The Tainted Cup

A Novel

By: Robert Jackson Bennett

Narrated by: Andrew Fallaize

Length: 13 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

A Holmes and Watson-style detective duo take the stage in this fantasy with a mystery twist, from the Edgar-winning, multiple Hugo-nominated Robert Jackson Bennett

“Great fantasy detective stories are too rare, but Bennett—[a] rising star of fantasy—more than delivers.”—Charlie Jane Anders, The Washington Post

“A thoroughly satisfying delight from start to finish.”—Amal El-Mohtar, The New York Times Book Review

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.

©2024 Robert Jackson Bennett (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“This fantasy mystery novel introduces two dynamic detectives in a strange and frightening world, as if Nero Wolfe were solving mysteries in Area X . . . The Tainted Cup is a thoroughly satisfying delight from start to finish.”—The New York Times Book Review

“Great fantasy detective stories are too rare, but Bennett . . . more than delivers.”—The Washington Post

“Holmes and Watson get a new twist in this fantastical noir set in a mysterious empire . . . Perfect for those who loved China Mieville’s Perdito Street and Kraken but wished there was more camaraderie and crime-solving.”—CrimeReads

Really fun fantasy whodunnit

Reads a bit like Agatha Christie meets Sanderson. Interesting characters, and the reader clearly had a good time doing it. Only angry I have to wait for the next in the series!

Original and hypnotic

The story was unlike anything I had read in this genre. The characters were eccentric in an amusing and likable way. Very well crafted and difficult to stop listening to. I look forward to other books by this author.

Loved this

What a great story teller and loved the voices. This is definitely a must and I hope more books to come!

Great performance

The story is entertaining and there’s humor which is translated with great success in the performance. The first chapter is long and boring but then it gets so much better. Be ready to imagine creatures out of this world with characters that have alien qualities but their emotions are so human.

Wish I could read again for the first time

I loved everything about this. The writing was amazing and the narration superb. The story kept me guessing though the revelations made sense in the end. I loved the two main characters. Can’t believe I almost skipped over this. The description does not do it justice. Possibly my new favorite book.

Relatable unique characters

An strong & unlikely trio is formed to save a world both unrecognizable and very current

great voice, great story

i want more please of this world and can't imagine Dim and Anna voiced by anyone else!

Great story with outstanding narration

I hope this is the beginning of a series! I would love to return to this world and follow anew adventure. This narrator infused these characters with such life and personality…I’d listen to him read the phone book.

Genre Defying Thriller

I don't believe i've ever read a book quite like this and I mean it in the very best way. This is a mash up of Sherlock Holmes, Shadow and Bone and Godzilla that takes place in the future/past on a planet somewhere in the universe. It had me from the start and I couldn't wait to put on my ear buds each day until the very end. The characters were great, but special mention has to go to the Sherlock Holmes of the story, Anna. I loved each of her parts and the crazy way she spoke to everyone. Andrew Fallaize did an incredible job with all of the voices but he nailed it with Anna. I truly hope this falls into Netflix or HBO's hands as it would make an amazing series. Best of the year so far and can't wait to hear the next book in the series.

Fascinating SFF/Mystery

Take everything needed for a great mystery novel: brilliant, eccentric detective; young inexperienced assistant; baffling, impossible murder - Add to that a world in a constant fight against monsters for survival, a Byzantine bureaucracy, political intrigue and corruption and you have The Tainted Cup.