The Tainted Cup cover art

The Tainted Cup

Shadow of the Leviathan, Book 1

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About this listen

A peculiar crime. A brilliant investigator. A mystery of epic proportions.

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.

©2024 Robert Jackson Bennett (P)2024 Penguin Random House Audio Crime Crime Fiction Dark Fantasy Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Mystery Magic Exciting Murder

Critic reviews

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

loved it

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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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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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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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