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The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish

A Novel

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The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish

By: Paula Brackston
Narrated by: Marisa Calin
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About this listen

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.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.

©2024 Paula Brackston (P)2024 Macmillan Audio Fantasy Ghosts Historical Horror Haunted Fiction

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Critic reviews

"Brackston seamlessly blends horror, fantasy, and mystery...readers with a penchant for gothic fantasy won’t want to miss this."—Publisher's Weekly

"Hecate Cavendish is a breath of fresh air—a young woman who knows her own mind and is prepared to swim against the tides of her time—and ours. Her capacity to explore the reaches of reality with courage and panache is a delight. This is a charming, uplifting, lyrical read, a perfect antidote to the roller-coaster angst of our times."—Manda Scott, Author of The Boudica Dreaming Series
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I like Paula Brackston’s work but it was ruined by the narration. It is unlikely I’ll read the next chapter if performed by the same person.
I missed loads of the story because I was irritated by the way the story was read.
A real shame.

A shame the narration was so poor

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Story suitable for young adults. Good to pass the time, love a witchy and magical story. If there are additional books of Hecate I might consider it.

good story and easy listen

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The start of an epic story with characters you become fond of. I'm looking forward to the next part.

Brilliant New Character

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Long awaited but unbearably slow. Paula Brackston is in my top 5 favourite authors and have read most of her books several times and listen to all of her wonderful books. This one however was just too slow. Chapter 23 - I felt a change of pace but no… I am sadly returning it.

Just couldn’t get into it

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Paula’s description in the book is so passionately done you feel you are in the rooms with the characters.
You live the adventure with them.
Taking turns you don’t expect, I could not put the book/audiobook down.
The narrator is perfect and add to the story telling.
I am now holding by breath for book number two.
Keep making us dream Paula, you are one of the best.

Most intriguing, well written and fascinating story

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Like nothing else I've ever read. Hecate is brave, independent and intelligent. The blending of ghosts, mythical beings, goddesses, magic and Catholicism were seamless. Ancient belief and customs lent the story some realism and made the present day happenings of the heroine plausible.

Rather fond of the cat, Solomon, and the Griffin.

Hopefully we will not need to wait for long for part 2

The best yet of Paula's magical tales

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Made it to the end and enjoyed the story. However, the narration was very difficult to deal with. It was too staccato, with inexplicable changes on tempo - I say this because if tempo is changing, this might usually indicate rising tension in the plot, but not always in this particular book. It’s a shame, because the narrator does accents and different characters well, but there’s unnecessary tension and drama in the narration, which makes it quite a tense listen.

I notice another reviewer has said it’s like the narrator is speaking in parseltongue. I agree.

Good story, but the narration spoils it

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The narrator is so perfect for Paula Brackston books. So many voices and this is also accompanied by the author’s ability to give each character a unique set of actions and manner of speaking. Lovely period detail, wonderful story building. Desperate to know what happens next. Despite being sad I enjoyed the lack of plot armour. And who cannot be enchanted with the griffin? I hope the unicorn can come out next time !

Wonderful individual gripping characters -pure magick

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The author has a gift for writing and I wouldn’t be surprised if she had lived such an adventure in a previous lifetime! Lol! I share her passion for all things supernatural!

The Goddess Helping!

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Long awaited and it didn't disappoint. Hecate is the heroine we needed and her father is fantastic, and her biggest supporter. Another fab performance by Marisa.

Soooooo good

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