I know there are some authors that people auto-buy, without reading the synopsis or reviews. I do that often with some of my favorite authors, and did the same with this book. I can only guess that may have been the case for other readers, and the lower ratings, as this is not your typical Lisa Jewell book. But that doesn't mean it is bad. So if you want to go in blind, so to speak, don't read any further (I'll avoid spoilers). Just know this book is VERY different, since it is tied to the Marvel universe.

This story features Jessica Jones, best known in the Marvel world for her intelligence and street smarts. We are introduced to her when she's at a bit of a crossroads. She's taken to heavy drinking, not showering, and basically living in filth. But for some reason she is hired by a woman to investigate her twins, who have returned from visiting their father in England, and something is just off with them. Although they describe everything as "perfect." Over and over, to the point where you wonder, WTF is going on.

Off to England Jessica goes to see what went down during their visit, and with some good sleuthing, discovers something evil is at play. I won't even begin to get into what, not just because it would be a spoiler, but because it is much too complex to discuss in a review. Just remember, this is a fictional Marvel world, so keep an open mind.

While this book was very different for Lisa, she still displayed her ability as a master storyteller, and I loved the creativity of the story as a whole. And I'm eager to see where the other authors involved in this series take their stories, especially SA Cosby.

Breaking the Dark: A Jessica Jones Marvel Crime Novel by Lisa Jewell is a very highly recommended private detective crime thriller. Yes, it does feature Jessica Jones, a retired super hero from the Marvel Universe, but knowledge of that universe is not required to enjoy this excellent investigative mystery.

Jessica Jones, ex-super-hero, is now a private investigator in New York City. Amber Randall asks for her help in figuring out what happened to her teenage twins, Fox and Lark, when they were with their father in the village of Barton Wallop, UK, for the summer. They came home changed and don't seem like the same teens who left. The two have freakishly perfect skin and have lost their distinctive tics and habits. Everything is "perfect" when asked and there is secret talks about a girl named Belle. Amber is seriously wondering if they have been replaced.

Jessica takes the case because Amber is wealthy and she needs the money. She has teenage intern, Malcolm, assist her by getting close to the twins and looking for more information about what happened to them. Then Jessica travels to the UK, meets the twin's father, and finds the mysterious Belle, a teenager living with her guardian in an old farmhouse. Then things get weird. While working the case, Jessica is going through some personal issues too.

I found Breaking the Dark wildly entertaining, extremely well-written, suspenseful, and un-put-downable. I'm probably not the target audience since I only have a passing knowledge of the Marvel Universe and am hardly knowledgeable about the lore and background of all the characters. What I am is a huge fan of Lisa Jewell's writing and if she writes it, I will read it. I was actually a bit surprised at how much I loved this novel.

The narrative follows the current investigation with occasional chapters covering events from years ago leading up to the present that provide needed background information. The two timelines coalesce at the end. The plot does have a dark mysterious, evil, and dangerous undercurrent. The plot enters into fantasy, obviously with the ties to Marvel, but also has some real lessons about modern life embedded in the plot. Including the current control social media and influencers have over people's lives in the plot is a timely addition.

Jessica is a fully realized imperfect character, full of flaws and shortcomings who is also worried that she may be pregnant, so this concern is always there. She doesn't rely upon super powers here, which should make the novel appealing to those who enjoy thrillers. Thanks to Hyperion Avenue for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The review will be published on Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

Not since X-Men's Rogue have I enjoyed a Marvel character so much as Jessica Jones. I loved the Netflix series so much, and I also love author Lisa Jewel, so it was a no-brainer that these two things combined would make me click the request button. After my reading experience, I am doubly glad that the stars aligned.

Although the story begins in New York, it isn't long before a wealthy woman hires Jessica Jones to travel to England to find out what happened to her teenage children when they visited their father there in the summer. At first, Jessica is reluctant to take the case, but Amber's story of her children's weird behavior convinces the loner superhero that it is worth investigating.

I was hooked from the very first page by Jessica's struggles and the bizarness of this case. There is another storyline that gives us a backstory on all the "villains" and I liked how our existing societal feelings of beauty and dependency on our devices are incorporated into the storyline. Madame Web and Luke Cage are the two other Marvel characters that interact with Jessica Jones in this novel. I haven't read the Marvel comics, but Marvel did work in close contact with Lisa Jewell during the writing of this book and I have confidence that other fans would enjoy this one.

Having enjoyed The DC Icons series for teens, I am quite eager to check out the Marvel Crime series for adults.

#BreakingtheDarkAJessicaJonesMarvelCrimeNovel #NetGalley.
Expected Publication Date 25/03/25
Goodreads Review Date 01/03/25

This book takes place during two different time frames. Bouncing between present time with Jessica trying to help out Amber’s twins and their bizarre behavior. And going back almost 40 years ago with a woman named Ophelia who has some kind of power as well. What starts out as seeming like two different story lines with a variety of characters, continue to web together as the timelines grow closer. These stories end up becoming one towards the end webbing together to create one storyline.
While it took me some time to see what was being established and keep all the names figured out. I enjoyed the Jessica Jones novel and how the story all came together in the end. I felt like the book ended and pieces were tied together giving a complete story, but also leaves you excited to see about what other adventure Jessica and other potential Marvel members may experience.

5/10

I’ve read a couple of Lisa Jewell books before and really liked them. I actually, I’ve liked them more than I thought I would. So I was really excited to get an advanced copy of this novel.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t stand it.

This was not the Lisa Jewell that I love reading. The book was a slog to get through. And the storyline was… well… I can’t think of another word besides “idiotic”. I feel like Lisa may have done a focus group with a bunch of 11-year-old girls and asked them to come up with a storyline for a book. What resulted was the story which, I don’t want to tell you in case you read it. Cause anything I say, we’ll just spoil it.

Suffice to say, I didn’t care about the characters, the premise was bad, and the ending went on and on and on.

This book could’ve been 100 pages shorter. Though it still wouldn’t have made it great, it would’ve wasted less of my time.

#netgalley #breakingthedark

This book is a gripping, twist-filled thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. The characters are complex, the pacing is tight, and the suspense builds in a way that makes it hard to put down. While the ending felt a bit rushed, the overall story was compelling and delivered plenty of surprises.

Thank you to Lisa Jewell, Hyperion Avenue, and Netgalley for the chance to read this ARC!

I wouldn't say I am part of the Marvel fandom, but I am a Lisa Jewell fan, and I was excited to read something a little different from her. The reason I say this, is because if there was anything that didn't align with the Marvel universe, I would not have known. I did, however, really enjoy the book!

This book follows Jessica Jones as she investigates a set of twins, at the request of their mother, who return from the UK just not quite the same as how they left. They are what they would describe as "perfect". During her investigation, Jessica uncovers a web of lies and crimes dating back to the 1800s and a family harboring way too many secrets, all while carrying her own.

This book kept me engaged the entire time! I needed to know how it ended, that justice was served, and that those who were put in danger's way were now safe, including Jessica's investigative assistant.

Breaking the dark, Lisa jewell contribution to the marvel crime series. Each story is told by a different author of the back stories of the unknown marvel characters. This one is Jessica jones, a pregnant, down and out , just couldn’t do the hero gig woman. But when a desperate mom needs help finding out why her twins came back perfect from their father’s summer visitation. She just has to help

I received a free copy of “Breaking the Power” by Lisa Jewell from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

As someone who doesn’t follow Marvel, I wasn’t sure if I’d like this book. The book follows Jessica Jones and a case she was hired to figure out as a private detective. I was continuously curious about what would happen next, and that is what kept me reading the book to the end. As someone who is typically not a fan of science fiction, the story was a little hard to believe. But, Lisa Jewel’s writing is so good that I still enjoyed the book. While not my favorite Lisa Jewell book, it was still a fun read .

Marvel Comics' Jessica Jones stars in this novel. This is great if you've only watched the TV series on Netflix (although some important characters are missing or different from the show), but doesn't feel particularly new for fans of the comics. I also found that the author, especially at the beginning, tried a little too hard to re-create the feeling of reading a comic with the descriptions. That said, I enjoyed reading it and would check out future titles featuring Jessica Jones and Luke Cage!

I really enjoyed Breaking the Dark! Jessica Jones is a complex character, and I loved seeing her navigate a new mystery while trying to escape her past as a superhero. The plot pulls you in with its eerie atmosphere, especially in the small UK village, and the tension builds nicely as the mystery unravels. I appreciated how the book balanced Jessica’s gritty, no-nonsense attitude with moments of vulnerability. The only thing that held me back from giving it five stars was that some parts felt a bit predictable. Still, it’s a fantastic start to a new series, and I’m excited to see where it goes next!

I love Lisa Jewell, and this was a fun read, but obviously not a Lisa Jewell classic. I applaud her for stepping outside of her comfort zone, but certainly wouldn't call this one of my favorites. Still think it's worth the read!

I'm not a big Marvel fan but I do know a bit of that world and I've loved Lisa Jewell's books so I wanted to see how this would turn out. I wasn't disappointed, the mystery that takes place in this story had me very intrigued. The multiple time lines, the different cultures, and settings all helped keep me interested in how Jessica would find out just why these kids were so "perfect" I was not expecting the ending it did throw me but I also think that it finished solidly ( which was opposite of how it started for me). It's a 3.75 stars for me and id would read a continuation if there is one

I have mixed feelings after reading it. I love thrillers—and I love the Marvel universe—but did I like this book? Not really. I enjoy Lisa Jewell’s writing, which is why I picked it up, yet the mix of a thriller with Marvel elements felt odd. The thriller would have been quite good on its own without the inclusion of comic book heroes.

I was excited when I got this, because I love Lisa Jewell, and had read the first Jessica Jones book by her, but then I realized, this IS the first Jessica Jones book that I read last year when it first came out! So, my old review stands, and the first third of the book is a struggle. The rest reads very quick and easy.
I think it’s really interesting for Lisa Jewell to be writing this marvel book in the first place because it’s such a deviation from what she’s done previously! Completely unlike her other works. I didn’t love it, but part of me wonders if it’s because I’m so in love with her other works, and I was expecting it to be like that.
If she DID write another one, I would definitely read it because my curiosity gets the best of me.

One thing you should know about me is that I LOVE Lisa Jewell. I'm not an avid thriller & mystery genre reader and tend to stick more with romance and fantasy, but she is one of the authors that I will always read whatever they publish (along with Riley Sager and Sally Hepworth).

That being said, this sadly just wasn't for me! It still had the writing style that I love that is fast-paced and engaging, but it almost felt a bit too rushed. Also, as someone who isn't a Marvel fan and doesn't know much about Jessica Jones, maybe that's why it wasn't it for me?

It still gets 3 stars from me because I didn't find it boring at all and still like the writing style, even if the characters and some of the story elements just weren't to my taste.

Breaking the Dark - Lisa Jewell

I still pinch myself because getting a Lisa Jewell ARC has to be a dream… right?

Breaking the dark is very different from her usual work, but has the intensity of her regular writing styles. I was a fan of how The scene was set, and of the main character Jessica.

I wasn’t as familiar with the Jessica Jones backstory so had to fill in some pieces myself. Overall I really liked it and if you like: Marvel, superhuman powers, personal development and most of all thriller - you’ll probably like it too.

As a Marvel fan, I was super excited about this book. It was captivating, and had me hooked, and I enjoyed the adventure it took me on.

Jessica Jones is a retired Marvel superhero, living in New York City. When Amber Randall's twins, Lark and Fox return home from spending the summer in England at their father's home, she notices they're acting different. They aren't themselves, and constantly using the word "perfect" to describe themselves. Needing assistance to figure out what happened over the summer, Amber hires Jessica to figure out what really happened over the summer, and why her twins are acting so strangely.

I really enjoyed this book, and the story line. There was a dual story line, which starts off a bit questionable, but as the story goes on, you start understanding the second plot line more. There were an array of characters helping Jessica out such as Malcolm, a student who is hired to befriend the twins in New York and see what information he can get. Elliot works at the Pharmacy in Essex, and knows a thing or two about the town of Barton Wallop, a very small town in the countryside where the twin's father resides. Throughout the story there are twists and turns, and you're constantly uncovering new information and asking for more.

This was my first Lisa Jewell book, but most certainly won't be my last!

I have read other Lisa Jewell novels and have enjoyed some more than others. I am not a Marvel fan but do enjoy mysteries. The mystery kept my attention. While it incorporated current themes and concerns about social media, appearances, and perfection, the mystery was “otherworldly.” Lisa Jewell raised important questions concerning the darker side of society’s obsession with being flawless and the impact social media influencers can play, particularly on teenagers.

I was not familiar with Jessica Jones. In this story, she is a retired super hero, private investigator who is a down on her luck alcoholic. One morning a distraught mother, Amber, comes into her disheveled home office to ask her to investigate her teenage twins who returned from visiting their father in the UK and are not acting normally. Their skin is perfect, they have lost all their usual distinctive habits and they talk about a girl named Belle and how everything is “perfect.” Amber sends Jessica off to the UK to try to determine what happened while they were there.

The book was well written and Jessica’s character was engaging and well developed. However, Jessica’s pregnancy really added nothing to the plot other than to force her to stop drinking and become more clear-headed. I particularly liked Malcolm, whom she hires as her assistant, but questioned Jessica’s putting a teenager in such dangerous situations. Overall, there were some moments of suspense, but the book dragged in places and I found the alternating chapters with the flashbacks confusing although necessary for the plot. I struggled through the first half of the book, but raced through the last part to try to determine how Jessica was going to figure out who Belle really was. Eventually, all the characters come together in the end, but it was a hike to get there.

I would recommend this book for fans of Marvel and Jessica Jones. It would also appeal to those who like mysteries with supernatural twists.

Thank you to Hyperion Avenue for providing this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Maybe it’s a mistake to compare the Jessica Jones I watched on the Netflix show with the Jessica Jones in this book but I could help myself. Lisa Jewell missed the mark on writing the Jessica Jones character,IMO.
The writing is good and flows well. The job Jessica has been hired to investigate is weird and kept me reading trying to figure out what’s going on. The themes on young people seeking the perfection they see on social media are really current and relevant.
However, the pregnancy sub plot felt like reading about a teen pregnancy and pulled too much attention away from the main story.
Overall, I would say it was good but not great. If you’re expecting Lisa Jewell’s usual thriller, this isn’t it due to The Marvel fantasy elements.