The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett

 

The country Daretana is under attack.  It's the wet season in which the Leviathans come and try to breach the walls and destroy the land.  But crime doesn't care what season it is.  A high official lies murdered in a strange way.  A tree has taken root inside his body and when it grows rapidly, it tears its host apart.

Two investigators are sent to solve the mystery.  Ana Dolabra is an experienced investigator and has solved many crimes.  But she has to have an assistant as she cannot stand stimulation.  She spends her time inside and wears a blindfold all the time.  She needs someone who can go forth and view the crime scene and do all the other things that require a presence.  

Dinios Kol is a new investigator, in fact he is on probation still.  This will be his first case.  Kol is an engraver; he has been modified so that he can engrave everything he sees, hears, smells, etc. and repeat it all on demand.  He is also finding out that he has other talents that he didn't even know of.  He is very hesitant at first but as the crimes continue and he does more and more, he starts to gain his confidence.  Can Ana and Din solve the mystery?

Robert Jackson Bennett is known for his fantasy work and has won numerous awards in the fantasy world.  I personally regard him as an automatic buy and read everything he writes.  This novel is interesting as it is a mixture of fantasy and murder mystery.  The two investigators have been compared to Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson and there are similarities although not a blind copy of that pair.  It is fascinating to see Din start to gain his confidence and overcome his fears that he just won't be good enough.  The mystery is compelling and the world building is superb.  This book is recommended for both fantasy and mystery readers.