Author: Paula Brackston
Genre: Historical Fiction, Paranormal, Fantasy
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Book Release Date: 2024
Pages: 359
Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is book one in New York Times bestselling author Paula Brackston's new, magic-infused series about Hecate Cavendish, an eccentric and feisty young woman who can see ghosts.
England, 1881. Hereford cathedral stands sentinel over the city, keeping its secrets, holding long forgotten souls in its stony embrace. Hecate Cavendish speeds through the cobbled streets on her bicycle, skirts hitched daringly high, heading for her new life as Assistant Librarian. But this is no ordinary collection of books. The cathedral houses an ancient chained library, wisdom guarded for centuries, mysteries and stories locked onto its worn, humble shelves. The most prized artifact, however, is the medieval world map which hangs next to Hecate’s desk. Little does she know how much the curious people and mythical creatures depicted on it will come to mean to her. Nor does she suspect that there are lost souls waiting for her in the haunted cathedral. Some will become her dearest friends. Some will seek her help in finding peace. Others will put her in great peril, and, as she quickly learns, threaten the lives of everyone she loves.
My Review: Hecate Cavendish has gotten a job at the Hereford Cathedral as a library assistant. When she arrives at her job, she discovers that she has the gift of seeing the cathedral’s ghosts. She also discovers in the library that there is a magical map. Shortly after she starts her job, she learns that evil spirits have risen up from the cathedral’s crypt to threaten her town. Could Hecate save the town from the evil spirits?
I found Hecate to be a very fun character. She is very spirited and desires to maintain her own independence. She is also very devoted to her loved ones. I also like how Hecate is very determined to stop evil from harming her town. She was also very smart and can recognize the evil happenings that are afoot. Hecate was not a damsel in distress. In fact, she was very strong and could save herself. Therefore, she was an admirable heroine, and I couldn’t help but root for her to save those she loves!
Overall, this book is about family, secrets, and love. I really liked all of the characters, and I wish that some of them would have appeared more in the book. I thought that the novel was drawn out and had some slow parts. I also did not like how it ended. Nevertheless, I loved the book’s world-building and thought it was very creative. I love the cathedral’s ghosts! The story was also very atmospheric, and I loved the Victorian setting! I look forward to reading the sequel, The Cathedral of Lost Souls! The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish will be sure to appeal to fans of paranormal historical fiction! I recommend this book for fans of The Haunting of Maddy Clare, The Witch of Willow Hall, and Strands of Bronze and Gold!
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
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