“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
“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
“Great fantasy detective stories are too rare, but Bennett . . . more than delivers.”—The Washington Post
“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
“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
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