A review by stargoddess
The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

I find it hard to believe this is a book being published in 2024 - it reads like it was written in 1930. I believe this is partially intentional and partially unintentional. I haven’t read anything else by this author, so I don’t know if the writing style is typical for her, but to me it read as a bit stilted. I think it was going for atmospheric, but as a result, the story was very slow to get started and in general I found it difficult to connect with the characters. I did enjoy Hecate’s love of her bicycle, her clothing choices which were described in great detail, and her general rejection of certain social norms. Her relationship with her father was also great, but really are we not past the dad is the only one who gets me and mom just wants me married trope? 
Even worse in the dated tropes category is the use of persons of color as shorthand for “mystical,” both in the “evil cannibals” who kick off the plot and the “mysterious helpers” who guide the main character on her quest. This is so deeply unnecessary and totally took me out of enjoying the book.
Finally, the book’s conclusion is definitely unsatisfying, clearly meant to set up future installments in the series, but I doubt I’ll be reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.