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The Tainted Cup  By  cover art

The Tainted Cup

By: Robert Jackson Bennett
Narrated by: Andrew Fallaize
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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

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

“Great fantasy detective stories are too rare, but Bennett . . . more than delivers.”—Charlie Jane Anders, 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

"A wonderful novel whose pull to keep turning pages comes from the great plot, inventive world, and fascinating characters. Highly recommended.”SFF World

What listeners say about The Tainted Cup

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Narration was excellent!

Story was good, characters fascinating. I had a little trouble keeping the character ranks and political designations separate, but overall I enjoyed the book. The narrator did a remarkable job considering how many characters he voiced.

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When is the next book?

Great pace, intriguing world, engaging characters and a fantastic performance to top it all off. It’s almost like attack on Titan (minus any controversy) and Sherlock Holmes mixed together. I cannot wait for more Ana and Din.

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Fantastic Intro to a Fun New World

I am a huge fan of Robert Jackson Bennets other series and this new book has all of the hallmarks of another beautiful world.

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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!

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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.

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Fascinating SFF/Mystery

Take everything needed for a great mystery novel: brilliant, eccentric detective; young inexperienced assistant; baffling, impossible murder - Add to that a world in a constant fight against monsters for survival, a Byzantine bureaucracy, political intrigue and corruption and you have The Tainted Cup.

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Uniquely Entertaining

This book had a fascinating and original storyline. The narration was outstanding - the best I've ever heard in an audiobook.

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Delightful from start to finish!

This book is smart, fun, intriguing, and at times quite funny. It is performed fantastically and I found myself eagerly awaiting times I could be alone again to keep listening.

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A great mystery

A unique setting with complex characters and ever growing stakes. The narrator is fantastic and did great voices to make all the characters distinct. I’ll be recommending this book to all my fantasy and mystery loving fellow readers.

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Wonderfully Unique & Smart

Really hoping for the series to continue soon. It’s been a while since I’ve been so invested in new characters in such a unique world. Spend your credit on this if you enjoy Attack on Titan and Sherlock Holmes with military history. Wonderful narration too!

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