The Black Stiletto
The Black Stiletto is a thriller by Raymond Benson, published in the United States in September 2011. It follows Judy Cooper, a young woman in late-1950s New York City who becomes a masked vigilante known as the Black Stiletto. In the present day, Judy is an elderly woman with Alzheimer's, cared for by her grown son, Martin Talbot. Martin discovers her secret through diaries and keepsakes she left behind.
The diaries reveal how Judy fled an abusive stepfather, moved to New York, and fought back. She learns self-defense, boxing at a gym, and martial arts, and even borrows a knife from a boyfriend connected to the mafia. After trying several weapons, she chooses the stiletto and becomes the Black Stiletto. She fights in New York and Los Angeles from 1958 to 1962, then disappears. The vigilante’s legend grows in comics, films, and action figures.
The book was optioned for a series by Lonetree Entertainment in 2012, and in 2015 it was announced that Mila Kunis would executive-produce a TV series based on the books for ABC Studios.
Critical reception was positive. Dr. Wesley Britton praised the realistic feel and pacing, saying it’s a fast, readable story even for readers who aren’t into feminist themes. Popcorn Reads called the writing fluid and suspenseful. Library Journal described it as a mashup of influences from Gloria Steinem, Ian Fleming, and Mario Puzo, with a feel that fits Stan Lee’s style. Booklist gave it a starred review and called it prime escapism.
Sequels continue Judy’s story: The Black Stiletto: Black & White (May 2012), The Black Stiletto: Stars & Stripes (April 2013), The Black Stiletto: Secrets & Lies (January 2014), and The Black Stiletto: Endings & Beginnings (November 2014). The author also offered a free teaser story, The Black Stiletto’s Autograph, and a Black Stiletto Song on the official site.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 11:31 (CET).