People Who Walk in Darkness

Porfiry Rostnikov #15

by Stuart M. Kaminsky

In People Who Walk in Darkness, Rostnikov travels to Siberia to investigate a murder at a diamond mine, where he discovers an old secret…and an even older personal problem. His compatriots head to Kiev on a trail of smuggled diamonds and kidnapped guest workers, and what they discover leads them to a vast conspiracy that not only has international repercussions but threatens them on a very personal level.

Genres: Mystery, Russia, Crime, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Thriller

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Stuart M. Kaminsky wrote 50 published novels, 5 biographies, 4 textbooks and 35 short stories. He also has screenwriting credits on four produced films including ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA, ENEMY TERRITORY, A WOMAN IN THE WIND and HIDDEN FEARS. He was a past president of the Mystery Writers of America and was nominated for six prestigious Edgar Allen Poe Awards including one for his short story “Snow” in 1999. He won an Edgar for his novel A COLD RED SUNRISE, which was also awarded the Prix De Roman D’Aventure of France. He was nominated for both a Shamus Award and a McCavity Readers Choice Award.

Kaminsky wrote several popular series including those featuring Lew Fonesca, Abraham Lieberman, Inspector Porfiry Petrovich Rostnikov, and Toby Peters. He also wrote two original "Rockford Files " novels. He was the 50th annual recipient of the Grandmaster 2006 for Lifetime Achievement from the Mystery Writers of America.

Received the Shamus Award, "The Eye" (Lifetime achievement award) in 2007.

His nonfiction books including BASIC FILMMAKING, WRITING FOR TELEVISION, AMERICAN FILM GENRES, and biographies of GARY COOPER, CLINT EASTWOOD, JOHN HUSTON and DON SIEGEL. BEHIND THE MYSTERY was published by Hot House Press in 2005 and nominated by Mystery Writers of America for Best Critical/Biographical book in 2006.

Kaminsky held a B.S. in Journalism and an M.A. in English from The University of Illinois and a Ph.D. in Speech from Northwestern University where he taught for 16 years before becoming a Professor at Florida State. where he headed the Graduate Conservatory in Film and Television Production. He left Florida State in 1994 to pursue full-time writing.

Kaminsky and his wife, Enid Perll, moved to St. Louis, Missouri in March 2009 to await a liver transplant to treat the hepatitis he contracted as an army medic in the late 1950s in France. He suffered a stroke two days after their arrival in St. Louis, which made him ineligible for a transplant. He died on October 9, 2009.

Reviews

[Rob Kitchin · Rating 2 out of 5]

People Who Walk in Darkness has a fast paced plot involving many threads. The plot and characters hold much potential, but the narrative failed to deliver in many ways. The storytelling felt workman-like and rushed, with not enough attention to detail. My suspicion is it was written to a formula, by an old hand who has a track record of churning out a couple of books a year – others of which are much more finely honed. The result is flat prose, under-developed characters and scenes, and a lack of context and story scaffold. This was a real shame as the bones of a decent caper/police procedural novel are here. An interesting enough read, but not out of the top draw.

[Nadine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rosnikov is a great character and the setting of present-day Russia is fascinating, but don't start with this book. The earlier ones are better and worth a try if you read mysteries for setting.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a bit concerned towards the beginning of the book. It seemed that Kaminsky had expanded his misspelling of Russian names by having two characters with the same father... but different patronymics. (Russians with the same father would have the same "middle name", a patronymic based on their father's name.) But all was explained, and the two men had a legitimate reason for the difference in name.

I was also concerned that there were a lot of different plot lines going on, with a lot of different characters, but (almost) everything was cleared up by the end.

On the plane to Siberia, Rostnikov is reading the last 87th Precinct book written by Ed McBain before his death, and he dreads not having any more to read from his favorite author. With only one more book left for me to read in this series, I feel his pain.

[Jimmy Tarlau · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy these Russian mystery stories (as in Martin Cruz Smith). At first I didn't like the Kaminsky books as much but I've changed my opinion of them. Post Communist Russia is as dark and brooding as it was during the socialist regimes. The plots aren't that great but the atmosphere makes the book compelling.

[Eddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 16th Inspector Rostnikov book. Always a good read. Rostinikov survived bureaucracy in the Soviet days and continues to solve crimes in the post-soviet environment. Interesting take on immigration in the new Russia.

[Taunya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a review that gave this author a hard time for inaccuracies regarding names and places in the former U.S.S.R. I have read a few Russian authors and the details in these books never tarnished the thrill. I really love this series.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stuart Kaminsky is an Edgar Award winner and a MWA Grand Master; in short, he's got game and is one of my favorite authors. Within his body of work, which includes the Abe Lieberman and Toby Peters series, the Inspector Porfiry Rostnikov mysteries tend to be the most serious, and this one, People Who Walk In Darkness, fits right in with that pattern. It is, perhaps, the best of this particular series, with no less than 4 (or maybe 5 or 6) sub-plots that all dovetail into one another to form a well crafted whole.
Inspector Rostnikov is a smart, humble bear of a man who must contend with a bad leg (now, replaced with an artificial limb that still gives him no peace), a corrupt gov't and police force, complete with bosses that would sacrifice him in a Moscow minute for personal gain, and a team that is as charming and quirky in its own way as the detective squad of Ed McBain's 87th precinct (referenced in the series as Rostnikov's favorite author).
This novel deals with diamond mining & smuggling in the colds of Siberia (who knew that region produces so many of the world's diamonds?) and, of course, the murder of at least two who happen to stumble onto things within the mine they shouldn't have seen. Rostnikov and team have but nine days in which to discover the answers and put a stop to the problem, and the book moves along with excellent pace accordingly. There are sufficient red herrings to keep one guessing until the end, and Kaminsky has a few twists up his literary sleeve to surprise even the astute reader.
One might argue that I'm biased in favor of Kaminsky's writing, and that would be a legitimate observation. However, I'm objective enough to recognize one of his best works from some of his more average efforts (e.g., some of the Toby Peters series), and People Who Walk In Darkness is clearly in the former category. Four and a half stars rounded up to five for this very enjoyable visit to mother Russia.

[Dan Becker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have loved the entire series up to this point, and have been parceling out reading the books slowly, to prolong the time when I have another Rostnikov story to look forward to reading.

But with this volume, something seems oddly changed in the writing.

What hasn’t changed is that the characters and plot are quite recognizably developing along consistent lines with their previous trajectories, and the various plots and crimes are quite Rostnikovian.

But there are some very distinct changes in the actual writing, which I found jarring. It didn’t give me the same experience as a reader. And I wonder if anyone else feels the same.

One example, the first that really made me say “this book feels different from all its predecessors” was the uncharacteristic capsule introductions of each character at their first appearance, including not just their role and description, going into small biographical essays, with psychological profiles explaining each of the characters’ histories, motivations, weaknesses, and proclivities. I wondered if a new editor had taken over the series and insisted that Kaminsky had to do this to orient readers who were, through some mishap, starting the series at volume 15. And Kaminsky, like Porfiry with the Yak, recognizes the futility of arguing about something that isn’t that important in the larger scheme of things, and complied.

Aside from that specific item, throughout, the writing feels oddly ... direct? Characters explaining the reasons and steps and consequences of actions to themselves or to others in very concrete and explicit terms, for example. And I think this is a change for the worse, for my reading enjoyment.

I’ll certainly finish the series, but I am not so sure what to expect with subsequent volumes. I will still read those and finish the series, so please don’t let me know what to expect in regards the writing style in subsequent volumes if you reply here.

[Charli Fulton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This mystery set around 2008 in Russia features Inspector Porfiry Rostnikov, the wily, one-legged Moscow police special investigator. This time he must solve a complicated murder/diamond smuggling case in a quick turn-around time (9 or 11 days) or risk having his special unit dissolved. Because the elements of the crime are scattered and time is short, various of the team are deployed in different places — Iosif Rostnikov and Zilch in Moscow, Sasha and Elena in Kiev, and Porfiry Petrovich and Emil Karpo in a diamond mine in Siberia. Various of the smugglers, Botswanans, are found in Moscow, and the story is told from multiple vantage points. Although this makes it a bit hard to follow, the crime is interesting when finally put together in the end.

[Muffin Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess it's weird that I started on the 15th installment of this detective series - however, I got the gist of the characters and had no problems following the story.

I totally thought this was a Russian novel translated into English but then I found out it was written by a red-blooded American who enjoys Russian literature! Super interesting setting in the diamond mines of Siberia and a fun twist at the end as the one-legged inspector Rostnikov solves the mystery.

I will for sure read the other 14.

[John Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

My reading of this series is rather random, but it seems the early entries written during the time of the Soviet Union are superior. I should read the entire run, though. Kaminsky is dependable for a good mystery and Porfiry is always an interesting character.

[Willie Kirschner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all of the previous books in this series and I found this one to be very interesting and fun. I wish there was more than 1 book left in the series. I will miss Porfiry, and the rest of the crew.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read any of the Porfiry ROstnikov series in years. I've missed the characters. I'm a little out of touch with them in that I've missed several books in the series. I listened to this on one a CD that skipped quite badly, so I missed some of the story. Still a great read!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continued good writing and fun read.

[Rebecca Hock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I am enjoying the whole series but this is the best one I have read.

[Mike Harper · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an easy read with a plot that’s somewhat scattered. The earlier books in the series are better, I think.

[Kathleen Waslov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it for the setting (Russia) and pleasantly surprised by the very fine writing. Also learned about the Russian diamond industry.

[Doug · Rating 3 out of 5]

I miss the voice of Mike Hammer, who read many Rostnikov mysteries.

[Hanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too many characters, not well developed. Storyline was slow and the ending was disappointing. Did enjoy reading about the Russian scene.

[Raquel Santos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penúltimo livro da série Rostnikov, uma trama que vê a equipa dividir-se por diferentes localizações para desmantelar uma rede de tráfico de diamantes.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is apparently a diamond smuggling ring operating in post-Soviet Russia – not surprisingly, it is a murderous diamond smuggling ring. Inspector Rostnikov has been sent to a small, old diamond mine in Siberia to investigate – where he also encounters an issue of a more personal nature. Meanwhile, his colleagues are following up leads in Moscow and in Kiev, involving sahdy diamond merchants suffering from DeBeers Envy and cover models and Botswanian nationals and organized crime. All the while, his boss is attempting to save his department and team from political takeover in a little over a week's time.

The word that comes to mind while reading this book is “busy”. There are a lot of characters, and a lot of plot threads, and somehow they all manage to run coincidentally – finally coming together in the end of what is a relatively short book. (Or, in my case, set of 7 CDS, since I listened to it on Audio.) Overall I enjoyed the book, but I was often confused by sudden changes in scene. (Perhaps this is clearer in the print version of the book.) I also found some of the conclusions reached by the police in their quest for answers to be not fully substantiated. (Either I missed, or some of the evidence they used to draw their conclusions was obtained “off camera”, so to speak.)

RATING: 4 Stars. I'm glad I read/listened to the book, and I'm planning to obtain other books in this series. However, I have to rank it at only 4 stars due to the factors mentioned above.

[M Rothenbuhler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent part of the Kaminsky's "Porfiry Rostnikov" detective series, of which I am a fan. The three connected mysteries, with three teams of detectives working on them, jell well together. Overall, the plot makes sense.

Three criticisms: one, the torture of some of the Botswanans is too explicit for me. I can be told that someone was tortured without getting quite so much detail. This detracted.

Also, the whole singing child in the mines never made sense to me. Did I miss something?

Lastly, when we have stable of recurring characters they can become somewhat cookie cutter. This book leans in that direction - many behavior patterns are going from charming idiosyncracies to schticks.

On the positive, besides the tautly interwoven crimes, the new character of Balta was pretty dynamic and presented a bit of a surprise at the end. The crimes were believable and the conclusion rang true.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

By my count, this is the last book that prolific writer and Northwestern University Professor, Stuart Kaminsky, published before his death to hepatitis in October 2009 (A Whisper to the Living was published posthumously in 2010). Although People who Walk in Darkness (a reference to both the criminally minded and diamond miners--both the subject of this book) is not Kaminsky's best work, it does not disappoint. Kaminsky had an amazing gift for sentence construction, and his insight into the Russian psyche is unparalleled by any American writer. I do strongly recommend getting all of Kaminsky's books in the Inspector Rosnikov series (including this one) on audio because the stories are better plays than books. Also, I love the fact that the audiobooks have all the characters speaking with fabulous Russian accents (ala Moose and Squirrel).

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a v. popular book with great reviews. Not as good as the excellent Child 44, last summer's mystery set in Russia. I guess there must be one each summer... :) It was OK, but I didn't like the v. frequent (every 3-5 pages) action shifts between the mine in Siberia, Moscow, Kiev and London. It made it seem more like a script for a thriller movie than a novel. The mystery is almost irrelevant as the focus seems to be on the very quirky characters (main hero talks to his wooden leg and visits his cut off leg in a Moscow crime lab) though, and rich details especially re food - these quirky people seem to be eating all the time!!

[Frank · Rating 2 out of 5]

[library audiobook, plot summary elsewhere]

I felt some remorse about totally trashing this audiobook, I've read other Kaminsky and liked them. This had the virtue of a narrator who did some interesting Russian accents. The Russian setting had some interest as well, although I don't remember any explanation the Ukraine as a separate nation. BUT the book jumps from one character and place to another, I couldn't keep the names straight (maybe not paying enough attention to the spoken narrative), the brutality, torture and murder without qualm was a little off putting. I decided to move on to something else.

I will likely read another Kaminsky before writing him off.

[Carolyn Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Keeping track of multi-syllable names in another language is always a challenge for my already challenged brain, but I stuck with it and enjoyed this tale of diamond smuggling from Siberia. The twists and turns kept me hanging, but I wanted a little more explanation at the end.
This was, however, the first book I'd read in this series, so the fault for that could be mine for not "doing my homework" and starting with book I.

[Ric · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is always good to follow the characters and how their lives evolve. These inspectors continue to evolve. Three new cases, intertwined but separate. Some parts make you wonder if our inspectors are going to survive and what will come of those around them. The stories move right along to the end. The endings are more gentile then some of the previous books, each with its own surprise. A good read and well done.

[Peter Barr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 15th of the Porfiry Rostnikov mysteries by Stuart Kaminsky. He is the senior inspector of the Office of Special Investigations, an office in Moscow. He works with five other inspectors and for a politically savvy director, who was formerly with the KGB. In this novel, the group is working three parts of one investigation involving murder and diamond smuggling. Kaminsky builds a believable Russia and interesting characters.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Stuart Kaminsky - his melancholy characters struggling to retain an ethical core AND a sense of humour. I always worry that maybe this is his last book because he's written about a million. Rostnikov is good, as usual, and there are the usual twists and turns coming together in a more and more improbable way, but one we're happy to follow.

[Tom O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, always like the Rosnikov books. Just a classic mystery, with the characters from the series continuing to be fleshed out. I heard a rumor that the author has died, don't know if it is true?