A peculiar crime. A brilliant investigator. A mystery of epic proportions.
'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' WESLEY CHU
In an opulent mansion at the borders of the Empire, an Imperial officer lies dead - killed when a tree spontaneously erupted from his body. Even here, where contagions abound and the blood of the Leviathans works strange magical changes, it's a death at once terrifying and impossible.
Called in to solve the crime is Ana Dolabra, an investigator whose reputation for brilliance is matched only by her eccentricity. At her side is her new assistant, Dinios Kol, an engraver, magically altered to possess a perfect memory.
Soon, the mystery leads to a scheme that threatens the safety of the Empire itself. For Ana, all this makes for a deliciously thorny puzzle - at last, something to truly hold her attention. And Din? He'll just have to hold on for the ride.
An eccentric detective and her long-suffering assistant untangle a web of magic, deceit, and murder in this sparkling fantasy reimagining of the classic crime novel - from the bestselling author of The Founders Trilogy.
PRAISE FOR ROBERT JACKSON BENNETT
'Engrossing and fascinating' MUR LAFFERTY
'A masterstroke. I want Bennett to write a dozen of these, and send them to me yesterday' MAX GLADSTONE
"Sherlock Holmes meets Game of Thrones . . . A rousing adventure for alt-fantasy fans" - Kirkus Reviews
"Absolutely riveting . . . I went to bed late reading it and woke up early to finish it" - Amal El-Mohtar, New York Times Book Review
"A classic murder mystery set against dazzling worldbuilding and sly social commentary. Robert Jackson Bennett doesn't miss" - James L. Sutter, author of Darkhearts
"Bennett brilliantly melds genres in this exceptional mystery-fantasy. The worldbuilding is immediately involving, Bennett's take on a classic detective duo dynamic feels fresh and exciting, and the mystery itself twists and turns delightfully. Readers will be wowed" - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
