The Tainted Cup

The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett delves into a world where magic and mystery collide. Set in an opulent mansion at the threshold of an empire rife with strange contagions and Leviathan blood-induced magical transformations, a grisly and unfathomable crime occurs. An Imperial officer is found dead, his body horrifyingly transfigured by a spontaneously erupted tree. This bizarre and lethal event raises eyebrows and concerns, as it defies all known laws of nature and magic. Enter Ana Dolabra, a brilliant yet eccentric investigator whose unparalleled intellect and unconventional methods make her the Empire's best hope for unravelling this enigma. Accompanying her is Dinios Kol, her newly-appointed assistant. Dinios, an engraver by trade, has been magically altered to possess a perfect memory, making him an invaluable asset to Ana. As Ana and Dinios delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover a plot with ramifications that could threaten the stability of the Empire itself. Ana finds herself captivated by the intricacies of the case, while Dinios must navigate the tumultuous currents of their investigation. This extraordinary tale combines elements of a Sherlock Holmes-like murder mystery with a fantasy world reminiscent of Through the Looking-Glass. The narrative is meticulously crafted, presenting a deliciously complex puzzle that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. An eccentric detective paired with a remarkably perceptive assistant, Ana and Dinios unravel a sinister web of magic, deceit, and murder. This sparkling fantasy reimagining of a classic crime novel is a testament to Robert Jackson Bennett's storytelling prowess, and fans of his bestselling Founder's Trilogy will not be disappointed. PRAISE FOR ROBERT JACKSON BENNETT
Wesley Chu: "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."
Mur Lafferty: "Engrossing and fascinating."
Max Gladstone: "A masterstroke. I want Bennett to write a dozen of these, and send them to me yesterday."
Meg Gardiner: "Original, imaginative, and suspenseful."
Amal El-Mohtar: "Riveting."
Fonda Lee: "If you love unique, genre-bending, boundary-pushing fantasy as much as I do, look no further than Robert Jackson Bennett."