A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett (April 1, 2025) Thank you, PRH Audio and Delrey Books, for the gifted advanced listening copy of one of my most anticipated fantasy reads of 2025! #prhaudioinfluencer
Ana and Din return in this twisty, high-stakes sequel, called to the remote region of Yarrowdale to investigate the disappearance of a treasury officer. What starts as a classic locked-room mystery quickly unravels into something far more sinister – a chilling murder, a dangerous scientific discovery, and a villain so brilliant and ruthless, they could bring down the empire itself.
Robert Jackson Bennett continues to masterfully blend mystery and fantasy in a world unlike any other. There’s something magnetic about these utterly original characters navigating such a strange, unsettling kingdom. Din is the perfect Watson to Ana’s Holmes, and their dynamic is endlessly entertaining—especially in a society where people are modified with unnatural abilities. Watching them face off against a Moriarty-level threat was fantastic.
If you haven’t read The Tainted Cup yet, definitely start there. This series is layered and deeply immersive – perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes reimaginings with a dark, fantastical twist. And good news: this is a trilogy, so we still have one more adventure with Ana and Din to look forward to!
🎧 Audiobook Thoughts Andrew Fallaize nails these characters – bringing Ana’s unhinged, curse-laced brilliance and Din’s thoughtful, methodical mind to vivid life. His performance adds incredible depth to an already rich story. That said, this is a dense, intricate book (15h 51m runtime), and I found it helpful to switch between audio and text to keep track of all the layers.
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Audiobook: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Spice: 🌶️
Book Smart Kate 