The Tainted Cup

A Novel

By: Robert Jackson Bennett

Narrated by: Andrew Fallaize

Length: 13 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

A Holmes and Watson-style detective duo take the stage in this fantasy with a mystery twist, from the Edgar-winning, multiple Hugo-nominated Robert Jackson Bennett

“Great fantasy detective stories are too rare, but Bennett—[a] rising star of fantasy—more than delivers.”—Charlie Jane Anders, The Washington Post

“A thoroughly satisfying delight from start to finish.”—Amal El-Mohtar, The New York Times Book Review

In Daretana’s greatest mansion, a high imperial officer lies dead—killed, to all appearances, when a tree erupted from his body. Even here at the Empire’s borders, where contagions abound and the blood of the leviathans works strange magical changes, it’s a death both terrifying and impossible.

Assigned to investigate is Ana Dolabra, a detective whose reputation for brilliance is matched only by her eccentricities. Rumor has it that she wears a blindfold at all times, and that she can solve impossible cases without even stepping outside the walls of her home.

At her side is her new assistant, Dinios Kol, magically altered in ways that make him the perfect aide to Ana’s brilliance. Din is at turns scandalized, perplexed, and utterly infuriated by his new superior—but as the case unfolds and he watches Ana’s mind leap from one startling deduction to the next, he must admit that she is, indeed, the Empire’s greatest detective.

As the two close in on a mastermind and uncover a scheme that threatens the Empire itself, Din realizes he’s barely begun to assemble the puzzle that is Ana Dolabra—and wonders how long he’ll be able to keep his own secrets safe from her piercing intellect.

By an “endlessly inventive” (Vulture) author with a “wicked sense of humor” (NPR), The Tainted Cup mixes the charms of detective fiction with brilliant world-building to deliver a fiendishly clever mystery that’s at once instantly recognizable and thrillingly new.

©2024 Robert Jackson Bennett (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“This fantasy mystery novel introduces two dynamic detectives in a strange and frightening world, as if Nero Wolfe were solving mysteries in Area X . . . The Tainted Cup is a thoroughly satisfying delight from start to finish.”—The New York Times Book Review

“Great fantasy detective stories are too rare, but Bennett . . . more than delivers.”—The Washington Post

“Holmes and Watson get a new twist in this fantastical noir set in a mysterious empire . . . Perfect for those who loved China Mieville’s Perdito Street and Kraken but wished there was more camaraderie and crime-solving.”—CrimeReads

Really fun fantasy whodunnit

Reads a bit like Agatha Christie meets Sanderson. Interesting characters, and the reader clearly had a good time doing it. Only angry I have to wait for the next in the series!

Original and hypnotic

The story was unlike anything I had read in this genre. The characters were eccentric in an amusing and likable way. Very well crafted and difficult to stop listening to. I look forward to other books by this author.

Loved this

What a great story teller and loved the voices. This is definitely a must and I hope more books to come!

a great new story and a wonderful mystery.

An amazing start to a wonderful new series. I am intrigued to see how the leviathans that they keep out are actually tied into the society and empire as a whole.

Interesting and different

It was a unique well written story in an interesting world. I am looking forward to the next one.

Fun Read!

The world building is great, and the mystery kept me guessing. I loved the characters which were well developed and funny.

Fabulous

Incredible world building and intricate characters. You may think you have a clue as to who did something but never expect the how.

Mystery + world building

So original and fresh! Could not stop listening! The plot is good, characters are well developed and the world building is original!

Sherlock Holmes meets H.P. Lovecraft

If you live either Holmes or Lovecraft this book is for you! A great who done it with elder god energy

Elegant and Unique

I found the book refreshing and inspiring. The plot and concept of a mystery in a Holmes and Watson fashion is not uncommon. But the world building and elements of this world are quite different. It's hard to consider the world working, thought the writer made it and brought life to this weird reality. It definitely draws you in and I enjoyed it completely.