The Tainted Cup

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What to expect

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

Critics Review

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
Max Gladstone, New York Times bestselling co-author of This Is How You Lose the Time War
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!
Meg Gardiner, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the UNSUB series
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
Fonda Lee, author of the Green Bone Saga
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!
Django Wexler, author of the Shadow Campaigns series
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, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The War Arts Saga
Bennett's world is engrossing and fascinating
Mur Lafferty, Campbell Award winning author of Playing for Keeps
Robert Jackson Bennett deserves a huge audience
Brent Weeks, New York Times bestselling author of The Way of Shadows
Sherlock Holmes meets Game of Thrones . . . A rousing adventure for alt-fantasy fans
Kirkus Reviews
Absolutely riveting . . . I went to bed late reading it and woke up early to finish it
Amal El-Mohtar, New York Times Book Review
A classic murder mystery set against dazzling worldbuilding and sly social commentary. Robert Jackson Bennett doesn't miss
James L. Sutter, author of Darkhearts
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
Publishers Weekly (starred review)

User Reviews

Book 4.8
Narration 4.9
5.0
4.0
gabrielet 09/10/2025
5.0
5.0
NellyG 02/10/2025
5.0
5.0
milathel 18/09/2025
5.0
5.0
bengisu 01/09/2025
5.0
5.0
A well-plotted mystery in an unusual fantasy world. Following the intrigue against the epic life-and-death backdrop was a lot of fun. The narrator really brought the whole cast to life, adding extra hints as to who they were and what they were about.
TB 29/07/2025
3.0
5.0
sangita 28/06/2025
5.0
5.0
Very enjoyable and intriguing. Would love to explore more of this capturing world building!
Karolina 19/11/2024
5.0
5.0
PlantNerd 15/09/2024
5.0
5.0
viol 17/03/2024

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