The Tainted Cup

Shadow of the Leviathan, Book 1

By: Robert Jackson Bennett

Narrated by: Andrew Fallaize

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.

©2024 Robert Jackson Bennett (P)2024 Penguin Random House Audio

Critic reviews

'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

Excellent whodunnit!

Rich, detailed, and full of imaginative touches that made the setting feel alive. The mystery itself was intricate and cleverly constructed; the “whodunnit” had me hooked from start to finish. I also enjoyed the narration, which brought forth the characters and atmosphere. A refreshing read that blends fantasy with a satisfyingly complex mystery.

Unique, immersive and engaging...a must read

I can't decide whether the narration or the writing deserves most praise.
Can't remember the last time I found a book this interesting. Totally engaging and entertaining. A truly outstanding story. Characterisation is immaculate.
...this is all enhanced by the most amazing narration. The excellent interpretation lifts this unique world off the page. The world is totally immersive but I don't feel like I heard one line of exposition. The pacing is perfect.
If you're thinking about this, go for it. You won't regret it. I'm off to buy the hard copy as well.
A great piece of work.

What an enjoyable find!

I normally would never go for something like this. But what a joy!
My biggest compliments to the narrator! He really bought the characters to life. Especially the protagonists, just so entertaining!
The storyline is a but difficult to follow at times- there are so many abstract names and places, it's hard to remember them all. I read an online summary after which helped. So I will definitely listen to this again sometime (something I ordinarily would never consider). This seems to be a really well constructed and thought out story. There are endless plots and twists, and you literally only get to the true bottom of the rabbit hole right at the last chapter. I'm very impressed! Well done!

Quite an entertaining story

I think Jackson Bennet offers a professionally well rounded story and good entertainment. There are no particular weaknesses in the story, and the pace does not slow down at times. The story is well balanced among the main characters with clever enough dialogues and action. It is not easy to run into a writer with that gift. A well deserved SF&Fantasy prized story.

Intriguing at least

The worldbuilding and lore is very interesting and I am quite eager to find out more about this setting.
Sadly the characters fell completely flat for me. The narration was a mixed bag with most characters, apart from Ana having voices that made them seem old and somehow obese.