I am so conflicted. I think Hecate is a very intriguing person and I really enjoyed traveling along with her as she started her new job as an assistant librarian for the library at Hereford cathedral. It is certainly an interesting library, especially that map that had been placed there just before Hecate started working there. That map introduces her to the unseen world full of magic and spirits that only she can see, blessed with the gift (and brooch) bestowed upon her by Hecate, her namesake. Unfortunately not all spirits are as nice as the ones that guard the cathedral.

And this is where is gets very exciting, with the introduction of the resurgent spirits brought back to the world by an unknown villain for an unknown reason. There is chaos and death aplenty when they join in and Hecate, along with her father and John are hard pressed to figure out the who and why of this horrible happening. I did guess the one bad thing that I knew would happen to one of the characters but that was okay, too much of an insta romance that was doomed to fail. I loved the diving into the history and artifacts that they did while trying to figure out how the resurgent spirits came to be. What I did not like was the cliffhanger abrupt ending. Not one thing was resolved or even figured out. Hecate barely escapes with her life and no answers and not evening knowing who the person is that is holding all the strings and also no way to fight the resurgent spirits. Very frustrating.

So while I did enjoy most of the story, I am afraid it lost points with that ending. I really hope the next one comes out soon!

Though, props to the narrator for making the story interesting and fun to listen to. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of the audiobook to listen to and review.

What a fun book! The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish introduces us to the plucky self-reliant woman of the titles name.
Gifted with the ability to see and communicate with spirits, this isn't you everyday run-of-the-mill spiritualism book. Containing plenty of adventure, mystery and paranormal entities, this was a great read. The characters are lovely and loveable. How can I resist a well-written paranormal series about a woman working in a library ahead of her time??
The narrator took a little getting used to, as she speaks quickly. However, once I was used to it, I thoroughly enjoyed the narration. Thanks to #Netgalley #Macmillanpublishing and the author for making this ARC available.

This is an atmospheric, haunting story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's been a few years since I've read Brackston, but this reminds me of why I started reading her in the first place.

Hecate is an engaging main character, and she has a good head on her shoulders, plus amazing support from her father. I also really enjoyed the development of her friendship with John. How Hecate so smartly brings her father, John, and the police inspector to her side with what might seem like a fantastical tale is great.

The stakes become super high, and the last few chapters are at an absolute fever pitch. I was not prepared for a tragic loss, and I definitely had tears in my eyes. There's clearly a lot more story to come (my bad for not realizing this wasn't a standalone). But I'll be eager to continue with the series.

The narrator was great for the audiobook, and I would recommend it!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the preview. All opinions are my own.

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is a blend of historical fiction and fantasy set in the 1880s. I was entranced in the beginning and loved Hecate, the setting, the paranormal/fantasy elements/characters, and the premise. However, my interest waned around halfway due to pacing. If you enjoy a slower pace, this book might be more up your alley.

Narration by Marisa Calin is outstanding as usual. She remains one of my favorite narrators.

I received an ARC and ALC from St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I will be withholding my review of this title in solidarity with the St. Martin's Press boycott. Once the demands have been met I will edit my review.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Paula Brackston’s "The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish" takes us to the cobbled streets of 1881 England, where we meet the eccentric and feisty Hecate Cavendish. The narrative is rich with historical detail, centered around the enigmatic Hereford Cathedral and its ancient chained library. This setting provides a wonderfully eerie backdrop for a tale that interweaves ghostly apparitions, historical artifacts, and mythical creatures.

Hecate, with her daring spirit and ability to see ghosts, is a compelling protagonist. Her new role as Assistant Librarian places her at the heart of the cathedral’s secrets, where the prized medieval world map next to her desk becomes a key element of the unfolding story. The map, and the peculiar inhabitants depicted on it, add layers of mystery and fantasy to the narrative, which is one of the book's strong points.

The array of ghosts Hecate encounters, from potential friends to dangerous adversaries, keeps the plot engaging. Their stories and the mysteries surrounding them create a tapestry of intrigue and suspense that draws the reader in. Brackston excels in creating an atmosphere that is both haunting and enchanting, with the cathedral itself almost becoming a character in its own right.

Marisa Calin’s narration brings Hecate’s world to life with a captivating performance. Her voice lends authenticity to the period setting and breathes life into the diverse cast of characters. Calin’s ability to convey emotion and maintain the story’s pace makes the listening experience enjoyable.

However, the story sometimes struggles with pacing. There are moments where the narrative feels bogged down by too much description or a slower progression of events. While the historical and fantastical elements are beautifully detailed, they occasionally overshadow character development and plot momentum.

Overall, "The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish" is a charming and atmospheric audiobook. It successfully blends historical fiction with supernatural elements, creating a unique and engaging story. Despite some pacing issues, Paula Brackston’s vivid storytelling and Marisa Calin’s delightful narration make this audiobook a worthwhile listen for fans of historical fantasy and ghostly tales.