Susan V. (nrlymrtl) reviewed The Black Stiletto: Stars & Stripes (Black Stiletto, Bk 3) on + 297 more book reviews
These books are addictive. When I finish one of these books, I am immediately looking around for the next fix; alas, what will suffice until the next in the series is available in audio? Perhaps I will check out the numerous other works by Raymond Benson.
Judy, the masked Black Stiletto, is in her early 20s in this book and her character continues to grow. I especially liked that the author showed Judy muddling through life, drinking too much, making poor decisions and getting her ass handed to her in a few fights. This made Judy very real; I want to be her when I grow up. China Town, NYC style, played a healthy role in this story. The Black Stiletto found herself caught up in some Chinese organized crime. Her attempts to do good end up getting not only her injured, but others too. For a while there, I was afraid the Black Stiletto had met her match.
Meanwhile, the every day Judy joins John Kennedys political campaign, making new friends, and dressing as a Kennedy Girl in uniforms designed by Mrs. Kennedy. Of course, you cant have Kennedy without the perceived evil blight of Communism. Hence, politics plays a bit of a role in this tale. I felt this aspect was a teensy over-played, but overall, it did not reduce my enjoyment of the book. My only other mild criticism is that Martin Talbot is just on the edge of too whiny in this book. Granted, he is highly stressed and suffering from anxiety attacks, but I found myself wanting more of Judy Cooper and less of Martin.
My little sin, concerning these books, is that I like to give myself a day off and play Diablo III while listening to the exploits of the Black Stiletto. In this particular sinful episode, my female barbarian must have been channeling the Black Stiletto. Every time the Stiletto got her ass kicked, my character went down. When Stiletto was victorious, so was my barbarian.
Judy, the masked Black Stiletto, is in her early 20s in this book and her character continues to grow. I especially liked that the author showed Judy muddling through life, drinking too much, making poor decisions and getting her ass handed to her in a few fights. This made Judy very real; I want to be her when I grow up. China Town, NYC style, played a healthy role in this story. The Black Stiletto found herself caught up in some Chinese organized crime. Her attempts to do good end up getting not only her injured, but others too. For a while there, I was afraid the Black Stiletto had met her match.
Meanwhile, the every day Judy joins John Kennedys political campaign, making new friends, and dressing as a Kennedy Girl in uniforms designed by Mrs. Kennedy. Of course, you cant have Kennedy without the perceived evil blight of Communism. Hence, politics plays a bit of a role in this tale. I felt this aspect was a teensy over-played, but overall, it did not reduce my enjoyment of the book. My only other mild criticism is that Martin Talbot is just on the edge of too whiny in this book. Granted, he is highly stressed and suffering from anxiety attacks, but I found myself wanting more of Judy Cooper and less of Martin.
My little sin, concerning these books, is that I like to give myself a day off and play Diablo III while listening to the exploits of the Black Stiletto. In this particular sinful episode, my female barbarian must have been channeling the Black Stiletto. Every time the Stiletto got her ass kicked, my character went down. When Stiletto was victorious, so was my barbarian.
