Lisa Jewell’s Breaking the Dark marks a bold and compelling entry into the Marvel Crime series, blending her signature psychological suspense with the gritty world of superhero noir. Centered on Jessica Jones, the novel delves into a case involving a mother’s suspicion that her teenage twins have returned from the UK fundamentally changed. This investigation leads Jessica into a sinister plot intertwining advanced technology and the pursuit of perfection, challenging her both professionally and personally.   

Jewell masterfully portrays Jessica Jones as a deeply flawed yet relatable protagonist. Her struggles with past trauma and mental health add layers to her character, making her more human despite her superhuman past. The narrative explores themes of identity, societal pressures, and the dark side of technological advancement, all while maintaining the suspense and emotional depth characteristic of Jewell’s writing. 

Critics have praised Breaking the Dark for its fresh take on the Marvel universe, noting that it stands out as a well-crafted crime thriller that doesn’t require prior Marvel knowledge to enjoy. The novel’s blend of mystery, supernatural elements, and character-driven storytelling offers a unique reading experience that appeals to both fans of the genre and newcomers alike. 

In summary, Breaking the Dark is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that successfully bridges the gap between psychological thriller and superhero fiction. It’s a testament to Lisa Jewell’s versatility as a writer and a promising start to the Marvel Crime series. 

There’s just something about superheroes.

Having inhuman powers. Fighting bad guys. Kicking lots of ass.

Sounds pretty awesome, right? (Except for... when it isn’t.)

To Jessica Jones, a perpetual outsider, being a “superhero”—a tarnished, been-to-hell-and-back one, at that—is anything but awesome.

And ever since a whole lot of crap went down in her life—culminating in her retirement from the whole superhero biz, and making everything that much less awesome—she’s been doing her level best to just... exist.

Not in any “super” kind of way.

But in an if-only-I-can-get-through-another-day way.

Until the day Amber Randall walks through the grimy door of Jessica’s dingy apartment-cum-private-eye-office-space... begging for help, as only a desperate parent can.

Jessica, wallowing in the pit of despair, fear, and self-loathing deep within her soul, is drawn to the other woman’s pain and fear, for it touches on feelings she knows too well. And to her own surprise, she softens enough to accept Mrs. Randall’s frantic pleas for her to take the case.

It’s the first book in a brand-new Marvel Crime series of original stories based on Marvel superheroes, Breaking the Dark (penned by bestselling author Lisa Jewell).



Amber, the socialite mother of fraternal twin teens—Lark and Fox—is out of her rarefied depths, regarding them.
After spending the summer in England with their father/her ex, the twins returned to Manhattan... different.

Not like cool-London-hipsters, or even posh-silver-spoon-kids different, but in a spent-the-summer-in-rural-England-with-oddballs kind of different.

But as bizarre as that is, what’s even more weird is how they’ve changed physically—gone are all signs of typical teens (pocky skin, lank hair, crooked teeth, awkward body movements), and in their place? Perfection.

Perfect skin. Perfect smiles. Perfect posture. Even perfect self-assuredness.

[If the Stepford Wives were young adults? They might resemble Lark and Fox Randall.]

Another worrisome peculiarity is their obsession with someone they met over there... a girl named Belle, whom they keep going on about.

Amber Randall knows these aren’t the same children she sent off to visit their father a few months earlier for the summer holidays.

These kids are...well, not right.

And Amber is convinced that only another person who is certifiably “different”—in other words, Jessica—stands a chance of getting to the bottom of what has changed them so drastically.

It’ll only take a trip to the merry old England countryside—Jessica’s first trip on an airplane, or out of the country, ever—to do so.

What could go wrong..??


First, you have to understand that this novel puts you smack dab in a time following the events of the TV series, Jessica Jones.

[So, in case you didn’t understand that this is a spinoff book from a TV show? You’d be wise going back and viewing the show, first, to get a full sense of the space these characters inhabit... or passing on this one, completely.]

If you have watched (and enjoyed) the TV series, though, Breaking the Dark is a natural and welcome continuation in the saga of a complex, fascinating character.

Jewell perfectly captures Jessica’s dark—really dark, at times—personality... as well as her deadpan, sarcastic humor. [She’s probably not everyone’s cup of tea—or shot of whiskey, being Jessica—but to me, she’s compelling.]

There’s also a nice amount of angst about, and quality time with, the superhero Jessica is closest to, Luke Cage (with whom she’s been in an on-again/off-again not-quite-relationship). They share some great scenes in the book, which fans of both series are sure to appreciate.

Breaking the Dark explores the post-trauma stress Jessica’s still trying to work through... and throws a couple additional surprises into the mix [no spoilers, here, folks], to further complicate matters.

When the various resolutions finally come, they feel earned; nothing is a given, or easy, in this book... which, again, is totally true to Jessica Jones.

If you’re already a fan of these characters, Breaking the Dark is a must-read.

On the other hand, if you haven’t encountered them before—but are willing to do a little deep-dive into their world (especially if you’re superhero-friendly)—you well might find something new to love.

~GlamKitty




[My sincere thanks to Hyperion Avenue, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are, as always, entirely my own.]

I still can't decide how I feel on this one. I liked the story/idea, but the writing was a little ... off? juvenile? It reads very YA and I was not expecting that. The ending is also super rushed and a let down.

I have recently come to find this author. She's an amazing author her writing is awesome. She can have you hooked. I absolutely love this book The twists are unbelievable. Definitely took me about 2 days to read this book cuz I just could not put it down and I absolutely love Books like that.

Thank you MetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

This was interesting. The concept was definitely unique. I loved the idea. It wasn’t typical Lis &323@@‘s thriller. I still loved it!

I have read many books by Lisa Jewell and as a fan I was thrilled to receive an ARC from Netgalley. The reason I gave this book 3* is not that it was a bad book, it was quite interesting. But I am not into this type of genre, but if you are into magic, abnormal obsessions, immortality, then this book is for you. Although listed as a mystery - and yet it had mysterious people and things happening - I found it more a fantasy. It leans to perfection and how young minds are geared to thinking they need to be perfect. There is no app for that.

Therefore, Jessica Jones, private investigator goes deep diving into finding out what is happening with young adults and their obsession and hopes she is not too late.

Jessica Jones is back, and this book does not disappoint. Gritty, raw, and refreshingly human, Breaking the Dark throws you into Jessica’s messy, complicated world—where hangovers and heartbreak are just as real as the dark forces she faces. She’s no longer the spandex-wearing superhero; she’s a PI with a sharp wit, a lot of baggage, and a deep-rooted sense of justice, even if she’d never admit it.

The mystery starts when a desperate mother walks into Jessica’s office with a wild-sounding story about her children being “replaced” after a trip to the UK. And just like that, Jessica’s dragged into something much darker and stranger than she expected. The eerie village of Barton Wallop and its unsettling residents make the whole thing feel like a creepy fairy tale—but with teeth.

What I loved most is how real Jessica feels. She’s flawed, she’s tough, and she questions everything—including herself. The story is packed with suspense, and the supernatural twist keeps you guessing until the end. Whether you’re a long-time Marvel fan or totally new to the universe, this book is a strong, stand-alone thriller that delivers on mystery, heart, and grit.

I enjoyed the thriller storyline but didn’t pay attention that this was also a Jessica Jones superhero story. Am not a Marvel fan so was taken back a bit but the thriller aspect was interesting and different. I have enjoyed all of her books so I was very excited for this one so am glad I read it but in all honesty I didn’t love and I just wasn’t a fan of adding the superhero and thriller together.

Breaking The Dark; is the first book in the Marvel Crimes series and this one is written by Lisa Jewell, let me start this review by saying due to Netflix is great accessibilities I watched Jessica Jones until it ended as well as Luke Cage but reading it in book form is so much better. We learned so much about Jessica as well as the secret she’s keeping from Luke her on again, off again, lover this was a weird book with major twist I mean what’s more mysterious than an island in Scotland two twins who don’t act like they should this book is full of great things and I loved all of it and I cannot wait for the second book as a blind person I prefer reading over watching TV any day and as far as books go this is a five star read on its own not even comparing it to its television counterpart. I love love loved it! #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #LisaJewell,#BreakingTheDark,

I love this author but this was a dnf for me- I think bc I am used to her suspenseful thrillers and this was a cozy detective mystery which is not a genre I normally like.

My Thoughts:
I DNF’d Breaking the Dark—even though I’m a Marvel fan. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I think I went into it hoping for Lisa Jewell’s usual vibe, and this just didn’t have that. It felt really different from her other books, and I just couldn’t get into the story. I gave it a solid try, but it didn’t work for me this time.

Genre:
Superhero Fiction / Thriller

Age Range:
Adult

I wont be sharing this on my social media page! Thank uou for the free ARC.

I am not a marvel person so I did not know what to expect! This book was great and made a point of what people would really do to be perfect. I enjoyed this and can’t wait to read more!

I started this book having no idea it was a Marvel book. I just saw the author was Lisa Jewell and was interested. But, I am glad I read it because I think non Marvel fans can enjoy it as well. The book follows Jessica Jones, who I guess is a super hero in the Marvel universe. She is hired by a mother as a P.I after the mother’s teenage twins come back from a summer in England with their father and aren’t acting like themselves. The novel was interesting and well written as usual by Lisa Jewell. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Breaking the Dark by @lisajewelluk
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My first Lisa Jewell book. I was excited when I saw this one because I like Marvel movies. While there were some superhero aspects, it would still appeal to those who aren’t necessarily Marvel fans. I think it’s been fun occasionally stepping outside my typical, preferred genre and realizing I do like some new things! 😆

Thank you @netgalley & @hyperionavebooks for the ARC of this for the recent paperback release!

All opinions are honest and my own.

#netgalley #goodreads #bookstagram #literarypearlsof25 #breakingthedark

I will say, I don't know much about Jessica Jones and the Marvel universe. So I went into this one pretty blind. I really enjoyed it though!

Jessica Jones is a retired spuer hero. She is also a private investigation and loner. She is hire by a distraught mother who claims something is wrong with her twins since they have returned from a summer in a small village in the britsih countyside. Jessica meets Belle who tthe twins have mentioned to there mother. This little village seams to have a dark entergy. thanks netgalley

I first discovered Jessica Jones through the Marvel Netflix series, and she quickly became my favorite. So when I saw this book, I immediately requested it. Given the darker and more intense tone, I knew I had to wait until I was in the right mood to pick it up. I think it was a strong start to the Marvel Crime series! While I’ve recently read a thriller by Lisa Jewell, I'm not completely familiar with her usual style. I thought she did a great job with this one. It's not the best book I’ve ever read, but it was enjoyable.

Jessica Jones is kind of just floating through life, unsure of what to do next. But honestly, that fits her personality perfectly. She jumps from case to case, hiding from her past and trying to live in a sort of oblivion. In this book, she gets tangled up in a strange case that takes her abroad, where she uncovers some unsettling news. While juggling the case, her personal life, Luke Cage, and her bank account, she starts to piece together parts of her life. The mystery itself was a bit confusing at first and it took a lengthy path to the ending. But once it all came together, it made sense.

I’d seen someone mention that this book actually follows Jessica’s Marvel storyline, so I had to look it up. I was surprised to find that it does, and I found that really interesting. The character growth from the beginning of the book to the end was huge. I loved where she ended up and how she found a new lease on life. I know some people are skeptical about therapy, but I really appreciated how it was used in this book.

You never know how books like this will go, but I enjoyed it. I am a little biased since I do love Jessica's character so much. Regardless, I thought it was a good thriller with some interesting character development for Jessica. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series!

Thank you, Hyperion Avenue and Netgalley, for the e-arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Despite not knowing much about marvel comics i went ahead and requested this title because... lisa jewel... but it struggled to get through it. Iliked the writing style, as usual with this author, but i just couldnt connect with the plot and the characters, which is a very "me" thing. I believe super heroe books are just not it for me.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book!

I had no idea what to expect when I started reading this book. The plot follows two storylines, one from years ago leading up to today with themes like witchery, blood-lust, and genius. The other storyline follows Jessica Jones, a private investigator in present day hired by a rich mother in New York to find out why her children came back from their visit to the UK completely different people. The storylines, though a little confusing at first, become easy to follow after you get into the book.

I do like this author’s writing style, and I liked that it was written in third person. The lead character was likeable, and there were certain twisted elements of the plot that were interesting.

If I’m honest, I had very high hopes because of the author. In the end, I was disappointed. Certain parts of the plot didn’t make sense and took away from the believe-ability of the characters. I think the whole book could have been about a hundred pages shorter and the last chapter could be removed entirely since it just summarizes the last 350 pages. I think this book might be a polarizing one, with audiences left unsure of how they feel about it. I suspect there will be strong opinions on both sides.

Thank you to Net galley for offering this timely read to me. In a departure from her non series books Lisa Jewell writes an interesting intriguing story. I liked it! As a reader of Lisa jewell I had to reset my mind set as the marvel element was new to me.. perhaps if I was more familiar with the character of Jessica from marvel I would have enjoyed it more. Overall it was a nice weekend read, however I do prefer Lisa Jewell’s other novels more.