The Gentlemen’s Book Club

October Pick: The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett

An impossible murder. An eccentric detective. A fantasy world unlike anything else.

For the first-ever meeting of The Gentlemen’s Book Club, we’re starting with a book that combines the two most requested genres from our interest form: fantasy and mystery.

Join us for a relaxed evening of theories, deductions, favorite moments, and discussion as we dive into The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett.

About the Book

In the Empire of Khanum, a high-ranking officer is found dead under impossible circumstances: a tree has seemingly erupted from his body.

Called in to investigate is Ana Dolabra, a brilliant and deeply eccentric detective who rarely leaves her home and insists on wearing a blindfold.

At her side is Dinios Kol, a magically altered engraver with a perfect memory who serves as Ana’s eyes and ears.

What begins as one bizarre murder quickly grows into something much larger, leading the pair through a web of secrets, corruption, strange biological magic, and a conspiracy that could threaten the Empire itself.

The Tainted Cup is the first book in the Ana and Din Mysteries and blends a classic Holmes-and-Watson-style detective story with an imaginative fantasy world.

What to Expect

If you enjoy fantasy, mysteries, or books that give you plenty to theorize about, this month’s pick brings:

• Fantasy murder mystery
• Eccentric detective duo
• Impossible crime
• Magical enhancements
• Political intrigue
• Secrets & conspiracy
• Strange creatures and worldbuilding
• Plenty of clues and theories to debate

Event Details

Thursday, October 8
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Free Entry
RSVP Required

The Romantics Archive
290 25th Street, Suite 101
Ogden, Utah 84401

Our first meeting will last approximately 90 minutes and will include:

• Guided group discussion
• Reader theories and deductions
• Favorite and surprising moments
• Character and mystery deep dive
• Discussion of the worldbuilding
• Time to meet and connect with fellow readers
• A quick group vote to help determine our recurring meeting day and time

About The Gentlemen’s Book Club

The Gentlemen’s Book Club was created as a welcoming space for men who enjoy reading, want to discover new books, or simply want to meet other readers in the community.

You do not need to be an avid reader or a book club regular to join us.

Our interest form showed that members are excited about everything from fantasy and science fiction to mysteries, thrillers, horror, romance, historical fiction, LitRPG, and more, so future selections will rotate across genres.

The goal is simple: read good books, have good conversations, and build community.

How to Get the Book

You’re welcome to read however you prefer:

• Purchase in-store at The Romantics Archive and receive 15% off our October Gentlemen’s Book Club pick
• Purchase through your favorite indie bookstore
• Ebook or audiobook
• Borrow a copy from your local library

The most important thing is that you read along and join us for the discussion.

Important Notes

• WE WILL HAVE PIZZA and drinks.
• RSVP is required
  
• Space is limited
• Please come having read the book, spoilers will be discussed
• The 15% book club discount applies to The Tainted Cup purchased in-store
• Our October 8 meeting date is our inaugural meeting date; attendees will help vote on the recurring schedule moving forward

If you’ve RSVP’d and can no longer attend, please email theromanticsarchive@gmail.com so we can open your spot for another reader.

We’re excited to finally get The Gentlemen’s Book Club started.