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The Tainted Cup

A Novel

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The Tainted Cup

Written by: Robert Jackson Bennett
Narrated by: Andrew Fallaize
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About this listen

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

A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times Book Review, NPR, BookPage

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
Action & Adventure Epic Epic Fantasy Fiction Fantasy Witty Detective
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What the critics say

“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

What listeners say about The Tainted Cup

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A very fun listen

The characters were well developed and interesting. There felt like there was a deep and complex history to the land that still has not given up all it's secrets. It's like a Sherlock Holmes novel in a fantasy world. Great narration too. Really brought the characters to life.

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best narrator

possibly my favourite narrator that I have ever listened. can make so many different voices and portray so many different characters. simply fantastic.

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Why Would Anyone Give This OUTSTANDING Book anything But 5Stars

Hilarious....The dialogue between Din and Anna is endlessly enjoyable. I BOODY LOVED THIS BOOK

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Fun mystery/fantasy wonderfully narrated.

Loved this. Great characters. Multistranded mystery set in a complete world. Absolutely super narration with each character crystal-clear. Strongly recommended.

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