A troubled teenager's desire to kill her mother ignites a sprawling narrative of deception and dual identities across decades of American history. Annie Hannigan, a rebellious youth in the 1930s, harbors a violent fantasy against her mother, Elsie, whom she blames for her father's death and her own abandonment. Elsie, now working for a washed-up private investigator, becomes entangled in a complex case involving a mysterious client, leading her through a labyrinth of secrets that spans from the Great Depression to World War II Hollywood and the Pacific theater. The story unfolds through a dual narrative, contrasting Annie's present-day rage with Elsie's past entanglements.

The graphic novel "Kill My Mother" by Jules Feiffer is recognized for its intricate plotting and distinctive artistic style. Critics have noted the complex interplay between the mother-daughter relationship and the historical backdrop, appreciating Feiffer's ability to weave a noir-infused narrative across different eras. The book's structure, which juxtaposes the present-day angst of a teenage girl with her mother's past secrets, has been highlighted as a key strength. Its exploration of themes like deception, abandonment, and dual identities within the context of significant historical periods contributes to its critical reception.