I thought this would be incredibly entertaining. It has the vibes of an Agatha Christie detective novel blended with fantastical elements, and how can you go wrong with that?

Well, for one, the chapters are entirely too long. I am not opposed to long chapters in the right kind of novel, but a mystery needs to be well paced and long chapters hinder that.

Within those chapters is the most drawn out storytelling one can encounter. I was incredibly bored and unable to see it through to the end, as the author failed to entice me. This is such an exciting concept, and I’m sad that it was such a dull execution.

I am immensely grateful to Del Rey Books and NetGalley for my copy. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to the author, publisher and @NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I really loved this whole premise, but I felt like I just could not get in to this world for some reason. I didn’t get all the Benoit Blanc and Sherlock Holmes/Watson dynamics that others mentioned.

But, I did enjoy the mystery aspect of this novel. So if you’re in to fantasy worlds and solving a murder, this would definitely be your jam.

The second in this new series, Bennett keeps knocking them out of the park. The only request I have is for MORE LEVIATHAN but I feel safe thinking that I'll be getting them. Please keep this one coming.

Wild.

This book is wild in the most amazing way. I loved a good mystery and the way that the author combines a mystery with fantasy is just fantastic. Plus for this being my first mystery with this much fantasy thrown in, my expectations are now high for any others.

You are left on the edge of your seat and begging to have the next book in your hands. I devoured this book so quickly and couldn't run to see if there was a sequel fast enough.

The world building was there and the characters developed well. Like when an Emperor dies from a tree coming from their body and you have to call Ana in to investigate. Well that's just something you don't see or hear about everyday.

This book lit my brain on fire. As soon as I started reading it, I could not put it down--and for months afterward, I was constantly looking for books that would make me feel like this book did. The worldbuilding is incredible, the characters are complex and difficult yet also a delight to spend time with, and the plot was propulsive and suspenseful. I will be reading the sequel to this book as soon as I possibly can. Easily one of the best books I read in 2024, if not the best.

There is a new crime-solving duo to follow: Ana and Dinios Kol. Set in a fantasy land besieged by leviathans, the two set out to solve murders that involve the high-ranking officials of the land. Are they the victims, or are they behind the attacks...or both? Dinios's keen eye and ability to remember all the encounters helps Ana put together the clues. Great first book in a new series!

4.5 stars. This is such a fun murder mystery set in a fantasy world. RJB writes such unique and intriguing magic systems and worlds to fall into. It has a great dose of humor and the mystery really keeps you engaged and guessing to the very end.

This is a quirky mix of genres…I liked it? ….but also had to work at paying attention as it was a bit complex at times.

A fantasy mystery with an almost science fiction feel but also knives out? I’m telling you, the genre bending is REAL! 😂

It truly is like a Holmes / Watson vibe but with an odd woman who only works blindfolded at home and her trusty sidekick, Din who is a magical engraver that has powers akin to a photogenic memory but with smell.

I’d give this a 3.5 cause it was so odd it was hard for me to get fully into but I rounded up because the overall story was interesting. I partially listened/ partially read this and I can tell you I preferred to read it. The narrator wasn’t my cup of tea and didn’t help when I was feeling unconnected from the story.

I love a good detective duo and it always ends up working for me. The mystery the vibes the characters all get a win for me!

Thank you Netgalley and DelRey for the EARC.
This was a 5 star read for me! This is a mystery series I can get behind! The magic like system being more based on science was wonderfully done and was refreshing. The mystery aspect was just the right amount of edge of your seat suspension but the small little details that are placed throughout the story were like you were right there trying to solve the case with them. The depth of characters and the quirkyness was masterfully written!

Actual Rating: 4.75

Wow! I went into this blind knowing this that I’d love anything by Robert Jackson Bennett. This was a great mashup of Sherlock Holmes, empirical fantasy and terrifying biological warfare. I can’t wait to read the next book to hopefully expand on the workings of the inner parts of the empire and the leviathan.

In The Tainted Cup we follow detectives in a fantasy world trying to solve a strange string of murders. I would say this book leans into murder-mystery fantasy and it was a fun time. The world building was done really well as well as the character development. It gave off Sherlock Holmes vibes and the banter between the two main characters was probably my favorite part of the book. I didn't feel as though we had any loose ends in this book and the mystery being solved wasn't unexciting. I would recommend this book to readers and can't wait to reconnect with the characters in book two.

Hooked from the beginning. This was such a well written story. It had so many twist and turns. I love books that I'm not able to predict the outcome and this was it. I was shocked to the very end. Great plot, characters, mystery, etc. Definitely recommend.

Robert Jackson Bennett | English | 410 Pages| Del Rey, 2024

This is the blue-print for the authors who want to mix fantasy and investigation plot properly.

I am not exaggerating. The 4.32 on Goodreads would never lie to you. RJB books are worth every penny and time. It will suck you into his world and by the time you found the exit door, it shuts in front of your face by the hard slam. I am trapped in his world. In his masterpiece, in Ana Dolabra and Dinius Kol’s never-ending riddles.

The riddle was riddling. The mysteries were on point. World building was magnificent. You will be given vast imagination of 50-60 something fictional country with the Titan threats and all magical-scientific vial of skills. Holmes-and-Watson-banter will be the main feast. It was all hilarious and clever. Although the book was all written from Dinius Kol’s POV, the narration made it possible to us for understanding the basic habit of each character.

Oh, how I keep mesmerize by the plot. The plot structures scream almost-perfection. I just find out some scenes feel so illogical but it sank by the time the plot progressed. If I must mention, it was the scene when Dinius Kol could perfectly read and decipher Ana Dolabra’s expression. But Ana was blindfolded. And how could you tell someone with covered-eyes, an expression of desperation? Curiosity? Excitement? Like how it appears so vivid by half of her facial expression only?

Tiny flaws, but it went overshadowed by the RJB’s later genius plot-twist. Exceptional. Brilliant.

I hardly slow down my reading pace. It was soooo great. If you love fantasy and investigations plot so much, then this book is waiting.

4.8/5 for me.

I was lucky to receive this book from Net Galley and Random House - thank you! I love Sherlock type mystery books so I was very eager to give this a try. I was expecting banter and “brilliant” deductions but I didn’t find this dynamic. While there is a supremely intelligent, eccentric woman who puts the pieces together with flourish, she doesn’t interact as much with the world around her. A lot of her interactions are set in a carefully constructed environment where she is always in control of the surroundings. Seeing Sherlock’s interactions with others in society is part of the charm with the counterweight of the beloved, “normal,” Watson who is intelligent and competent in his own right. The two characters can give as good as they get. This isn’t true of the duo in this book - she is the wise one who does all of the solving and the “Watson” character is a lackey who rigidly adheres to policy and isn’t well liked by others.

I also purchased the audiobook and the voice of Ana sounded so much like a stereotypical witch cackling in her house made of roots and books. There were attempts to make her sound witty and amusing but it didn’t feel super authentic. I probably had too high of expectations because of the comparison to Sherlock and Watson and all I got was a huge let down. Was the story decent? Sure. But not what I was expecting. 2.5 ⭐️

UPDATE (1/19/2025): I gave the book another chance and I’m glad that I did! While I stand by my opinion that this duo does not remind me of Sherlock and Watson, I think knowing that on the reread changed my expectations. With my mindset changed, I really enjoyed this mystery and the journey that the characters go on. Ana, our brilliant detective, did eventually grow on me and I started to enjoy her humor, wit, and eventual admiration for her counterpart. You don’t always get her “how-to” when it comes to solving the crimes . . . She just figures it out? Din, our counterpart, also grew on me but it wasn’t because he reminds me of Watson. It’s because he stood his ground with those in authority even though he felt entirely out of his league. He was able to gather info that others were not and he contributed significantly to the investigation.

I’m still on the fence with the audiobook narrator . . . Some of the voices were amazing and some were too cartoonish. I’ve updated my rating to 4.5 (rounded up for Goodreads).

Thank you Random House Publishing Group Ballantine and Netgalley for this eARC!!

I loved this SO MUCH. It was clever and fresh. The plot was interesting and engaging. The characters were the best part of this book. I love my bisexual disaster son, Din, and his Sherlock-esqe mentor Ana. I can't wait to see what they get up to in the next book!!

This was such an interesting and enthralling read. This was the first sort of fantasy mystery book that I have read, and I am not the most adept in the building of these fantasy worlds. If you are, I would definitely pick up this book. The world building was great, but I will admit that maybe I didn't understand everything at the beginning. There were times were I wasn't entirely sure what I was reading about, but I am happy that I stuck with the book throughout the somewhat confusing parts. I found the murder mystery to be satisfying, especially how it all tied up neatly at the end. I really enjoyed our characters, especially Din, the trusty side kick to our eccentric main "Sherlock Holmes" type character of Ana. I think it was perfect to get the book told in his point of view because it humanized the entire story where if it was from the point of view of Ana it might have been more polarizing. I loved the ending and found that the subtle themes of class systems and corruption in government to be very thought provoking. Overall, I greatly enjoyed this book, and look forward to more in the series!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions within this review are my own.

The magic and worldbuilding created by Jackson Bennett is so interesting. This book reads almost solarpunk, with a shade of fantasy and encased in a story that feels very Knives Out. Also - always extra points for bisexual representation.

The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett is a thrilling, imaginative, and intricately woven tale that combines elements of mystery, historical fiction, and fantasy in a way that only a master storyteller like Bennett can. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish, and it has certainly left a lasting impression.

Set in a richly realized world where gods and mortals intersect, The Tainted Cup presents a gripping narrative that centers around a group of complex and multi-dimensional characters. At the heart of the story is a deeply intriguing mystery, with Bennett’s trademark knack for building suspense and keeping readers on edge. The plot revolves around an ancient and powerful artifact, the titular "Tainted Cup," and the consequences it has for those who seek it. As the story progresses, the stakes only get higher, and Bennett masterfully balances character development with escalating tension.

One of the strongest aspects of The Tainted Cup is its world-building. Bennett has a gift for creating immersive settings, and in this novel, the world feels both lived-in and magical. From the intricacies of the gods’ influence on the lives of mortals to the various political and social dynamics that shape the story, the world feels vast and vibrant. Bennett doesn’t shy away from complex concepts, and he brings them to life with remarkable clarity. Whether it’s the mythology surrounding the cup or the religious and cultural implications that stem from it, everything is thoughtfully explored and meticulously crafted.

The characters in The Tainted Cup are also a major highlight. Each one feels distinct and layered, with their own motivations, desires, and flaws. The protagonist is both relatable and fascinating, and their journey through this dangerous and uncertain world is one that you can’t help but get invested in. The supporting cast is equally strong, and the dynamic between the characters adds emotional depth to the narrative. There’s a great balance of camaraderie, betrayal, and personal growth, making every twist and turn feel earned.

Bennett’s writing style is as sharp and captivating as ever. His prose is engaging, and he’s able to seamlessly blend action with introspective moments that allow the characters and their development to shine through. The pacing is perfect, with just the right balance of tension and release, keeping you hooked until the very last page.

I think that the premise of a fantasy Sherlock Holmes and Watson meets House type deal is what drew me to this book. However, I was not prepared for all the extra that came with it. All the worldbuilding and the extra characters and running in circles was less than ideal. The thought of a female Sherlock was entertaining enough, but her Watson counterpart needs some interpersonal skills. I'm not sure if I'm going to continue with the series, the ending was a bit of a letdown.