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.

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.