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The Black Stiletto #2
Black & White
Its 1959, and Judy Cooper, the Black Stiletto, sets out to confront a dangerous gangster known as the heroin king of Harlem when the teenage daughter of her beloved martial arts instructor ends up a prisoner in an uptown narcotics den. The Stiletto has troubles of her own- a shady filmmaker is threatening to reveal her identity to the world- a close friend of her landlord and substitute father may be in cahoots with the Harlem criminals- shes fighting for racial equality- and she has fallen in love again- this time with an FBI agent who has standing orders to arrest her. Meanwhile the Stilettos son faces his own blackmail crisis when he finds out that there is a second copy of an 8mm film he found in his mothers strongbox - showing the Black Stiletto unmasked in a film studio dressing room. As he tries to stop the filmmakers sons extortion plot, he learns that his daughter, Gina, has been brutally assaulted in New York City. The past and the present meet.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2012
22 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
Raymond Benson
158 books305 followersRaymond Benson is the author of approximately 40 titles. Among his works are the critically-acclaimed and New York Times best-selling serial THE BLACK STILETTO, and he was also the third--and first American--continuation author of the official James Bond 007 novels. His latest novels are HOTEL DESTINY--A GHOST NOIR, BLUES IN THE DARK, IN THE HUSH OF THE NIGHT and THE SECRETS ON CHICORY LANE.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 29, 2012
This is the second book that provides a look back in the life of the vigilante femme-fatale the black stiletto known as Judy Cooper to a few.
She's a character that is still rated high in my list of heroines, well there not really a list yet!
This story of her life is delivered in diary form as the debut book was.
She is still out there active fight crimes and helping the innocent. There are a few Nasty characters in this novel. One man she respects and is concerned of is her martial arts teacher, he's in trouble, his daughter is caught in a web with the wrong crowd. The story covers issues of that era very briefly the era of Elvis and Doris Day, and matters more serious than Hollywood and singing, race riots and racism.
There's a few new characters in here, one is a black boxer on probation who works at her boxing gym and she finds herself checking out some of his secrets and Judy also finds love in the shape of John but the thing is he works with the F.B.I.
She gets lessons in trust in this novel, who she can and can't trust.
People will not stop at anything to get what they want, especially when it involves getting hold of the black stiletto.
I enjoyed the characters and the crimes she was pursuing were interesting, but I think that the diary form it was written in was OK in the first book as the black stiletto had an air of mystery about her. Now in book 2 the reader knows a lot about her and so a story form instead of diary would be more deeper and have an added hook in the reading process.
I give this one a 3.5 stars as in it was good, didn't really like it but liked it.
Long live the black stiletto's out there.
Review also @ http://more2read.com/review/the-black-stiletto-black-white-by-raymond-benson/
She's a character that is still rated high in my list of heroines, well there not really a list yet!
This story of her life is delivered in diary form as the debut book was.
She is still out there active fight crimes and helping the innocent. There are a few Nasty characters in this novel. One man she respects and is concerned of is her martial arts teacher, he's in trouble, his daughter is caught in a web with the wrong crowd. The story covers issues of that era very briefly the era of Elvis and Doris Day, and matters more serious than Hollywood and singing, race riots and racism.
There's a few new characters in here, one is a black boxer on probation who works at her boxing gym and she finds herself checking out some of his secrets and Judy also finds love in the shape of John but the thing is he works with the F.B.I.
She gets lessons in trust in this novel, who she can and can't trust.
People will not stop at anything to get what they want, especially when it involves getting hold of the black stiletto.
I enjoyed the characters and the crimes she was pursuing were interesting, but I think that the diary form it was written in was OK in the first book as the black stiletto had an air of mystery about her. Now in book 2 the reader knows a lot about her and so a story form instead of diary would be more deeper and have an added hook in the reading process.
I give this one a 3.5 stars as in it was good, didn't really like it but liked it.
Long live the black stiletto's out there.
Review also @ http://more2read.com/review/the-black-stiletto-black-white-by-raymond-benson/
December 8, 2015
Well, I liked the first one much better. To be fair I think it's just that the story is going in a direction that loses my interest.
I think it's just that the bloom is off the rose a bit. Judy is about the same and she's still so very young for a person whose been through the things that she has. I found myself sort of skipping through the book more bored than interested in the developments in her life.
I don't think I'll be running down any more of the books though I'm sure there are many who'll enjoy this very much.
If it's to your taste enjoy. I've become very lukewarm on it. Not bad but just not what I'm looking for.
I think it's just that the bloom is off the rose a bit. Judy is about the same and she's still so very young for a person whose been through the things that she has. I found myself sort of skipping through the book more bored than interested in the developments in her life.
I don't think I'll be running down any more of the books though I'm sure there are many who'll enjoy this very much.
If it's to your taste enjoy. I've become very lukewarm on it. Not bad but just not what I'm looking for.
June 6, 2017
The Black Stiletto: Black & White: The Second Diary by Raymond Benson The Black Stiletto: Black & White: The Second Diary by Raymond Benson picks up where book one stopped. Judy Cooper, the Black Stiletto, has fallen in love with an FBI agent, John Richardson who is instructed to arrest her on sight. Her Sensei's teenage daughter is trapped in an untenable situation. Judy's being threatened to have her identity revealed by an unscrupulous filmmaker.
Present day her son, Martin also discovers this threat through Judy's diary and also faces it with a second film being discovered.
Black Stiletto #2 is an intriguing book that I gave four stars. Judy Cooper now has Alzheimer's. Her son, Martin is reading her old diaries to reveal her story.
The Kindle edition I received had sentence and paragraph numbers showing throughout which made for difficult reading. That does not reflect on the author's skill in writing, but is an editing issue.
I received a complimentary Kindle copy from Oceanview Publishing and NetGalley. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...
Present day her son, Martin also discovers this threat through Judy's diary and also faces it with a second film being discovered.
Black Stiletto #2 is an intriguing book that I gave four stars. Judy Cooper now has Alzheimer's. Her son, Martin is reading her old diaries to reveal her story.
The Kindle edition I received had sentence and paragraph numbers showing throughout which made for difficult reading. That does not reflect on the author's skill in writing, but is an editing issue.
I received a complimentary Kindle copy from Oceanview Publishing and NetGalley. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...
September 10, 2020
Nach einer kurzen Einleitung in die Geschehnisse des ersten Bands (die löblicherweise vorhanden ist), geht es in der gleichen Mariner weiter, wie der erste Band aufgehört hat. Wieder wird die Handlung mehrgeteilt erzählt. Martin Talbort erzählt aus der Ich-Perspektive in der Gegenwart über seine Recherchen zu seiner Mutter Judy, die logischerweise noch immer an Alzheimer erkrankt im Pflegeheim untergebracht ist. In die Vergangenheit wird der Leser über das Tagebuch von Judy geführt, das Martin im Haus seiner Mutter gefunden hat.
Als Neuerung kommt der FBI-Agent John mit in die Geschichte, der seine Eindrücke und Kenntnisse in Form einer Dictaphone-Aufzeichnung dem Protagonisten zur Verfügung gestellt hat. Diese Dreiteilung ist durchaus gut gewählt, allerdings lesen sich die beiden Tagebücher nicht immer als Tagebuch. Vor allem Judys Part liest sich oftmals als Roman. Und als wenn es dem Autor selbst aufgefallen ist, nutzt er teilweise die Anrede „mein liebes Tagesbuch“ nahezu inflationär, was insgesamt genau das Gegenteil bewirkt.
Eigentlich ist das Buch als Mafia-Thriller angedacht. Aber wie das mit den „Eigentlichs“ so ist, nimmt dieser Handlungsfaden einen sehr untergeordneten Platz ein. Im Vordergrund steht vielmehr die Romanze zwischen den beiden Hauptfiguren Judy und John, die meinem Gefühl nach viel zu viel Platz eingenommen haben.
Wie realistisch es ist, dass ein FBI-Agent eine der am meisten gesuchten Personen des Landes schützt, muss jeder für sich selbst entscheiden. Logik darf man als Leser solcher Romane sowieso nicht zu hoch bewerten.
Gut gemacht ist hingegen wie schon im ersten Band, dass Judy als Black Stiletto zwar außergewöhnlich und ein wenig wie ein Marvel-Held daherkommt, aber im Grunde genommen lediglich gut trainiert ist und eben keine Superkräfte besitzt. Diese Idee hat einen reizvollen Charme, der in diesem zweiten Band leider etwas zu kurz kommt.
Fazit
Es hat durchaus seinen Reiz dem Weg der Black Stiletto zu folgen, allerdings nimmt die Romanze in diesem Buch viel zu viel Platz ein. Der Thriller-Teil wird fast schon vernachlässigt und die Black Stiletto kommt viel zu kurz. Wer den ersten Band mochte, wird sicherlich Gefallen an diesem Buch finden (können). Allerdings verpasst er auch nichts, wenn er ihn links liegen lässt.
Als Neuerung kommt der FBI-Agent John mit in die Geschichte, der seine Eindrücke und Kenntnisse in Form einer Dictaphone-Aufzeichnung dem Protagonisten zur Verfügung gestellt hat. Diese Dreiteilung ist durchaus gut gewählt, allerdings lesen sich die beiden Tagebücher nicht immer als Tagebuch. Vor allem Judys Part liest sich oftmals als Roman. Und als wenn es dem Autor selbst aufgefallen ist, nutzt er teilweise die Anrede „mein liebes Tagesbuch“ nahezu inflationär, was insgesamt genau das Gegenteil bewirkt.
Eigentlich ist das Buch als Mafia-Thriller angedacht. Aber wie das mit den „Eigentlichs“ so ist, nimmt dieser Handlungsfaden einen sehr untergeordneten Platz ein. Im Vordergrund steht vielmehr die Romanze zwischen den beiden Hauptfiguren Judy und John, die meinem Gefühl nach viel zu viel Platz eingenommen haben.
Wie realistisch es ist, dass ein FBI-Agent eine der am meisten gesuchten Personen des Landes schützt, muss jeder für sich selbst entscheiden. Logik darf man als Leser solcher Romane sowieso nicht zu hoch bewerten.
Gut gemacht ist hingegen wie schon im ersten Band, dass Judy als Black Stiletto zwar außergewöhnlich und ein wenig wie ein Marvel-Held daherkommt, aber im Grunde genommen lediglich gut trainiert ist und eben keine Superkräfte besitzt. Diese Idee hat einen reizvollen Charme, der in diesem zweiten Band leider etwas zu kurz kommt.
Fazit
Es hat durchaus seinen Reiz dem Weg der Black Stiletto zu folgen, allerdings nimmt die Romanze in diesem Buch viel zu viel Platz ein. Der Thriller-Teil wird fast schon vernachlässigt und die Black Stiletto kommt viel zu kurz. Wer den ersten Band mochte, wird sicherlich Gefallen an diesem Buch finden (können). Allerdings verpasst er auch nichts, wenn er ihn links liegen lässt.
July 19, 2019
The idea of a female vigilante is very interesting. The fact that his mother kept it a secret until her son reads her diaries is also a neat idea. Some things in this book were a bit far fetched, but as a person who has taken martial arts classes, I was engaged in the story. Hence I read a bit each day so I could remember the plot and it did keep me interested!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2017
Loved loved this book
July 4, 2018
Another slow read, but I liked it ok
August 10, 2018
Smooth flowing intrigue, thru different points of view, as well different time periods.
July 14, 2019
Some of the messages seemed a little forced. But over all it was a fun ride that left me ready for the next one.
January 11, 2023
Just as good as first book. Fast paced read.
February 7, 2025
The first Black Stiletto book was quite interesting, at least 3 stars. The 2nd book was too redundant for me and not as imaginative so only gets 2 stars.
May 13, 2020
Die Superheldensaga um Judy Cooper, aka BLACK STILETTO, geht in die zweite Runde. Diesmal hat sie es wieder mit der italienischen Mafia zu tun und auch die neuen Gangsterbanden aus Harlem machen ihr und ihrem Umkreis das Leben schwer. Auch ihr Sohn Martin bekommt es in der Jetztzeit erneut mit einem Erbe seiner Mutter aus alten Tagen zu tun.
Soweit ist also nichts wirklich neu, und trotzdem entwickelt sich die Geschichte um die Verfechterin von Recht und Gesetz kontinuierlich weiter.
Martin liest das komplette Tagebuch seiner Mutter, aus dem Jahr 1959 durch und verspürt auch selbst den Druck, welchen seine Mutter damals in Bezug auf die Geheimhaltung ihrer Identität aushalten musste.
In der dritten Erzählebene geht es um den FBI Agenten John Richardson, welcher mit Judy Cooper ein Verhältnis beginnt, obwohl er weiß, dass sie die BLACK STILETTO ist, und von Polizei sowie den Bundesbehörden gesucht wird.
Es ist also viel los, in Licht und Schatten. Die Charaktere sind mittlerweile so bei mir angekommen, dass sie einem ans Herz wachsen, wie die Protagonisten eines guten Golden oder Silver Age Marvel Comics.
Auch empfand ich wieder das, was sich nach den Einsätzen der BLACK STILETTO abgespielt haben soll, als sie sich bereits vom Superheldendasein zurückgezogen hatte, als eine Hommage an Betty Page. Die wirklich große Bekanntheit des Pin-Up-Girls aus dieser Zeit, kam ja auch erst, nachdem sie allem den Rücken gekehrt und sich zur Ruhe gesetzt hatte.
Die Übersetzung erschein mir subjektiv doch recht hakelig und teilweise in wenig unzusammenhängend. Ich möchte das hier auch nur an der Schreibweise der Straßennamen festmachen, welche teilweise von Kapitel zu Kapitel variieren.
BLACK STILETTO bedient sich keiner Stereotypen, denn Judy Cooper ist alles andere als nur eine Heldin der damaligen Zeit. Sie steht zwar gegen die Bösewichte New Yorks auf, aber sie macht keinerlei Unterschiede zwischen Hautfarben oder ähnlichem, welches ja teilweise bei gerade in den Comics der damaligen Zeit – also den Fünfzigern – Gang und Gebe gewesen ist. Judy unterscheidet in brauchbarer Schwarz/Weiß-Manier nur zwischen Gut und Böse, ansonsten sind für sie alle Menschen gleich.
Der Luzifer Verlag hat im vorigen Jahr bereits das dritte Abenteuer der BLACK STILETTO, Star and Stripes, als Taschenbuch aufgelegt. Laut Goodreads existieren insgesamt fünf Roman um die Abenteuer der sympathischen Superheldin. Somit wäre als die Halbzeit geschafft und ich hoffe das die Macher von Luzifer sich die anderen beiden Abenteuer auch noch auf ihre To-Do-Liste packen um zumindest mir eine Freude zu machen – scherzhaft gesprochen.
Soweit ist also nichts wirklich neu, und trotzdem entwickelt sich die Geschichte um die Verfechterin von Recht und Gesetz kontinuierlich weiter.
Martin liest das komplette Tagebuch seiner Mutter, aus dem Jahr 1959 durch und verspürt auch selbst den Druck, welchen seine Mutter damals in Bezug auf die Geheimhaltung ihrer Identität aushalten musste.
In der dritten Erzählebene geht es um den FBI Agenten John Richardson, welcher mit Judy Cooper ein Verhältnis beginnt, obwohl er weiß, dass sie die BLACK STILETTO ist, und von Polizei sowie den Bundesbehörden gesucht wird.
Es ist also viel los, in Licht und Schatten. Die Charaktere sind mittlerweile so bei mir angekommen, dass sie einem ans Herz wachsen, wie die Protagonisten eines guten Golden oder Silver Age Marvel Comics.
Auch empfand ich wieder das, was sich nach den Einsätzen der BLACK STILETTO abgespielt haben soll, als sie sich bereits vom Superheldendasein zurückgezogen hatte, als eine Hommage an Betty Page. Die wirklich große Bekanntheit des Pin-Up-Girls aus dieser Zeit, kam ja auch erst, nachdem sie allem den Rücken gekehrt und sich zur Ruhe gesetzt hatte.
Die Übersetzung erschein mir subjektiv doch recht hakelig und teilweise in wenig unzusammenhängend. Ich möchte das hier auch nur an der Schreibweise der Straßennamen festmachen, welche teilweise von Kapitel zu Kapitel variieren.
BLACK STILETTO bedient sich keiner Stereotypen, denn Judy Cooper ist alles andere als nur eine Heldin der damaligen Zeit. Sie steht zwar gegen die Bösewichte New Yorks auf, aber sie macht keinerlei Unterschiede zwischen Hautfarben oder ähnlichem, welches ja teilweise bei gerade in den Comics der damaligen Zeit – also den Fünfzigern – Gang und Gebe gewesen ist. Judy unterscheidet in brauchbarer Schwarz/Weiß-Manier nur zwischen Gut und Böse, ansonsten sind für sie alle Menschen gleich.
Der Luzifer Verlag hat im vorigen Jahr bereits das dritte Abenteuer der BLACK STILETTO, Star and Stripes, als Taschenbuch aufgelegt. Laut Goodreads existieren insgesamt fünf Roman um die Abenteuer der sympathischen Superheldin. Somit wäre als die Halbzeit geschafft und ich hoffe das die Macher von Luzifer sich die anderen beiden Abenteuer auch noch auf ihre To-Do-Liste packen um zumindest mir eine Freude zu machen – scherzhaft gesprochen.
September 6, 2013
Judy continues to grow in character and skill in this awesome addition to the Black Stiletto series. I absolutely loved the first book. Book 2 was just as good if not better. Raymond Bensen skillfully draws in more complications to the plot, giving the reader the extra anxiety of FBI interest in the Black Stiletto. Special Agent John Richardson makes for an intriguing hunter and potential love interest. Add to that a heroin drug lord named Purdy who catches the interest of the Black Stiletto when the daughter of her martial arts instructor, Shakitawa, is taken. In her attempt to do a friend some good, a film maker ends up with an 8mm film of her unmasked in a dressing room, and he is threatening to unmask her publicly. Indeed, it is quite a tangled web for Judy Cooper to walk through.
Meanwhile, Martin Talbot in modern times struggles with his looming financial crisis while his daughter goes off to college in NY against his wishes. The poor man is then beleaguered by his mother’s doctor, who has noted some unusual old injuries for a lady of her age. She walks the line of all but accusing Martin of physically abusing his mother. Haha! He is pressured from all fronts to reveal his mother’s true identity.
This book was filled with great action, character growth, a wonderfully tangled plot artfully untangled by the author by the end of the tale. I hope, really, really hope, Raymond Bensen writes several books on the Black Stiletto. She has become my favorite super hero because she is simply so very human. She can be hurt, and does get hurt. Her personality, strong sense of justice, and hard-won skills are what carries her forward. Oh, and there is that wicked yet PG-rated sense of humor she has.
Narration: It was excellent. Crossroad Press picked a great triplet to give the various voices of the story. Arielle DeLisle is the perfect voice for Judy, with her mild Texas accent dropped into NY.
Meanwhile, Martin Talbot in modern times struggles with his looming financial crisis while his daughter goes off to college in NY against his wishes. The poor man is then beleaguered by his mother’s doctor, who has noted some unusual old injuries for a lady of her age. She walks the line of all but accusing Martin of physically abusing his mother. Haha! He is pressured from all fronts to reveal his mother’s true identity.
This book was filled with great action, character growth, a wonderfully tangled plot artfully untangled by the author by the end of the tale. I hope, really, really hope, Raymond Bensen writes several books on the Black Stiletto. She has become my favorite super hero because she is simply so very human. She can be hurt, and does get hurt. Her personality, strong sense of justice, and hard-won skills are what carries her forward. Oh, and there is that wicked yet PG-rated sense of humor she has.
Narration: It was excellent. Crossroad Press picked a great triplet to give the various voices of the story. Arielle DeLisle is the perfect voice for Judy, with her mild Texas accent dropped into NY.
November 30, 2012
The Black Stiletto: Black & White by Raymond Benson
5 STARS
Black & White is the second novel of the the Black Stiletto. I really enjoyed it.
I keep rooting for Judy Cooper and want things to go her way.
Martin is reading the second diary of his mother as she explains what is going on in her life as the Black Stiletto. Martin had no idea that his mom was the Black Stiletto till she was in a care center with altimers.
The story jumps from what is happening in Judy's life back in 1959 in New York City.
Then comes to what is happening to Judy and her family now through the eyes of her son Martin.
They are both exciting and keep you interested and not wanting to put the book down.
Judy turns out she is starting to fall for FBI Agent John in her disguise as the Black Stiletto.
John is told to gain her trust so they can bring her in. The FBI and Police want her brought in.
Judy gets involved trying to figure out what is troubling her teacher in martial arts.
She learns more about being black in 1950's is really like. She also is being black mailed, finds a child porn dealer, raids a brothel, stops drug deals.
Martin finds old film of his mother than around same time its shown on the news. The man who finds the film is trying to blackmail him too.
Thier is plenty of action,drama,strong characters, deciet,some romance. A touch of what life was like back in the 50's what movies,songs that people liked. Really made you be in the 1950s.
I know taking the law into your own hands is wrong but I was rooting for the Black Stiletto. I decided what I said next would be letting too much of the cat out of the bag.
Soon I will be starting to read the third novel of the Black Stiletto that is coming out soon.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
Publisher: Oceanview Publishing (May 30, 2012) 328 pages ISBN-10: 1608090418
5 STARS
Black & White is the second novel of the the Black Stiletto. I really enjoyed it.
I keep rooting for Judy Cooper and want things to go her way.
Martin is reading the second diary of his mother as she explains what is going on in her life as the Black Stiletto. Martin had no idea that his mom was the Black Stiletto till she was in a care center with altimers.
The story jumps from what is happening in Judy's life back in 1959 in New York City.
Then comes to what is happening to Judy and her family now through the eyes of her son Martin.
They are both exciting and keep you interested and not wanting to put the book down.
Judy turns out she is starting to fall for FBI Agent John in her disguise as the Black Stiletto.
John is told to gain her trust so they can bring her in. The FBI and Police want her brought in.
Judy gets involved trying to figure out what is troubling her teacher in martial arts.
She learns more about being black in 1950's is really like. She also is being black mailed, finds a child porn dealer, raids a brothel, stops drug deals.
Martin finds old film of his mother than around same time its shown on the news. The man who finds the film is trying to blackmail him too.
Thier is plenty of action,drama,strong characters, deciet,some romance. A touch of what life was like back in the 50's what movies,songs that people liked. Really made you be in the 1950s.
I know taking the law into your own hands is wrong but I was rooting for the Black Stiletto. I decided what I said next would be letting too much of the cat out of the bag.
Soon I will be starting to read the third novel of the Black Stiletto that is coming out soon.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
Publisher: Oceanview Publishing (May 30, 2012) 328 pages ISBN-10: 1608090418
June 21, 2012
Just got this in the mail. I won a free signed copy that web came with a theme song on cd. Can't wait to delve into it!
I read the first book The Black Stiletto: The First Diary 1958 to familiarize myself with the characters and story line so I could have a better understanding for this book. I think that really helped me connect with Judy and feel her voice during this book. During the first book, I felt like it was somewhat elementary writing and, though I enjoyed reading it, I didn't think it was too deep. After reading this second book, I've come to appreciate the writing style and the characters much more.
Since I am a mid-twenties girl, I could truly appreciate Judy's voice in her diary. It was written like a girl in her twenties experiencing the world. Sometimes I even felt like I was reading my own diary (with the reflective laughter and asides). When reading Martin's perspective or John's dictaphone entries, I felt like I could get a feel for what they were thinking and they read as reflective as well. I really enjoyed John's character in this book and I think he added a lot to the story. In the original book, the characters were a little flat but this book allowed the reader to connect with them. I also liked the parallelism between the past and present and how John played a part in the lives of Martin as well as Judy's.
I'm looking forward to the 1960 diary ;) - if there is one of course....
I read the first book The Black Stiletto: The First Diary 1958 to familiarize myself with the characters and story line so I could have a better understanding for this book. I think that really helped me connect with Judy and feel her voice during this book. During the first book, I felt like it was somewhat elementary writing and, though I enjoyed reading it, I didn't think it was too deep. After reading this second book, I've come to appreciate the writing style and the characters much more.
Since I am a mid-twenties girl, I could truly appreciate Judy's voice in her diary. It was written like a girl in her twenties experiencing the world. Sometimes I even felt like I was reading my own diary (with the reflective laughter and asides). When reading Martin's perspective or John's dictaphone entries, I felt like I could get a feel for what they were thinking and they read as reflective as well. I really enjoyed John's character in this book and I think he added a lot to the story. In the original book, the characters were a little flat but this book allowed the reader to connect with them. I also liked the parallelism between the past and present and how John played a part in the lives of Martin as well as Judy's.
I'm looking forward to the 1960 diary ;) - if there is one of course....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2012
Judy Cooper's world is divided into daytime and the night. She may be a vigilante fighting against evil and for justice, but nothing in her life is really that Black and White. Raymond Benson's second installment of the Black Stiletto series tells the story of a single young woman in 1959 New York City through the narrative of her diary's recently found in the current day by her son and only child. He remembers his mother as a caring, vital woman now in care for Alzheimer's. Who knew that she was the famous, legendary Black Stiletto?
And that question is just one of the many that Martin Talbot must now struggle with as he comes to grip with his mother's secret life. While we learn more about Judy's dark crime fighting adventures, and her very dangerous love affair, Martin spends his day seeking employment and worrying about his daughter Gina who has left Chicago to enroll in NYC's Juilliard. Martin himself is drawn back to NYC when Gina is brutally attacked leaving campus. His visit allows him to deal directly with an extortion threat involving a black and white film exposing the true identity of the Black Stiletto. Similar to the very dilemmas his mother faced in the late 1950s, who can Martin really trust?
And that question is just one of the many that Martin Talbot must now struggle with as he comes to grip with his mother's secret life. While we learn more about Judy's dark crime fighting adventures, and her very dangerous love affair, Martin spends his day seeking employment and worrying about his daughter Gina who has left Chicago to enroll in NYC's Juilliard. Martin himself is drawn back to NYC when Gina is brutally attacked leaving campus. His visit allows him to deal directly with an extortion threat involving a black and white film exposing the true identity of the Black Stiletto. Similar to the very dilemmas his mother faced in the late 1950s, who can Martin really trust?
September 5, 2012
Twistin' an' a-turnin' with lies, deceit and flying bullets! The life of Judy Cooper Talbot continues in the sequel to 'The Black Stiletto: The First Diary'; it's all here as we further grow to love the southern 'cuteness' of our favorite Texan from New York. For all the 'hits' she gives, and takes - both physical and emotional - we feel her pain throughout this red hot track of a runaway train journey which covers the 'Black Stiletto' year of 1959. Judy tackles both the FBI and two gangland organisations who are slugging it out in the name of drug trafficking and prostitution. Meanwhile, in modern day New York, Judy's son, Martin has to pay a visit to his mother's old stomping grounds in order to confront the demons of the past...and the present. Mr. Benson has done it again, only moreso, as he shovels on the action and suspense with heapfuls of steaming anxiety. "Black & White" is a brilliant sequel in this fabulous series concept about an almost forgotten hero of another time who courageously choreographed her very own brand of crime-busting. Looking forward to 'Stars & Stripes' - due out in April, 2013!
October 1, 2012
Boom! That's how my eyes felt after reading pure greatness. Ever read pure greatness?No you haven't. Not until you've read this book. This book is equal parts exciting action and seething with realism. There is a fine line between make-believe and action but Benson does it correctly. The novel is written in 2 POV's Lucy and her son, who stumbled upon a diary and finds out his now mother is dosed with severe Alzheimer is a dominatrix crime fighting legend.
He falls in old memories of Lucy and even goes back to finish his mothers last wishes. This book, I loved I purchase part one immediately after reading this. I have this on my shelf, my favorite novels of all time. This book is recommended from anyone in their mid teens on up in my world, the prose is written simple and detailed all at once. It's no poetic beauty but it is fun, light and keeps you turning pages. Perfect novel.I won this signed in a giveaway. Thank you good-reads and Raymond Benson. I am such a fan!!!
He falls in old memories of Lucy and even goes back to finish his mothers last wishes. This book, I loved I purchase part one immediately after reading this. I have this on my shelf, my favorite novels of all time. This book is recommended from anyone in their mid teens on up in my world, the prose is written simple and detailed all at once. It's no poetic beauty but it is fun, light and keeps you turning pages. Perfect novel.I won this signed in a giveaway. Thank you good-reads and Raymond Benson. I am such a fan!!!
August 7, 2012
I said the same thing for the first book, and I'll say it again for this one.
THEY NEED TO MAKE THIS INTO A GRAPHIC NOVEL! Seriously, the two books in this series have been two of the best books I have read all year, and I am so thankful I won this copy in a goodreads give-away, signed by the author!
That being said, I've gotta say that I loved this book the most. I thought the romance between cop and criminal was extremely thrilling to read. I also loved how it touched racial issues back in the 1950s, and showed how corrupted everything was. Even law enforcement wasn't free of the corruption.
I was kind of rooting for John to stick around, but Judy did what she had to do, and I'm okay with it.
I really hope this is not the end to this series! I want more Judy Cooper.
THEY NEED TO MAKE THIS INTO A GRAPHIC NOVEL! Seriously, the two books in this series have been two of the best books I have read all year, and I am so thankful I won this copy in a goodreads give-away, signed by the author!
That being said, I've gotta say that I loved this book the most. I thought the romance between cop and criminal was extremely thrilling to read. I also loved how it touched racial issues back in the 1950s, and showed how corrupted everything was. Even law enforcement wasn't free of the corruption.
I was kind of rooting for John to stick around, but Judy did what she had to do, and I'm okay with it.
I really hope this is not the end to this series! I want more Judy Cooper.
May 31, 2012
This is a good book but you really should readThe Black Stiletto: The First Diary--1958or you wont get as much out of it i won this book via good reads but i got the first one from the library. This book has a very if costumed hero's were in the real world kind of feel to it though because i read a lot of superhero comics i find myself not liking Judy very much she seems very selfish. She only acts as the title heroine when things happen to her friends. I'm not going to spoil the book, but I do have one question? where does judy's superpower come from? the book is well researched and presented a very real. I can't wait to read the next one
August 13, 2012
After having read the first book, I had reservations about this one. I enjoyed the concept for the books, but the story in the first of the series left me less than enthusiastic. However, this book was much better than the first Black Stiletto novel. Exploring issues of race, prejudice, and the growing drug trade in America, this novel had the Black Stiletto also falling in love with an FBI agent. While this made an interesting aside to the story, the real heart of the story lay in the exploration of race relations during the early 60's. Even Judy, who says repeatedly that she's not prejudice, becomes the victim of misperceptions. This is a great addition to the series. I can't wait to see where in history the Black Stiletto goes next.
June 18, 2014
The Black Stiletto: Black & White by Raymond Benson is book two in the Black Stiletto series. This book sees the adventures of Judy Cooper take very shocking turns. Benson does a great job in having the character and this reader on a roller coster journey. It took me days to fully get over my book hangover from this book. That is an example of how well Benson brings his world to life! The amazing thing he does is makes the present day story line as important as the vintage main story. Each plot line has its conflict that drives both to an acceptable stopping point. I will not spoil anything for those who haven't read these novels. These are the reason i love to read! A full five star experience!
June 3, 2012
I am so thankful that I received this book in a Good Reads giveaway! Raymond Benson kept me totally enthralled from start to finish.The story switches from the late 1950s, the story of Judy, a young girl with a secret and the present time following her son as he tries to protect his elderly mother's identity. This book has the suspense and action that you would expect but it also shows loyalty and respect shared by this masked crusader, her son and her friends.
I am lucky enough to be with a lot of elderly people every day and now I wonder!!!!!!!!
I am lucky enough to be with a lot of elderly people every day and now I wonder!!!!!!!!
June 1, 2012
A little hard to get into in the beginning. But, after a couple of chapters, you really start to get into the story. I really loved the main character. The romantic in me was disappointed that The Black Stiletto and John broke up. It would have been a great love story if they had stayed together. Not the author's intentions I guess. Not a bad book though. I will probably get the first Black Stiletto book.
May 21, 2012
ARC Giveaway & Review: Raymond Benson is known for his original James Bond 007 novels. He has also penned bestselling and award-winning novels as David Michaels. I really enjoyed reading and reviewing his novel, The Black Stiletto, so I was excited when the publisher sent me his new novel about this late 1950’s super-heroine. If you haven’t seen our review of the first book in this series,...read the rest of my review & enter our giveaway at http://popcornreads.com/?p=3930.
September 9, 2012
So much better than the first. Black & White does a marvelous work developing the history of the The Back Stilleto back in 1959 and now, with a counterpart story that match with the tone of the book. No more dangerous criminal seeking revenge and be defeated in ridiculous ways. This time deal with the menace in a more credible storyline and adds a bit of fun to it. Definitely waiting for the next novel.
July 25, 2012
Book two in the Black Stiletto Series. At least, I hope it becomes a series. This is a phenomenal novel. Like the first, it is told through the diaries of the main protagonist, the Black Stiletto. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Expecting to read the book in a week, I found myself unable to put the book down, completing it in only two sittings.
If you like action thrillers or superhero novels, I highly recommend this book!
If you like action thrillers or superhero novels, I highly recommend this book!
December 21, 2014
I really love this series, and especially Judy Cooper, the most original "cat woman" I can think of. She is so inspiring to read about--I'm all for women who can kick major ass. I also enjoy the 1950s details Benson has taken the time to incorporate from music to movies to clothes... It really paints a vivid picture. I really hope this story has a happy ending. After everything Judy's been through, she deserves it.
April 26, 2014
I love this series and am going to dive into the remaining books very soon.
The writing is great, the story develops perfectly to keep you at the edge of your seat. You can't help but love the Black Stiletto for what she does, even as you empathize with her son, now grown, just discovering her secret. Your heart breaks at her current state, in a seniors home and unable to talk to her son about her past.
it's a very well crafted series and well worth the read.
The writing is great, the story develops perfectly to keep you at the edge of your seat. You can't help but love the Black Stiletto for what she does, even as you empathize with her son, now grown, just discovering her secret. Your heart breaks at her current state, in a seniors home and unable to talk to her son about her past.
it's a very well crafted series and well worth the read.
August 21, 2011
The first sequel (release date May 30, 2012) to The Black Stiletto (release date September 5, 2011) should not be missed! I thoroughly enjoyed the character development, storyline and historical references. I am looking forward to book three!
Definitely DO NOT miss The Black Stiletto by Raymond Benson!
Definitely DO NOT miss The Black Stiletto by Raymond Benson!
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