Looking For a Good Book

Two of the most powerful families in the Empire are just steps away from going to war with one another. Such a war would be devastating to the Empire as it would draw in legions of families and potentially bring about chaos then mass starvation.

Detective Ana Dolabra is tasked, her assistant Din are sent to investigate. At the root of the dispute is the eldest son of one of the families, accused of a gruesome, heinous murder. The evidence against him is overwhelming. Ana and Din must prove him innocent or find a way to calm the families. 

Although the evidence would appear uncontroversial, Ana sees a pattern behind the crime. A pattern that, if what she suspects is true, would suggest a danger far greater than at first anticipated. But each time they have a suspect in mind, that person ends up dead, and the tension between the families heats up. And if this wasn’t enough to put the pair of investigators on edge, Din’s loyalty will be tested by a surprise encounter.

I just loved this book.

Robert Jackson Bennett is truly one of the most exciting science fiction/fantasy authors writing today. Or perhaps he’s one of the most exciting mystery writers today.  Or maybe it doesn’t matter how you try to pigeonhole Bennett – his work is going to stand out wherever you put him.

Mostly this is a very cleverly plotted mystery in a well-crafted fantasy world. It is the third book in the Ana and Din mysteries (the series is actually called “Shadow of the Leviathan”) and we’ve come to know a little more about the pair with each book.  In this volume it’s Din who reveals a little more about himself. Some of this comes through kin he meets unexpectedly and some of it through his behavior towards those around him.

I tend to think Ana is the more interesting of the pair, but that makes sense since she’s the older, more seasoned detective. Watching her investigate is really interesting – she tends to have some pretty keen insight. She’s also fairly no-nonsense but is generally patient with Din, in whom she sees something (I don’t see it yet, but I trust Ana and, more importantly, I trust Bennett).

The murder(s) here  are quite unique and could probably only really work in a fantasy/sci-fi novel. Yet at the same time, it works well and seems quite logical.

If you like fantasy you owe it to yourself to read this. If you enjoy mysteries, you owe it to yourself to read this. 

Looking for a good book? A Trade of Blood by Robert Jackson Bennett continues the work of investigators Ana and Din in the Shadow of the Leviathan series. It’s a strong mystery, but the characters and world-building are exceptional.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

4-1/2 stars

* * * * * *

A Trade of Blood

author: Robert Jackson Bennett

series: Shadow of the Leviathan #3

publisher: Del Rey

ISBN:  9780593723852

hardcover, 400 pages