The Tainted Cup

De: Robert Jackson Bennett

Narrado por: Andrew Fallaize

HUGO AWARD WINNER • WORLD FANTASY AWARD WINNER • NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A Holmes and Watson–style detective duo take the stage in this fantasy with a mystery twist, from acclaimed author 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

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.

A great mystery and story

This story reminded me of so many murder mysteries, but what stood out to me were a few things; that the murders were taking place during, in effect, a state of emergency, making things difficult. Anna is an incredibly fun character, like Sherlock Holmes or Poirot with a dash of Benoit Blanc, albeit more eccentric and foul mouthed. I also like that the Empire is not portrayed as a hopelessly corrupt, that it shows that while there are troubles, justice can still be done. Overall I would definitely look into this again one day.

Very fun fantasy mystery

Some nice twists and absolutely Superb Narration. I’ll read/listen to more Robert Jackson Bennett

I did not want this book to end.

This book surprised me at every turn. I kept imagining different outcomes and I was inevitably wrong. It took me a bit to fully immerse myself in the Empire and its people. The world building was very well done and detailed. By the time I was well enough into the book I could smell the sea breeze and feel the squelch of mud beneath my feet.

This was my first book by Robert Jackson Bennett but it will not be my last. Also, kudos to Andrew Fallaize as narrator.

Fantastic blending of unique fantasy world with a detective novel

Fantastic blend of unique fantasy world with a detective novel. Loved the narrator as well. Nothing I didn’t like, one of the most well done novels I’ve ever listened to. In my top 3 favorites.

Creative world building

This is a really creative world based in an empire whose major goal is protecting its people from magical superfund sites. And then we have a likable main character and what is basically a police procedural. I’m glad I found this series.