I was super excited about this book because it has so many of the elements that I enjoy in a book! I definitely enjoyed Hecate’s tenacity and curiosity, and I loved the setting! A haunted church, I’m sold. However, I felt like parts of the story dragged, and I did not like several things at the end of the story. I won’t list them, but just go into the story knowing what the main plot is: a haunting, not romance. Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I very much enjoyed Hecate. She is smart, kind, and strong, which I applaud Brackston for since this is often not the case with characters set in this time period. Her relationship with her father and best friend were delightful to read. Her mother and the constant discussion of beaus is predictable, but not a deterrent from the story. The mystery, setting, and plot were wonderful and fully what I wanted based on the description when I requested this audio ARC. The audio was done well enough to follow the story at a brisk pace and the voice was pleasant to listen to.

I did not enjoy the ending, but I won't give any spoilers. I absolutely will be watching, impatiently, for the next book.
If you enjoy a good paranormal historical fiction with a bit of mystery and a strong FMC, this book is definitely for you.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the audio ARC of this work. All opinions are my own.

Thank you so much to both St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for providing me with a physical copy as well as the audiobook arc, this was such a charming read. This is a brand new release.

I want to start by saying that this was quite entertaining. I could absolutely see this as a movie or series, maybe even starring Millie Bobby Brown as Hecate. I really loved the archeological, research and supernatural elements. The act of historical research as part of a plot is always a favorite of mine. And the setting of 1881 England, the cloisters and a cathedral library — just a delight to be there. I also enjoyed the balance of historical accuracy and fictional liberties. I would definitely recommend this to fans of Alice Hoffman, the writing is lovely and the story endearing. I loved that romance played a role but wasn’t central, that we get to know Hecate’s family and friends, and her work “family” and that each character has unique traits. For example there is a character whose work can be grim and his mind is very logical — but he loves flowers. There’s even a cloisters cat, named Solomon. But one of my favorite aspects is that every once in a while there is a break in the jaunty, propulsive plot and an eerie and atmospheric passage reminds you that there is, maybe, an “evil” afoot. For a cozy book there are also some intense happenings and reveals.

And honestly… the ending. I didn’t see that coming.

A quick note on the audiobook, Marisa Calin was great. I really appreciated her voice acting and it fit the story well. I found it a lot of fun to listen to on my morning walks.

I used to read books like this all the time but it’s a rare occurrence nowadays. This was such a nice reprieve from life and some of the grotesque reads I’ve been picking up. It’s sincere, kind, familiar and still surprising and unsettling. This is the beginning of a new series and I could definitely see indulging in the follow ups as they come.

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish
💚💚💚💚💚
This book was absolutely 💯 Fantastic! I enjoyed every minute of it and didn't want it to end. I can't wait to read what is in store for Hecate. Paula has done it again! All of her books are Wonderful. This might be my favorite. Soooo good!
Thank you 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 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

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.

I listened to the audio while eyeball reading and thought the narrator did a great job embodying Hecate’s character. She does speak rather quickly, but I got used to that pretty early on in the book. I think the narration helped keep my interest in the book.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the ARC and Macmillan Audio for the ALC.

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.

Thank you to NetGalley & Macmillan for this ALC!

I ended up DNFing this book at 45%. The story is of a charming librarian who can speak with the dead which in of its self is interesting. The pacing is just very slow and more of cozy fantasy/ mystery. So unfortunately this didn’t appeal much to me.

I do want to say that the narrator was perfectly chosen she really helped to bring the characters to life.

Hecate is the daughter of an archaeologist. He gets her a job as a librarian’s assistant at Hereford cathedral. But this is no ordinary collection of books. The cathedral houses an ancient chained library. It has been guarded for centuries. The most prized artifact, however, is the medieval world map which hangs next to Hecate’s desk. This map, and all that it contains, changes her world.

I enjoyed Hecate. She definitely has her hands full with all the spirits and demons surrounding her. But, this story has some pacing issues. And it sure did bog down in the middle. I also found it very descriptive in places that just didn’t need it. And as I always say, read it for yourself to decide. I am in the minority on this one.

I do enjoy a ghost story. This is the reason for the 3 star rating and not a 2. There are some great ghosts in this tale with some pretty good history surrounding them.

The narrator, Marisa Calin, did a pretty good job. But, I believe this story is the problem and not the narrator.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

I love every book by Paula Brackston with the exception of this one., because the Narrator drew out the last word in Every sentence, and sometimes after a comma. She did this with every character. It was so distracting that I couldn't get into the story. I really wanted to love this audiobook, but the narrator ruined it for me.

My only hang up with this audio is that there are a lot of characters, and it was difficult to keep track of who was living and who was not. I did enjoy the angle of Hecate being able to see the dead, and the family narrative told within the story was enjoyable as well.

Paula Brackston is so good at writing witches! This is the start of a new witchy series starring a young eccentric lady who can speak to the dead. It is 1881 and Hecate Cavendish is the independent-minded, bright daughter of an archaeologist. She speeds through Hereford on her bicycle, thrilled to be starting her new job as an assistant librarian at the local cathedral. There, she's enthralled not only by the collection of old, obscure books, but by the medieval map over her desk--and in it, the figures seem to move, for her eyes alone. Within the first day, she discovers that she can see and converse with the ghosts that roam the cathedral. But when evil entities burst forth from the crypt beneath the cathedral, darkness soon stalks the streets of Hereford. Hecate becomes embroiled in a battle for her friends and family and their very souls.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this audio e-arc.*

A paranormal mystery infused with magic. A lovely librarian bookish theme develops when our main lady, Miss Hecate Cavendish, becomes an assistant librarian of a fancy, old cathedral. While there she learns that she possesses some very surprising unique skills: see and speak to ghosts and other mythical beings. Ghosts become interactive characters just as the flesh and blood humans do. The setting of the cathedral provides beautiful gothic atmosphere which can be argued becomes a character altogether.
Calin’s narration performance delivers. Her voice lends credibility to the period setting and brings the diverse cast of characters to life.

"The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish" beautifully melds historical fiction with ghostly elements, creating an engaging story drenched with an atmospheric feeling. The detailed storytelling and charismatic narration make this audiobook a solid listen for fans of historical fantasy and paranormal tales.

Thank you to NetGalley, Paula Brackston, and Macmillan Audio for this audiobook ARC.

I found this book very difficult to stay interested in. I enjoyed Hecate but the story was so slow to evolve it was hard to stay focused. The synopsis was intriguing and the cover is beautiful, but unfortunately, this did not deliver for me.

Normally I don’t like to read historical pieces, but this one pleasantly surprised me.

Hecate Cavendish is a girl after my own heart, with plenty of spirit who can SEE spirits. She’s smart, witty, can see and converse with ghosts, which is a help to the murders happening in her city.

It took me a hot minutes to get into it, but this book was rather interesting and was well written.

Part 1 of a series —Hecate Cavendish is a young woman in 19th-century England who can see and speak with ghosts, which she only discovers after getting a job as an assistant librarian and touching a strange tapestry —She is more interested in her freedom, the lives of the ghosts she interacts with then marrying as her mother would wish.

4/5 for Narration — I feel the audiobook's narrator did a great job with the voicing; her reading was compelling, while making the story more interesting, and encouraged me to continue further in the story.

2/5 - Story and plot — this story moves quite slowly, I was not drawn in, or held in intrigue or fascination with the plot or any particular characters — I felt that the plot was not clear on what my focus should be—due to this I DNF at 50% due to lack of interest in the story—on a positive note the world development was great, the story has a rock-solid foundation for continued series with some work on the storyline and plot development, and the ghosts were quite interesting for me compared to the living.

Overall rating 3/5 as the Narration helped the story to move along and I would’ve given up sooner.


Thanks to Netgalley and MacMillan Audio for this ALC. This is my honest review.

When our main character starts working at an old library she becomes involved in solving a mysterious crime. She enlists the help of some ghosts that she discovers she can interact with! I found Hecate to be a very likeable character and I was rooting for her but my favorite characters were the ghosts! I loved hearing their stories and why they were still there, especially the cleaning lady. The ending definitely gives first book in a series feelings which I understand but didn’t love.

In general, I really enjoyed this book. I like Hecate's sassy, independent personality, especially being a Victorian Miss. I love her relationships with her Father and her best friend, great character development there. I love how the author researched the history and the settings of her book. You felt immersed in the story. I found myself googling Hereford Cathedral's history - absolutely fascinating!

Now on to the cons. It was a slow read and tended to drag on. I was not satisfied with the abrupt ending and felt that there was no true resolution. I understand that this is going to be a series, however something should have been solved. However, I am glad that the author has a new series and I do look forward to Hecate Cavendish's next adventure.

Thank you to Paula Brackston, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a free eaudio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I tried three times to get into this audiobook. I didn't know if it was the book or me, if the story was failing to grab me or if I just wasn't paying enough attention. After the second try, I moved on to a different audiobook and listened to that one from start to finish, totally into it. At that point I knew the problem was this book, not me. I was tempted to DNF but decided to see it through.

What put me off was a mix of the sluggish pace, the setting and topics, strange tone, and the "hauntings."

So one: The beginning lacks a strong hook. There's nothing that takes a fistful of your shirt and yanks you into the story. We start out at the breakfast table with some family chatter, then Hecate bikes off to work. For the first time, sure, but unless the voice of the narrative is exceptionally charismatic, nothing about anyone's morning grind is interesting.

Which leads to two: The story is set in a church, too many of the characters are priests, and every discussion revolves around religion and the history of the cathedral. The blurb says a cathedral is involved, but I did not expect <i>that</i> much church talk. I could not care less about religion, especially Christianity, so enthralled I absolutely was not. (Side note: The blurb is incredibly vague. No wonder I had no idea what I was getting into.)

Third: All that church made the inclusion of a pagan god and magic feel so weird. The book tried to address this but unsuccessfully. I'm sure some book out there could mix the two and do it well, but reading this narrative felt like trying to mix oil and water. That contributed to the strange tone, but the handling of the ghosts did as well. With a title like "The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish" one would expect some spooky and creepy, some dark and lurky. Some gothic. Nope, this narrative was pretty upbeat. Not rom-com upbeat, but definitely not gothic. The ghosts were friendly, helpful, and coherent. Hecate Cavendish was not haunted nor did she do any haunting, which makes me absolutely HATE the title.

Overall, this book was definitely not to my taste, which disappointed me. I'm rather astounded it's to be a series; no wonder I was so bored and the pace dragged--the storyline was being stretched. Bah humbug.

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston

This historical fantasy mystery is in the setting of England, in 1881 following an educated young woman Hecate (Heck-a-tea) Cavendish. While most women her age are planning to find a husband to settle and start a family, she has a thirst for knowledge that holds her only interest. With a love of learning and books, she embarks on the next stage in life as an Assistant Librarian at Hereford Cathedral in her village which has an outstanding collection of ancient books. This library holds century-old books, some of which are chained, locked, and guarded with care. She is excited for the opportunity to look through them as she assists in the care and restoration of the priceless artifacts on these shelves.

The most prized artifact is a beautifully detailed map next to Hecate's desk with mythical creatures and people drawn on its page. What she did not expect however were the many lost souls within the cathedral. To her surprise and theirs, Hecate could not only sense them as she usually can, but she also could see and hear them. A gift she noticed growing up, she could always sense the presence of a ghost or see a bit of movement in her peripheral vision, but never as clear as they were now in this ancient library and cathedral.

As Hecate explores the wonders in this library with her new ghostly friends, a mysterious break-in occurs in one of the tombs and has the living people who care for the property and the souls that still live there shocked and worried since it didn't look as if someone broke into the tomb, but broke out. While the mystery unfolds and is investigated, some people in her village are found to be acting strange and attacking their loved ones for no reason. Hecate may be the only one who can stop this as it involves malevolent souls that her friends and family cannot see, but she can and those evil souls also threaten the lives of everyone she loves.

This book has been high on my 2024 anticipated new release list since the author announced it. As always, Paula's attention to detail in her storytelling pulled me into this historical tale as if I were watching a movie. In addition, having Marisa Calin narrating adds to the appeal with her calming musical voice. If you enjoy historical fantasy with mystery, and paranormal, with a dash of murder and a sprinkle of romance, I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press - Macmillian Audio for the ARC of this book before its release on July 23rd for an honest review.