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.

I enjoyed reading this fantasy crime genre of the Marvel super hero character named Jessica Jones who performs as a detective solving a mystery. Even though I did not previously know this Marvel character nor most of all the other Marvel super heroes, I was quickly invested in both the plot and characters. The relationship and dialogue that I enjoyed most was between Jessica and Malcolm. I definitely want to read more books in this Jessica Jones series, especially if Malcolm is included since his character is humorous and I love how young, smart, and eager to help Jessica do detective work. I found this to be cine fantasy, unlike the many thrillers that I have read by the author. I recommend this book to those readers like myself who are not familiar with the Marvel Jessica Jones character, and also who enjoy a combination of mystery, fantasy, and dark comedy. Thank you Net Galley and Hyperion Avenue for the sending me an advanced copy. My review expresses my own personal opinion.

Lisa Jewell steps into the Marvel universe with Breaking the Dark, a gritty and atmospheric thriller that brings private investigator Jessica Jones back into the spotlight. Known for her psychological suspense novels, Jewell seamlessly blends her signature dark, twisty storytelling with the complexities of superhero lore, making this an engaging start to the new Marvel Crime series.

What Worked:
Authentic Jessica Jones Vibes: Jewell captures Jessica’s raw, no-nonsense attitude perfectly. From her sardonic humor to her internal struggles with trauma and addiction, Jessica feels true to her comic book roots while offering a fresh take for crime thriller fans.
Gripping Mystery: The plot is classic Jewell with a Marvel twist. When a mother insists her twins have been "replaced" after visiting their father in England, Jessica’s investigation leads her to a strange village with eerie secrets. The supernatural elements are subtle, enhancing the suspense without overshadowing the crime narrative.
Relevant Social Commentary: The book dives deep into themes of perfection, beauty, and social media obsession. Jewell raises thoughtful questions about how society’s obsession with flawlessness can lead to darker consequences.
Strong Side Characters: Malcolm, Jessica’s teenage assistant, is a standout, bringing humor and heart to the story. Familiar Marvel characters like Luke Cage make appearances, enriching the narrative for fans without alienating new readers.
What Could Be Improved:
Pacing Issues: The story starts slowly, with heavy focus on character setup and Jessica’s personal struggles. Readers unfamiliar with Jessica Jones or the Marvel universe might find the early chapters dense.
Supernatural Elements Could Have Been Expanded: While the eerie setting and strange occurrences are compelling, some readers might wish for a deeper exploration of the supernatural forces at play.
Overall:
Breaking the Dark is a solid entry into both the thriller and Marvel worlds. Jewell strikes a balance between crafting a suspenseful mystery and honoring Jessica Jones’ legacy as a flawed but powerful heroine. While the superhero elements are dialed down compared to typical Marvel fare, the book’s focus on psychological depth and a gripping mystery makes it accessible for readers unfamiliar with the comics.

Recommended For:

Fans of Jessica Jones and Marvel’s darker, street-level heroes
Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with subtle supernatural twists
Fans of Lisa Jewell looking for something different, but still packed with her signature suspense and character depth
This one’s a must-read for Marvel fans craving a gritty, realistic take on their favorite heroes—Jessica Jones is back, and she’s better (and more complicated) than ever.

I’m a fan of Lisa Jewell, but not a fan of Marvel/comics/supernatural stuff, etc. I gave this a shot, and I think readers who enjoy this genre will like this book. It certainly will keep you on your toes!!!

Thank you to Lisa Jewell, NetGalley, and Hyperion Avenue for this advanced reading copy (ARC). It was a really interesting read.

I'm a huge fan of Lisa Jewell and have heard of Jessica Jones but not enough to understand everything in this book. This book is great for Marvel fans who read the comics or watched the Jessica Jones series. If you are expecting a Lisa Jewell thriller, this is not that!

Breaking the Dark keeps you interested even if you aren't aware of who Jessica Jones is. I loved the thriller vibes with a little bit of the supernatural thrown in. There are some "superhero" moments but they aren't destroy a whole city vibe. Jessica is a hero in a small sense and she's completely content with that.

I love Jessica's humor and how she carries herself throughout this book. All the side characters are gems. Malcolm is her assistant who you will wish you had in your life. He's a teenager but very helpful and smart.

I loved the theme of beauty and perfection in the world of social media. What lengths are people willing to go to look and feel "perfect"? Such a refreshing and interesting book.

As a fan of Lisa Jewell, not Marvel (no clue who Jessica Jones was prior to this book - ha), I was pleasantly surprised by this book! It’s a fantastic thriller with just the right touch of the supernatural, without being overwhelmed by superhero elements. Jessica takes on a private investigation that leads to an intriguing mystery. Beginning was a bit slow, but it picked up and I ended up enjoying it!

I am not a Marvel fan, but I am a Lisa Jewell fan. Didn't realize when I ordered it it was a Marvel book, I saw Lisa Jewell and thriller. I didn't know who Jessica Jones was let alone that she is some kind of superhero in the Marvel comic books.

A mother's concern over her twin children's changed behavior after a summer visit with their father in England sends Jessica on a trip for answers. It seemed to have started out good but I had a hard time connecting with the characters and the story and ended up DNF'ing the book at about 40%. Maybe because I'm not a Marvel/Superhero fan it was hard to connect with the characters and keep me interested.

If you're a Marvel/Superhero fan then you'll probably really like this book

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for me review