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Adam Kaminski #1
A Blind Eye
Blood ties have an American police detective in Poland investigating a suicide that may have been murder.
A Philadelphia police detective visiting Poland gets involved when murder is suspected and the local police turn away. Adam Kaminski, with a delegation to Philadelphia's sister city, is meant to be a polite observer only. But a good man doesn't walk away when he sees wrong being done, and he's not about to start now.
Visiting his family's homeland, Adam's been warned by his superiors to be on his best behavior. In a country that has known centuries of wars and occupation, politics are complex and layered with old prejudices and loyalties impossible for foreigners to understand. But when Adam meets a Polish cousin in Warsaw who believes his daughter was murdered, Adam is troubled by the indifference of the police… and by the strange behavior of the delegation's Polish liaison.
Adam begins uncovering clues that point to the killer, clues that lead him inexorably into an investigation of the intricate web of Polish politics and the legacy of the Secret Police. But the past isn't always black and white, as Adam is forced to accept as he learns more about the killer and about his own family legacy. Will looking into the murder only beget more murder?
A Philadelphia police detective visiting Poland gets involved when murder is suspected and the local police turn away. Adam Kaminski, with a delegation to Philadelphia's sister city, is meant to be a polite observer only. But a good man doesn't walk away when he sees wrong being done, and he's not about to start now.
Visiting his family's homeland, Adam's been warned by his superiors to be on his best behavior. In a country that has known centuries of wars and occupation, politics are complex and layered with old prejudices and loyalties impossible for foreigners to understand. But when Adam meets a Polish cousin in Warsaw who believes his daughter was murdered, Adam is troubled by the indifference of the police… and by the strange behavior of the delegation's Polish liaison.
Adam begins uncovering clues that point to the killer, clues that lead him inexorably into an investigation of the intricate web of Polish politics and the legacy of the Secret Police. But the past isn't always black and white, as Adam is forced to accept as he learns more about the killer and about his own family legacy. Will looking into the murder only beget more murder?
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2015
1204 people are currently reading
1362 people want to read
About the author
Jane Gorman
11 books100 followersJane Gorman is the author of the Adam Kaminski mystery series and the Cape May Cozy Mysteries with a Twist. Formerly an anthropologist, a diplomat and a park ranger (not all at the same time!) Gorman draws on her life experiences in each of her books. Gorman is a member of the Sisters in Crime and a former president of the Delaware Valley Chapter. She loves writing almost as much as she loves reading, and is always interested in hearing about a good book!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
July 9, 2017
A very mediocre book which I did not enjoy at all. There was no real plot to speak of. After about 150 pages, I was so bored that I wanted to stop midway. Finally managed to complete this. The plot is about an American officer who is sent on a goodwill mission to Poland. He gets involved in the investigation of murder of a woman who happens to be his cousin's daughter.
The drab setting does not help garner interest. The plot is very superficial with absolutely no thrill element although marketed as a thriller. Avoidable.
The drab setting does not help garner interest. The plot is very superficial with absolutely no thrill element although marketed as a thriller. Avoidable.
August 11, 2016
This book was really pleasant, if a little hard to follow in the first half. Then something changed and the dignity was sucked out of it with constantly the do you trust me question.
July 18, 2016
A Blind Eye, by Jane Gorman is an interesting bit of crime fiction set in Warsaw, Poland. Adam Kaminski is part of a group from Philadelphia visiting Warsaw when he meets a distant cousin. His cousin's daughter has been found dead. Police call it a suicide, but is it? What secrets are people trying to hide? I like the story and the characters, but there wete a couple of things that made this book tough for me. There are a lot of Polish words here and sometimes it's difficult to decipher based on context. Would've been nice to have a glossary in the backl. Also, there are several abrupt transitions. Had to backtrack several times to see if pages had stuck together. Overall, an okay read.
April 13, 2017
Good book to read. Fast paced.
Best part I liked in the book is it fast pace. Although we got the hint about the murderer still it was a good ending.
Best part I liked in the book is it fast pace. Although we got the hint about the murderer still it was a good ending.
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May 9, 2020
This was an interesting book. It wasn't the fast paced books I like to read but If you just looking for a good crime story this is for you.
July 6, 2022
An okay first in a series that might get better as it goes along. I enjoyed the tour of Warsaw, Poland, and the bit of history about the city.
May 3, 2020
The plane touches down at the airport outside of Warsaw, Poland and a trade delegation from Philadelphia debarks. Adam Kaminski is a last-minute addition to the delegation representing the Philadelphia police department. Meanwhile, a beautiful young woman is found floating in a Warsaw river.
The capital of Poland was almost totally destroyed in the second world war and every citizen fought the Nazi attack and occupation and subsequent Moscow rule. Surviving in this meat grinder of personal identities required strong personal fortitude and cleverness. The people who survived learned to get ahead any way possible.
Adam meets a distant cousin, Lukasz Kaminski, and he is drawn to investigate the death of the young lady. Her demise is adjudged a suicide but Adam is skeptical. The investigation is coordinated by Adam and his cousin while being thwarted by local authorities. Aiding in the investigation is Sylvia Stanko, a pretty blue-eyed beauty. She assists Adam in getting access to records and government documents not generally available to the public.
His police chief in Philadelphia would rather Adam stick to the trade delegation duties and not try to solve a mystery in a country in which he has no police powers. Sub-plots abound as the killers thwart the investigation and confound the two investigators. The twists are engaging and encourage reading late into the night.
The beauty of the city and the inhabitants is graphically displayed. Personal attraction makes Adam very concerned about Sylvia’s safety. I appreciated the mental acumen of the writer and her ability to engage the sexual tension between Adam and Sylvia. Dive into this tale and shiver with the cold fall in Poland and marvel at the resilience and ingenuity of the people of this historic country.
I received this digital download from BookBub for the read and review. CE Williams
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2020/...
The capital of Poland was almost totally destroyed in the second world war and every citizen fought the Nazi attack and occupation and subsequent Moscow rule. Surviving in this meat grinder of personal identities required strong personal fortitude and cleverness. The people who survived learned to get ahead any way possible.
Adam meets a distant cousin, Lukasz Kaminski, and he is drawn to investigate the death of the young lady. Her demise is adjudged a suicide but Adam is skeptical. The investigation is coordinated by Adam and his cousin while being thwarted by local authorities. Aiding in the investigation is Sylvia Stanko, a pretty blue-eyed beauty. She assists Adam in getting access to records and government documents not generally available to the public.
His police chief in Philadelphia would rather Adam stick to the trade delegation duties and not try to solve a mystery in a country in which he has no police powers. Sub-plots abound as the killers thwart the investigation and confound the two investigators. The twists are engaging and encourage reading late into the night.
The beauty of the city and the inhabitants is graphically displayed. Personal attraction makes Adam very concerned about Sylvia’s safety. I appreciated the mental acumen of the writer and her ability to engage the sexual tension between Adam and Sylvia. Dive into this tale and shiver with the cold fall in Poland and marvel at the resilience and ingenuity of the people of this historic country.
I received this digital download from BookBub for the read and review. CE Williams
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2020/...
February 9, 2016
This is a cinematic, complex book, yet also tight and focused. The protagonist is a Polish-American Philadelphia policeman visiting Warsaw as part of a Sister Cities delegation. While there, Adam Kaminski hopes to learn more about his ancestry and culture, and wonders if he might even find relatives. Find one them does, and this leads him into an entanglement with the Polish police, members of the government, and dark secrets from the country’s past. His newly-found cousin, an investigative reporter, is certain that his daughter’s death, ruled a suicide, was in fact a murder. An idealistic and energetic young woman with a passion for politics and justice, Basia Kaminski may have learned too much about some high-ranking, influential people. Her father’s life is in danger as result of his inquiries into her death, and as Adam gets involved he puts his own life at risk as well.
Gorman knows how to pace for maximum effect and portrays her characters and her setting masterfully. She uses details of sight, sound and scent to create a powerful sense of the characters’ experiences. From the wintry streets and public parks to pubs and milk bars, from private homes of all walks of life to the halls of government and the deep recesses of the national archives, the setting is so alive it’s almost like a character itself. The romantic subplot is perfectly interwoven with the mystery, each dependent on the other.
One scene shifts to the perspective of a character whose point of view is not otherwise used, a choice that I found distracting, but that’s more a matter of my preference than a problem in the writer’s style. The quality of her research is outstanding. I highly recommend this book for readers who like political intrigue, dramatic locales, and mysteries with depth and substance.
Goodreads note: Although I am only able to choose from "Kindle edition" or "paperback" on Goodreads to indicate which I read, I actually read the Nook edition. Fellow Nook owners may wish to know, you can get it from B&N.
Gorman knows how to pace for maximum effect and portrays her characters and her setting masterfully. She uses details of sight, sound and scent to create a powerful sense of the characters’ experiences. From the wintry streets and public parks to pubs and milk bars, from private homes of all walks of life to the halls of government and the deep recesses of the national archives, the setting is so alive it’s almost like a character itself. The romantic subplot is perfectly interwoven with the mystery, each dependent on the other.
One scene shifts to the perspective of a character whose point of view is not otherwise used, a choice that I found distracting, but that’s more a matter of my preference than a problem in the writer’s style. The quality of her research is outstanding. I highly recommend this book for readers who like political intrigue, dramatic locales, and mysteries with depth and substance.
Goodreads note: Although I am only able to choose from "Kindle edition" or "paperback" on Goodreads to indicate which I read, I actually read the Nook edition. Fellow Nook owners may wish to know, you can get it from B&N.
June 24, 2017
This book is more about Warsaw Poland than anything else. The story keep repeating its self, and causes some confusion for the reader to keep the story line straight. I found that the blurb to this book was better than the actual story.I was provided a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review
August 22, 2017
Adam Kaminski, former teacher turned policeman, is on a cultural exchange with a group of other Americans to Poland. They are touring the country, learning about the people, customs, government and other institutions and sharing their own experiences. Adam is pleased to have been chosen when someone dropped out. His own family had immigrated from Poland at the start of World War II, and he knows there is still family there although his branch has lost track years before.
He is pleased when circumstances allow him to meet a relative. He stops to help a man who seems in need of assistance and it turns out to be his own cousin, Lukasz Kaminski. Their grandfathers were brothers, but Lukasz's branch of the family stayed behind. He is now a respected journalist but Adam is meeting him at the worst juncture of his life. His daughter, Basia, has committed suicide a few weeks before. Lukasz insists that it cannot be suicide and then is attacked and his apartment broken into. Is all this coincidence?
He asks Adam for help in unraveling the mystery. Basia had just started a job in government and Lukasz believes she uncovered something that caused her death. Adam is hesitant but when he sees how his cousin is ignored and pushed away at every turn, he cannot help but want to help. As the two men start to get answers their own lives start to be in danger. The tour guide, Sylvia, is also drawn in as she and Adam are starting a romance.
This is the first novel in the Adam Kaminski series. It gives a good overview of Poland and its current situation as it tries to recover from the war and then the stifling rule of Communism. It seems a bit unlikely that Adam and Lukasz are able to make so much progress in a few short days, but overall the plot is satisfactory and readers will get not only a mystery but a history lesson. This book is recommended for mystery readers.
He is pleased when circumstances allow him to meet a relative. He stops to help a man who seems in need of assistance and it turns out to be his own cousin, Lukasz Kaminski. Their grandfathers were brothers, but Lukasz's branch of the family stayed behind. He is now a respected journalist but Adam is meeting him at the worst juncture of his life. His daughter, Basia, has committed suicide a few weeks before. Lukasz insists that it cannot be suicide and then is attacked and his apartment broken into. Is all this coincidence?
He asks Adam for help in unraveling the mystery. Basia had just started a job in government and Lukasz believes she uncovered something that caused her death. Adam is hesitant but when he sees how his cousin is ignored and pushed away at every turn, he cannot help but want to help. As the two men start to get answers their own lives start to be in danger. The tour guide, Sylvia, is also drawn in as she and Adam are starting a romance.
This is the first novel in the Adam Kaminski series. It gives a good overview of Poland and its current situation as it tries to recover from the war and then the stifling rule of Communism. It seems a bit unlikely that Adam and Lukasz are able to make so much progress in a few short days, but overall the plot is satisfactory and readers will get not only a mystery but a history lesson. This book is recommended for mystery readers.
December 3, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and would definitely read the others in the series (DI Clare Mackay).
I loved it because it is set in St Andrews and that the author has stayed authentic with the locations including street names, locations like Drumnoig, Dairsie etc
The relationships across the team are also interesting
The plot involved a St Andrews lawyer found dead in tentsmuir Forrest and a woman who was the wife of the paralegal (Simon) in the same office is also found dead after crashing her car on the main road into St Andrews. Are they linked or not? In the end they weren’t as Simon knew his wife was having an affair with her boss and electronically fixed her car to give her fright but didn’t mean to kill her. The lawyer was involved with a thug (Cole) in Dundee and when he wanted out they murdered him to keep him quiet. He was running a scam whereby people were going to him for money and in the end he forced them to see their homes at a much reduced cost so that he the. Owned them and he could rent them out. It was interesting as to his Clare worked through the cases, together and separately to establish what had happened.
I loved it because it is set in St Andrews and that the author has stayed authentic with the locations including street names, locations like Drumnoig, Dairsie etc
The relationships across the team are also interesting
The plot involved a St Andrews lawyer found dead in tentsmuir Forrest and a woman who was the wife of the paralegal (Simon) in the same office is also found dead after crashing her car on the main road into St Andrews. Are they linked or not? In the end they weren’t as Simon knew his wife was having an affair with her boss and electronically fixed her car to give her fright but didn’t mean to kill her. The lawyer was involved with a thug (Cole) in Dundee and when he wanted out they murdered him to keep him quiet. He was running a scam whereby people were going to him for money and in the end he forced them to see their homes at a much reduced cost so that he the. Owned them and he could rent them out. It was interesting as to his Clare worked through the cases, together and separately to establish what had happened.
April 1, 2018
This was a pretty exciting mystery which was set in Warsaw Poland and the setting was why I read it. It was complicated a bit by the fact that the story revolved around knowledge of the Polish political system and some Polish history but the author explained it well enough that I could follow the investigation. The fact that Adam Kaminski is an American policeman trying to solve the mystery in another country made things less straight forward although he apparently has Polish grandparents. My only question is how Adam was able to search reports in the National Archives since they would have been written in Polish and he had admitted in another part of the book that he could only recognize a few written Polish words. Anyway the book was enjoyable although I'm not sure I'll read the rest of the series. Too many great books, too little time!
May 20, 2018
I liked the idea of this book, and the main character, but the majority of the book was a slog. The majority of the plot seemed to hinge on a hitman not being able to do his job properly and a series of coincidences so unlikely that my eyes glazed over a few times (I’ve never been, but surely Warsaw isn’t so small that you’re constantly running into people you know). There was one scene where Adam and his love interest are looking for Adam’s cousin in a crowd even though his cousin gave no indication that he would be anywhere near the vicinity of said crowd, and in fact had specifically told them to meet him in a quiet church nowhere near the crowd. Then mayhem ensues. For no reason other than to push the plot forward.
I also didn’t feel the chemistry between Adam and the love interest, so when [spoiler] happened, I was left very confused and underwhelmed.
I also didn’t feel the chemistry between Adam and the love interest, so when [spoiler] happened, I was left very confused and underwhelmed.
September 16, 2018
Characters stood out.
This is a good story that builds slowly and delivers a satisfying ending. The thoughts and feelings of the characters ring true to life. The action is well balanced by great dialog and clear, descriptive prose that puts you right in the middle of a beautiful city. Sharp, intrequing mystery about a suicide that pulls the main character into the Warsaw of the post-Soviet control, and his own familial connection to the corruption of that past. His involvement as a detective representing the US in it's European sister city is not welcome. He risks his country's chances to be a part of a new, progressive Poland, his freedom, as well as death at the hands of a skilled assassin.
This is a good story that builds slowly and delivers a satisfying ending. The thoughts and feelings of the characters ring true to life. The action is well balanced by great dialog and clear, descriptive prose that puts you right in the middle of a beautiful city. Sharp, intrequing mystery about a suicide that pulls the main character into the Warsaw of the post-Soviet control, and his own familial connection to the corruption of that past. His involvement as a detective representing the US in it's European sister city is not welcome. He risks his country's chances to be a part of a new, progressive Poland, his freedom, as well as death at the hands of a skilled assassin.
September 18, 2020
Reading the preview made me want to read the book which sounded like it would be a great mystery to read. However, that was not the case. This book took a lot of effort to complete, my interest in the story did not pick up until approximately the 70% read point. While the premise of the book was enticing the final product was below average. Character development was a bit lacking and many of the transitions within the story were a bore. As a start to a series, I would not call this a success in getting readers to read the subsequent books. Perhaps the follow on books are better. Overall, a below-average mystery with an excellent description of Warsaw; however I do not recommend this book.
July 18, 2020
I am sorry that I could not finish this. Halfway through, and we are still muddling around with obscure Polish politics and bewildering names. I could not connect with this story. No narration about the crime scene, no real information about the victim, no sense of urgency for the investigator. If I cannot be made to care, even a little bit, then why turn the page?
That said, Gorman's prose is solid, and her descriptions of Warsaw and Polish life are evocative. I hope to read more from this author in future.
That said, Gorman's prose is solid, and her descriptions of Warsaw and Polish life are evocative. I hope to read more from this author in future.
November 3, 2021
A story set in Warsaw, read for our Mystery book club.
Adam Kaminski is in Poland as part of a sister-city delegation. While there, he coincidentally meets a relative who's just lost his daughter. Authorities are telling the relative that the daughter, Basia, had committed suicide, but the relative doesn't believe it.
Adam is a cop back in Philadelphia, so he can't keep from trying to help a relative out. The local Polish police force is about as excited about this as you might expect.
I mostly skimmed it because it didn't really engage me.
Adam Kaminski is in Poland as part of a sister-city delegation. While there, he coincidentally meets a relative who's just lost his daughter. Authorities are telling the relative that the daughter, Basia, had committed suicide, but the relative doesn't believe it.
Adam is a cop back in Philadelphia, so he can't keep from trying to help a relative out. The local Polish police force is about as excited about this as you might expect.
I mostly skimmed it because it didn't really engage me.
April 16, 2020
I think I got this book as a free introduction to the series. I was very disappointed. I was looking forward to it, in that it is set in post-Communist Poland, which I have visited several times, albeit in the Krakow area rather than Warsaw, where this story is set. Basically, the characters were unbelievable, the plot unrealistic, and incredibly, the ending unresolved. I only finished the book because I hate to leave books in the middle.
April 27, 2020
Intriguing Plot in a Unique Setting
Characters are flawed but mostly likeable. The setting lends itself to somewhat of a travelogue with the descriptive dialogue on the architecture, history, scenic views and even the cemeteries .
Overall a murder mystery, the plot includes political ambitions / manipulations, the economic issues and financial manipulations of governments.
It was interesting and engaging throughout.
, A very enjoyable read!
.
Characters are flawed but mostly likeable. The setting lends itself to somewhat of a travelogue with the descriptive dialogue on the architecture, history, scenic views and even the cemeteries .
Overall a murder mystery, the plot includes political ambitions / manipulations, the economic issues and financial manipulations of governments.
It was interesting and engaging throughout.
, A very enjoyable read!
.
November 18, 2020
It's been 20 years since Poland freed itself from Russia - but lots of people still have Russian secrets. Politicians also have corruption secrets - money and favours.
Why was Adam's distant relative, young Basia, killed? and who killed her?
A different type of murder mystery - Adam is a cop but in the US, not Poland. He has to deal with language differences and people who aren't willing to expose the truths.
Why was Adam's distant relative, young Basia, killed? and who killed her?
A different type of murder mystery - Adam is a cop but in the US, not Poland. He has to deal with language differences and people who aren't willing to expose the truths.
March 16, 2019
I loved this book. As soon as I started it, I was caught up in the story. Good characters, especially the main character and the second-most important character. I cared about them right away. Great presentation of Poland, especially Warsaw.
Tense, lots of action, emotion, uncertainty. The main character is a policeman.
Tense, lots of action, emotion, uncertainty. The main character is a policeman.
March 28, 2020
Ugh I've probably read too many books in this genre.
The writing wasn't terrible but it ain't no Michael Connelly.
It was boring and too plot driven, and honestly that even lacked.
Did I waste my time? Probably. Should I stop reading free kindle books? Definitely.
The writing wasn't terrible but it ain't no Michael Connelly.
It was boring and too plot driven, and honestly that even lacked.
Did I waste my time? Probably. Should I stop reading free kindle books? Definitely.
November 7, 2017
Awesome
Beautifully written and very atmospheric. I felt like I was in Poland! A complex mystery with well-drawn characters and many unexpected twists! Can't wait to see where Adam Kaminski goes next!
Beautifully written and very atmospheric. I felt like I was in Poland! A complex mystery with well-drawn characters and many unexpected twists! Can't wait to see where Adam Kaminski goes next!
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April 2, 2020I haven’t rated this book as I feel that would be misleading. I didn’t finish it. At the 64% mark I still wasn’t into it and decided that I just couldn’t read any more. No rating because I didn’t finish it.
April 10, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters, the historic backdrop and loved getting a virtual tour of Warsaw. The only thing I didn't understand was why Kaminski did not secure a weapon when it became clear he was in danger. Loved the ending...I will read more in this series.
May 21, 2020
Just OK
I didn't like this book as much as I wanted to. The main character didn't interest me that much and the main plot didn't either. It's well written but just not my cup of tea.
I didn't like this book as much as I wanted to. The main character didn't interest me that much and the main plot didn't either. It's well written but just not my cup of tea.
July 21, 2020
Could not really get a good grip on this book. Very little suspense and frankly the plot is stale. I liked the location - Warsaw Poland - and learning about how one's relationship with the state police from the communist years is handled.
December 28, 2020
Kind of convoluted. Tried to force myself to finish it hoping it would become more interesting. The topic, end of communism in Poland and how people treat collaborators should have been a good topic, but it was not well-executed.
September 15, 2024
This book tried hard to be too many things. It was part mystery, part flowery descriptions of Warsaw, and part learning about relatives’ pasts. A lot to follow and all written at a very slow pace. I probably will not read the next one in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews