The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish

I continue to be amazed by Paula Brackston’s imagination. She has written so many excellent books, including this one. She has the ability to create characters that are unique and places them in settings then builds a story that pulls the reader into their world. Even with all of her books and characters there is no formula to her writing, each new series offers adventures and creativity with the only similarities being the inclusion of a strong female protagonist. Hecate Cavendish definitely fits this model as she faces unbelievable revelations and danger but stands up to face everything thrown at her. As I was reading I could clearly see how this would make an excellent movie, especially the epic battle between good and evil. Other reviewers commented that this book ending abruptly but I respectfully disagree. Having read all of the Little Shop of Lost Things series it has a similar ending, not a real cliffhanger but definitely leaving the door open for the next phase of the story. I am grateful to the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, for offering me an ARC of this excellent book - however, this did not impact my opinion.

I have always loved reading Paula Brackston's novels and her newest release, The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish, is no different. I greatly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it. Five stars.

I try to read everything that Paula Brackston writes. I have loved her books about witches and the historical period pieces she’s written. This book captured my attention because it was a historically set book but not one about witches per se. I found Hecate’s character very intriguing as her gifts were revealed throughout the book, and loved how she was portrayed as the strong young woman who often defied behavior expected of her time.. The other characters in the book were equally compelling especially the souls and the Romantic interest. The mystery and other dramatic events in the story unfolded at a good pace. I didn’t realize that the book was the beginning of a series, so I was caught off guard at the end. Now I’ll be impatiently waiting for the next in the series!

Spellbinding and Unputdownable!

A fantastic new series like no other!
The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is a wonderful start to this new series by Paula Brackston! I recommend this book to readers of historical fantasy fiction who loved her previous books! The author has a true gift for these stories filled with magic.

I found this first new novel spellbinding! It is particularly fascinating to follow the heroine Hecate in 1881 England. Hecate Cavendish is Hereford Cathedral's new library assistant, in charge of cataloging ancient books. Some volumes are full of secrets, especially the Mappa Mundi, an old medieval map which Hecate will find very captivating and fascinating. But when the cathedral becomes overrun by evil, Hecate will have to find a solution and give her curiosity a rest! Throughout her journey filled of twists and turns when certain mythical creatures and lost souls suddenly start to fascinate her too much. Will Hecate’s curiosity put her in danger? Will her family and friends be threaten by what’s happening at the cathedral?

It’s so captivating and exciting that I didn't want to put it down That’s what happen when you read a novel written by a talented and descriptive writer. Hecate’s journey is a must read for anyone who loves magic worlds!

The last chapter might leave you on a cliffhanger, but it also leaves you wondering what will happen next! I can’t wait to read the next story in this amazing new series. Thank you, Ms. Brackston, for writing such spellbinding novels.

Thank you, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for sending me a copy of this book! I also won a copy in a Goodreads giveaway!

I (quite literally) spent the entire day entranced reading this book, and I regret nothing! Paula Brackston, I Am Obsessed with Hecate!

Obsessed - That is how I feel about this fast-paced story.

This historical bibliophile dream of a tale was full of goddesses and demons and the fight for the light of goodness versus the darkness of evil, which just happened to be taking place in the library of a religious cathedral. Our assistant librarian protagonist was familiar to me for her tenacity and self-assuredness. I recognized myself in her character and immediately was immersed in her story. I laughed, cried, and felt swept away with the charm as her journey progressed. I researched locations, legends, and histories. At the climax, I could not stop reading - I needed to know the ending, even as I did not wish for the story to end. The good news…I sense a sequel!

I will need to own and reread this story. I am beyond grateful to NetGalley and the publisher St. Martin’s Press, for allowing me the opportunity to read this A.R.C. Five stars from me, as I have already preordered the tangible copy for my collection. I cannot wait to read more stories from Ms. Brackston.

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is a captivating and fun story which begins a new series in which Hecate, the daughter of an esteemed archeologist, begins her job in England, 1881 at Hereford Cathedral as assistant librarian. The library houses unique items such as a medieval map and enticing chained volumes, as well as the spirits of ghosts who have been protecting the cathedral for centuries. Hecate begins to understand her mission as the human helper for her namesake, Hecate the Greek goddess of witchcraft and magic. She starts to unravel the ancient mysteries and seeks to protect those she cares for from an evil force that she is only beginning to understand. As always, Paula Brackston creates strong and endearingly brave heroines, twisty, exciting plot lines and vivid settings. Can't wait for the continuing adventure!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a pre-release edition of The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish in exchange for a honest review.

For me The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish was just the right combination of strong heroine and continuing adventure. I loved the secondary characters and the overall world unfolding. I devoured this book and will definitely read other books from this author.

This is my first time reading one of Paula Brackston's novels, and now I want to read all of them! The story is so imaginative and written in such a way that kept be glued to the book from start to finish.
Hecate's character is so interesting and she experiences so much throughout the book, I found her story to be captivating.

THE HAUNTING OF HECATE CAVENDISH

A magical realism mystery set in a medieval castle with ghosts and libraries. A great start to a series, though I don’t know why I keep doing this to myself because now I’m going to have to wait forever for the next one.

The writing is fantastic and the characters pop off the page. It’s more of a cozy historical mystery which is just my speed. I’m excited to see how the story continues.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. I love this author and this book did not disappoint. Can’t wait to read the next installment in this series. The perfect mix of magic and supernatural.

THE HAUNTING OF HECATE CAVENDISH is such a fun and immersive read. I highly recommend it for fans of historical fiction and fantasy. Even though this is not my go-to genre, this book kept my attention from start to finish.

Hecate is an engaging protagonist, and I admired her intelligence and how she seemed ahead of her time. Her quirky personality makes her very relatable and likable. The author has fleshed out the cast with wonderful mythical creatures. Solomon the cathedral cat was my favorite.

This story really has it all -- fantasy, romance, and mystery. This will be a surefire winner for fans of romantasy! Cue the wait for book 2!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance e-galley; all opinions in this review are 100% my own.