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The Tainted Cup

an exceptional fantasy mystery with a classic detective duo

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The Tainted Cup

By: Robert Jackson Bennett
Narrated by: Andrew Fallaize
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Summary
 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©2024 Robert Jackson Bennett Crime Crime Fiction Dark Fantasy Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Mystery Magic Exciting Murder
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Critic reviews

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
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!
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
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!
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
Bennett's world is engrossing and fascinating
Robert Jackson Bennett deserves a huge audience
Sherlock Holmes meets Game of Thrones . . . A rousing adventure for alt-fantasy fans
Absolutely riveting . . . I went to bed late reading it and woke up early to finish it
A classic murder mystery set against dazzling worldbuilding and sly social commentary. Robert Jackson Bennett doesn't miss
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
All stars
Most relevant
This did sent me to sleep several times but I’m glad I persisted. I bought the next book.

Voice acting by the narrator was brilliant. The world building lacked a little.

Some character names were too similar so I got lost remembering who everyone was & found myself replaying bits

I want to be a quirky, genius middle aged woman when I grow up

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book was fantastic, as was the narator. cannot wait for part 2. I see it's in April

loved it

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This is the first book I’ve ‘read’ by Robert Jackson Bennett and I’ll definitely be back for more. I finished this book in 2 days, staying up until the early hours to finish it.
The narration is well handled. Some of the character voices were not as I would have chosen but I have no idea how the author heard them in their mind whilst writing the book.
Definitely recommend.

A very enjoyable find

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There is little explanation of a new realm anywhere as the story unfolds which I liked as the texts expects you to keep up.

The characters are joyful and the story engaging. Nothing is drawn out more than is necessary and the mystery kept me guessing.

The only pity is that I have to wait until next year for the next book.

I liked the narration more than I thought I would at first. It was well read and paced well. I enjoyed the way the characters were brought to life.

Great start to a new series

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As close to a perfect book as you can get. Compelling, creative and endearing. I could picture the world and characters so vividly in my head, and I can only hope and pray another book is coming because i need more. If Annihilation and Murderbot had a really adorable baby.

Perfection

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