A peculiar crime. A brilliant investigator. A mystery of epic proportions.
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.
My thoughts
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Published on: 13th February 2024
Author: Robert Jackson Bennett
Mystery Thriller, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
This book was my first read from Robert Jackson Bennett, and I was not disappointed.
This fantasy murder mystery is not my usual reading material, but I might be converted. As many others have said, it has a Sherlock and Watson dynamic, which I’m here for.
Ana Dolabra is the unconventional yet humorous investigator, and Dinios Kol is her patient assistant. Ana is eccentric and usually wears a blindfold, and Din is an inexperienced engraver—altered to recall everything they see. They are asked to investigate a suspicious and usual murder, but they find there are more questions than answers and some major covering up. I was hooked from the beginning.
I enjoyed the writing style and narrative; the pace worked well for me, and I didn’t find myself bored at any moment. Although the book was plot-heavy, it didn’t bother me, and whilst the characters could have been fleshed out some more, I think that will come in subsequent books. I loved Ana’s take no shit attitude, although she does swear a lot, but that wasn’t an issue for me. Their banter and developing relationship have built a solid foundation for the rest of the series.
I can’t wait for the next book to come out.
Thanks to Hachette Australia & New Zealand and NetGalley for the eArc of The Tainted Cup. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions about the book.
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