Review: A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett

Blurb:

The eccentric detective Ana Dolabra matches wits with a seemingly omniscient adversary in this brilliant fantasy-mystery from the author of The Tainted Cup.

In the canton of Yarrowdale, at the very edge of the Empire’s reach, a Treasury officer has disappeared into thin air—vanishing from a room within a heavily guarded tower, its door and windows locked from the inside.

To solve the case, the Empire calls on its most brilliant and mercurial detective, the great Ana Dolabra. At her side, as always, is her bemused assistant Dinios Kol.

Ana soon discovers that they are investigating not a disappearance but a murder—and one of surpassing cunning, carried out by an opponent who can pass through warded doors like a ghost.

Worse still, the killer may be targeting the high-security compound known as the Shroud, where the Empire harvests fallen titans for the volatile magic found in their blood. Should it fall, the Empire itself will grind to a halt, robbed of the magic that allows its wheels of power to turn.

Din has seen his superior solve impossible cases before. But as the death toll grows and their quarry predicts each of Ana’s moves with uncanny foresight, he fears that she has at last met an enemy she can’t defeat.

Review:

Robert Jackson Bennett’s “A Drop of Corruption” arrives as a formidable successor, eclipsing the impressive groundwork laid by “The Tainted Cup.” This second venture into the “Shadow of the Leviathan” saga reintroduces us to the delightfully unconventional Ana Dolabra and her ever-observant companion, Dinios Kol, as they navigate an intricate puzzle within the remote confines of Yarrowdale. The core mystery, a vanishing act within a fortified room, morphs into a narrative that transcends standard locked-room tropes, infused with the fantastical undercurrents of Bennett’s meticulously constructed world.

Bennett’s talent for fusing the detective genre with high fantasy is on full display. The story unfolds with a meticulousness that mirrors the precision of a master craftsman, pulling readers into a realm where the inexplicable becomes tantalizingly real. Ana Dolabra, with her mind a whirlwind of brilliant, often unorthodox deductions, mirrors the legendary Sherlock Holmes, a figure whose intellectual prowess is as undeniable as his social eccentricities. Just as Holmes confounded and impressed Watson with his leaps of logic, Ana leaves Din, our narrative's Watson-esque figure, perpetually caught between admiration and bewilderment. Din, with his pragmatic outlook and steady temperament, serves as the reader's anchor, grounding Ana's flights of intellectual fancy in a relatable, often humorously bewildered, perspective. He observes, records, and attempts to decipher Ana's methods, much like Watson's chronicling of Holmes's, offering a necessary human counterpoint to Ana's almost otherworldly brilliance. Their interactions are relatable, delivering sharp humor and a profound examination of their evolving trust, forged amidst complex investigations and shared experiences.

“You… wish to wait for this killer to kill again?” “Well, I don’t want to, Din. I’d prefer it if I could just toss a stone out my window and strike this fucker in the head! Yet that is unlikely.”

The central mystery is a labyrinth of political intrigue and moral quandaries. Bennett’s capacity to craft a narrative that keeps readers guessing until the final pages speaks volumes about his storytelling finesse. The inquiry into the disappearing Treasury officer steers Ana and Din into a conspiracy that threatens the Empire’s very fabric, particularly the Shroud, a bastion where the volatile magic of fallen leviathans is harnessed. The stakes remain consistently high, and the intrigue intensifies with each revelation, ensuring the narrative’s momentum never wanes.

A particularly compelling aspect of “A Drop of Corruption” is Bennett’s dissection of institutional decay and the destructive force of unchecked authority. The author’s note, illuminates his views on inherited power and autocratic rule, adding a layer of contemporary relevance to the fantasy setting. Bennett’s world-building is nothing short of extraordinary, painting a vibrant and immersive portrait of an Empire grappling with decline and the dangerous allure of ancient, leviathan-derived magic. The setting is not merely a backdrop but an active participant in the narrative, shaping the characters’ actions and the unfolding events. The political tensions and the intricate web of alliances and betrayals deepen the story, transforming it from a simple mystery into a compelling exploration of power dynamics.

The characters are exceptionally well-developed. Ana’s sharp mind and idiosyncrasies are contrasted against Din’s grounded perspective, creating a dynamic that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant. Their partnership deepens, and the reader is drawn into their world, experiencing their trials and triumphs alongside them. The supporting cast is equally well-crafted, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the narrative. Bennett’s ability to infuse his characters with depth and nuance ensures they feel authentic and relatable, even within the fantastical setting.

“No. He has always been the Empire’s thing. He seeks trade, and wealth. As we say— Ika aḍakohsa la’i ika siki da parasi. He has a purse for a scrotum, and coins instead of balls.”

The pacing of “A Drop of Corruption” is expertly managed, maintaining a steady rhythm that captivates the reader from beginning to end. The narrative unfolds seamlessly, with each chapter building upon the previous one, leading to a satisfying and surprising conclusion. The intricate plot is masterfully executed, with each clue and revelation carefully placed to maximize impact. The ending is both unexpected and fulfilling, a testament to Bennett’s skill in crafting a narrative that is both unpredictable and satisfying.

“A Drop of Corruption” is a resounding success, a perfect blend of mystery, fantasy, and social commentary. This sequel offers a rich and immersive world that has me itching for the next installment in this exceptional series.