Secret Identity is an exposé of comic publishing in the 1970s by someone that was there. But it also is a feminist statement and a full-blown female noir. I can’t imagine a better book for my tastes.
It’s 1975. New York City is at its grimy and murderous best. Carmen doesn’t care. She has her dream job as secretary to Jeffrey, the owner of Triumph Comics. But her real dream, of publishing her own comic, is shot down quickly by her boss. A woman writing comics is as silly as the 1972 Equal Rights Amendment (which never passed).
Carmen decides to help friendly co-worker, Harvey, with the comic he is working on. Together they produce the Lethal Lynx, the first female superhero. The series is wildly successful. But Carmen’s name is not credited. When Harvey is murdered, Carmen must walk down some dark alleys to find his killer—all while trying to wrestle control of the Lethal Lynx series from her boss.
I love a good noir, so I was quickly hooked on Secret Identity. It even contains some comic book pages within its covers. Carmen feels genuine. The plot with its many twists worked well. If you like noir, or want to read about how comics are created, this book is a great choice. 5 stars!
Thanks to Flatiron Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.