The Secret in Belfast (An Enchanters Novel #4)

In the shadow of the colossal cranes of Belfast’s shipyard, Richard Pierce carries a dangerous gift and a dark past. As an “Influencer,” he can read emotions and discern truth from lies, a talent that once drove a man to his death and Richard into self-imposed exile. But when a shadowy magical force threatens the men building the world’s most magnificent ship, the RMS Titanic, Richard is pulled into a conspiracy that whispers of ancient, forbidden power. A deadly “accident” during the ship’s launch confirms his fears: he’s not the only one with a gift in Belfast, and this one is being used for murder.

His hunt for the truth is complicated by Isabel Lahy, a brilliant and sharp-witted designer at the shipyard whose mind is an infuriating mystery. While every other person is an open book to him, she is a fortress he cannot breach, challenging him at every turn even as a reluctant fascination grows between them. As Richard navigates a hidden world of enchanters and sorcerers, he uncovers a plot orchestrated by a ruthless old enemy, Azrael, a master of death who will stop at nothing to achieve immortality. The secrets they’re all fighting for are far older than the steel hull of the Titanic, and just as dangerous.

Now, the final confrontation is set to take place aboard the “unsinkable” ship itself. As Richard, Isabel, and their allies sail toward a fate the world will never forget, they must unravel the final secret before Azrael unleashes a power that could shatter the veil between worlds. Can Richard confront the darkness within himself to save the woman he’s coming to love? Or will their secrets, and everyone on board, be lost to the icy depths of the Atlantic?

Download the Character Compendium.

Included Tropes

Gifted Protagonist: The central character, Richard Pierce, possesses the supernatural ability of “influence,” allowing him to read and manipulate emotions.

Secret Society/Conclave: A hidden organization, the Conclave, monitors and manages individuals with supernatural gifts, and deals with powerful magical artifacts.

Mysterious Antagonist: Azrael, a “Death Seer,” is a powerful, enigmatic figure seeking to harness dark magic for immortality, whose motives are gradually revealed.

The MacGuffin: The “grimoire” is a powerful book of spells, sought by Azrael, which drives much of the plot’s initial conflict.

Psychic Empath: Richard’s primary gift is his ability to deeply sense and subtly influence the emotions of others, which is both a strength and a burden.

Unresolved Trauma/Dark Past: Richard carries significant guilt and trauma from a past case where he drove a man to madness, shaping his moral code.

The Mentor: Reverend John Harper acts as a knowledgeable guide and confidante for Richard, offering historical context for magic and moral support.

The Innocent Child with Power: Elba, Thomas Andrews’s infant daughter, displays nascent telekinetic abilities, hinting at her powerful future gift.

World-Weary/Brooding Hero: Richard often expresses a sense of burden from his abilities and past, frequently seeking solitude to manage the influx of emotions.

Plucky Girl/Ingenue: Isabel Lahy is portrayed as outspoken, intelligent, determined, and unafraid to challenge authority or express her opinions.

Emotional Shield: Isabel’s mind is uniquely impenetrable to Richard’s influence, making her a mystery and drawing him to her.

Meet Cute (with tension): Richard and Isabel’s first significant interaction is marked by her indignation and his intrigue, setting a contentious but engaging dynamic.

Heroic Intervention: Richard repeatedly steps in to protect innocent or vulnerable individuals, such as Molly Dobbins or Isabel.

Haunted House (variant): The boardinghouse where Isabel lives is possessed by the lingering spirit of Lord Irving, exerting a malevolent influence.

Exorcist/Demon Hunter: Harper, as a Reverend and member of the Conclave, takes on the role of expelling malevolent spirits.

Possession: Lady Irving’s spirit initially possesses the boardinghouse and later transfers to Kailín, influencing her actions and merging powers.

The Matriarch/Hidden Power: A secondary character is revealed to be a powerful and decisive figure who secretly destroyed the original grimoire.

Redemption Arc: An emotionless assassin, undergoes a profound transformation, learning to feel and choosing humanity over her father’s darkness, culminating in a sacrificial act.

Found Family: The narrative builds a sense of community among the Gifted, with Richard acting as a protector and mentor, offering a family to those like Lucina.

The Doomed Voyage: The Titanic’s maiden voyage serves as a historical backdrop that tragically intersects with the supernatural plot, leading to multiple character sacrifices.

The True Villain Revealed: The story initially points to one villain, but a major twist reveals the true orchestrator of much of the dark magic and manipulation.

The Power of Love/Sacrifice: A selfless act of purifying dark magic by letting it pass through them costs a character their life.

Death as a Character: Death is personified as a beautiful, terrible entity that materializes from the spiritual realm, interacting directly with the characters.

The Ultimate Showdown: The climactic magical battle determines the fate of the world and their humanity.

Forbidden Love / Star-Crossed Lovers: Richard’s intense attraction to Isabel is complicated by their differing natures (Influencer vs. Siren/Grimoire-touched) and the inherent dangers their bond presents.

The Oracle/Seer: Father Byron (ancient and with foresight) and Margaret Brown (who “sees souls”) possess gifts that provide crucial guidance and prophetic insights into the characters’ futures.

Books in the Same Genre with Similar Tropes

The Secret in Belfast is Historical Fantasy with strong elements of Urban Fantasy and Supernatural Thriller, focusing on secret societies, individuals with extraordinary abilities, and moral dilemmas.

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke: A complex historical fantasy set in Napoleonic England, where magic returns to the world, featuring rival magicians, a secret society, and profound magical consequences.

A Discovery of Witches (All Souls Trilogy) by Deborah Harkness: Features a secret world of witches, vampires, and daemons, an ancient text (a powerful grimoire), forbidden love, and a strong historical atmosphere.

Rivers of London (Peter Grant series) by Ben Aaronovitch: While more contemporary urban fantasy, it has a deep sense of London’s history, a “gifted” police constable learning magic, a secret magical society, and investigations into supernatural crimes. Richard’s past in Scotland Yard resonates here.

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs: Deals with a hidden community of children with unique supernatural abilities, dark forces, time travel, and a distinct historical/gothic aesthetic.

The Invisible Library series by Genevieve Cogman: Features a secret organization that collects books from alternate realities, with agents possessing unique skills, dealing with powerful magical artifacts, and navigating dangerous supernatural politics.

Prominent Themes

The Nature of Good and Evil: Explored through the inherent darkness in magic, Richard’s past actions, Lady Irving’s choices, and Isabel’s struggle to define her own morality.

Free Will vs. Predestination: Characters like Kailín and Isabel grapple with inherited powers and prophecies, questioning whether they can truly choose their own path or are bound by destiny.

Redemption and Forgiveness: Central to Lucina’s arc, Richard’s struggle with his past, and Isabel’s ultimate decision to forsake dark magic.

The Burden of Power: The constant struggle of Richard to control his influence, the destructive potential of uncontrolled magic, and the isolation that comes with extraordinary abilities.

Love and Sacrifice: Exemplified by Thomas Andrews’ ultimate act to save Richard, Lucina’s self-sacrifice for Sampson, and the protective instincts of Richard and Isabel for each other.

The Importance of Humanity/Emotion: Lucina’s journey to emotional awakening, Isabel’s choice to retain her empathy, and Azrael’s fundamental misunderstanding of human connection.

Trust and Betrayal: Azrael’s manipulation of his daughters, the Conclave’s internal politics, and the complex trust dynamics between Richard, Isabel, and their allies.

Family (Biological vs. Chosen): The dysfunctional biological families (Azrael and his daughters) contrasted with the “found family” of the Gifted who support each other.

Concealment and Revelation: The constant uncovering of hidden powers, secret identities, and past truths that drive the narrative forward.

Justice vs. Vengeance: Richard’s internal conflict stemming from his past act of vengeance and his subsequent commitment to a more ethical form of justice.

The Human Condition (Vulnerability, Pain, Hope): Characters confront immense loss, grief, and fear, but also find strength, compassion, and resilience.

The Role of Faith and God: Explicitly discussed as a source of strength, guidance, and the origin of the “gifts,” contrasting with characters who challenge or deny its presence in a world of suffering.