The Shipbuilder of Bellfairie

Meet Quark, a giant of a man carrying scars literally and figuratively, on his return to Bellfairie, as he searches for his father and clues to his mother's mysterious death. But no one goes to Bellfairie on purpose, it's always a wrong turn in someone's life. As Quark will soon learn.

Like Frankenstein's monster, The Shipbuilder of Bellfairie is a vibrant, emotional and humane amalgam.



A fantastical crime mystery with a soupçon of magic that brings to mind not only Shelley's creation but A Confederacy of Dunces in its exploration of flawed and tragic characters.

"Fans of M. Rickert's singular blend of the mundane and the monstrous will be drawn deep into the briny, haunted world of Bellfairie."

- Sofia Samatar, Author of A Stranger in Olondria, and Tender


"The Shipbuilder of Bellfairie by M. Rickert is a powerful evocation of an imaginary place, both magical and mundane; the tribulations of a good hearted hapless giant; and a compelling mystery. Dark and humorous and deep."

- Jeffrey Ford, Author of Big Dark Hole