8. The Tainted Cup

By Robert Jackson Bennett (432 pp/ebook)

Great book! It's a fantasy with a murder(s) mystery and political intrigue. But also lots of humor. Terrific world-building. Amazing characterization. Great plotting. I don't know how to do a thumbnail summary -- here's my best effort: The main character is Din and he is an engraver meaning he's had some bio-enhancements that give him a perfect memory and he works in service of a detective-investigator Ana -- who is a fun, cranky but sharp lady. They start with one murder but uncover all kinds of shenanigans while the empire is threatened by the leviathan season. High recommendation! Can't wait to read more by this author.