Endings & Beginnings

The Black Stiletto #5

by Raymond Benson

Raymond Benson's The Black Endings & Beginnings is the startling finale to the saga of The Black Stiletto. It's 1962. Judy Cooper is devastated at the betrayal by her nemesis and former lover, Leo Kelly. Leo and his psychotic sister, Christina, have set out to ruin the very pregnant Stiletto, forcing her to flee to Texas for a showdown with destiny. In the present, the Alzheimer's that afflicts elderly Judy is in its last stage, but her son and granddaughter, Martin and Gina, must continue to protect her from the past's last remaining assault. The two stories come together in an explosive conclusion."

Genres: Thriller, Adventure

339 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 4, 2014

About the author

Raymond 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.

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this final segment of The Black Stiletto series, we learn along with her son and granddaughter of the exploits Judy Cooper, alias The Black Stiletto, thought of as the ultimate crime fighter.

Judy, now bed-ridden in a nursing home with dementia, had kept very thorough diaries describing her dealings with organized crime. She detailed how she worked hand-in-hand with law enforcement until a party, impersonating her, committed several high-priority crimes, stealing diamonds and killing a mobster’s daughter, which caused her to run not just from the mob but from the very same police officers she had been assisting.

Pregnant, and with the law hot on her heels, Judy finally confesses her real identity to a friend, only to have him and his brother killed as she runs from Los Angeles, CA to her hometown of Odessa, TX where she still has family, only to endanger their lives too.

We learn all the sordid details from the pages of her 1962 diary, as does her granddaughter, Gina, who also heads off to Odessa seeking answers that old age and disease can no longer provide. The relatives of her grandmother’s former nemesis discover who Gina is and kidnap her in order to secure their own answers to the one question they all want to know. Where is the missing diamond that Judy allegedly stole thirty years ago?

Along with pulsating drama, high intrigue, and suspense I was taken with how well Benson captures the female voice and the historical period it was written. Definitely worth putting the five book series on your bookcase.

[Shawn Manning · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been dragging my feet on reading this one for some time. This series has been so enjoyable. It's essentially a " what if there really was a superhero". In this case, it's one Judy Cooper from Odessa Texas. The series shuttles back and forth from the late 1950's/60;s to the present. There is so much joy in this character, so when bad things happen your heart breaks. You pretty much have a ballpark idea of how the plot is going to go, but the author still manages to unveil surprises.

If you are a fan of the old pulps or The Black Canary, you will be thrilled with this one.

[Jody Kassel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 5th diary. I couldn’t put them down. Great read.

[Mark Mekkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice strong ending. It hit all the points I was hoping for.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aptly named, Endings & Beginnings closes out the well-reviewed and entertaining five book series from Raymond Benson. Each book corresponds to a diary kept by Judy Cooper, the secretive Black Stiletto, which describe her origins and five years of adventures as a masked vigilante during the late 1950s, early 1960s. Each book raises additional questions about Judy Cooper and her life, which Benson satisfyingly addresses in the final installment.

This fifth book in the series continues Judy's experiences in Los Angeles. She is more mature than her days in New York, now working as a night club hostess and occasionally, as the Black Stiletto, for a investigator associated with the District Attorney's office. Her impulsiveness remains, as well as her sense of justice and attraction to bad boys.

Paired with Judy's timeline, is the story of her adult son set in the present day who oversees the care of his mother now suffering from Alzheimer's. The first book helps us appreciate the difficulties Alzheimer's places on families. Only in the fifth book do we finally learn the story of Martin's birth and Judy's reasons for putting her Black Stiletto outfit away for good.

Benson, an accomplished mystery writer noted for his James Bond novels, expertly conveys Judy's youthful, naive yet angry view point in the1950s as well as Martin's voice today as an anxiety filled parent. Martin explores his mother's diary, and learns her secrets, along with the reader.

"Beginnings" refers to Martin's birth, yet the book also continues the story of Martin's impulsive daughter Gina--who bears uncanny similarities to her grandmother. The identity of the Black Stiletto may yet remain a secret through several more novels.

Recommended as a fun, enjoyable read that neatly answers all questions raised in the earlier installments.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Black Stiletto: Endings & Beginnings is the final installment in the tales of the Black Stiletto and picks up shortly after the last book ends. Things have come full circle and the final journal is read by Martin revealing his mother's journey up until his birth. In the meantime murder and mayhem ensues with new attempts on Judy's life and Martin and Gina continuing to protect Judy, as well as keep themselves and those they care about alive. All of the loose ends are tied up nicely and this is a wonderful conclusion to the series. I do have to say that if you have not read the series, this is not the book to start with, as so much of the prior world building will be missed, and would suggest that at the very least starting with book one, The Black Stiletto: The First Diary--1958, which in my opinion was a wonderful read and a great beginning. The writing continues to be tight and the storyline well crafted with a few surprises coming out of the woodwork and delightful plot twists that really made this final installment a joy to read. I received this book via NetGalley.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final chapter in the Black Stiletto saga is action packed and exhilarating!

“Old grudges and fresh starts set the tone in Benson’s engaging fifth and final Black Stiletto novel (after The Black Stiletto: Secrets & Lies) as Judy Cooper’s son, Martin Talbot, reads her last diary from her hidden life as a masked crime fighter. His daughter, Gina, means to know more about her superhero grandmother before Alzheimer’s and old age win out, but the two have opened doors into the past that lead to deadly consequences. The Black Stiletto spent years in the world of private eyes and mobsters; the latter are not going to let her die in peace while there are still scores to settle. Gangster Leo Kelly already betrayed her, but his sister, Christina Kelly, proves to be truly vicious in the relentless hunt for revenge and for a diamond stolen years ago. Multiple points of view help enliven this daring woman’s tale, leaving readers wishing for more. “
—Publishers Weekly

[Kandice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've enjoyed the whole series, and this addition wrapped everything up nicely. It will be interesting to see if the author continues the series with Gina, the granddaughter, since he left that open as a possibility. My only complaint is that throughout the whole series Judy seems extremely naive. She walks right into dangerous situations without much thought to the consequences and then seems surprised when she or those she loves are hurt in the process. Based on her actions in this last book, Gina seems to be continuing down the same path. Let's hope if the series continues Gina develops a little more common sense and a little more wisdom as to the ways of the world.

[Katarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sad that this series ends. I loved every book, but this one was special. Maybe because I knew it was the last one, maybe because it ties all the other ones together and finally answers all the questions that have developed over time.

Filled with suspense, action, sadness, joy and love. This series has it all, and this book is the crowning glory.

[Joe O'Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very Good; Continuing character: The Black Stiletto; in the current day the Stiletto nears the end of her battle with Alzheimer's and her family battles against those who wish to do them harm, while her diary tells of her actions ion the early sixties that mix friends and gangsters

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down. Read it over the weekend. Sad the series is over. What a fun, crazy and adventurous series. Just cannot get over how much I loved it. The writing makes you feel like you are right there with Judy Cooper. i felt the action.

[Garry · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enjoyable series! I usually begin to tire of an author's style after a few books into the series, but this was different. The strong female character, the twists, and even some of the unrealistic encounters remained entertaining throughout.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars; I want to say, " 'nuf said", but this series deserves more.
Well written and entertaining, these books grab your attention immediately. I stayed awake far too late with each book because
each chapter drew me in further.
I hope this review influences others to read this series.

[Meri-Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that I've finished, I wish I'd read slower so I wouldn't be finished with the series. It wraps up all the loose ends from both past and present. Everyone has a good ending. The Black Stiletto was a strong crime fighting heroine. Her modern day family turned out ok too.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic finale to an amazing adventure series!

[David Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent end to a superior tetralogy.

http://opionator.wordpress.com/2014/1...

[Darcie Duranceau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it as much as I loved those that came before it. I only wish that it didn't have to end.

[Jonathan Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fitting end to a great series. Not much else to say - if you've read the first four, you know what you're getting.

[Judi Learned · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great fun reading this entertaining series. Enjoyable & well written.

[Vince Lamacki · Rating 4 out of 5]

satisfying conclusion to a terrific series.