The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish    by Paula Brackston Order:  USA  Can St. Martin's, 2024 (2024) Hardcover, e-Book      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Paula Brackston's The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish opens a historical fantasy series, set in 1881 Hereford, England, filled with cobbled streets and centered on its famous cathedral. The reader gets early warning, though, that something is amiss when we are told that 'soon, with dreadful, unstoppable progress, the dead would rise.' Next we meet red-haired Hecate, 'fascinated with things arcane and little understood.' She is about so cycle to work as an assistant librarian at the cathedral, and hopes to study the famous Mappa Mundi and access the chained library there. On her first day she meets vicar John Forsyth, who is 'too good looking for a clergyman'. She discovers that she can communicate with cathedral ghosts like Brother Michael, but she keeps that ability to herself. Soon, violence erupts from crypt sarcophagi. Hecate senses a powerful presence, and wonders if attacks in the town are related. She starts working with Police Inspector Winter, revealing her ability to him, but danger comes ever closer to home and her family - and strikes hard at someone she loves. Matters escalate to a final, terrifying encounter with evil. She prevails, with help from lost souls, but there are more battles ahead. I can't wait! Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Fantasy books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews