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.

About the Author

Robert is the author of American Elsewhere, The Troupe, The Company Man, Mr. Shivers, as well as The Divine Cities trilogy and The Founders Trilogy. The final installment of The Founders Trilogy, LOCKLANDS, is in stores June of 2022.

His work has received the Edgar Award, the Shirley Jackson Award, and the Phillip K. Dick Citation of Excellence, and he has been shortlisted for the World Fantasy, British Fantasy, and Locus Awards.

He lives in Austin with his wife and two sons, one of whom is very large and one of whom is very loud.

Reviews
PRAISE FOR ROBERT JACKSON BENNETT
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 *
Original, imaginative, and suspenseful, The Tainted Cup superbly blends mystery and fantasy in this vivid, complex novel. I couldn't put it down. Give me more of this world and these characters ASAP! * Meg Gardiner, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the UNSUB series *
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, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The War Arts Saga *
Bennett's world is engrossing and fascinating * Mur Lafferty, Campbell Award winning author of Playing for Keeps *
Robert Jackson Bennett deserves a huge audience * Brent Weeks, New York Times bestselling author of The Way of Shadows *
Absolutely riveting . . . I went to bed late reading it and woke up early to finish it * Amal El-Mohtar, New York Times Book Review *



Book Information
ISBN 9781399725354
Author Robert Jackson Bennett
Format Hardback
Page Count 432
Imprint Hodderscape
Publisher Hodder & Stoughton