Description

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’ WESLEY CHU

An eccentric detective and her long-suffering assistant untangle a web of murder, magic and deceit in this sparkling fantasy reimagining of the classic crime novel – from the bestselling author of The Founders Trilogy.

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.

READERS LOVE ROBERT JACKSON BENNETT

‘This is that rare thing – a book so good that you are bereft when you reach the final page. I loved this and would spend much more time in its world’

‘Utterly riveting read from beginning to end. Another mind blowing innovative world-build’

‘I couldn’t put this one down and read waaay into the night to discover who did what to whom – and came away with a massive book hangover that had me dreaming of Bennett’s world for the rest of the week’

‘I adored this book! Can’t recommend it enough. Murder mystery in a fantasy setting with botanical murder weapons, augmented humans and leviathans threatening to breach city walls! It was such a wonderful, exciting book!’

‘This book destroyed those expectations. This was fantastic’

AUTHORS LOVE 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

Publisher 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) *