The Last Death Poet

by Stephen Daly

'I know about the visions. I have your camera. Call me. Please.'

When Michael is uprooted to his mum’s hometown of Belfast, he isn’t just hoping for a fresh start. He’s determined to discover the truth about his dad’s mysterious absence. But from the moment he arrives, he’s plagued with visions of the city’s troubled past.

Michael begins settling into his new life and even meets a boy who helps erase the painful memories of his ex. But as the visions grow stronger and more intense, the only person he can really confide in is his new friend Meg.

As Meg delves into the supernatural source of the visions, Michael begins to question whether events of the past are linked to his dad’s disappearance.

Can he use his powers to find his dad before he’s gone forever?

Genres: Young Adult

Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 2, 2026

Reviews

[Sue H H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contemporary coming-of-age YA explores the legacy of the Troubles in Belfast with sensitivity and a supernatural slant. I especially enjoyed the fascinating (albeit terrifying!) nod to Irish folklore.
A wonderful must-read debut from a fabulous new talent.

[Kelly McCaughrain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got an early proof and I’ve been raving about this to everyone, I haven’t enjoyed a book so much in ages. It’s a queer urban fantasy about a West Belfast boy who starts having visions of Belfast’s troubled past and photographing them with his missing dad’s camera. It’s so cleverly constructed, weaving together distant and modern Irish history, Irish mythology, and the recent race riots without ever becoming grim or losing the sense of adventure. It covers so much important ground but treads so lightly - perfectly pitched for teens. I’d have loved it even if I wasn’t from here, but it feels very special and I think it’s going to resonate with so many local people. The history is handled beautifully and respectfully, the writing is utterly charming, the mythology is fricking terrifying, the romance and friendships are a perfect balance for the serious stuff, and the tension escalates relentlessly as the twists just keep coming. It’s such a fun read and heartbreaking at the same time. I can’t say enough good things about this book, I really couldn’t put it down and I’m predicting big things for it.