“She has left behind most of her close friends from her years as a—admittedly below par—superhero. They exist on another plane now, far above her, with their costumes and their glamour and their mystique. She is a scruffy second cousin in comparison, not thought of nor remembered from day to day.”
Lisa Jewell masterfully introduces us to Jessica Jones, a complex character who straddles the line between superhero and private investigator. Jessica’s past as a costumed hero—complete with superhuman strength and abilities—still haunts her. Now, she navigates the gritty streets of Hell’s Kitchen as a hard-boiled detective. Her rough exterior conceals a vulnerability that resonated with me. I rooted for her right from the start. This may be a good time to mention that I know who Jessica Jones is, but I haven’t watched the series yet. I feel I must do it now.
Amber Randall’s concern sets the stage for the novel’s central mystery. Her twin teenagers, Lark and Fox, return from their summer in the UK transformed. Their once-imperfect skin now glows flawlessly, and their personalities have altered. Jessica’s curiosity piques when she learns about their obsession with Belle, a mysterious girl tied to their metamorphosis. The question lingers: What happened to Lark and Fox during those fateful months abroad?
Jessica’s journey takes her to Essex, a rural landscape that contrasts sharply with her urban stomping grounds. Here, she encounters Belle—an eerie young lady living in a decaying farmhouse. Belle’s isolation and otherworldly aura raise suspicions. Could she hold the key to Lark and Fox’s transformation? As Jessica digs deeper, the village of Barton Wallop reveals sinister secrets, and the tension escalates.
While Breaking the Dark is part of the Marvel Crime series, it doesn’t require encyclopaedic knowledge of the Marvel Universe. Lisa Jewell weaves in subtle nods to Dorian Gray, emphasizing themes of perfection and influence. Toxic societal standards come under scrutiny as Jessica unravels the mystery. The novel invites readers to reflect on the consequences of chasing an unattainable ideal.
Jewell’s writing style kept me engaged. The pacing is deliberate, allowing me to savour each revelation.
Whether you’re a die-hard Marvel fan or a newcomer, the novel’s imaginative blend of crime fiction and superhero intrigue captivates.
Thank you to Penguin Random House SA for this gifted copy.
About this book: Breaking the Dark by Jewell, Lisa | Penguin Random House South Africa
Read an Extract: Extract: Breaking the Dark: A Jessica Jones Marvel Crime Novel by Lisa Jewell Penguin Random House South Africa
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