In the summer of 2004, the famous crime journalist Maxim Maximov disappeared without a trace in the center of St. Petersburg. In his investigations, he came so close to the secrets of the criminal world that he could no longer survive... The book contains articles by M. Maximov, written by him over many years in the newspapers “Smena”, “Your Privy Councilor” and the magazine “City”. The first part of the book tells about the mysterious disappearance of a journalist, the second part includes his articles about the underworld, and the third - interviews he conducted with prominent cultural figures. In order to get interesting answers, you need to be able to ask the right questions.M. Maksimov, with his erudition, sharp mind and human concern, mastered this art to perfection.