A Whisper to the Living

Porfiry Rostnikov #16

by Stuart M. Kaminsky

A Whisper to the Living continues the adventures (some would say trials and tribulations) of Inspector Porfiry Petrovich Rostnikov, an honest policeman in a very dishonest post-Soviet Union. Rostnikov is one of the most engaging and relevant characters in crime fiction, a sharp and caring policeman as well as the perfect tour guide to a changing (that is, disintegrating) Russia.

This time Rostnikov and his team are searching for a serial killer who has claimed at least 40 victims. They're also handling the case of a missing boxer known as the Giant and two dead bodies who aren't missing at all--the boxer's wife and his sparring partner. And then there is the problem of protecting a visiting British journalist who is working on a story about a Moscow prostitution ring...and in doing so Rostnikov and his team uncover a chain of murders that lead to a source too high to be held accountable if the police want to keep their jobs

Or their lives.

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

256 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2009

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

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was very hard to read this book, but not because it wasn't a wonderful story. Kaminsky was my favorite author for many, many years, with his Toby Peters series, Abe Lieberman series, and the Porfiry Rostnikov series. This was the last Rostnikov book, published shortly after Kaminsky's death in 2009. For those who haven't read these stories, Rostnikov is a Russian detective whose favorite English author is Ed McBain. He's not your everyday detective and he doesn't work in what we'd recognize as an American police department. His methods are unique, and there might be a bit of Columbo in his techniques, and he always solves his cases. This one involves a serial killer in Moscow, and the case is kicked sideways to Rostnikov's "Special Investigations Branch" when the normal police investigation goes nowhere. There is Kremlin intrigue and all the familiar characters in this novel (the other investigators who work with and for Rostnikov) and like all Kaminsky novels, the characters are fully developed and real. This isn't a "whodunnit" because we learn who the serial killer is in the beginning of the book, but we read on to find out how Rostnikov will unmask the killer, as well as the several other investigations being conducted at the same time. I miss Mr. Kaminsky greatly.

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was mistaken in thinking that I had previously read the last Rostinkov novel before I read this one. I understand that not every series can can have nice neat endings, because real life doesn't operate that way either. With Stuart Kaminsky's death I know I won't see any more stories about Rostinkov and his friends in Moscow's Office of Special Investigations.

We have, as has become the formula for these books, three ongoing investigations. Rostinkov himself is handling the a serial killer of drunks and old men in the park. Rostinkov's son Isoef and Zelach are handling the disappearance of a boxer who might be the next heavyweight champion of the world, but his wife and wife's lover are now both dead, murder victims. Sasha and Elena, Isoef's bride to be, are assigned to protect an English journalist visiting Moscow to write about prostitution rings, and of course her story uncovers more than that.

From a procedural viewpoint the progression of each story is satisfactory. A sense of melancholy pervades Rostinkov's investigation. He is definitely an old man by this point (when the series started he had been a child soldier during WWII) and the wear and tear of decades of police work and dealing with political corruption is wearing him down.

Isoef doesn't have his father's political savvy, and it may be hurting his career. Karpo is in the background more than many of the books, and Karpo's grip on sanity may be slipping even more. For Sasha the question is can this weak willed man hold together his marriage.

A minor frustration, beaside not seeing how the personal story lines will play out, is what appear to be some grammatical and spelling errors slip through. Whether this is a sign of Kaminsky being bored with the series, or his declining health, and a lazy editor is a question I asked myself.

[Sandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

What will probably be the final book in the Rostnikov series since the author passed away in 2009 though I would be overjoyed if there was a secret cache of further books somewhere. I love the characters in this series and was glad to see certain things finally play out. I will very much miss Rostnikov, Karpo, and all the others but luckily I have plenty of more of Stuart M. Kaminsky's work to read.

[Larry Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Whisper to the Living, by Stuart Kaminsky (Book 16 in the Porfiry Rostnikov series) is the final book in the masterful Moscow police procedural series: 1981 to 2009. For anyone interested in getting a look at Moscow’s chief inspector Porfiry Rostnikov, his family, colleagues, and the hierarchy of crooks above him… My highlights are here:
https://www.goodreads.com/notes/11603...

Or my review— of possibly my favorite, book 12, The Dog Who Bit a Policeman…
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Ett snällt spöke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ja vill läsa deckare som utspelar sig i Ryssland eller Sovjetunionen men meh this aint it, den va lite förvirrande och int så intressant

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the sixteenth and final book in the Rostnikov series (the author died before its publication), but it is not in any meaningful way a conclusion to the story. Although some of the loose ends are tied up, others are introduced, which leaves those who have come to care about these characters hanging. What was the point of telling us that Rostnikov is aware of something troubling Karpo when there is no way for the reader to ever find out what it is? Is Sarah Rostnikov actually dying? What could Lydia Tkach possibly have said to convince Maya to come back to Moscow; will she or won't she stay there and give Sasha one more chance; and frankly, why should she? His thoughts earlier in the story make it clear that there is no way he will ever be a faithful husband, no matter how much he loves her. It sounds at the end as if Karpo has begun to move on from his grief over Mathilde's death, but it's hard to know what he can move on *to* - he has no life, and the hints in earlier books that he might be starting to open up to some people are not developed in this book.

I suspect that Kaminsky would have stopped after Murder on the Trans-Siberian Express - there is quite a time gap between books 14 and 15; perhaps he was tired of these characters. The last book feels like something he maybe threw together because so many people wanted it. I think he would have been better though to stop with People Who Walk in Darkness. The end of that story left the characters' storylines essentially resolved, and in ways consistent with their histories and personalities.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last of Kaminsky's Porfiry Petrovich series, published shortly after the author's death in 2009. There's a sense of melancholy to the book; knowing that Kaminsky was in poor health as he wrote it, one wonders if it reflects his own feelings at the time.

In a previous book, Rostnikov is reading the final book in Ed McBain's 87th Precinct series; he's sad for the fact that he'll never get to read about the lives of these characters he's grown to love. I can definitely relate to that feeling; we'll probably never get a chance to read more about Porfiry Petrovich and Sarah, Iosef and Elena, Karpo and Sasha and Zelach and all the other inhabitants of this series of books.

[Michael Martz · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the last books in the Rostnikov series, published just prior to Stuart Kaminsky's death in 2009, "A Whisper to the Living" packs quite a bit of action into its pages. In this installment Rostnikov has a politically sensitive (which in Putin-ruled Russia is quite serious) serial killer case dumped in his lap, while others on his team are assigned to baby-sit an English journalist visiting Moscow to write an expose' that may have explosive content. Also in play is the murder of a man and his lover, who happened to be the wife of an enormous Russian heavyweight boxing champ now on the run and suspected of being the murderer. Through it all, Rostnikov uses his combination of a methodical approach with brilliant insights and intuition to identify the serial killer while coordinating the efforts of his team to protect the journalist and locate the runaway giant.

I've really enjoyed the characters in this series, particularly the (now) one-legged inspector Rostnikov, a steady older detective that's physically strong yet unperturbable. His team of younger investigators is capable and populated with men and women with diverse skill-sets. Emil Karpo, Rostnikov's right hand man, is particularly memorable- tall, gaunt, mirthless, totally serious 100% of the time, meticulous, and capable of scaring folks straight just by looking at them. Kaminsky did great work developing the characters on the team, in this episode giving the relative new Zelach, considered to be a dim bulb mama's boy who turns out to be a guy with surprising talents in very specific areas- obviously somewhere 'on the spectrum'. The writing was a bit different in this novel in that it seemed a bit rushed at the end, with all of the crimes being put to rest sort of concurrently and the prose somewhat hurried.

[barryid · Rating 4 out of 5]

All of Kaminsky's books are delights to read. This one I read with the sad knowledge that the author had died, prior to its release. The last in a series that one loves is always poignant, knowning that there cannot possibly be one more adds extra salt to the tears. In this one, the ending of the book -typical, I guess, Russian wedding, with all the beloved characters gathered together, made it feel like the end. Oh. The book. Kaminsky elevates the police procedural by developing his characters and giving us insights into their inner workings. From the depth of the building, Paulinan's sanctuary, to the occupied apartment opposite the killer (it is not a mystery, we know who he is,) to the hotel room of the British journalist - each scene builds us up to the conclusion. Well done, sir. May you find a place in Gan Eden.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

#16 in the Inspector Porfiry Rostnikov of Moscow’s police Office of Special Investigations mystery series.

Rostnikov and his team are searching for a serial killer who has claimed at least 40 victims. The ongoing unsolved case was passed down to them from another agency because of political implications. Rostnnikov’s team is also involved in several other cases: a murder and protecting a Bristish journalist who is doing a story on prostitution in Moscow. The story is filled with colorful characters who all play active roles. In the journalist’s case, Rostnikov and his team uncover a chain of murders that lead to a source too high to be held accountable if the police want to keep their jobs or their lives.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve finished this last book of the Inspector Rostniikov series. Mr. Kaminsky died before its publication. As always his well-developed characters have their own distinct qualities that set them apart from the other, despite the perplexing roster of Russian names. Several stories unfold concurrently unveiling peeks into Russian culture and policing. The main story has a “Colombo” flair, with the reader knowing the perpetrator of the crime early on, while the reader watches Rostnikov unravel the details in his unique manner. For the many Rostnikov fans, Stuart Kaminsky is sorely missed.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last in the Porfiry series; author became sick and passed. Somehow this book feels like it could have been the last written book in the series... which could have gone on quite a bit more, but was some how good to end here. Good sense of characters and environment. Plot line at times a push. ;-))

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I look forward to every Porfiry Rostnikov story, and this one is one of the reasons why. A wonderful blend of authentic atmosphere, well-drawn characters, intelligent dialogue, and a mystery. I think I would love these even with the mystery.

Stuart Kaminsky is one of the best storytellers ever. I have read most of his canon, and there is not a bad one in the bunch.

[Willie Kirschner · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the concluding book in this series, Kaminsky wraps up some of the stories and leaves us guessing about what would happen to many of the characters in the future. Rostnikov was one of my favorite characters and I shall miss him, along with Karpo, Tkach, and the rest of the cast. Too bad this never became a TV series.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadly this was the final novel in this series due to the death of the author. Kaminsky was a prolific author who always produced works of a high quality. Which were concise and entertaining. This was always a high quality and entertaining series with characters though exaggerated you did care for.
The novel was of the usual high standard.

[Rebecca Hock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really pretty good. It continues the series about a group of police officers in Moscow. Several crimes were being solved the same time yet the storyline seemed to flow nicely. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow-thought I'd read all of these by the amazing Mr. Kaminsky-glad I found a few!! was excellent, by the way!
no errors.

[Stephanie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Russian series

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like ALL of the Rostnikov novels..there are no bad ones!

[B.Yonder · Rating 5 out of 5]

End of the line for Chief Inspector Rostnikov. Sad because there are many stories not yet told.

[Michael Ballou · Rating 5 out of 5]

superbly written -Great story

Always enjoy Kaminsky’s books b’ut I liked this more than most. The always faithful Inspector Rostnikof, Karpo, all of my faves.

[Raquel Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esta classificação é para a série toda, adoro o Porfiry Petrovich como detective e toda a sua equipa.
Adoro o autor e tenho pena que esta série esteja no fim.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always fun to read Rostnikov novels, but for me this is one of Jaminsky's best. A very strong four stars.

[Larry Shackley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series for many years. I recently realized I had missed some of the final installments, so I'm catching up. This was a very good ending to the series, with some loose ends tied up satisfactorily. Kaminsky had a way of making almost all the characters likeable and interesting; it's sad to know there won't be any more of these.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

At one time or another I have read many of the Kaminsky's Rostnikov mysteries, but I am always puzzled by someone who can put together a pretty good story but who is allowed to get so many minor details wrong. I have not read any of Kaminsky's several other series so I suspect this is just a problem he has with the Russian setting.

As a police procedural, this is engaging enough (as are all the Rostnikov books). The members of his team occupy many of the usual stereotypes that exist for this kind of novel, some of them so exaggerated that it impinges on the believability - particularly Karpo, his almost supernatural associate, and the coroner, Paulinin.

What I really don't understand is what someone can't do a bit of fact checking. One of the detectives is given the first name "Akardy" - there is no Akardy possible, only Arkady (which could be variously transliterated but not as Akardy). Other names are also wrong. The police higher-ups are said to travel in black ZiL automobiles - in the modern world there is no such thing. And so on.

Kaminsky decided at some point not to concern himself with his having started the series in 1989 with a character who had been a participant in World War II who can not conceivably still be working as a police inspector in the middle of the first decade of this century. At least in this installment he makes no specific reference to that history, but it reminds me of a cartoon where time marches on but the characters remain high school seniors forever.

According to the dust jacket, Kaminsky has passed away, so I feel somewhat guilty in criticizing his work - which after all is quite readable and engaging. I just wish someone had cleaned up some of the details.

[Clark Hallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read 35 novels written by Stuart Kaminsky including all of his Abe Lieberman novels, all of his Lew Fonesca novels, all of his Porfiry Petrovich Rostnikov novels, one or two of his Toby Peters novels and one CIS: New York novel. Obviously I enjoy his work and it saddens me to realize that A Whisper to the Living is likely to be the last new Kaminsky novel. Unfortunately, he died in October 2009. According to Wikipedia he died of after a stroke made him ineligible for a liver transplant, which was necessary to treat the hepatitis he contracted as an army medic in the late 1950s in France. Kaminsky was a remarkable writer who had earned an M.A. in English from the University of Illinois and a Ph.D. in speech from Northwestern University. He spent over 20 years teaching, first at Northwestern and later at Florida State. He published more than 50 novels and was a past president of the Mystery Writers of America. All his novels are populated by very interesting (and quirky) characters, which I found delightful. In addition, he placed put his characters in dangerous situations that provided plenty of action. The Porfiry Petrovich Rostnikov series also immersed readers into the intriguing environment of the Soviet Union (during the early novels) and post-Soviet Russian (in the later novels) culture and law enforcement. I found this book to be very enjoyable. In addition to his usual multi-case story lines Kaminsky also brought all his recurring characters together in this novel in a way that was very satisfying for long-time fans like me. I will miss Inspector Rostnikov.

[Barry H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[John Kues · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sad to read what I assume is Stuart Kaminsky's last book, since he died last fall. I really like his characters, and to think I had never heard of him until 2 yrs ago. Just a chance meeting with a guy in line to get Sara Paretsky's autograph. He was getting autographs on all of her books and he also had a book about mystery writers by Stuart Kaminsky and told me I should check him out. Such a prolific writer. Inspector Rostnikov is a Russian Inspector who likes to read Ed McBain novels, has an artificial leg, and knows how to work the ins and outs of complex Russian society. Loves to work on plumbing in his free time and lift weights. Kaminsky seems to get all the nuances of Russian life, down to the food and little stuff of everyday living. Sometimes it is hard for me to follow all the characters. This is the 16th story in the Rostnikov series. He has four distinct series, 10 in Abe Lieberman Mysteries, 6 Lew Fonesca and 24 Toby Peters (who drives a Crosley!) Mysteries, plus some biographies. Not much of a review, I am just a fan of his writing.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each Inspector Porfiry Petrovich Rostnikov novel has been a little miracle. How did Stuart Kaminsky make everyone so real? How did he move his characters from cold war to corrupt democracy? And how come he had to die, leaving his people in mid-sentence, mid-thought, mid-life?

I hadn't realized that Kaminsky had died until my husband, to whom I had recommended A Whisper to the Living, read the author blurb on the back of the jacket.

So, here are some questions I'll never have answered:

--Does Karpo (last seen blowing a note on the ocarina after having slept next to a stray black cat) continue to thaw, maybe even to love again?
--Do Sasha and Maya ever get to live apart from his incredibly annoying mother
--What happens to Zelko when his mother dies?
--Has Sara's brain tumor grown back?

And a little warning to any author tempted to cherry-pick the characters and write sequels: You'll never be able to do them justice, so don't even try.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Porfiry Petrovich Rostnikov is the Chief Inspector in the Moscow Office of Special Investigations. His office had been handed a serial murder case only six days before, but the murders had been going on for two years. The transfer was an attempt by the Ministry of Internal Affairs to cover up their own lack of progress and at the same time pass this hot potato on to someone else. Rostnikov and his fellow field operatives have a full workload and plenty to keep them busy both at work and away from it.

This is a very pragmatic, quirky and likeable group of cops. They are not afraid to pursue justice wherever it may lead them or step on some political toes when they need to. I had not read Kaminsky before, but was pleased to see that he has an extensive bibliography. I will definitely look for other books by him in the future.