The Tainted Cup, by Robert Jackson Bennett, is a wonderfully fresh blend of fantasy world-building and sharp detective work. The story kicks off with a bizarre, seemingly impossible death, pulling readers straight into a mystery that’s equal parts eerie and compelling. At the center of it all is the eccentric investigator Ana Dolabra and her magically enhanced assistant, Din Kol, whose perfect memory and earnest curiosity make him the ideal narrator. Their dynamic — witty, odd, and brilliantly effective — is one of the book’s biggest delights.
Robert Jackson Bennett builds a world rich with bio-magic, political tension, and looming leviathan threats, giving the mystery a grand and atmospheric backdrop. As the investigation deepens, each clue uncovers new layers of intrigue, making the book feel both tightly plotted and expansively imaginative.
If you enjoy clever mysteries wrapped in immersive fantasy settings — with memorable characters and a steady dose of humor — The Tainted Cup is a standout read that’s easy to recommend.