I have mixed feelings after reading it. I love thrillers—and I love the Marvel universe—but did I like this book? Not really. I enjoy Lisa Jewell’s writing, which is why I picked it up, yet the mix of a thriller with Marvel elements felt odd. The thriller would have been quite good on its own without the inclusion of comic book heroes.

I was excited when I got this, because I love Lisa Jewell, and had read the first Jessica Jones book by her, but then I realized, this IS the first Jessica Jones book that I read last year when it first came out! So, my old review stands, and the first third of the book is a struggle. The rest reads very quick and easy.
I think it’s really interesting for Lisa Jewell to be writing this marvel book in the first place because it’s such a deviation from what she’s done previously! Completely unlike her other works. I didn’t love it, but part of me wonders if it’s because I’m so in love with her other works, and I was expecting it to be like that.
If she DID write another one, I would definitely read it because my curiosity gets the best of me.

One thing you should know about me is that I LOVE Lisa Jewell. I'm not an avid thriller & mystery genre reader and tend to stick more with romance and fantasy, but she is one of the authors that I will always read whatever they publish (along with Riley Sager and Sally Hepworth).

That being said, this sadly just wasn't for me! It still had the writing style that I love that is fast-paced and engaging, but it almost felt a bit too rushed. Also, as someone who isn't a Marvel fan and doesn't know much about Jessica Jones, maybe that's why it wasn't it for me?

It still gets 3 stars from me because I didn't find it boring at all and still like the writing style, even if the characters and some of the story elements just weren't to my taste.

Breaking the Dark - Lisa Jewell

I still pinch myself because getting a Lisa Jewell ARC has to be a dream… right?

Breaking the dark is very different from her usual work, but has the intensity of her regular writing styles. I was a fan of how The scene was set, and of the main character Jessica.

I wasn’t as familiar with the Jessica Jones backstory so had to fill in some pieces myself. Overall I really liked it and if you like: Marvel, superhuman powers, personal development and most of all thriller - you’ll probably like it too.

As a Marvel fan, I was super excited about this book. It was captivating, and had me hooked, and I enjoyed the adventure it took me on.

Jessica Jones is a retired Marvel superhero, living in New York City. When Amber Randall's twins, Lark and Fox return home from spending the summer in England at their father's home, she notices they're acting different. They aren't themselves, and constantly using the word "perfect" to describe themselves. Needing assistance to figure out what happened over the summer, Amber hires Jessica to figure out what really happened over the summer, and why her twins are acting so strangely.

I really enjoyed this book, and the story line. There was a dual story line, which starts off a bit questionable, but as the story goes on, you start understanding the second plot line more. There were an array of characters helping Jessica out such as Malcolm, a student who is hired to befriend the twins in New York and see what information he can get. Elliot works at the Pharmacy in Essex, and knows a thing or two about the town of Barton Wallop, a very small town in the countryside where the twin's father resides. Throughout the story there are twists and turns, and you're constantly uncovering new information and asking for more.

This was my first Lisa Jewell book, but most certainly won't be my last!

I have read other Lisa Jewell novels and have enjoyed some more than others. I am not a Marvel fan but do enjoy mysteries. The mystery kept my attention. While it incorporated current themes and concerns about social media, appearances, and perfection, the mystery was “otherworldly.” Lisa Jewell raised important questions concerning the darker side of society’s obsession with being flawless and the impact social media influencers can play, particularly on teenagers.

I was not familiar with Jessica Jones. In this story, she is a retired super hero, private investigator who is a down on her luck alcoholic. One morning a distraught mother, Amber, comes into her disheveled home office to ask her to investigate her teenage twins who returned from visiting their father in the UK and are not acting normally. Their skin is perfect, they have lost all their usual distinctive habits and they talk about a girl named Belle and how everything is “perfect.” Amber sends Jessica off to the UK to try to determine what happened while they were there.

The book was well written and Jessica’s character was engaging and well developed. However, Jessica’s pregnancy really added nothing to the plot other than to force her to stop drinking and become more clear-headed. I particularly liked Malcolm, whom she hires as her assistant, but questioned Jessica’s putting a teenager in such dangerous situations. Overall, there were some moments of suspense, but the book dragged in places and I found the alternating chapters with the flashbacks confusing although necessary for the plot. I struggled through the first half of the book, but raced through the last part to try to determine how Jessica was going to figure out who Belle really was. Eventually, all the characters come together in the end, but it was a hike to get there.

I would recommend this book for fans of Marvel and Jessica Jones. It would also appeal to those who like mysteries with supernatural twists.

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

Maybe it’s a mistake to compare the Jessica Jones I watched on the Netflix show with the Jessica Jones in this book but I could help myself. Lisa Jewell missed the mark on writing the Jessica Jones character,IMO.
The writing is good and flows well. The job Jessica has been hired to investigate is weird and kept me reading trying to figure out what’s going on. The themes on young people seeking the perfection they see on social media are really current and relevant.
However, the pregnancy sub plot felt like reading about a teen pregnancy and pulled too much attention away from the main story.
Overall, I would say it was good but not great. If you’re expecting Lisa Jewell’s usual thriller, this isn’t it due to The Marvel fantasy elements.

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.