Reading Order List β€” Book Series Reading Order Guide
Stuart M. Kaminsky

Stuart M. Kaminsky Reading Order

15 series Β· 237 books Β· Born 1934

Stuart M. Kaminsky crafted a prolific body of mystery fiction spanning multiple decades, establishing himself as a master of the detective novel across diverse settings and time periods. His most celebrated creations include Toby Peters, a hardboiled private investigator navigating 1940s Hollywood's dark underbelly; Porfiry Rostnikov, a shrewd Moscow police inspector operating within Soviet constraints; and Abe Lieberman, a seasoned Chicago cop tackling urban crime in his later years. With over 230 books published across numerous series and anthologies, Kaminsky combined his expertise as a film scholar with his gift for intricate plotting, creating mysteries that range from historical noir to contemporary procedurals.

Are you Stuart M. Kaminsky? Add a note for your readers β†’

Abe Lieberman Series

Complete

10 books (1991–2007)

Stuart M. Kaminsky's Abe Lieberman series comprises ten mystery novels published between 1991 and 2007. The complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with Lieberman's Folly and concluding with The Dead Don't Lie. Each standalone entry follows the detective as he navigates cases in Chicago, making them accessible whether you start at the beginning or jump in anywhere, though reading sequentially provides the most rewarding experience.

Start with Lieberman's Folly, the first of 10 books in the Abe Lieberman series.

Start this series with Lieberman's Folly

Buy Book 1 πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸŽ§ Listen free on Audible

Akashic Noir Series

Ongoing

121 books (2002–2025)

The Akashic Noir series is an extensive anthology collection of noir and crime fiction stories set in different cities around the world. Beginning with San Francisco Noir in 2002, the series has grown to encompass 121 books published through 2025 and remains ongoing. Each installment focuses on a specific geographic location, from major American cities like New York and Chicago to international destinations including London and Dublin. Read the books in publication order starting with San Francisco Noir to experience this evolving global noir landscape.

Start with San Francisco Noir, the first of 121 books in the Akashic Noir series.

Start this series with San Francisco Noir

Buy Book 1 πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸŽ§ Listen free on Audible
#Title
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Cover of Brooklyn Noir 3: Nothing But the Truth
Brooklyn Noir 3: Nothing But the Truth
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
San Francisco Noir 2
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
Chicago Noir: The Classics
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
New Orleans Noir: The Classics
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
Trinidad Noir: The Classics
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
Miami Noir: The Classics
109
110
111
112
113
114
Paris Noir: The Suburbs
115
116
117
118
119
120
121

Anthologies Series

Complete

13 books (1993–2016)

Stuart M. Kaminsky edited 13 mystery and thriller anthologies between 1993 and 2016, completing the series with Silent Night, Deadly Night. These collections should be read in publication order, beginning with The Ultimate Witch and progressing through notable entries like Guilty as Charged, Mystery in the Sunshine State, and Show Business is Murder. The series spans various mystery subgenres and includes both original stories and reprints from established crime and detective fiction.

Start with The Ultimate Witch, the first of 13 books in the Anthologies series.

Start this series with The Ultimate Witch

Buy Book 1 πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸŽ§ Listen free on Audible
#Title
1
2
3
The Year's 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories 1997
4
Cover of Mystery in the Sunshine State
Mystery in the Sunshine State
5
Cover of The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
6
Cover of The Oxford Book of Detective Stories
The Oxford Book of Detective Stories
7
Cover of The Mysterious Press Anniversary Anthology: Celebrating 25 Years
The Mysterious Press Anniversary Anthology: Celebrating 25 Years
8
Cover of Mr. President, Private Eye
Mr. President, Private Eye
9
Cover of Show Business is Murder
Show Business is Murder
10
Cover of Kolchak: The Night Stalker Chronicles
Kolchak: The Night Stalker Chronicles
11
Cover of The Adventure of the Missing Detective and 19 of the Year's Finest Crime and Mystery Stories
The Adventure of the Missing Detective and 19 of the Year's Finest Crime and Mystery Stories
12
13
Silent Night, Deadly Night

CSI: New York Series

Complete

4 books (2005–2008)

The CSI: New York series consists of four mystery novels published between 2005 and 2008, with three books written by Stuart M. Kaminsky and the final entry by Keith R.A. DeCandido. This complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with Dead of Winter and continuing through Blood on the Sun, Deluge, and Four Walls. The books follow the investigations of the New York crime scene unit as they work to solve complex cases across the city.

Start with Dead of Winter, the first of 4 books in the CSI: New York series.

#Title
1
2
3
4
Cover of Four Walls(By: Keith R.A. DeCandido)
Four Walls(By: Keith R.A. DeCandido)

Kolchak The Night Stalker Series

Complete

1 book (2004–2004)

#Title
1
Cover of Kolchak the Night Stalker Volume 1
Kolchak the Night Stalker Volume 1

Kolchak: The Night Stalker Series

Complete

22 books (1973–2016)

The Kolchak: The Night Stalker series comprises 22 books published between 1973 and 2016, with the complete series now available. This mystery and thriller collection should be read in publication order, beginning with The Night Stalker by Jeff Rice. The series is a continuation of the original television franchise, with contributions from multiple authors including Stuart M. Kaminsky, Joe Gentile, C.J. Henderson, and others.

Start with The Night Stalker(By: Jeff Rice), the first of 22 books in the Kolchak: The Night Stalker series.

Start this series with The Night Stalker(By: Jeff Rice)

Buy Book 1 πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸŽ§ Listen free on Audible
#Title
1
The Night Stalker(By: Jeff Rice)
2
The Night Strangler(By: Jeff Rice)
3
Cover of Devil in the Details(By: Stefan Petrucha)
Devil in the Details(By: Stefan Petrucha)
4
5
Cover of Get of Belial(By: Joe Gentile)
Get of Belial(By: Joe Gentile)
6
Cover of Lambs to the Slaughter(By: Joe Gentile)
Lambs to the Slaughter(By: Joe Gentile)
7
Cover of Kolchak the Night Stalker Volume 1
Kolchak the Night Stalker Volume 1
8
Cover of Pain Without Tears(By: C.J. Henderson)
Pain Without Tears(By: C.J. Henderson)
9
Cover of Kolchak: The Night Stalker Chronicles(With: Max Allan Collins,Robert Weinberg)
Kolchak: The Night Stalker Chronicles(With: Max Allan Collins,Robert Weinberg)
10
Cover of Bare Bones(By: Joe Gentile)
Bare Bones(By: Joe Gentile)
11
Cover of Terror Within(By: C.J. Henderson,Stefan Petrucha)
Terror Within(By: C.J. Henderson,Stefan Petrucha)
12
A Black & Evil Truth(By: C.J. Henderson)
13
Cover of The Kolchak Papers(By: Jeff Rice)
The Kolchak Papers(By: Jeff Rice)
14
Cover of The Lovecraftian Horror(By: C.J. Henderson)
The Lovecraftian Horror(By: C.J. Henderson)
15
Cover of Sound of Fear(By: Joe Gentile)
Sound of Fear(By: Joe Gentile)
16
Cover of The Rise & Fall of Carl Kolchak(By: Dave Ulanski)
The Rise & Fall of Carl Kolchak(By: Dave Ulanski)
17
Cry Of Thunder(By: Joe Gentile)
18
Cover of Compendium(With: Max Allan Collins,Christopher Golden)
Compendium(With: Max Allan Collins,Christopher Golden)
19
Kolchak and the Lost World(By: C.J. Henderson)
20
Cover of Necronomicon(By: C.J. Henderson)
Necronomicon(By: C.J. Henderson)
21
Cover of The Lost World(By: C.J. Henderson)
The Lost World(By: C.J. Henderson)
22
Passages of the Macabre(By: Ed Gorman,Nancy Holder,C.J. Henderson)

Lew Fonesca Series

Complete

7 books (1999–2010)

The Lew Fonesca series comprises six mystery novels published between 1999 and 2009, following the exploits of private investigator Lew Fonesca. Written by Stuart M. Kaminsky, this complete series should be read in publication order beginning with Retribution. The novels span from Retribution through Double Shot, offering a full arc of the character's investigations and personal evolution.

Start with Retribution, the first of 6 books in the Lew Fonesca series.

Non-Fiction Series

Complete

10 books (1974–2005)

This non-fiction series by Stuart M. Kaminsky consists of 10 books published between 1974 and 2005, covering film and television studies, criticism, and craft. The complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with American Film Genres: Approaches to a Critical Theory of Popular Film and concluding with Behind the Mystery. The collection encompasses critical analyses of major filmmakers including Don Siegel, Ingmar Bergman, John Huston, and Clint Eastwood, alongside practical guides to filmmaking and television writing.

Start with American Film Genres: Approaches to a Critical Theory of Popular Film, the first of 10 books in the Non-Fiction series.

Start this series with American Film Genres: Approaches to a Critical Theory of Popular Film

Buy Book 1 πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸŽ§ Listen free on Audible
#Title
1
Cover of American Film Genres: Approaches to a Critical Theory of Popular Film
American Film Genres: Approaches to a Critical Theory of Popular Film
2
Clint Eastwood: The Candid On-and-off-screen of the World's #1 Male Superstar
3
Don Siegel : Director
4
Cover of Ingmar Bergman; Essays in Criticism
Ingmar Bergman; Essays in Criticism
5
Cover of John Huston, Maker of Magic
John Huston, Maker of Magic
6
Cover of Coop: The Life and Legend of Gary Cooper
Coop: The Life and Legend of Gary Cooper
7
8
Cover of American Television Genres
American Television Genres
9
Cover of Writing for television
Writing for television
10

Plays Series

Complete

2 books (2008–2008)

Stuart M. Kaminsky's Plays series consists of two mystery novels published in 2008. The complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with Books followed by The Final Toast. These standalone entries combine elements of mystery and thriller fiction within the context of theatrical settings.

Start with Books and read in order.

Porfiry Rostnikov Series

Complete

16 books (1981–2009)

The Porfiry Rostnikov series consists of 16 mystery novels published between 1981 and 2009, following the investigations of a Soviet detective navigating crime in Russia during and after the Cold War. Written by Stuart M. Kaminsky, the series is complete and should be read in publication order beginning with Death of a Dissident, also known as Rostnikov's Corpse. The books chronicle Rostnikov's cases across nearly three decades of Russian history, offering insight into the complexities of Soviet and post-Soviet law enforcement.

Start with Death of a Dissident / Rostnikov's Corpse, the first of 16 books in the Porfiry Rostnikov series.

Start this series with Death of a Dissident / Rostnikov's Corpse

Buy Book 1 πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸŽ§ Listen free on Audible
#Title
1
Cover of Death of a Dissident / Rostnikov's Corpse
Death of a Dissident / Rostnikov's Corpse
2
Cover of Black Knight in Red Square
Black Knight in Red Square
3
4
5
6
Cover of The Man Who Walked Like a Bear
The Man Who Walked Like a Bear
7
Cover of Rostnikov's Vacation
Rostnikov's Vacation
8
Cover of Death of a Russian Priest
Death of a Russian Priest
9
10
11
12
The Dog Who Bit a Policeman
13
14
Cover of Murder on the Trans-Siberian Express
Murder on the Trans-Siberian Express
15
Cover of People Who Walk in Darkness
People Who Walk in Darkness
16
Cover of A Whisper to the Living
A Whisper to the Living

Short Stories/Novellas Series

Complete

1 book (1997–1997)

Short Story Collections Series

Complete

2 books (1991–1999)

Stuart M. Kaminsky's two-book short story collection series spans the 1990s, comprising Opening Shots followed by Hidden and Other Stories. Both volumes should be read in publication order to experience the author's mystery and thriller short fiction as intended. The series is complete with no additional volumes planned.

Start with Opening Shots and read in order.

#Title
1
2
Cover of Hidden and Other Stories
Hidden and Other Stories

Standalone Novels Series

Complete

2 books (1983–2001)

Stuart M. Kaminsky's two standalone mystery novels span nearly two decades, with When the Dark Man Calls arriving in 1983 and Exercise in Terror following in 2001. Both books should be read in publication order, though each can be enjoyed independently as a separate mystery. This complete series offers readers two distinct thriller narratives from the acclaimed author known for his work in the mystery and crime genres.

Start with When the Dark Man Calls and read in order.

Start this series with When the Dark Man Calls

Buy Book 1 πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸŽ§ Listen free on Audible
#Title
1
Cover of When the Dark Man Calls
When the Dark Man Calls
2

The Rockford Files Series

Complete

2 books (1996–1998)

Stuart M. Kaminsky's Rockford Files series consists of two mystery novels published in the 1990s, completing a brief but distinct run. Begin with The Green Bottle, followed by The Devil on my Doorstep, as these books should be read in publication order. This finished series offers a complete mystery experience for readers seeking Kaminsky's contributions to the genre.

Start with The Green Bottle and read in order.

Start this series with The Green Bottle

Buy Book 1 πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸŽ§ Listen free on Audible
#Title
1
2
Cover of The Devil on my Doorstep
The Devil on my Doorstep

Toby Peters Series

Complete

24 books (1977–2004)

This complete mystery series follows private investigator Toby Peters across 24 books published from 1977 to 2004. Each novel is a standalone case that can be read independently, though reading in publication order provides a natural progression through the character's development. The series spans from Bullet for a Star through Poor Butterfly and beyond, with Peters navigating cases that often intersect with Hollywood's golden age. These mysteries blend detective work with historical settings, making them ideal for readers who enjoy classic noir-style investigations set in recognizable time periods.

Start with Bullet for a Star, the first of 24 books in the Toby Peters series.

Start this series with Bullet for a Star

Buy Book 1 πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸŽ§ Listen free on Audible
#Title
1
2
Cover of Murder on the Yellow Brick Road
Murder on the Yellow Brick Road
3
4
Cover of The Howard Hughes Affair
The Howard Hughes Affair
5
Cover of Never Cross a Vampire
Never Cross a Vampire
6
7
Cover of Catch a Falling Clown
Catch a Falling Clown
8
9
10
11
Cover of The Man Who Shot Lewis Vance
The Man Who Shot Lewis Vance
12
13
Cover of Think Fast, Mr. Peters
Think Fast, Mr. Peters
14
15
16
17
Cover of The Devil Met a Lady
The Devil Met a Lady
18
Cover of Tomorrow is Another Day
Tomorrow is Another Day
19
20
Cover of A Fatal Glass of Beer
A Fatal Glass of Beer
21
A Few Minutes Past Midnight
22
23
24

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books has Stuart M. Kaminsky written?
Stuart M. Kaminsky has written 237 books across 15 series. Their published works span from 1973 to 2025.
What is the first book in each Stuart M. Kaminsky series?
Here are the first books in Stuart M. Kaminsky's series: Abe Lieberman: Lieberman's Folly; Akashic Noir: San Francisco Noir; Anthologies: The Ultimate Witch; CSI: New York: Dead of Winter; Kolchak: The Night Stalker: The Night Stalker(By: Jeff Rice).
What order should I read Stuart M. Kaminsky's books?
We recommend reading Stuart M. Kaminsky's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
Is Stuart M. Kaminsky still writing new books?
Yes, Stuart M. Kaminsky has 1 ongoing series: Akashic Noir.

You might also like