I’m sorry I didn’t love this one but I did not hate it either. I mean it is Lisa Jewell!! The supernatural part hasn’t reached my curiosity since I was buying comic books in my childhood, so I connected somewhat but not enough to score it as a 5 star!
I have not watched the Netflix series with Jessica Jones and her super powers, but intrigued enough to match some of the descriptors with a visual! Some readers are going to love this one. I love her writing so it kept me persevering. It does have a dark premise that gives a creepy and strange plot. Kudos to the Jessica Jones Marvel Crime Novel #1 for being entertaining!
Thank you NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for this ARC in exchange for my review.

Another great book by Lisa Jewell, known for twisty thrillers. Lisa goes into the slightly different terrain with "Breaking the Dark: A Jessica Jones Marvel Crime Novel". This book is available everywhere. I thoroughly enjoyed the fast paced, twisty superhero and supernatural mystery. And it's not necessary to be a Marvel devotee to enjoy this book. I'm more of a Marvel dabbler and really enjoyed it. 4 out of 5 stars.

An ambitious task to enter the marvel universe but Jewell pulls it off expertly, I love both this authors books and the Marvel franchise so the combination was instantly on my radar, it didn't disappoint, the characters felt true to the original and the plot had me fully engaged throughout, such a fun idea! One criticism was that it did feel a little YA in parts

Lisa Jewell’s *Breaking the Dark* breathes fresh life into Marvel’s street-level noir, bringing Jessica Jones back in a gritty, supernatural-infused thriller. A blend of psychological mystery, social commentary, and classic PI storytelling, this book captures the essence of Jessica—her flaws, her resilience, and her undeniable knack for getting entangled in the darkest of cases.

Jessica, now a retired superhero-turned-private investigator, is pulled into a chilling mystery when a desperate mother, Amber Randall, insists her teenage twins have been replaced by something… inhuman. Their time spent in the UK with their father has transformed them into eerily perfect versions of themselves—flawless skin, polished manners, and an unsettling obsession with a girl named Belle. Jessica’s investigation leads her to a strange countryside village, a reclusive young woman, and a past riddled with secrets, all tied together by an ominous force lurking beneath the pursuit of perfection.

Jewell’s writing thrives in this darker, atmospheric take on the Marvel universe. The novel weaves together a haunting dual timeline, eerie small-town horror, and deep psychological tension. It critiques the dangers of unattainable beauty standards, the illusion of perfection, and the sinister side of influence—both digital and supernatural. The pacing is sharp, and Jessica’s sardonic voice keeps the narrative engaging, making even the quieter moments pulse with tension.

That said, while the mystery unfolds grippingly, some elements—particularly the supernatural twist—lack the punch needed to make them feel truly unpredictable. Readers unfamiliar with Jessica’s backstory may find her characterization a bit underexplored, and the ending, while satisfying, doesn't quite deliver the jaw-dropping twists one might expect from a thriller of this caliber.

Overall, *Breaking the Dark* is a compelling fusion of noir and the uncanny, perfect for fans of Jessica Jones and mystery lovers alike. Lisa Jewell successfully translates her talent for suspense into a Marvel story that feels fresh, eerie, and thought-provoking. While not flawless (ironically), it’s a strong start to the *Marvel Crime* series—one that will leave readers eager for more.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I was excited to read this book, usually loving Lisa Jewell books. However, this just wasn’t the book for me. It took me awhile to get through the book.

Breaking the Dark: A Jessica Jones Marvel Crime Novel
Marvel Crime #1 written by Lisa Jewell

Jessica Jones is an ex-superhero with superhuman strength and limited flight turned private investigator who opens a detective agency. Failing at crime fighting and only gaining PTSD from the fear of being once kept prisoner and hunted by a psychopath, she put hero crime fighting in the past and deals with sub-par work in Hell’s Kitchen, New York. A new job falls in her lap, and at first, she thinks it’s a waste of time, but it pays well, and she’s broke. The further Jessica looks into the case, the more abnormal it seems and she needs to get answers for her client. 

If you are familiar with the Netflix show, the premise is the same, but continues after her complicated relationship with Luke Cage, where he makes brief appearances in this story that is a side plot. Written as a book and not like a comic or screenplay, Jessica takes you along this new strange job while she deals with her own personal drama. In book form, you get much more from the story as it's being told to you rather than shown, which gives more information to follow the plot line easily. Some parts would look interesting in a TV show, but would lack the understanding behind what you see. So I appreciate reading this rather than seeing it. Also, since I saw the show, I could easily picture some of the characters and the setting in my mind as I went along. 

Lisa Jewell keeps the preservation of the character and world she lives in and successfully puts her storytelling in this book. I think people who are not Marvel followers would enjoy this story, but it might be good to understand Jessica and Luke's backstory to understand their powers since there are brief mentions of them without much explanation. I watched the show when it aired so I didn't need to know the history of the characters in the book. I think a quick online search would help any new reader of this world to fill in the blanks of Jessica and Luke.   

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue in exchange for an honest review. The opinions of this book are my own.

Thank you to Hyperion Avenue and NetGalley for the access to this eARC.

So I am not a Lisa Jewell reader, with this book being my first novel of hers. I am, though, a Marvel fan and I enjoy the low-tier, neighborhood superheroes, like Jessica Jones. This novel is based on the comic version of Jones as opposed to the television series version, although if you have seen Season 1 of Jessica Jones, you will find yourself well-prepared with the background for more fully enjoying the story.

Jones is offered a job by a wealthy, New York businesswoman to discover what is going on with her twin, teen children who are acting very strangely after pending a month in England with their father. The teens seem oddly disconnected, have somehow gained incredibly flawless appearances, and answer any questions about their well-being with a variation on "perfect". Jones is sent to England to investigate and runs into a somewhat supernatural challenge in completing this case.

While the book is a relatively solid detective crime story that just happens to have a touch of the supernatural and superhero genres in the mix, it really doesn't do well with maintaining the mixture. It really needed a primer about who Jessica was to smooth out the entry into the story for those who didn't know Jones from the comics or television series. It also didn't seem to have a clear audience. Marvel fans were probably looking for more action, Jewell fans were probably looking for more romance, and crime fans were probably put off by the supernatural aspects. Overall, though, it was a good offering, and I look forward to seeing the next book in the Marvel Crime Series.

“BREAKING THE DARK” by Lisa Jewell 🦹🏻‍♀️

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this one. Jewell is hit or miss for me. She’s a terrific writer always but sometimes I find her stories predictable and boring. Couple that with the fact that I have never heard of Jessica Jones or her Marvel character and my hopes for this were not very high. I ended up devouring this and finding it to be a four star read.

Part horror, part science fiction, part thriller we find ourselves joining the Marvel universe just after Jessica has been rescued from the Purple Man but before her PI firm really takes off. Her relationship with Luke Cage is dodgy and she is trying to navigate a new way of living with PTSD. She gets hired by a rich NY mother whose kids have been acting out of sorts and she wants to figure out why. What unfolds is a crazy plot that takes us across two continents and questions our knowledge of quantum physics.

It was fast paced, and well written. I ended up really liking Jessica and I felt like despite the fact that Jessica Jones has a backstory that was written by someone else, Jewell does a phenomenal job of showing a piece Jones that hasn’t yet been explored. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time wanting to figure out what was going on and how it was all going to be resolved.

Themes: Trauma healing; Pregnancy; Immortality; Friendship; Healing; Social Media

Recommend for fans of the Marvel Universe, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Lisa Jewell.

Thank you to Lisa Jewell and Hyperion Avenue Publishing for allowed to me read an early version of this book in exchange for my honest review and for Lisa Jewell taking the time to autograph a copy for me.

🏷️
#bookstagram #fantasy #marvel #jessicajones #lisajewell #arcreview #bookreview #vampires #lukecage #bookdragons #readmorebooks #booksbooksbooks #bookstagrammer #BreakingtheDarkAJessicaJonesMarvelCrimeNovel #NetGalley

Lisa Jewell's Breaking the Dark marks an ambitious step into the Marvel Universe, blending her signature psychological suspense with a supernatural crime thriller. While I didn't love this book as much as I hoped, I still found it intriguing and engaging enough to keep turning the pages.

I'll be honest-the supernatural elements didn't quite grip me the way I had expected. It's been a while since that genre truly fascinated me, and while Breaking the Dark had its eerie moments, l couldn't connect with it enough to give it a full five-star rating. However, Jewell's writing is as compelling as ever, which kept me invested even when the plot veered into the more fantastical.

The story follows Jessica Jones, the gritty, no-nonsense private investigator and former superhero, as she takes on a chilling case involving a mother convinced that something unnatural has happened to her teenage twins. The premise is undeniably intriguing, and the book evokes an unsettling atmosphere that keeps you guessing. However, I found the execution to be a bit uneven. Some parts felt rushed, and the ending didn't pack the punch I was hoping for.

For those unfamiliar with Jessica Jones, this book provides enough context to follow along without prior knowledge of the character. That said, longtime fans might find themselves wishing for a bit more depth in her backstory. The pacing is solid, with short chapters that make for a quick read, but at times, it leans more toward YA territory than a hard-hitting thriller.

Overall, Breaking the Dark is an entertaining, darkly atmospheric read that some will love and others may find a bit out of place within Jewell's usual style. It's not a Lisa Jewell classic, but it's still a fun ride. If you're a Marvel fan or enjoy crime stories with a supernatural twist, it's worth picking up-but maybe don't run for it.

What I Liked:
*Fast-paced with short chapters
*Intriguing premise
*Strong atmosphere and suspense

What I Didn't Like:
x Lacked major twists
x Felt more YA than expected
x Ending was somewhat predictable

I was very excited to read this book by Lisa Jewell as her books are always favorites of mine. However, this one just didn't appeal to me. I do think it was my age (74) that prevented me from getting into the book. I do think that younger readers will like this book.
Unfortunately, this wasn't for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I love Lisa Jewell! I’m not sure what I was expecting from this book but I got it! It’s an enjoyable read and a spin on superhero’s we don’t always get to see!!

Thank you. Disney Publishing group for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book for an honest review. I will definitely be picking up more of the Marvel Crime Series!!

BREAKING THE DARK is the first in the Marvel Crime series starring Jessica Jones. This was my very first exposure to Jessica Jones. I had never seen her in a Marvel movie or comic book. I had never watched the Jessica Jones TV series. Since this is an original story by the author that should not have been a problem, I found from the start that the story read as if it was written from the middle of a thought process or the middle of a story. I wondered a few times if I missed something or if it was just info the author assumed the reader already knew.
A major event takes place in Jessica’s life and is mentioned throughout the book. It is not until near the end that it is described more thoroughly. Being a Jessica Jones novice, I would have preferred that the information would have been provided sooner, maybe in a prologue.
The beginning was a rough start for me. The writing was forced and unimaginative. There were quite a few cringy lines. By the middle, the flow got better and the plot was more exciting. By the end it had slowed down again and I was over reading it.
Overall, it read like a young adult book with an interesting plot. If you like superheroes and Marvel, this is a book that you should check out.


Thank you, NetGalley, Hyperion Avenue, and Lisa Jewell, for the opportunity to read this digital ARC for my honest review.

“Breaking the Dark: A Jessica Jones Marvel Crime Novel” is available: March 25, 2025

#breakingthedar #jessicajones #bookstagrammer #netgalley #avangers #mystery #thriller #fantasy #myterythriller #fiction #crime #superhero #marvel

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