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The Tainted Cup

an exceptional fantasy mystery with a classic detective duo

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The Tainted Cup

By: Robert Jackson Bennett
Narrated by: Andrew Fallaize
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A peculiar crime. A brilliant investigator. A mystery of epic proportions.
'Part Sherlock Holmes murder mystery, part Through the Looking-Glass, The Tainted Cup is one of the wildest, most original stories I've ever had the privilege to explore' WESLEY CHU

In an opulent mansion at the borders of the Empire, an Imperial officer lies dead - killed when a tree spontaneously erupted from his body. Even here, where contagions abound and the blood of the Leviathans works strange magical changes, it's a death at once terrifying and impossible.

Called in to solve the crime is Ana Dolabra, an investigator whose reputation for brilliance is matched only by her eccentricity. At her side is her new assistant, Dinios Kol, an engraver, magically altered to possess a perfect memory.

Soon, the mystery leads to a scheme that threatens the safety of the Empire itself. For Ana, all this makes for a deliciously thorny puzzle - at last, something to truly hold her attention. And Din? He'll just have to hold on for the ride.

An eccentric detective and her long-suffering assistant untangle a web of magic, deceit, and murder in this sparkling fantasy reimagining of the classic crime novel - from the bestselling author of The Founders Trilogy.

PRAISE FOR ROBERT JACKSON BENNETT

'Engrossing and fascinating' MUR LAFFERTY

'A masterstroke. I want Bennett to write a dozen of these, and send them to me yesterday' MAX GLADSTONE

'Original, imaginative, and suspenseful' MEG GARDINER

'Riveting' AMAL EL-MOHTAR

'If you love unique, genre-bending, boundary-pushing fantasy as much as I do, look no further than Robert Jackson Bennett' FONDA LEE©2024 Robert Jackson Bennett Crime Crime Fiction Dark Fantasy Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Mystery Magic Exciting Murder
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Critic Reviews

PRAISE FOR ROBERT JACKSON BENNETT
I loved this. A twisty detective story, a weird fantasy, a thrilling adventure-The Tainted Cup is a masterstroke. I want Bennett to write a dozen of these, and send them to me yesterday
Original, imaginative, and suspenseful, The Tainted Cup superbly blends mystery and fantasy in this vivid, complex novel. I couldn't put it down. Give me more of this world and these characters ASAP!
A riveting murder mystery wrapped in a twisty conspiracy, set in a vivid fantasy world terrorized by eldritch monsters. If you love unique, genre-bending, boundary-pushing fantasyas much as I do, look no further than Robert Jackson Bennett
The Tainted Cup is a true fantasy mystery, with a leading duo who stand with Holmes and Watson among the greats. And Bennett sets it all in a squishy, fascinating, biopunk worldI'm dying to find out more about. Bring on the next one!
Part Sherlock Holmes murder mystery, part Through the Looking-Glass, The Tainted Cup is one of the wildest, most original stories I've ever had the privilege to explore
Bennett's world is engrossing and fascinating
Robert Jackson Bennett deserves a huge audience
Sherlock Holmes meets Game of Thrones . . . A rousing adventure for alt-fantasy fans
Absolutely riveting . . . I went to bed late reading it and woke up early to finish it
A classic murder mystery set against dazzling worldbuilding and sly social commentary. Robert Jackson Bennett doesn't miss
Bennett brilliantly melds genres in this exceptional mystery-fantasy. The worldbuilding is immediately involving, Bennett's take on a classic detective duo dynamic feels fresh and exciting, and the mystery itself twists and turns delightfully. Readers will be wowed
All stars
Most relevant
I love a creative world, and a Murder mystery in the shadow of Leviathans that threaten apocalyptic destruction is such a good concept.

Ana makes a brilliant ecentric Sherlockian detective. And our protagonist Din, altered to remember everything he sees and experiences is a perfect Watson.

Sherlockian Fantasy

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10/10 for story, narrator, and characterisation. Great discovery and a fantastic way to keep my mind occupied while stuck in an unmoving traffic. Love love love!!

New favourite this year!!!

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Superb. Immediately searching out the second book. loved the world building. The narrator did a stellar job too - uncommonly good.

A great read

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Story was fun, a nice mystery was helped by not being in the POV of the uber clever one, as I wasn’t disappointed when I worked out plot points well before Din.
Loved the Sherlock lady, she was great. And enjoyed the world building, though had to let all the names, titles etc wash over me as it was way over my threshold. Though enough context info or short explanations were provided that I never felt lost.
The romance was sweet and I hope it continues later.
The narrator was great!

Enjoyable romp in a fantastical world

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Robert Jackson Bennett is perhaps the greatest author of the 21st century. Every word of his novels is magnificent, and The Tainted Cup certainly did not disappoint.

Like the finest wine

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