, and I'm so happy about it.

I didn't love Hecate as much as Brackston's other main characters. Something was just off about her. I also wanted more bookish, library scenes.

I had high hopes for The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish, but unfortunately, it didn't capture my interest. While I wanted to love it, the story just wasn't to my taste. However, I can admit that it was well-written. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read it.

Atmospheric, mysterious, Gothic in a way. This book is unique in the way it is written. I feel spooky time would be the best to enjoy this book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Paula Brackston for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish coming out July 23, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I was really intrigued by the plot. I love ghost stories and the Victorian era. I loved the old library with old books set up. I liked the story, but it didn’t really do it for me. I think the story was a little too long and had parts where nothing really exciting happened. I think parts of it were a little cliche or I’ve just read it a hundred times before. I think what was happening to her was exciting, but I didn’t really feel it. I couldn’t really connect to Hecate. I wasn’t obsessed about it. I would check out other books by this author.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys slow burn stories.

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish
Paula Brackston

I've read several of Paula Brackstone’s books but all in her Found Things series. This newest offering is the first (it says on Amazon) in the Hecate Cavendish series.

Hecate is an unusual young woman. Her father “gets her”, but her mother doesn't. Her mother wants to marry her off, preferably to a family friend, but in a pinch to a local vicar. Her father, on the other hand, gets Hecate a job as an assistant in the much-vaunted and very old library at the cathedral. Hecate’s new boss is a curmudgeon, but she finds ways around him. She does not reveal to her boss that there is a ghost in the library, whom Hecate can see and talk with. He is a monk from the 16th century called Brother William. He introduces her to several of the other ghosts who linger in the cathedral. The year is 1881.

Soon after she begins working, Hecate discovers that an ancient and very strange map on the wall of the library begins to move when she touches it. Then, there is a horrible, crashing desecration in the cathedral’s crypt that no one can explain. Sarcophaguses are blown apart and grave niches in the wall are opened.

The rest of the story reveals Hecate Cavendish the 19th century sleuth. I can't really decide whether this is a ghost story, a gothic mystery, or a horror novel. Likely it doesn't matter. Hecate is a young woman with “pluck”. She is, she and her father believe, a child of the Greek goddess also named Hecate. It's an interesting novel, but I recommend that, if you are a fan of the Found Things series, you let that go and allow this new series to be what it is.
(A word—while this is not a cliff hanger in the traditional sense, it is good to know in advance that all is not resolved within this first in series.)

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the chance to read The haunting of Hecate Cavendish. I enjoy books that are about ghosts and hauntings and the chance to read one where the main character works in a mysterious library seemed to be perfect. I enjoyed the story and Hecate's strong personality but the slow pacing drove me to continually put it down, and the ending was a let down.

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston is a refreshing tale that follows a young woman unafraid to challenge the norms of her era and our own. Her fearless exploration of the boundaries of reality is both captivating and inspiring. Brackston's writing is charming, uplifting, and lyrical, offering a much-needed escape from the tumultuous nature of modern life.

It's 1881, and Hecate Cavendish is ready to get out into the world. Although her mother would like her to marry well as is expected of her, she has other ideas. First order of business, a job. Her father is an archeologist and has secured her a job in the church library. For bookish Hecate, this is a dream job. The church library is filled with ancient tomes and scrolls, etc. She can't wait to read everything!

She is in for a big surprise. Something sinister is brewing.

I liked Hecate as a character. She's a bit bold for her time and I love it! My only real issue with this book is that it felt really drawn out. I think if it was a bit shorter, it would have been better.

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Historical Fantasy, Historical Mystery
Spice Level: Kissing
Ghost Factor: Oh, yeah! There are ghosts for this haunting and more wild stuff!

THE HAUNTING OF HECATE CAVENDISH is a WILD ride! Oh, my gosh—I could not stop reading. There was one point where I literally yelled "NO" and you'll have to guess where when you read this.

Reasons to read:
- Hecate is feisty and not your typical Victorian woman
- Hecate's bicycle is awesome!
- The setting is moody and dark and wonderful—ATMOSPHERIC!
- There's a thread of romantic elements
- GHOSTS!
- The twists will make your head spin!
- MYTHOLOGY COME TO LIFE!

There are so many things I loved about this book. It is intense. Even if you don't like historical books, you're going to eat this one up. It's amazing.

Happy (haunting) reading!

I really was intrigued by this but could not get into it. I think if I had this physical copy, I would have an easier time reading because I think the format through my off. DEfinitely still read if you're interested!

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Paula Brackston for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I sadly couldn’t really get into this one… I didn’t connect with the writing style, but I still recommend picking it up because others will probably enjoy it more.

In 1881, Hecate Cavendish is a simple girl in an English village. She is thrilled when her father arranges for her a library assistant position at the local cathedral. Her love of books and learning makes her a perfect fit. She discovers she has other gifts as well. Like her namesake, Hekate, the goddess of ghosts, modern-day Hecate can see and communicate with souls that are still among us.

When a terrible desecration of tombs in the cathedral crypt occurs, Hecate sets on a path to discover what is happening without knowing whom she can trust. While the goddess provides help, it's up to Hecate to find out how to stop the sinister activity.

I'm in the middle of Brackston's "Found Things" series, and I've enjoyed it. Readers who are looking for magical realism and stories of the supernatural that do NOT turn into horror will be pleased with The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish. It started a bit slow but then rapidly picked up. This one is an investment - it's the beginning of a series, so you won't find all the answers or a tidy wrap-up in this novel. Brackston's formula worked because I'll be impatiently waiting for the next installment to find out more!

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is a great start to a new series for Paula Brackston. I loved Hecate Cavendish. She is strong, brave, and very intelligent, just what is needed to defeat the dark forces assaulting her city. I loved her connection to the Inspector at the local police station. I hope this connection develops in future books as they work together to defeat the forces of evil. The story definitely ended in a way that completed this book, but left you knowing there is much more to come.

The plot of this book was intriguing, but at the same time it was so slow. It's an odd mix when you're interested in the story and where it's going, but have to force yourself to continue reading because the plot won't pick up.

The story revolves around Hecate, who discovers she has a special ability to see and talk to ghosts after starting work at a library in a cathedral.. Sounds interesting right? The problem is it takes so long to get to this point, and then what should be interesting or exciting encounters with the ghosts seem very mundane. The feelings and interactions other characters have with Hecate feels forced at times - the author is trying to show that everyone loves and adores and respects Hecate, but it feels unnatural, especially for the times. There are long stretches where nothing of interest happens, then some quick action, followed by more long stretched of nothing, The pacing is off, which doesn't help the storyline. Towards the end, there is a bunch of action, but the ending is incredibly flat and leaves a lot to be desired. I understand this is written to be a series, but a better ending would have helped the overall story and brought more excitement into reading the next installment. Instead, I was left feeling unsatisfied and unsure how to feel.

This isn't to say the book is bad - it's not. There is some very good writing in here, but it gets overshadowed by how much the plot drags. While I am interested in a sequel, it will need to fix the pacing issues and deal with the ending in order to keep my interest.

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston is a mesmerizing journey into the mystical and haunting world of Hereford cathedral in 1881 England. Hecate Cavendish, a bold and curious Assistant Librarian, finds herself drawn into a web of ancient secrets and spectral encounters as she navigates her new role among the cathedral's storied collection. Brackston's evocative prose weaves a rich tapestry of history and fantasy, where the medieval world map becomes not just a relic but a portal to unexpected friendships, perilous threats, and the restless spirits of the cathedral's past. As Hecate delves deeper into the mysteries hidden within the cathedral's walls, she discovers that her journey to uncover the truth will test her courage and loyalty in ways she never imagined. The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is a spellbinding tale that captivates from start to finish, blending historical intrigue with supernatural suspense in Brackston's signature style.

Thank you to the author, Netgalley and the publisher for an arc of this in exchange for an honest review.

This was an interesting read. The writing style made this to be a very slow read for me. I understand it was probably most for the effect of the time period and environment. It took a while for me to get into — the beginning was a little long before the plot picked up. Once that had happened though I was entertained. I enjoyed Hecates character and her determination to be independent. The paranormal aspect and lore added made for this to be a fun and eerie mystery for Hecate. I have my suspicions on pretty much everyone else.

Interesting read overall. I’d be interested to see how Hecate takes on the wickedness in her home when the story continues.

Based on the synopsis I was interested to read this one, but unfortunately I don't think it was for me.

I think I was hoping for a heavier tone of mystery and maybe something more from the characters. While I enjoyed the story at times, it did move a bit slowly for me. However, if you're a history fan, this is a great novel. The history in it is fantastic and there's a lot of intrigue for future stories.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for access to the e-ARC.

Thank you @netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review. This review includes spoilers further down.

I came incredibly close to DNFing this one I’m afraid. The writing is overwrought and overdone. Felt like the author had a thesaurus active next to them the entire time. It was full of unnecessarily flowery descriptions and over the top adjectives. The plot was incredibly slow until the last 10%, only to hit you with the unfortunate fact that there will be another book and that none of the conflicts have been concluded and none of the mysteries have been answered.

I was also going to be really angry when the “villain” turned out to be John, based on the sheer number of times Hecate swore it could never be John because essentially she liked him too much. Now, knowing it wasn’t John, I’m almost angrier at how often the au tbh or lingered on that fact? Got instinct and looking a hot boy is a terrible reason to “know” he’s innocent.

I guess pleased I finished it because I hate DNFing books but I will absolutely not be picking up book two.