Was this a classic Lisa Jewell book? No. Didn’t absolutely enjoy it and had a good time? Yes! I’m not big marvel fan so I wasn’t really sure how I would like it. This book did put me off guard and it was surprisingly good! Loved the short chapters &dual time frame. I would’ve liked more back story about Jessica and a little more action in the ending.

Thank you NetGalley for the ACR!!!

Jessica Jones is a retired superhero, working as a private investigator, who takes on the case of twins who go to visit their father and come home as completely different kids. The twins’ mother says something strange is amiss and wants Jessica to get to the bottom of it. There is definitely something eerie and mysterious going on, and you don’t have to be a Marvel fan to enjoy Jessica’s search for answers.

This isn’t the norm for Lisa Jewell, but it’s very, very good. I don’t necessarily love Marvel characters but I did find this book intriguing and catchy. Overall, I give it 3 stars. Thank you, NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the advanced reader copy.

Had I known this was a “super hero” novel I would not have picked it up. Man am I glad I didn’t know that and chose to read this one. IT WAS SO GOOD. I hate super hero movies. Hate marvel hate avengers. This book was amazing, however. I could not put it down. I needed no knowledge of super hero’s and the main character was brilliant. So relatable and awesome. This was a crazy story with some seriously unique elements. It was written perfectly. 5 solid stars, can’t wait for another.
A great lesson of don’t judge a book by its cover.
One of my favourite reads this year

I received a free copy of, Breaking the Dark, by Lisa Jewell, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book one in the Marvel Crime Series. Jessica Jones was once a super hero, now she helps solve crime, as a private investigator. Jessica is a great character, I really enjoyed learning more about her.

Love that Lisa Jewell and Jessica Jones teamed up! This was a great book!
Thanks for the advanced reader copy!

Perfect? What does it really mean. Well this book really makes you think about that one word. Having a young daughter myself and listening and watching all these videos about being perfect or changing things about your self is eye opening. This book makes you think about what is really influencing our youth and how to tell them they are perfect just the way there are.

Jessica, PI, has a history. She is hired by Angela to figure out what happened to her twins when they spent the summer with their father in England. As Jessica delves deeper into the surroundings and happenings in England she tries to discover why the twins seem “perfect”, their skin, their personalities etc. Intertwined with this story another is told via another perspective. Lisa Jewell did a beautiful job weaving together the stories at the end of the novel. Quite enjoyed this book!

*** I received an e-ARC of this book from Hyperion Avenue through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review***

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

One of my favorite authors writes a book set in the Marvel universe?!? Take my money!!! While this book was not a psychological thriller, the characters and plot were well thought out just like the rest of Lisa Jewell’s books. You DON’T have to be a Marvel fan to read the book, just know that super abilities and superheroes are part of the story’s background. This book touches on the topics of social media, AI, beauty standards, vanity, immortality, and vampires and Lisa Jewell weaves them together beautifully.

✨ Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley.

Received this book, not knowing that it was YA. I love the premise behind the story and I know that a lot of my students would even enjoy something similar to this. My younger self would be DROOLING over this story line.

Thank you NetGalley and Hyperion for this ARC. This book follows Jessica Jones, a private detective and super hero in the Marvel comic world. This book starts by Jessica being approached by a mother who has major concerns something is very wrong with her twin children, who come back from a trip acting unlike themselves and displaying a “perfect” physical appearance.

I did enjoy the short chapters and pacing, and I definitely was invested in knowing what would happen at the end and of the source of what was making the characters “perfect” and found the explanation interesting once I got there. I did find myself lost at times, and at the same time found some things repetitive. I think this may not be my preferred genre, but can see a Marvel fan loving this!

I am more into Marvel than I am Lisa Jewell but I have heard good things so I was excited for this. I just don’t know that it was for me, I couldn’t really get into the writing style, but it was a fun easy read.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for providing me with an ARC of this phenomenal novel. Released on July 4, 2024, Breaking the Dark by Lisa Jewell is a remarkable start to the Marvel Crime series. It’s available for purchase on Amazon, Disney Books, Target, and more. My review that I have posted below is indeed spoiler free!!

Going into this book, I was both excited and nervous. Jessica Jones is a character I’ve loved for years, and I worried about how a 400-page novel would portray her. Would it do justice to her grit, her pain, and her humanity? By page three, my worries evaporated. Lisa Jewell captured Jessica perfectly, delivering a raw, honest, and mesmerizing portrayal that felt true to the character in every way.

The story begins with Jessica living a quiet, day-to-day life in Hell’s Kitchen, trying to move forward from her days as a superhero and the trauma that came with it. Her routine is upended when Amber Randall, a desperate mother, walks into her office with a chilling claim: her teenage twins have been replaced by something “perfect” during their trip to the UK. Intrigued, Jessica sets out to uncover the truth, which leads her to the strange village of Barton Wallop and the enigmatic Belle, a girl with an unworldly aura. The deeper Jessica digs, the darker and more dangerous the mystery becomes.

What struck me most about this book was how well it balanced Jessica’s personal struggles with the central mystery. Her relationships with characters like Luke Cage, Malcolm, and others felt authentic and grounded. Jewell also introduced new characters like Amber and her children, who brought a fresh perspective. I especially loved Amber’s reflections on motherhood, which were portrayed with nuance. It wasn’t romanticized or vilified—it was shown as a challenging but rewarding experience, making Amber one of my favorite additions to Jessica’s world.

The references to Daredevil and Hell’s Kitchen added a sense of nostalgia and excitement for me, as I am a longtime Marvel fan. These moments were seamlessly integrated, enhancing the story without overshadowing Jessica’s journey.

Lisa Jewell’s writing was fantastic throughout. She created a rich, atmospheric world full of suspense and heartbreak. The way she depicted Jessica’s inner thoughts and struggles was masterful, allowing readers to truly connect with her. Jewell didn’t shy away from exploring dark themes, but she also left room for hope, resilience, and even humor.

Breaking the Dark is an astonishing start to the Marvel Crime series. It offers a fresh, gritty take on the Marvel Universe while staying true to the spirit of its characters. Whether you’re a diehard Jessica Jones fan or new to her story, this book is an absolute must-read. I can’t wait to see what’s next in this series, especially with upcoming installments featuring Luke Cage and Daredevil. Lisa Jewell has set the bar incredibly high.

From start to finish, Breaking the Dark is a true masterpiece. This is the kind of story that lingers long after the final page, a remarkable and unforgettable tale centered on one of my favorite Marvel heroes. I can already tell it will remain a cherished piece of literature in my collection.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone and everyone! Whether you’re a Marvel fan, a Jessica Jones devotee, or completely new to the character, there’s something here for everyone to love, connect with, and enjoy. This book is more than just a superhero story—it’s a gripping, emotional, and deeply human journey that’s impossible to put down.

I really enjoyed this book. I watched the Jessica Jonas series a long time ago and this is such a different type of novel for Lisa Jewell. I’m a huge fan of Lisa’s writing and it’s so nice to have a little something different.

I received this book twice. I did a review the first time I read it and will not be doing a new review

Lisa Jewell brilliantly reintroduces Jessica Jones in Breaking the Dark, a dark, compelling mystery that perfectly balances Marvel’s gritty side with psychological intrigue. Jessica’s voice is raw, real, and deeply human, making her journey through trauma and redemption utterly captivating.

The eerie mystery surrounding the Randall twins is chilling, and the atmospheric British countryside adds an extra layer of suspense. Jessica’s complex relationships and sharp wit shine, while the story keeps you on edge with its twists and dark secrets.

A must-read for Marvel fans and crime thriller lovers alike. Jessica Jones is back, and she’s better—and messier—than ever. 🕵️‍♀️🔍✨

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me engaged and it only took a few days to read. I think this is going to be a good book club option for several clubs. I plan recommending to my book friends and I look forward to reading more by this author.

This is a YA mystery that I think teens would really relate to!

I didn't realize until like halfway through that the main character comes from the Marvel universe 😂

Love! Not only do I love everything Lisa writes! There is nothing a could love more than my favorite author writing about my favourite super hero!

This is a different type of me from this author. I was intrigued and thought it was a pretty easy read if you are into super hero’s. Def a departure but worth a look.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! As someone who isn't super into Marvel and enjoys a Lisa Jewell book, this was pleasantly surprising! I really enjoyed the story and found myself continuing to wonder what was going to happen next. The end was wrapped up pretty neatly, but does a great job setting up more works in the universe.