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series Reading Order

Black Stiletto Books in Order

5 Books
2011 – 2014 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Reading Order

The Black Stiletto series is a continuous, highly serialized saga. Each book builds directly on the events of the previous one, and the modern-day timeline moves forward alongside the historical diaries. Because of this, you should read the books in their official publication order.

  1. The Black Stiletto (also published as The Black Stiletto: The First Diary) (2011)
  2. Black & White (2012)
  3. Stars & Stripes (2013)
  4. Secrets & Lies (2014)
  5. Endings & Beginnings (2014)

Chronological Timeline and Short Stories

The series features two timelines: a present-day framing sequence where Martin Talbot reads his mother Judy's diaries, and a historical timeline following Judy's vigilante activities. Judy's active crime-fighting years progress chronologically through the books from 1958 to 1962. Therefore, the publication order is also the chronological order.

There is also one supplemental short story in the universe:

  • The Black Stiletto's Autograph: A promotional short story written by Raymond Benson. It is set during Judy's active vigilante years in the late 1950s or early 1960s. While it can be read at any point as a teaser, it is best enjoyed after the first book.

Why You Must Start at the Beginning

Starting with the first book is essential because it introduces the core mystery of Judy's double life, the origins of her martial arts training, and the emotional weight of her present-day struggle with Alzheimer's. Skipping ahead will spoil major plot twists and the resolution of Martin's modern-day conflicts.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the best book to start with in the Black Stiletto series?

You should start with the first novel, The Black Stiletto (often subtitled The First Diary), to understand the characters and the overarching mystery.

QWho is the author of the Black Stiletto books?

The series is written by Raymond Benson, a bestselling author who is also famous for writing official James Bond novels.

QAre the historical portions of the books chronologically ordered?

Yes, Judy Cooper's diaries span chronologically from 1958 to 1962, tracking her adventures through the late Eisenhower and early Kennedy eras.

QHow many novels are in the Black Stiletto series?

There are exactly five novels in the main series, which were published between 2011 and 2014.

QIs there a Black Stiletto movie or TV show?

While actress Mila Kunis's production company optioned the series for a potential television adaptation in 2015, no film or TV show has been released yet.

QWhat is the short story 'The Black Stiletto's Autograph'?

It is a promotional short story written by Raymond Benson that takes place during Judy's active vigilante era, serving as a teaser for the main books.