Description: "An eccentric detective and her long-suffering assistant untangle a web of magic, deceit, and murder in fantasy reimagining of the classic crime novel"--
Review Quotes: "Like an endearing fantasy version of Knives Out . . . A great murder mystery is hard to pull off but Bennett structures his perfectly, and the fact that it's in a fantasy setting only makes it better. The best news? The sequel was just released."--TJ Klune, The New York Times
"This weird tale of murder combines the best of Lovecraft and Doyle and is one of those stories that stays with you for a long time."--Matt Dinniman, New York Times bestselling author of Dungeon Crawler Carl "Wow--this was fantastic, a total hit. I don't usually read fantasies, but this works brilliantly as a mystery novel as well. It's hard to fully capture in just a few words, but this is a masterpiece that deserves to be read. . . . Highly recommended."--Hideo Kojima, legendary video-game creator of the Metal Gear series "This fantasy mystery novel introduces two dynamic detectives in a strange and frightening world, as if Nero Wolfe were solving mysteries in Area X. . . . The Tainted Cup is a thoroughly satisfying delight from start to finish."--The New York Times Book Review "Holmes and Watson get a new twist in this fantastical noir set in a mysterious empire . . . Perfect for those who loved China Mieville's Perdito Street and Kraken but wished there was more camaraderie and crime-solving."--CrimeReads "A wonderful novel whose pull to keep turning pages comes from the great plot, inventive world, and fascinating characters. Highly recommended."--SFF World "Immediately grabbed my attention with a riveting mystery and quirky characters . . . I'm looking forward to reading more from this author."--Mystery & Suspense "Great fantasy detective stories are too rare, but Bennett . . . more than delivers."--The Washington Post "Bennett is a master of world-building . . . This is just such a fun, compelling read! I was [so enthralled] by the writing and plot of this terrific and very human mystery."--Criminal Element "Bennett's fantasy spin on Sherlock Holmes will dazzle readers with both its imaginative world building and perfect pacing."--Bookpage, starred review"Inspired by Nero Wolfe with a bit of Hannibal Lecter added to his prime investigator."--Booklist, starred review "Highly recommended for lovers of fantasy and steampunk mystery and readers searching for magically engineered combinations of alchemy and corruption."--Library Journal, starred review "Original, imaginative, and suspenseful, The Tainted Cup superbly blends mystery and fantasy. 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. This is a book that has planted roots in my head for the rest of my life."--Wesley Chu, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The War Arts Saga
"A riveting murder mystery wrapped in a twisty conspiracy, set in a vivid fantasy world terrorized by eldritch monsters . . ."--Fonda Lee, World Fantasy Award-winning author of the Green Bone Saga "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 "The Tainted Cup is a true fantasy mystery, with a leading duo who stand with Holmes and Watson among the greats. And Bennett sets it all in a squishy, fascinating, biopunk world I'm dying to find out more about. Bring on the next one!"--Django Wexler, author of the Shadow Campaigns series
"A classic murder mystery set against dazzling world-building and sly social commentary. Robert Jackson Bennett doesn't miss."--James L. Sutter, author of Darkhearts