Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.

I very much enjoyed this book. The writing was great and the characters were well developed. I hope to read more from this author in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy in exchange for honest feedback.

I have previously enjoyed other books by Lisa Jewel so I was very excited to read an advanced copy of her work. This one felt a little lack luster for me though. A lot of the plot felt like I could see where they were trying to go with it but it was boggy to trudge through. The multiple POV thing was extremely confusing for the first several switches because I was thinking who are these other people and why am I supposed to care about them. Maybe that was supposed to add to the mystery that we didn’t totally know who those people were but it made for a confusing read. The personal issues that Jessica was going through during the book seemed like an unnecessary storyline that didn’t add to the plot. I finished the book mostly to see how things turned out but I probably wouldn’t recommend it, unfortunately.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC! I definitely started watching the Netflix series after starting this book to compare. While the book character and series character differ, I don’t hate it. As a new Jessica Jones fan this book enthralled me. I like the modern use of technology and AI/filters. The time jumps kind of confused me at first but as the story progressed I understood what was going on. I am interested to find out what happens in the next book and I would also like to read the Luke Cage book by S.A. Crosby.

“Breaking the Dark” is a mystery/thriller following Marvel superhero Jessica Jones as she investigates two teenagers (at the behest of their mother) who returned from their father’s house in the UK not acting like themselves. What she uncovers could lead to far-reaching consequences for all teens. We follow two timelines in this book: one in the present, following Jessica as she investigates, and one in the past, following the villain and leading to the present.

Knowing about Jessica Jones’s backstory would have been more helpful to better appreciating the story, especially since it tied into this particular investigation, but it was nothing a quick Google search could teach me quickly.

At times the pacing varied from slow and introspective to fast-paced and thrillery, but for the most part I was on the edge of my seat. My biggest struggle was the writing style; sometimes it read as if it were “closed caption” descriptions: choppy and overly descriptive.

Overall I enjoyed the characters and the story, especially the overarching message: the only true idea of “perfect” is “the one pure voice that exists inside telling you that you are fine, just the way you are.”

Thank you to Hyperion Avenue and NetGalley for early access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’m a fan of Marvel and enjoyed seeing characters I know throughout the book! I really loved Jessica Jones and her story. Her history makes her relatable and human (well super human)! While I loved the character, I felt the story was a little drawn out. I do enjoy a book where the past/present comes together and it all makes sense and this is something this book did well. It’s a decent read and I’m glad I got the opportunity to read something I might have normally overlooked!

A huge fan of Lisa Jewel. I do not know anything about Jessica Jones or Luke Cage, so this book was quite the surprise learning about their characters. I did enjoy the story. I thought the character development and the story building was very good. There are a few parts in the middle. I got a little lost. I don’t know if it was reading it on my Kindle, where the formatting was slightly off or if this is something that was just the way it downloaded to my book as an advanced reader, copy. However, it flowed really well. The story continued to build, and I was truly invested. I wanted to know what was going to happen to the twins and with the development of Miranda. When physics came into play, I was very interested and wish they would’ve told a little bit more as I do enjoy the nerdy parts and would’ve liked a little more science.

I would recommend this book. It was a good read. Definitely different than most any other book. I’ve read of hers. Well done.

This book was not what I was expecting at all! For someone who doesn’t love marvel movies, I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. I knew going in I loved Lisa Jewell, and she just proved that she can write just as good outside her regular niche!

This book had a bit of a mystery feel which I honestly liked. I love when books read like mysteries even when they aren’t exactly categorized that way.

This book had me hooked right from the start and made me want to keep turning the pages!

4.5 - Honestly, I didn’t think I’d love this as much as I did. I don’t dislike Marvel or anything, but I’ve never been super into it. I’ve seen the movies and shows thanks to one of my close friends, and I even know someone who used to draw Marvel comics. I wasn’t expecting to be this hooked. I absolutely fricken loved this. It was action-packed with just the right amount of eerie tension. The “Perfect Children” were SO creepy and fascinating so naturally I couldn’t stop reading because I had to know what was going on.

This was also my first Lisa Jewell novel. I am very grateful to have received a digital copy to read and review.

I'm not necessarily a Marvel fan, but do like a good Lisa Jewell whodunit, so thought I'd give this a go. Jessica is based on a Marvel comic book that later became a tv series about the super hero and her exploits. It starts out with Jessica nursing a hangover when a mother enlists her help to find out what happened to her twin girls, who came back from a visit with her father, a little 'different'. Apparently under the influence of another teenager called Belle. So Jessica goes off to Britain to see Belle and try to figure out what's going on. There's a good amount of tension and suspense here, which is typical Lisa Jewell, but at 400 pages, it does drag a bit when Jessica ruminates about her past and overthinks each decision. Some knowledge of her characters' backstory would have been helpful, but doesn't take away too much from the story. It's a crime thriller mixed with some superhero elements, but Jessica's humanity still manages to shine through at the end. Great for fans of Ms. Jewell and the Marvel franchises.

Release: March 25, 2025
Author: Lisa Jewell
Publisher: Hyperion Avenue
Pages: 400

Rating: 4 ★ 

“Breaking the Dark” is the inaugural novel in the Marvel Crime series, introducing readers to a more grounded, street-level perspective of the Marvel Universe. The story centers on Jessica Jones, a former superhero turned private investigator, who operates out of Hell’s Kitchen, New York. Jessica is approached by Amber Randall, a distressed mother concerned about her teenage twins, Lark and Fox. Since returning from a summer visit to their father in the UK, the twins exhibit unsettling changes: impeccable appearances, improved academic and athletic performances, and altered behaviors. Amber insists that these are not her children but replacements, repeatedly mentioning a girl named Belle.

Intrigued and empathetic, Jessica travels to the quaint village of Barton Wallop in the British countryside to investigate. There, she encounters Belle, a mysterious teenager living in seclusion with a peculiar guardian. As Jessica delves deeper, she uncovers dark secrets within the village, drawing parallels to her own traumatic past, including her experiences with the Purple Man and her current personal dilemma of an unplanned pregnancy with her on-again, off-again partner, Luke Cage.

Lisa Jewell masterfully intertwines elements of suspense, mystery, and the supernatural in “Breaking the Dark.” The novel offers a fresh perspective on Jessica Jones, capturing her complexity as she grapples with personal demons while confronting external threats. Jewell’s portrayal of Jessica’s internal struggles, particularly her battle with addiction and the implications of her pregnancy, adds depth to the character, making her relatable beyond her superhero persona.

The atmospheric depiction of Barton Wallop enhances the narrative’s tension, with the village’s eerie perfection contrasting sharply with Jessica’s gritty reality. This setting serves as a character in itself, harboring secrets that challenge Jessica’s investigative skills and resilience.

However, some readers might find the novel’s pacing uneven, with certain sections delving deeply into Jessica’s introspection, potentially slowing the momentum. Additionally, familiarity with Jessica Jones’ backstory enriches the reading experience, though it’s not a prerequisite.

Overall, “Breaking the Dark” is a compelling addition to the Marvel Crime series, offering a nuanced exploration of heroism, identity, and the shadows lurking beneath perceived perfection.

Favorite Quote:
"sometimes you're forced to face the parts of yourself you wish you could forget."

This is the first installment of the Marvel Crime series with big name crime writers taking on Marvel properties. This is a Jessica Jones story, and kind of a twisty horror novel. Jones doesn’t really use her powers much, and this felt a bit like a Jewell idea she grafted on to superhero story. I liked it’s conceit with a supervillain Instagram influencer. I was a comic book kid, but as an adult, I am more likely to read something like this. There is an upcoming Alex Segura Daredevil novel and an S.A. Cosby Nick Cage book, and I am excited to check those out.

I was routing for Jessica to figure out the mystery. I was bothered by mention of things that happened in her past that weren’t really well explained but maybe that is because I don’t know the Marvel characters.

I love Lisa Jewell books! This book was a mix of Marvel Character Jessica Jones and mystery. Although this book was good, I did find I didn’t care for the ending and I felt some questions were left unanswered. But, if you love Lisa Jewell books, give this one a try!

What an interesting book of the Marvel character Jessica Jones. I didn’t know much about her before reading this but I got some more information from my husband about her and the book seems aligned with what Jessica Jones does in Marvel. It’s a mystery thriller book about Jessica getting a case about some kids who are “perfect” and acting differently than what they normally would after a trip. It kept me interested and reading it to find out what happens. I loved the story with Luke too. Malcolm was a great side character. Some twists and interesting turns but ends well.

Breaking the Dark is an intriguing and unexpected blend of psychological suspense and Marvel noir, centered around Jessica Jones, the ex-superhero turned private investigator. As a longtime fan of Jewell’s domestic thrillers, I was curious to see how her storytelling would translate into the Marvel universe—and she absolutely delivered. Jewell’s signature style—deeply layered characters, an unsettling atmosphere, and a slow-burning sense of dread—works surprisingly well in this grittier take on Jessica Jones. The case at the heart of the novel is eerie: a mother, Amber Randall, is convinced that her teenage twins have returned from a summer abroad as eerie, unrecognizable versions of themselves. The investigation takes Jessica from the streets of New York to the isolated British village of Barton Wallop, where the supernatural and psychological thriller elements blend seamlessly. Jessica is written with a raw, authentic edge that stays true to her Marvel origins but also feels deeply human. Her struggles with her past, her drinking, and her instincts as an investigator add depth to the story. Jewell keeps the tension tight, unraveling the mystery with precision while keeping the reader guessing. The pacing is slower than a typical Marvel action story, but for fans of Jewell’s work, that’s a good thing—it allows for a richer, more immersive experience.

Breaking the Dark was a fun easy read that explored Marvels' Jessica Jones character. The superhero/superhuman book isn't one that I read often, but this was a good time.
The main plot is that there is a mom who notices her teenage twins acting different since coming home from visiting her father for the summer. Now, I know what you're thinking, she's just upset with her ex husband, NOPE.. All the friends have noticed this too. The mother took it a step further and hired Jessica Jones to follow the kids and figure out what they have done. The story takes off from there and after a lot of twist and turns she uncovers multiple suspect things in this small English town.
The book leaves a few things unanswered, like the kid who shows up? Is she her baby, and she sees the future? Imagination?
Also, a few things just happened to get solved by chance, and that always gives me pause.

All in all I enjoyed the ending, I liked the idea of achieving perfection, but at what cost? I liked the nod and modern take on Dorian Gray as well.
If anyone where to ask our book reviewing club for a super hero book I will suggest this. It was a fun time.
Thank you NetGalley and Lisa Jewell

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Jessica Jones took a break from brooding and punching people to solve a crime, Breaking the Dark is here to answer that question—and trust me, it’s everything you want and more.

Lisa Jewell perfectly captures Jessica’s sarcastic charm and hard-edged attitude, all while throwing her into a messy case that’s as dark and twisted as the coffee she drinks. Between cracking cases and cracking jokes, Jessica somehow manages to be the most relatable superhero who definitely doesn’t want to save the world—but she’ll solve a mystery while looking ridiculously cool doing it.

This book is a perfect blend of crime thriller and superhero snark, and if you love fast-paced action with a side of sarcasm, you’re in for a treat. If Jessica Jones was your spirit animal, Breaking the Dark is your new favorite book—just don’t expect her to be too warm and fuzzy about it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Breaking the Dark by Lisa Jewell is the amazing first book in the Marvel crime novel series. In this book, we see Jessica Jones take on an otherworldly case after abandoning her role as a superhero after being controlled by Kilgrave. She must deal with a teenage intern, travel to England, and the rumors of vampires and mind control while attempting to solve the mystery of why twins who were in England over the summer came back different, perfect.

I loved this book. It took me a few chapters to immerse myself in the story, but once I was, I did not want to put it down. I thought Jessica was very well written. I would have loved to hear more of her backstory, and I hope there are future Jessica Jones installments to dive into that. Would definitely recommend! 4.5 stars!

You know what I love? Lisa Jewell thrillers. You know what else I love? Marvel superheroes, especially the complicated women. So this was a match made in heaven, and I have been excited to read it since it was first announced. The Pub date is March 25, 2025, but I was lucky enough to be given an advance copy by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!

Lark and Fox Randall returned to their mom after a summer in the UK with their dad and they are…different. Their mom hires Jessica Jones to investigate what happens, and the problem ends up being much deeper than it appeared on the surface. The tone is set right off the bat with a thunderstorm over Hell’s Kitchen and a hungover Jessica Jones chasing her neighbor’s cat through her apartment building. The story was unique and imaginative. There are two timelines, both of which give us clues to piece together and converge perfectly at the end. There are also some truly sinister characters, although, as a mother myself, I thought one was relatable, if not forgivable. I loved the commentary on impossible beauty standards and the pressure we all feel to be perfect, especially when it comes to teen girls.

Lisa Jewell perfectly captures the essence of messy but well-intentioned Jessica Jones. She also gives us appearances from Luke Cage and Danny Rand. I think you’ll love this book if you’re a Marvel nerd, but I think you’ll love it even if you’re not. You don’t need to be well-versed in anything Marvel in order to enjoy this, because overall it’s just a really well-done thriller, which is exactly what we all know and love Lisa Jewell for.

I highly recommend pre-ordering this or getting your hands on a copy once it’s published! You can thank me later!

Many thanks to @hyperionavebooks and @lisajewelluk for this absolute gem!

I came really close to passing on this book because I saw it was about a super hero and Marvel's name was in the series name - which made me think "comic books". But, I like Lisa Jewell's other books so I left my comfort zone and picked it up anyway. So glad I did! This is the first book of the new Marvel Crime series, and guess what - I think I will read the next one when it comes out.

Description:
Meet Jessica Jones: Retired super hero, private investigator, loner. She tried her best to be a shiny spandex crimefighter, but that life only led to unspeakable trauma. Now she avoids that world altogether and works on surviving day-to-day in Hell’s Kitchen, New York.

The morning a distraught mother comes into her office, Jessica would prefer to nurse her hangover and try to forget last night’s poor choices. But something about Amber Randall’s story strikes a chord with her. Amber is adamant that something happened to her teenage twins while they were visiting their father in the UK. The twins don’t act like themselves, and they now have flawless skin, have lost their distinctive tics and habits, and keep talking about a girl named Belle. Amber insists her children have been replaced by something horrible, something “perfect.”

Traveling to a small village in the British countryside, Jessica meets the mysterious Belle, who lives a curiously isolated life in an old farmhouse with a strange woman who claims to be her guardian. Can this unworldly teenager really be responsible for the Randall twins’ new personas? Why does the strange little village of Barton Wallop seem to harbor dark energies and mysteries in its tight-knit community?

A mother’s intuition is never wrong. And Jessica knows that nothing in life is perfect—not these kids, not her on-again, off-again relationship with Luke Cage, and certainly not Jessica herself. But even as she tries to buy into the idea that better days are ahead, Jessica Jones has seen all too clearly that behind every promise of perfection trails a dark, dangerous shadow.

My Thoughts:
So now I know that Jessica Jones really was one of Marvel's super heroes - I've had my head in the sand and had no idea. The case she accepted as a private investigator threw her into quite a jaw-dropping situation that is difficult to understand and unravel. She has to stop the plan from happening before it changes the entire world. The case was fun to follow and I loved Jones' young assistant. Jessica was also dealing with a situation of her own involving her on-again off-again relationship with Luke Cage (another super hero). This book surprised and delighted me - it was fun.

Thanks to Hyperion Avenue through Netgalley for an advance copy.