The Cathedral of Lost Souls

by Paula Brackston

First published 2025

Hecate Cavendish faces her deadliest challenge yet in 1881 Hereford. The cathedral library fire nearly cost her the precious mappa mundi, and the Essedenes now see her as their primary threat. These ancient enemies multiply their Embodied Spirits at alarming speed, spreading violence through the historic city. Hecate fights back with her archaeologist father and Inspector Winter by her side, but she refuses to endanger anyone else she cares about. The young woman who sees ghosts must rely on her supernatural abilities and her spectral allies. The goddess Hekate herself has summoned Hecate to this battle. Trust becomes a luxury she cannot afford as malevolent forces close in. Only by embracing her full power can she prevent Hereford from falling into eternal darkness.

Genres: historical-fiction, mystery, fantasy, supernatural, 19th-century

Vibes: atmospheric, dark, suspenseful

Tropes: ancient-prophecy, chosen-one, enemies-to-allies

Setting: Hereford

Period: 1881

304 pages · Hardcover · St. Martin's Press

Content warnings: violence

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