The Tainted Cup

A Novel

De: Robert Jackson Bennett

Narrado por: Andrew Fallaize

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

“Like an endearing fantasy version of Knives Out . . . A great murder mystery is hard to pull off but Bennett structures his perfectly, and the fact that it’s in a fantasy setting only makes it better.”—T. J. Klune, The New York Times

HUGO AWARD FINALIST • LOCUS AWARD FINALIST • EDGAR AWARD NOMINEE • A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times Book Review, NPR, Elle, BookPage

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

Reseñas de la Crítica

“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.”—Max Gladstone, New York Times bestselling co-author of This Is How You Lose the Time War

“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 world I’m dying to find out more about. Bring on the next one!”—Django Wexler, author of the Shadow Campaigns series

Great performance

The story is entertaining and there’s humor which is translated with great success in the performance. The first chapter is long and boring but then it gets so much better. Be ready to imagine creatures out of this world with characters that have alien qualities but their emotions are so human.

Wish I could read again for the first time

I loved everything about this. The writing was amazing and the narration superb. The story kept me guessing though the revelations made sense in the end. I loved the two main characters. Can’t believe I almost skipped over this. The description does not do it justice. Possibly my new favorite book.

Relatable unique characters

An strong & unlikely trio is formed to save a world both unrecognizable and very current

great voice, great story

i want more please of this world and can't imagine Dim and Anna voiced by anyone else!

Great story with outstanding narration

I hope this is the beginning of a series! I would love to return to this world and follow anew adventure. This narrator infused these characters with such life and personality…I’d listen to him read the phone book.

Genre Defying Thriller

I don't believe i've ever read a book quite like this and I mean it in the very best way. This is a mash up of Sherlock Holmes, Shadow and Bone and Godzilla that takes place in the future/past on a planet somewhere in the universe. It had me from the start and I couldn't wait to put on my ear buds each day until the very end. The characters were great, but special mention has to go to the Sherlock Holmes of the story, Anna. I loved each of her parts and the crazy way she spoke to everyone. Andrew Fallaize did an incredible job with all of the voices but he nailed it with Anna. I truly hope this falls into Netflix or HBO's hands as it would make an amazing series. Best of the year so far and can't wait to hear the next book in the series.

Great Pace and Plot

Always love a good mystery!!! The character of Anna will keep you on your toys as told from the POV of Din. If I say more I will say too much. A very good read!!!!!

Difficult to find a bad thing

Do you like a smart mystery thatvhrabs you from the get go and does not let you go? Do you like genius characters that are fun to listen to and are always switch on? This is your book. Fast oaced, smart, attentive to detail and not a word wasted. It is not fantastical, romantic, or political. It is just a well crafted, plot heavy detective story. BravO!

Fantastic!

I very much hope this will become a series. Wonderful characters and great mystery plus an intriguing world.

Creative Fantasy Setting and Great Detective Mystery

What a surprisingly wonderful story to listen to! Everything was fantastic. All of the characters, the setting, and the intrigue. Fantastical and incredibly immersive.