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 in that time frame and transports the listener 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 '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 listen - 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.

The audio book of The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish was performed by Marisa Calin. She did a wonderful job with her presentation. She has a rich and full voice that moves up and down within a single sentence. There's a bit of a gravelly tone that works well in this book. The voice she has for Hecate suits perfectly. She speaks clearly and enunciates well. She has captured the plot, the characters and the action very well. Her English accent works so well with this book. This was an excellent performance.

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 try a different approach. The audio version was well done, with a single narrator and great production. 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.

The haunting of Heckett Cavendish by Paula Braxton is the first book in the new historical paranormal cozy mystery Series featuring the Independent Heckett Cavendish. It’s 1881 in while most girls Hecketts age or securing a husband she’s securing a position as a librarian assistant and couldn’t be happier about it. It’s at Hereford Cathedral but it’s not your every day church library, Heckett learns many things at her new post but it’s the things she doesn’t know that may get her in trouble. There is so much I wanted to say about the book like how much I loved the gremlin I also truly enjoyed the mystery and everything with the towns people but I think the next book I will read on my Kindle because although I thought the narrator had a great voice it was to entergetic for me. Don’t get me wrong had she spoke like that for Hecate and Hecate alone that would’ve made for a great listen but she read that way throughout the whole book and I found it a bit much and could only listen in intervals. Having said that I still recommend this book and cannot wait for the next one this is my kind of paranormal book I love a book with talking ghost and even better with talking animals or animals that are knowledgeable and that is definitely this book and so I totally would’ve enjoyed it better had it been Kendall but still ultimately liked it. #McMillanAudio, #NetGalley, #PaulaBrackston, #TheHauntingOfHeckettCavendish,

I can't wait to read the next installment of this series!

This book was great, and while it covered some ground I don't usually go in for, I really enjoyed it. It was a wild ride, filled with twists, and left you wanting more. All the characters we get to know are fun to learn more about, though I wish one in particular had been explored a little more and earlier for... reasons.

This is a great read for anyone who likes historical mysteries, supernatural mysteries, and dark story lines.

Mild Spoiler Warning: No character is held precious or safe.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this Audio ARC Copy!

Set in the 1800s with a library, a magical map, ghosts, monsters, mystery, and betrayal.

I really enjoyed this book, the mystery was promising and I really loved Hecate as a character, she was spunky, and smart, and self sufficient, which is refreshing when often times FMC are written as damsel in distress.

I did not realize that this was a series when I was reading it, but I am really glad that it is because it seemed like the ending was lacking a bit, I was just left wanting a bit more but now that just means that I will have to read the second book in the series.

I really enjoyed this historical mystery novel complete with ghosts, powerful books, and a magical map.
I found the characters very compelling, especially Hecate. I loved her relationship with her dad. She seems to have a gift for befriending people from all walks of life—from the gentry to common folk to holy men to ghosts to mysterious key makers. I particularly appreciated Hecate’s approach with Inspector Winter.

The audiobook is narrated by Marisa Calin. I enjoyed the way she portrayed Hecate—practical yet open-minded.

I love all of Paula Brackston's books. This one was was a bit slower than some of her others, and not my favorite but I still enjoyed it.

I love, love, love Paula Brackston and everything about this book. The narration was wonderful. The story kept me hooked. I binge listened one Saturday (and my house has never been cleaner!) I'm not a huge fan of series, but I can't wait for the next title in this one!

Have you ever picked up a book that immediately draws you in, wrapping you into its spooky, gothic embrace? The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston did just that for me.

The novel sweeps us away to 1881, where we meet the vibrant Hecate Cavendish, the new Assistant Librarian at the Hereford Cathedral. Fair warning; this novel is a departure from Brackston’s usual fare. Instead of following a witch, our protagonist, Hecate, is “witch-adjacent”. But while she’s not a witch herself, she’s certainly surrounded by the supernatural… including dangerous books.

Honestly, I’m already a sucker for novels about books and libraries. But when you add in dangerous books?

*Swoon*

This book had so much to like. Ghosts, libraries, living maps, guardians of dangerous artifacts, a creepy cathedral, and a curmudgeon of a boss for young Hecate. There's a tie-in with her name and the goddess that's interesting, her relationship with her father is fantastic, and despite the year, 1881, her experiences with misogyny aren't as sickening as some. Not all the paranormal entities she encounters are friendly and there's a big battle, but her spirit friends charmingly help her in many ways.

I enjoyed this, but honestly, I completely forgot the book a week after I finished it, making writing my review difficult. It was cute enough as I read it, but it didn't have enough "oompf" to make longer-lasting space in my head.

Would I read the next book in the series? Sure, I'll try it. I might even recommend it to the right person. But it just didn't make much of a footprint.

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!

Narrator, Marisa Calin, did a lovely job bringing the story to life. Her accents and nuanced performance added to my immersive listening experience by adding to the suspense and thrills of the plot! Thank you to St. Martin's Press for my physical copy of the book, and Macmillan Audio for my complimentary audiobook.

For some reason, I cannot find my way into Brackston's writing when reading an actual book (including an ARC of this one a while back). I am always intrigued by her premises and love her cover art, but have struggled with reading her novels repeatedly. I decide to give the audio format a try, wondering if that would help. It did - I enjoyed this one and finished it happily, although must confess that there was a bit more romance than is typically my cup of tea and that it seemed to get mired in details that felt repetitive at times. Still, the narration is excellent and the plot moved along at a decent pace, despite the occasional slow bits as the story neared its climax. I found it to be an enjoyable listen and would be curious to see where Hecate's adventures took her in future installments. I'm also going back to give the earlier books a try in this format!

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 , . I really enjoyed the narration , helped bring the characters to life .

I absolutely love this audiobook! It’s fresh, unique, and engaging! Hecate Cavendish is a wonderful character of her time who can talk with those that passed before her. I also loved the support that she received from her archaeologist father who possessed a bit of the ability too. The dialogue and detailed descriptions of the library and the items held within are tremendous. I can’t wait for the next audiobook by Paula Brackston!!!

5 solid gold stars.

Audiobook incredibly narrated, and gobbled up in record time(13+ hours in 2 days!!).

I LOVED this book.

Hecate, our main character, is a wonderfully independent and often brash young woman who finds (once she begins working as a cathedral library assistant) that she can see and communicate with both ghosts and the magical beings that reside upon a fantastical map of the world. Her father is a renowned, retired archaeologist who has instilled in his daughter, the love of knowledge/books, ability to discern the smallest details and insatiable curiosity that will help her through her first true adventure. It was also he who insisted that she be named after the Goddess of Witches and the Moon, rather than go with the much more mundane name that her mother wanted for her. He had good reasons.

The world-building in this book is truly so much fun. The author's use of language so expertly sets the tone of this "historical fantasy" (set in an alternative 19th century England). And yet, there was just enough time to visit the town's first ever ice-cream parlour, go on a couple carriage rides and attend one ball, before the nefarious entities completely turn Hecate's life (and library) upside down. Ancient necromancers have returned, and it's time for this head-strong daughter to follow in her father's investigative footsteps.

The community, friends (old & new), family, coworkers, townspeople and adversaries who surround our young adventurer are varied and diverse. I love so many of the characters brought to life in this book. Further, there is enough character development to keep me invested.

Squeeeeeee. So good.

I truly cannot wait for the next instalment of this series, to find out what happens! I will also be searching out more from this author, as this was the first of her books that I have read.

Huge Gratitude to Netgalley, and the publisher, Macmillan Audio, for an Audio-ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest gleeful review.

PS. Honestly, this story would also make an incredible graphic novel. *hint, hint*

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 narrator did a great job and made the experience quite enjoyable.

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗛𝗔𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗙 𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗛 𝗯𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝘂𝗹 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻 is an enchanting read that seamlessly blends history, mystery, and the supernatural. Set in Hereford, 1881, the story follows Hecate Cavendish, a spirited young woman who becomes an assistant librarian at the Hereford Cathedral. The setting is atmospheric, with the ancient chained library and the mysterious medieval map adding a layer of intrigue. Hecate's journey is captivating, from her daring bicycle rides to discovering her ability to interact with spirits. The characters, both human and spectral, are well-developed, and Hecate's relationships, especially with her supportive father and ailing brother, add depth to the narrative. Brackston's vivid descriptions bring the cathedral and its secrets to life. While the pacing is uneven, the story gains momentum, culminating in a thrilling, though slightly underwhelming, conclusion. Despite this, I eagerly await the next installment in this promising series.

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

Thank you Netgalley for the advance audiobook copy of The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston in exchange for an honest review. This was an interesting story about a librarian's assistant who could see ghosts. She helps to thwart evil with the help of her father.

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.