The Black Stiletto
(Oceanview Publishing; 2011)
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"This book was an amazing read and it kept me up long after my bedtime with a book light because I was dying to find out what happened next. It has all the complexity of a novel with all the action of a comic book... The characters aren't all that draw you into the world of The Black Stiletto, the description does as well. The fight scenes, building and interior descriptions all make you feel like you're a part of Judy's world... The reader will find themselves as shocked as Martin was that little old Judy Talbot who is now in a rest home with Alzheimer's was learning karate and boxing in the 50s. I'm not even going to try to compare her to any other comic book character or movie superhero out there. She stands on her own as one of my favorites and while it took me a long time to post this review, I have been anxiously awaiting book two the whole time."
(MISTY RAYBURN, The-Top-Shelf.com)
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"Benson showcases an appealing, unique character...This is ideally suited for a television series; it's an action-packed tale that's virtually impossible to put down."
(RAY WALSH, Lansing State Journal)
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"...an absolute joy to read...This could be Benson's best work to date and we can't wait for more!"
(BUZZ BIN, Crimespree Magazine)
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"One of my favorites... we follow Judy 'Black Stiletto' Talbot's adventures with a mixture of delight and awe. Benson isn't just a talented writer, he's an experienced one, too. The author of several James Bond 007 books knows a thing or two about making extraordinary heroes come alive... Benson has packed her exploits with so much heart that we want them to be true."
(BETTY WEBB, Mystery Scene Magazine)
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"...beautifully crafted and the characters are wonderfully described. You will not want to put the book down."
(ELIZABETH SHEEHAN, bestsellersworld.com and mysteriesgalore.com)
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"Benson's new series kicks off with gusto and is a magnificent introduction to a marvellous new character. From the very first chapter Benson engages the reader with his direct prose, atmospheric locales and intriguing characters.
The time slip format means the reader is transported between the present day and the fifties with regularity although the fifties play a much larger part. For me the scenes set in fifties New York are a mixture of modern noir and traditional values which coupled with innovative thinking by the author provide the reader with some thought provoking asides on past social issues.
Judy has to be one of the standout characters I’ve read this year. Her early brand of feminism and sense of justice make wonderful reading and she brings the book to life with every passage...The pace is nicely increased as the novel progresses and while not massively action led there is a significant pull on the reader to read just one more chapter. In conclusion? A marvellous start to what promises to be a fantastic new series."
(CRIMESQUAD.COM Blog)
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"Judy is awesome! She's a feminist ("I've learned a lot in my short life about how the world treats women.") and a lady with an interesting system of ethics. Still, I have to admit that I loved Martin's briefer appearances in the novel. I am captivated by his journey... The book moves fast, and can be read in a matter of hours. It truly is pure entertainment... Raymond Benson has done a terrific job of setting the hook. This is just the first of a proposed five-book series. The Black Stiletto comes to a very satisfying conclusion with a full story arc in both time periods... Yes, I am hooked."
(SUSAN TUNIS, InOneEyeOutTheOther.blogspot.com)
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"I admired the hell out of her... I completely enjoyed every minute of this fast-paced novel... WooHoo! A new series to look forward to!"
(MK, PopcornReads.com, complete review here)
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"This book was a very pleasant surprise. At the time I requested this title from NetGalley, I did not have a clue of what it was about. I started reading and all of the assumptions I had made from the title and cover flew right out the window. The story begins with Martin receiving a summons to his mother's attorney an old family friend. His elderly mother suffers from advanced Alzheimer's and had left a letter with the attorney to give to her son. Martin is given the mysterious letter and a few objects that set the whole story in motion. Ultimately Martin finds a box of journals kept by his mother regarding her life and the adventures begin. I have to say I was captivated from the beginning. I felt the book was well written, I enjoyed the characters, and fell in love with Judy through her journal. This book is not filled with supernatural creatures, at least not of a typical nature, but here is the question of the day; what do you get when you take a brutalized young girl with cognitive sensitivities and superior abilities of strength? The Black Stiletto."
(DENISE ZAKY, NetGalley)
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"The Black Stiletto is a mesmerizing tale. The fact that it's actually told from several different points of view--and that it goes back and forth between present and past--is an interesting (as well as effective) way to relay the story... Seeing how such an iconic (in the framework of the story) character comes into existence is absolutely fascinating, and reading the words of a teenager is an unexpected (but oh-so-appropriate) choice--certainly much more affecting than if the tale were written as the memoirs of an old woman. The writing in the journals consistently sounds like that of a young (and, early on, innocent and naive) girl, a tone which lends her tale--that of the creation of an alter ego more Catwoman than Wonder Woman--a genuine poignancy. From the early tragedies and hard times that shaped the determined young woman and tough avenger she would become, to her invincible good cheer and can-do attitude, you can’t help but root for Judy, and like her... Another element worthy of mention is the setting--notably that of 1950s New York. It just feels like author Benson must have surely gotten the details right, with the flavors, sights, and sounds of the city, as well as the overall look and tone of the era, and it was fun immersing myself in a time so foreign... The Black Stiletto is a cool blend of smooth mystery-suspense with some dark comic-book spice, and I enjoyed every bit of it."
(GLAM KITTY, TheLiterateKitty/blogspot, complete review here.)
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"Raymond Benson weaves an intriguing tale of the early life of a superhero. The Black Stiletto-aka Judy Cooper-is a very relatable character. Her innate humanness, despite her special abilities, is just one of the many likable qualities of Benson's leading lady. Judy is a superhero that is real, she suffers the bumps, bruises and black eyes that any normal person would get in a fight. There are no miracle cures for the Black Stiletto. Benson also very skilfully utilizes various points of view. He switches back and forth between first person and third person, but manages to do so effectively and in a clear-cut manner. The story is aided by Benson's talent as a writer of James Bond adventures as well. I believe that helps him weave the mystery and suspense throughout the story very well. The Black Stiletto never disappoints, it keeps the action moving and the story flowing...I recommend this book to any one who likes mystery or suspense books. If you are looking for a great escape read, this is the book for you."
(MOM READS MY BOOKS BLOG, complete review here)
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"Serious adult novels about caped or costumed super hero crusaders never work--until now. Fans of action-adventure are going to love this... Benson brilliantly forms the story and masterfully turns it from a comic book, to an adult novel. He could have kept Judy as some reincarnation of Wonder Woman or Super Girl – a cartoon character. Instead, he makes her very real... The scenes, the descriptions of the city, the language, the music, the current events all make the story real and familiar. The action is perfectly paced, and the fight scenes, technically described, are at once fast and realistic but don’t slow the story. The characters come alive in personality and motivation... The plot is simple, but beautifully crafted in the way that Benson fulfills it. The pace is excellent, filled with just the right amount of detail, personal revelations of the characters, and realism in action as well as background... Bravo, Raymond Benson."
(THE DIRTY LOWDOWN, BlogCritics.org)
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"The appeal in this series-opener lies in the transformation of Judy Cooper into 'an international icon of feminist strength and power' who assumes near-mythic proportions. Prolific crime-fiction writer Benson captures the style of a young woman’s diary and moves with ease between time periods in this comic book–like novel of nonstop action. Prime escapism."
(BOOKLIST *Starred* Review)
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"I LOVED this book, I never wanted to put it down, and I can't wait until the story continues. Even though the book was presented from a first person perspective there were three main characters; Judy, her son Martin, and her adversary Roberto. Many other authors have tried to write in a similar fashion and have fallen flat, but these characters all had such unique voices it felt like a seamless transition from one character to another. The book feels like a starting point for a series and so could easily have fallen into a trap of seemingly taking forever to get to any of the good stuff in this first book. However the story and character development were so rich it neatly bypassed that trap and completely hooked me from almost page one. It was like reading a gloriously fleshed out story of a comic book and I half expected to see POW! WHAM! on every page I turned. I'll be keeping an eye out for Mr. Bensons next works, especially the continuing adventures of The Black Stiletto."
(JESSIE, OhMyGoshBeck.com)
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"Benson is a master of description and pacing, so every page is both believable and tightly sketched. While this novel is self-contained, Benson leaves open a number of questions and threads so that at least one sequel is inevitable. Visitors to his website can enjoy a free e-book Black Stiletto adventure and see a clever promotional video to whet your appetite. A fast read, you don't have to be a feminist to enjoy this fresh approach to super-heroes."
(DR. WESLEY BRITTON, Bookpleasures.com, full review here).
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The July 2011 issue of Library Journal calls THE BLACK STILETTO "a mashup of the work of Gloria Steinem, Ian Fleming, and Mario Puzo, all under the editorship of Stan Lee."
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"Benson has created one of the most original heroines I've read in a long time. Adventure and suspense made this book a rollicking good read. But the story is about much more than simply the evolution and escapades of The Black Stiletto. It's about relationships and just how well we know - or not - even the people we love most."
(SANDRA BROWN, author of "Lethal")
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"A thriller that brilliantly succeeds at that most difficult of authorial endeavors: blending the past and the present into a single compelling story. Filled with cutting-edge suspense, wry humor and heart-wrenching warmth, not to mention great period detail, Black Stiletto will grab you instantly and simply not let go until the final page--no, make that the final sentence."
(JEFFERY DEAVER, author of "Carte Blanche")
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"Irresistible: Suppose you found out - just too late - that your
mother had been a superhero crimefighter. What would you do? Sit
back, take a deep breath, and let Raymond Benson tell you."
(LEE CHILD, author of the Reacher Thrillers)
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"A terrifically fun thrill-ride featuring an intrepid heroine you won't soon forget. I tore through it in one sitting!"
(TESS GERRITSEN, NYT-best-selling author of "The Silent Girl"
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"It's action! It's adventure! It appeals to women—and to men! It's faster than a speeding bullet, and a truly terrific read. Don't miss it!"
(HEATHER GRAHAM, author of "Phantom Evil"
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"The Black Stiletto is a wonderfully stylish (and addictively page-turning) return to the days of yesteryear. Full of action, full of suspense, and brimming with originality, this sleek and charming adventure will win your heart."
(HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN, Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity-winning author)
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"Judy is a fantastic character, and Benson absolutely nails the way women write in their diaries. I think this sort of strong woman (particularly one in a time period where we don't think of women having much independence) will be enormously appealing to female readers. The action is great, and Benson writes in a voice that's accessible and engaging."
(TASHA ALEXANDER, author of "Dangerous to Know"
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"The Black Stiletto is a fun romp with a unique point of view."
(LISA BLACK, author of "Trail of Blood"
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