I am not familiar with the marvel universe - I've read Lisa Jewell other books but this wasn't my favorite.

It was a little slow at the beginning and it was hard for me to get into it. Jessica was looking into why the twins had returned. Jessica takes on a case as soon as she's on England soil. Jessica's investigation runs into something evil lurking within the town.

Overall this was an easy read and I would need to dive into the marvel universe to better understand what had happened in this book.

Thank you netgalley for this eARC

I wasn’t a fan of this type of book by Lisa Jewell. It reminds me of marvel which I am not a fan of. Jessica is a complex character that had a traumatic life event who is trying to figure things out and of course has a big mystery. I felt the book was too long.

So I have to admit that I love Marvel and I am a fan of Lisa Jewell. That being said I really liked this book. The main character, Jessica Jones, is a very complex character. She is trying to put her life back together after a traumatic even and ends up in a very interesting mystery. In the end she solves the mystery, saves the world and works on her personal issues. I would read more stories about Jessica Jones.

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

I was psyched to get the chance to read this ARC. I was a huge fan of Jessica Jones and mystery/thriller is one of my favorite genres to tear through. The first few pages were a little rocky, just getting back into Jessica’s rough style of well, existing. Trying to slot myself back into her world, I needed a bit to adjust.

Jessica’s client is a concerned mother that believes something or someone has replaced her children with look-alike that don’t behave entirely human. So yes, the mystery is some creepy ass rich kids who also happen to be British. Jessica, reluctant detective that she is, isn’t quite sold on it but agrees to dive deeper.

My first impression is that this doesn’t have the usual polish and depth of a Lisa Jewell novel. It feels clunky and almost forced (and yes I realize she’s writing characters that don’t belong to her), but it feels like it’s relying on some tired tropes to move the main story line along. The flashbacks don’t feel mysterious, just flat and trite.

It’s a DNF at 28% for me. The story just isn’t compelling, the Marvel name dropping feels awkward, even being in the MCU, and I am unable to connect with any of the characters enough to want to keep reading.

**Book Review: Breaking the Dark by Lisa Jewell**

Lisa Jewell’s *Breaking the Dark* is a compelling exploration of human relationships, secrets, and the complexities of love. Jewell, known for her skillful storytelling and character development, delivers yet another gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The story revolves around three central characters whose lives become intricately intertwined through a series of unexpected events. Jewell deftly navigates their emotional landscapes, revealing their vulnerabilities and desires. The author’s ability to create relatable characters makes their struggles resonate deeply with readers.

Jewell's writing style is both engaging and evocative, painting vivid imagery that draws readers into the world she has crafted. The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of tension interspersed with reflective passages that allow for character growth. The plot twists are expertly woven, keeping readers guessing and invested in the outcome.

Themes of trust, betrayal, and redemption are prevalent throughout the novel, prompting readers to reflect on their own relationships and the choices they make. Jewell challenges the notion of what it means to break free from the past while also highlighting the importance of forgiveness and understanding.

Overall, *Breaking the Dark* is a poignant and thought-provoking read that showcases Lisa Jewell’s talent for creating emotionally rich narratives. It’s a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and anyone who appreciates a story that delves into the intricacies of the human experience. This novel not only entertains but also leaves a lasting impression, making it a standout addition to Jewell’s impressive oeuvre.

I originally requested this because I enjoy Lisa Jewell's thrillers. Then I saw it was a Marvel story and I was intrigued.

I couldn't do it. It read so corny. 1. Jessica comes across much younger than she is and the slight whining was becoming incessant. Then her talking about fighting other superhereos felt more like name drops than an actual part of the story. I'm not sure why, but it was disjointed to me.

It wanted to have "I'm just a girl" vibes but it didn't work here.

It was nearly perfect .

If Lisa Jewell writes it, I will be reading it—no questions asked.

When I saw this was a new Lisa Jewell book, I grabbed it immediately despite the fact that: (1) I am indifferent to marvel, and (2) I have no idea who Jessica Jones is. While I was initially there for Jewell, by the end of the book Jessica Jones had captured my heart too. I'm actually considering watching the Netflix series now!

This is definitely a very different story line compared to most of Jewell's books, and most of the books I read in general. But I still was engrossed! I really felt invested in the character's stories and after the 40% mark I was having a hard time putting the book down. I just wanted to know what happened next!!

pros
❤︎ Lisa Jewell writing style
❤︎ Characters are easy to love
❤︎ Interesting sub-plots (but not too many!)

cons
❤︎ Inconsistent pacing
❤︎ Felt a little longer than it had to be

Thank you to Hyperion Avenue and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC for my honest review!

I enjoy Lisa Jewell’s writing so I could not wait to read this! While not the biggest Marvel fan, I found the book to be very interesting. My only complaint is I felt it dragged on a bit. If you love Marvel and superheroes it’s definitely a good book for you!!
3.2 stars!⭐️

Thank you for the arc Netgalley!

I enjoyed this first book in the new Marvel Crime series for adults. I do like the Marvel movies but do not have background knowledge of the comics. I am familiar with the Jessica Jones character but don’t think that is necessary to read this book.

This had all the quirky and thriller aspects O was hoping for. The characters were interesting and the storyline kept me intrigued.

“Breaking the Dark” by Lisa Jewell offers an intriguing plot with moments of suspense, but it ultimately feels like it falls short of its potential. While the characters are well-developed, the pacing can be uneven, and the twists, though present, aren’t as one would expect from Jewell. It’s a decent read for fans of contemporary thrillers, but it doesn’t fully deliver on its promise of gripping suspense. Worth reading if you’re a Marvel fan.

Marvel Crime is a new series that has popular authors write crime novels featuring Marvel characters. The first in the series is by Lisa Jewell and features Jessica Jones. Jessica is a much darker superhero than the more widely known Avengers. Her mind was controlled by Killgrave and she was made to do horrible things. So, she gave up her superhero life and became a PI. She is still a bit of a mess and frequently drowns her sorrows in alcohol. In Breaking the Dark, she is hired by a mother of twins who wants to know what happened to them while they were visiting their father in the UK. They don't act like themselves, have perfect skin, and frequently say they are "perfect."

The story is told in both present tense and with flashbacks to give you the needed backstory of the supernatural aspects. I love both Lisa Jewell and Jessica Jones (most Marvel characters TBH but her show on Netflix was fantastic) so I was REALLY excited to get this from NetGalley. I struggled quite a bit in the beginning because it just didn't seem to have Jewell's voice and I had gone in with expectations of her normal twisty thriller. But I think it would have lost the feel of Jessica if it had been like her other writings. So, once I let go of my expectations and more things were happening in the plot, I really started to enjoy it. I was fully invested in learning what had happened to the twins and the unraveling of the part they were expected to play in the larger plan. It also does a wonderful job of portraying the consequences of someone with evil intentions taking advantage of people's insecurities with things like social media.

If you are looking for a typical Lisa Jewell book, this is not it. If you liked the Jessica Jones series on Netflix or her as a Marvel character, I fully recommend this. Personally, I'm interested in reading the Luke Cage book but not the DareDevil one because he isn't a character I really liked.

Fans of Marvel will love this Lisa Jewell series. Jessica Jones is the main character. A mother comes to her after noticing a change in her teenage children. This visit sets Jessica on an investigation adventure to find out the truth behind their changes.

Oh wow, this book was a wild ride! Lisa Jewell taking on Jessica Jones? I loved the mix of classic thriller vibes with that Marvel feel; it made for such a unique take on the character. Jessica is just as sharp and no-nonsense as ever.

Lisa Jewell’s writing is so addictive, and while the Marvel elements were there, they didn’t take over the story—it still felt very grounded in mystery and psychological tension.

That being said, I can see why some people felt the plot got a little tangled in places. There were a few moments where I had to backtrack to make sure I didn’t miss anything. Overall I enjoyed it :)

I loved the Jessica Jones series and I like Lisa Jewell as an author generally which drew me to this book. I liked it, I was engaged throughout but not enough to want to continue the series.

Thank you to Lisa Jewell, NetGalley, and Hyperion Avenue for this ARC. This book will release on March 25, 2025.

I love Lisa Jewell's books. I am a huge Marvel fan. So when I saw that Lisa was writing a Marvel book, I was excited to check it out!
This honestly is one of my favorites by Lisa, now! This book was a page turner.
Jessica Jones, a retired super hero, is working as a private investigator to uncover the truth behind some super strange things happening to a couple of teens. This takes us on an wild ride, through different timelines and with multiple characters who play huge roles in what is going on.
The impact of social media, peer pressure, and the desire for "perfection" is at the forefront in this story.
I really enjoyed this one!

Jessica Jones is a retired superhero turned Private Investigator. One morning she gets a knock on her door from distraught mother who is concerned about her twin teenage kids. They just returned home from a summer at their fathers in the UK and are now acting very weird. She doesn’t think it’s normal teenage behavior and believes something sinister has happened to them. She pleads for Jessica to investigate and get to the bottom of their mystery.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and the concept as well. I went in understanding that this was not going to be a “normal” Lisa Jewell book. With that being said, I fell that she did a fantastic job as always.

I loved the message behind this twisted, sinister story. The example of how the influence of social media may lead to destruction is scary and realistic. Even though the plot contains numerous elements of fantasy, the intensity of the ramifications of perfection is relatable and relevant. “Perfection is a scam” is skillfully executed as secrets are revealed and mysteries are solved. I was captivated from start to finish. The story is compelling, unsettling, and intriguing. I look forward to the next installment of the Jessica Jones series. Thank you, NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for my ARC.

So I love everything about the marvel universe but I’m figuring out that crime just may not be for me. I love Lisa Jewell and her writing though.

Thank you NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the eARC to review!

I’m a Lisa Jewell thriller fan, but thought I would try something different. I’m not a Marvel fan, and that should’ve been my first clue. I had trouble connecting with the characters right from the start, and my mind still being set on what her regular books are about, this book wasn’t for me.

It was a DNF, but I think it’s awesome that Lisa is trying new avenues for her novels! There will be an entire community that will appreciate this.

I LOVE Lisa Jewell. This is my second book that I have read from her and idk how it’s possible but I liked this one more. This only tells me that I need to go look up all of her backlog and get started.