The Tainted Cup is a wonderfully enjoyable read. The story weaves together magic, mystery, fun and thrill all together. The characters were engaging, the plot was racing, and I loved every page.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’m very grateful to have received an ARC for The Tainted Cup.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Eccentric investigator Ana Dolbara and her assistant and side-kick Dinios Kol are tasked with solving the mystery of grass that is spontaneously sprouting from a series of victims. All this against a backdrop of enormous Leviathans circling from the sea in this genre defying fantasy/sci-fi/mystery novel from Robert Jackson Bennett.

This is a brilliantly well written caper, set in an amazing and unique world and with a unique magic system.

I loved Ana’s character, her sarcasm and wit were a highlight and her and Din’s characters bounced perfectly off each other. It was great to see their teacher/student relationship develop into mutual respect and begrudging care for each other. I really could have done with more of their banter throughout.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I think the pacing was a bit slow in the first third of the book but it really picked up after that. I look forward to the next adventure of Ana and Din!

Fantasy Holmes and Watson duo trying to solve the really weird, possible, murder of an engineer. Which doesn't only lead the duo of apprentice assistant Din and investigator Ana to the next big city over, but also closer to more murdered people and danger due to the closeness to the empires walls. Behind the walls the sea and the deadly leviathans are waiting.

Ana prefers living in isolation. She often wears a blindfold to keep the world out. She likes reading and cussing. And she loves a puzzle, because otherwise life is just boring. Din has to be Ana's eyes and ears during the investigation. Fortunately, he is an engraver, which means he was altered in a way that allows him to remember everything he sees and hears, and then report back to Ana.

I enjoyed the slowly unfolding mystery (although predictable) and world-building. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

My first R. J. Bennett fantasy adventure and I am currently wondering which of his books to pick up next.

I loved this book from start to finish! His story telling was easy to understand and felt really fluid which can be rare in the fantasy genre. It is a great book for fantasy lovers or even people who want to dive into fantasy but don’t know where to start.

The murder mystery itself takes the main stage throughout this book however the magic system was so gracefully placed in the story.

I loved the relationship between Ana and Din, it was so fun to read about a detective who doesn’t actually go out into the field to solve the mysteries and instead sends her apprentice to do it for her.

My one complaint is the story is narrated through Din however, I felt Ana was more developed as a character and I would love to see more of Dins personality shine through in the sequel.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an E-Arc of this book

We have an unusual little ensemble story here.

An investigation into a death, where a tree has sprouted from the body of a officer and, obviously, this defies logic and reason. So Ana, and her new Assistant, Din, are brought in to figure out what is going on.

Ana is brilliant but Din has some special skills of their own, an enhanced memory which is perfect... and what a great skill for a murder investigation

Whilst all this is going on, there is also a threat of the colossal Leviathans breaching the city, and the city may not survive this.

All in all, there is a good story in this book but I sometimes felt there was a bit too much story all bunched together. Taking each part individually I thought it was great, but just seemed a little much all going on at once.

However, the characters and the leviathans were set up nicely and I would be intrigued to see how, the leviathans especially, are used more as the series continues

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodderscape for the review copy of this book, it was released yesterday so out now if it sounds like your cup of tea (which our MC makes perfectly throughout the story...)

I've never encountered Robert Jackson Bennett but will be heading to check out the rest of his work now.

The story begins with a murder on a strange planet which an Investigator named Ana must solve with the help of her companion Din (Think Holmes and Watson)

If you want an easily accesible fantasy without too much complex lore or world building - an element of mystery - this could well be right up your alley.

This book features a fantastically diverse cast - Din being both gay and disabled. This is handled brilliantly - helping to normalise the presence of fabulous diverse protagonists.

4.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Oh, what a ride. I must admit I wasn't the biggest fan of Robert Jackson Bennet's Foundryside, but The Tainted Cup was so consistently good throughout that it made me want to give the latter another go. I mean, what's not to like? I adore a self-contained, high-concept story, and this more than delivered: an Agatha Christie/Arthur Conan Doyle murder mystery transported into a High Fantasy setting full of Lovecraftian leviathans, conspiracies, and strong magic systems. Yes, please. I can't emphasize enough how it all just works, from the impeccable plot, the light but effective world-building, to the eccentric Sherlock/Watson duo at the core of it all. This book kept surprising me; whenever I worried the murder mystery would fizzle out, a new twist would jump at me from around the corner.

If you're new to the Fantasy genre, I'd definitely recommend The Tainted Cup as a safe but delightful entry point. You won't be disappointed.

Robert Jackson Bennett's "The Tainted Cup," a fantastical twist on Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson unfolds as Engraver Kol, blessed with perfect memory recall, investigates the murder of a military engineer, leading him to the enigmatic Daretana. The complex mystery, is set in the captivating Khanum Empire, and keeps you engaged throughout. Bennett's immersive and descriptive writing, along with well-executed action scenes, showcases a skillful blend of hints and red herrings. The novel's conclusion sets the stage for an eagerly anticipated sequel. Gratitude to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Basically, this is about solving a murder while Lovecraftian monstrosity is trying to break through the walls of the city.

From the folk horror of American Elsewhere to the epic scale fantasy of The Divine cities trilogy, Robert Jackson Bennett always struck me as an incredibly versatile writer, one who doesn't stick to one genre. With The Tainted Cup he only confirms it because the blending of a traditional mystery and fantasy is done so seamlessly.
First, this novel manages to tick every box when it comes to things that define mystery novels:
- A quirky investigator with a knack for solving crimes and bad social skills. Even in this world, where augmented people are a regular occurrence, Ana fits the bill. Investigative and judiciary process in Khanum Empire is a part of military apparatus, so Ana is Immunis by rank, Iudex investigator by profession and batshit, completely baffling, by design.
-Naturally, there is a sidekick. We are following everything through Din Kol's eyes and part of the charm is the fact he is so young and new at this and absolutely has no idea what Ana is doing, but he is somehow the only one equipped to deal with her. Beside his natural observance and instinctive nature, he is harboring a lot of secrets and perhaps that's what makes this such an effective duo. Characters and dialogue, natural banter and humor were always Bennett's stronger suits and Din and Ana rival my favorite investigating duo of Shara and Sigrud.
There is a particularly gruesome murder that's whodunnit and howdunnit at once, there is a group of suspects, there are red herrings, there is a twist and everything culminating in a scene where Anna gathers everyone in a room and explains what went down. It was glorious and fun and Poirot would be proud.

But, it's the fantasy setting this whole mystery is happening in where Bennett truly shines. Khanum Empire is surrounded by great body of water where huge Leviathans roam and occasionally, during wet season, try to tear down walls build specifically to fight them back. And I made this connection when I was reading RJB's The Founders trilogy, but his settings really have a kind of manga/anime feel to them. There is a certain strange and wondrous vibe to the whole idea of people doing normal things and coexisting with this unexplainable creatures and occurrences, like Made in Abyss for example. And, hey, technically, Leviathan is Kaiju, right? :)
Their blood is also poisonous and where they fell it greatly alters the surrounding flora and fauna making it inhospitable for humans. But, their remains are also harvested and are used for altering humans in different ways. Din, for example, is an Engraver-someone whose mind is altered to remember every little detail he sees, hears, smells or feel which is handy when investigating a murder. There is a huge variety of ways Bennett incorporated all of this into a murder mystery. From deadly plants to body horror to the mere suggestion that you really don't want to know what worms can do, it is a rich setting, forever growing and altering and we barely scratched the surface. Khanum is also a class society and it comes off as a natural divide considering their situation. It is made clear that if Leviathans go through walls, they will annihilate everything in their way, so it's not that big of a surprise that lives of those closer to the center are valued more and thus, are safer than those on the fringes. This social aspect does come into play in several ways bringing another layer of complexity to the mystery plot of the novel.
What Leviathans really are is something, I suspect, we will find out in subsequent novels, and as much as I am intrigued, I like it in this novel as a part of the setting, an ever-lurking danger that can, in any given moment, render everything any character do non-important. And yet they keep doing it because it needs to be done.

So, basically, it IS about solving a murder while Lovecraftian monstrosity is trying to tear down the walls. And I loved every moment of it. :)

Oh my god I absolutely loved this book. I could rave about it for hours and I absolutely need to reread it and spot all the foreshadowing. Som much about this was just so damn clever- even the title is absolutely perfect.

The world was also fascinating. I am an avid fantasy reader but this was like nothing I’d ever read before. Definitely felt almost sci-fi at time and totally engrossing,. The only downside is that I want to know so much more than I do right now about how the world works and the history of it and what exactly are the leviathans

Din is an amazing POV character and they way we’re introduced to him using his skills as an investigator is so perfectly done and really sets the tone for the rest of the book. Ana is a one of a kind character and actually had me cackling at points but her relationship with Din was so wonderful to watch develop even if Din was completely clueless about it most of the time.

Every twist and turn to this book was somehow surprising yet felt entirely foreshadowed when I looked back over what I’d read which just made me love it even more.

The prose in this book is phenomenal- somehow absolute vulgarity becomes almost beautiful sounding? Very hard to explain but so magnificent to read.

I can’t wait for the next book in this series!

I am continuously surprised at how well RJB hooks me into a world, and before I know it I am devouring the story. I liked the Foundryside series, but this mystery fantasy mix had me in love immediately.

Firstly the characters are great. The central duo of main character and quirky master had a great sense of humor and dynamic that make for the most enjoyable moments throughout the book. And as I found with Foundryside, the more minor characters really shine through in their shortened screen time and you find yourself with a vivid image of these side characters.

The plot was deliciously complex, full of moments to world build and create a deep need for more of their world. I hope this turns into a 10 book series.

I highly recommend this to any reader who loves fantasy and mystery books, as this is an excellent mix of the two.

This is one of my most highly anticipated reads, so I had really high expectations for it. I mean a fantasy murder mystery by one of my favourite authors is kind of the perfect premise. I adored Foundryside - it has a firm seat in my hall of favourites, and The Tainted Cup has joined it there. Long story (or rather review) short - It managed to deliver on my hopes and expectations and then some.

Combining a unique almost alien setting with some masterful world building. This is a world where plants and growth could mean life or death. The very plants that could wipe out civilisations also provide grafts and enhancements that ensure survival. Leviathans - rampaging mountains, unseeing of anything in its path. The walls and the enhanced keeping the Empire out of their path. Daretana is a city in view of the last wall. The first swath of land to die should the outer wall fall.

In the opulent sector of this canton, an imperial officer lies dead, a murder. Din is engraver and assistant to Ana Dolabra - the investigator of Daretana. Following leads should take them to the murderer, but as always it leads to more.

This book also has some of the best dyslexia and neurodivergent representation I’ve read for awhile. It is incorporated into the story in a way where it’s not a good thing or a bad thing in itself. It’s just there, and there to be worked around if needed.

This is one of those books that I feel woefully inadequate to the task of doing it justice. So my review devolves into me just bugging you to read it. So please read it 🐌

If a Holmes style murder mystery piques your attention, or intriguing world building is your thing, THE TAINTED CUP by Robert Jackson Bennett is a must try. It'll be a while before I mentally leave this world in which mountain-sized leviathans rise from the seas and head out on a rampage in land, causing the empire to maintain and have walls and machinations to delay them long enough that they can be killed.

I admit I did find the character work lacking and the narrative confused between wanting to have the reader observe as the MC helps solve the central murder mystery and building tension in hindsight. Nevertheless, I quite enjoyed it and I need the next book please.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC of The Tainted Cup!

I really enjoyed this!! It has all the elements of a classic whodunit, with the world of a Jeff Vandermeer novel. I've never read anything quite like this!

The two main characters, Din and Ana, are dispatched to a dangerous province to investigate a series of murders that were carried out using an evasive species of grass and the murder weapon. They come up against corruption, attacks from leviathans, more lethal grass, and enemies with murderous intent.

I think my favourite part of the book is the relationship between Din and Ana. Ana is very reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes/Poirot/Benoit Blanc, whilst also being constantly swear-y, and Din is her long-suffering assistant investigator, who not only helps unravel the mysterious murders but who also manages to stop Ana getting into too much trouble (quite Watson-esque I suppose!).

I will absolutely be reading the next books in this series! This fantasy world is very rich/multi layered which made reading it a pretty immersive experience. I can't wait for more chaotic adventures with Ana and Din!

A really great start to a fantastic world. Giant Leviathans trying to gain access to the walls of the city. The Leviathans blood has changed species magically giving Din the ability to retain everything he sees and hears like a computer. Assistant to Ana a brilliant individual investigator. They check out the first unusual death by contagion which leads Din to find out more about the empire than is safe. When more unusual deaths occur, we follow a maze of clues and suspects. This is an exciting ride with many thrills of a world you don’t know what’s round the next corner but cannot wait to find out. Really great relatable main characters who get under your skin. I cannot wait for more visits to this fantasy world.
Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

There is only so much I can say about this book but I loved it. Adored it. Didn't want it to end. I am very keen on genre-blending and one of my favourites is the fantasy murder mystery. So when combined with one of my favourite authors, Robert Jackson Bennett, this was a must have. I was desperate for this to be a thrilling read and I really wasn't disappointed.

The characters are delightful. Dinios Kol is our main POV - poor hopeless, brave, unimaginative Din! A bit of a talent with Engraving but not so hot with people. Like everyone, he has a few secrets to hide but if he can just get through this job and finish his apprenticeship... I really enjoyed how Din progressed in this story. Ana Dolabra, his superior, is crazy but brilliant. Crabby and sarcastic, she quickly became my favourite of them all. Although these were the main characters, there were quite a few side characters. Some didn't really have much depth but most of them felt fleshed out enough to be real people and not just scenery. Miljiln was particularly strong and I really felt that bittersweet ending.

No matter how good the characters and the plot (both great), the real stars of this show are the atmosphere and the worldbuilding. The story is set in a city in crisis in an over-reached empire. Cue much plotting and scheming. During the plot, the ante is upped by the arrival of a Leviathan landfall. The results atmosphere was cloying, as panic and shortness of time became the prevalent emotions. The scale of the thing also lent much to the atmosphere. Wonderful. However, the diva of this piece is the worldbuilding. The author made some stunning worldbuilding in his previous trilogies but I think this is his best yet! The magic system had augments based on fungi and plants. Mycology in a fantasy book? Yes please! As soon as I read the first chapter, I was swept away. It is outrageous at points but the whole thing is extraordinary in its breadth.

It has to be said that this is not the most sophisticated or complicated mystery but with all the rest of the components in combination, it didn't need to be. I felt that the intrigue rattled along at a nice pace and the plot was exactly what it was needed to be. I have just noticed that this is the first in a trilogy and I am delighted to hopefully have more of the Ana/Din partnership. I am finally running out of superlatives but I must say that Robert Jackson Bennett would be firmly in my must-have list, if he wasn't already, and the Tainted Cup is one of my top 10 books ever. A must read for everyone!

I didn't enjoy this book that much unfortunately, so I dnf'd it at around halfway through. I was really excited to get into it, because i was very interested to read something of the author. In this book I didn't really like the worldbuilding - though it seemed interesting at first, it didn't make much sense to me altogether. Also I didn't like the characters. The main character Din (I think was his name) didn't have much personality, he just told the story. Ana, the lead investigator, had a blindfold the whole time above her eyes, even thought she wasn't blind. And all the time she ask Din what he saw although she just could have taken the blindfold of. I don't know. I couldn't connect with them at all. The storytelling seemed a bit cold, factbased and not that much descriptive in my opinion. Maybe that just reflected on the personality of the storyteller, but the writing just wasn't for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3,5⭐️

I was really interested in how a fantasy book could become a murder mystery and also explore the new world created by the author without being overwhelmed by the information.
Actually, I was pleasantly surprised at how it all worked out in the end.
I was not overwhelmed at all, the book was fun and easy to follow and also the characters were so fun, a beautiful characteristic of the pen of the author and I was glad that it was also like that even in this book.
The relationship between the main character and the mentor was so beautiful, Ana quickly became the perfect mentor for our protagonist and a beautifully written character, over the top of course, but I love that about her.
Some of the vibes will resemble “Attack on Titan”, but for me is only a plus.
Overall I will definitely continue the series when more books are out.

2.5 Stars

I thought the world was very interesting and cool. Did not vibe with any of the characters or their storylines, really couldnt connect with any of them. Felt like I guessed almost all of the plot twists and the mystery wasnt as mysterious as I would have liked. Also a big missed opportunity on describing the leviathans more, it was very vauge and hard to imagine. Likely wont be continuing the series

A young man works as an apprentice to an investigator in a world surrounded by leviathans. Din is an engraver - people who have been "altered" to be able to remember EVERYTHING they see or hear. Working in a small canton (a village or town area) with his investigator boss Ana they are required to attend a most unusual crime scene where there are multiple warnings about what will be seen inside the house and how bizarre it is - well they're not wrong as essentially a tree has been used as a murder weapon! The book then goes into the full investigation and moving closer to the coastline - an area protected against titanic monsters which try to breach the defences every wet season and the people based there to try and avoid that occurring. The world is confusing to start with - even peoples names don't flow normally and they tend to have honorifics attached which explain their rank or position in the world. The months of the year, the flora and fauna of the world, the fact that the vast majority of the population has been altered to bestow some sort of physical or mental benefit, all adds to the sense of "other" about this story but it's no bad thing, just an adjustment as you start the book! I thought the two main characters, Din and Ana were brilliant, their chemistry worked really well and I found Ana in particular hilarious - the genius crimesolver who swears like a sailor.