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

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

“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

“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 world I’m dying to find out more about. Bring on the next one!”—Django Wexler, author of the Shadow Campaigns series

A great mystery and story

This story reminded me of so many murder mysteries, but what stood out to me were a few things; that the murders were taking place during, in effect, a state of emergency, making things difficult. Anna is an incredibly fun character, like Sherlock Holmes or Poirot with a dash of Benoit Blanc, albeit more eccentric and foul mouthed. I also like that the Empire is not portrayed as a hopelessly corrupt, that it shows that while there are troubles, justice can still be done. Overall I would definitely look into this again one day.

Very fun fantasy mystery

Some nice twists and absolutely Superb Narration. I’ll read/listen to more Robert Jackson Bennett

I did not want this book to end.

This book surprised me at every turn. I kept imagining different outcomes and I was inevitably wrong. It took me a bit to fully immerse myself in the Empire and its people. The world building was very well done and detailed. By the time I was well enough into the book I could smell the sea breeze and feel the squelch of mud beneath my feet.

This was my first book by Robert Jackson Bennett but it will not be my last. Also, kudos to Andrew Fallaize as narrator.

I’d like this book to shoot to the top of your 🎧TBR like dappleglass.

Grab your wooden sword and vials of your favorite smells because we’re solving crimes here. 😅

My goodness. From sea walls shaking to insane items in nature, this book is equal parts intriguing and fun.

If you haven’t read RJB yet, don’t sleep on them for too long. (Both Foundryside & The Divine Cities, both completed series, were solid 4 ⭐️ IMHO).

If you have read RJB- is it just me, or does this feel like his strongest book 1 yet?

Incredible voice work by Andrew Fallaize – impressive range for an extremely full cast of characters. TBH, his performance makes it an easy 5 ⭐️.

A delightful mystery in a stunningly detailed new world

I am enamored with the world Bennett created and with the vibrant cast of characters provided for us. If you are a fan of mystery in a unique fantasy setting, you will not go amiss with this title. I would give it more stars if I could.

Outstanding narrator

Very good fantasy/mystery with an excellent narrator who really brought the two main characters to life. The hope is that Mr. Fallaize will be back for any sequels.

Fantastic blending of unique fantasy world with a detective novel

Fantastic blend of unique fantasy world with a detective novel. Loved the narrator as well. Nothing I didn’t like, one of the most well done novels I’ve ever listened to. In my top 3 favorites.

Beautifully crafted mystery

Absolutely enjoyed the twists, turns, and drama this novel offered! The narrator was incredible and clearly enjoyed the story as much as I'm sure you will!

Captivating Storytelling

I was booked on this book after just a few chapters, listening to it whenever I had a few minutes of downtime. The world building, character development, and mystery are all compelling. Hoping this becomes a series of adventures!

4.5🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 stars!

The Tainted Cup by RJB is a mystery, a quest, set in an esoteric world that gripped me from the start. The plot was rich, with twists that kept me on edge. Each page brought a new shock, a new thrill. The world was dark and full of life. The folks in it felt real, with flaws and dreams.
The lead, a man with a past, was looking for truth in a world that seemed to hide it well. His quest felt difficult, but he did not yield. The prose was sharp, each word well placed. To borrow a metaphor from the book, the tale flowed like a mountain stream, smooth and clear.
The world in The Tainted Cup is vast and deep. Each place felt real, with its own past and mood. The streets were dark, full of life and risk. The best part about the lush and verdant world building was that it was delivered not through big boring infodumps but in small nuggets that were woven into the story. I consumed these joyful little pieces of world building candy with the story being told, unaware that slowly but surely RJB was constructing a rich and luscious stage of a wold on which this mystery was playing.
Bennett had painted each scene with care. Even the air felt thick with dread, yet there was room for hope to peek through. The lands were green and rich with lore, each fern and blade of grass with a tale to tell. The varied folk who walk these lands are shaped by them, tied to its soil, its flora and fauna.
The world was not just a stage, but a key part of the tale. It shapes the plot, molds the folks, and drives the quest. It is a world that pulled me in, made me feel each step and breath.
In short, the world of The Tainted Cup is one that I did not want to leave. It will stay with me, not one I will soon forget.