The Tainted Cup | Robert Jackson Bennett

The Tainted Cup

Extended Synopsis

In Daretana's greatest mansion, a high imperial officer lies dead—killed, to all appearances, when a tree erupted from his body. Even at the Empire's borders, where contagions abound and the blood of colossal leviathans works strange magical changes, it is 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 solves impossible cases without stepping outside her home. At her side is her new assistant, Dinios Kol, magically altered in ways that make him the perfect aide. As the two close in on a mastermind and uncover a labyrinthine scheme that threatens the Empire itself, Din realizes he has barely begun to assemble the puzzle that is Ana Dolabra—and wonders how long he can keep his own secrets safe from her piercing intellect.

Author Biography

Robert Jackson Bennett is a Hugo Award-winning and critically acclaimed author known for his deeply inventive world-building and wicked sense of humor. His masterful blending of fantasy and mystery has earned him widespread recognition across the speculative fiction community.

Reader Targeting

• Fans of classic Holmes and Watson-style detective duos with a unique speculative twist.
• Readers who enjoy epic fantasy worlds filled with political intrigue, deadly magic, and colossal beasts.
• Anyone looking for a clever, tightly plotted murder mystery similar to Knives Out but set in a magical empire.

Accolades & Key Highlights

• Award-Winning Excellence: Hugo Award Winner, World Fantasy Award Finalist, Locus Award Finalist, and Edgar Award Nominee.
• National Bestseller: A highly anticipated and commercially successful launch to The Shadow of the Leviathan series.
• Best Book of the Year: Recognized as a top read by The New York Times Book Review, NPR, Elle, and BookPage.

Bibliographic & Physical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Tainted Cup part of a series?
Yes, it is the thrilling first installment in The Shadow of the Leviathan series.

Who are the main characters?
The story centers on Ana Dolabra, a brilliant but eccentric detective, and Dinios Kol, her magically altered assistant who possesses a perfect memory.

What genres does this book blend?
The novel is a masterfully crafted hybrid of an epic fantasy and a traditional murder mystery.

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