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A review by saareman
Breaking the Dark by Lisa Jewell
3.0
Jessica Jones Noir-Lite
Review of the Penguin Audio edition (July 4, 2024) narrated by [a:Helen Laser|18073187|Helen Laser|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] and released simultaneously with the Hyperion Avenue hardcover & eBook.
I have only read 3 other books by so-called "psychological suspense" writer Lisa Jewell, but they were more suspenseful and creepy than this one. I only know Jessica Jones from the TV adaptations of the Marvel comics character, which were much more noir-like and dark themed. So although the promo text for this "first book in the brand-new Marvel Crime series, [which] introduces fans to a grittier, street-level side of the Marvel Universe" promises a darker edge, I suspect that both groups of fans may be somewhat disappointed in the result.
Actor Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones in the Netflix TV series adaptations (2015-2019). Image sourced from Slash Film.
Former superhero (abilities: superstrength/flying) Jessica Jones now runs her solo Alias Investigations private detective business. She is hired by a client to investigate why her 2 teenage children have returned from a summer visit with the father in England and do not seem to be the same as they were. Jones takes on the case and also enlists a teenage assistant Malcolm to help infiltrate the high school world of the kids. Occasional boyfriend Luke Cage makes some cameo appearances. Superhero antics are kept to a minimum though with Jones trying to curtail her drinking and use of powers due to a possible pregnancy.
Overall this did feel in keeping with the Jessica Jones that I knew from the TV adaptations. Chronologically it takes place after her retirement from superheroing and after her escape from the mind control of Kilgrave (which was the story arc of Season 1 on TV). The plot she faces in Breaking the Dark is diabolical enough, but it all seems much lighter than her own or Lisa Jewell's other outings.
The narration by Helen Laser was fine in all voices. It would have certainly added a further edge if they had gotten Krysten Ritter to narrate.
Trivia and Links
There is a promotional article at Marvel.com where you can also read the opening chapters of the book here. The article also mentions that future planned Marvel Crime novels include a Luke Cage novel by [a:S.A. Cosby|20464985|S.A. Cosby|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1593596506p2/20464985.jpg] and a Daredevil novel by [a:Alex Segura|5364666|Alex Segura|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1698679821p2/5364666.jpg].
Review of the Penguin Audio edition (July 4, 2024) narrated by [a:Helen Laser|18073187|Helen Laser|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] and released simultaneously with the Hyperion Avenue hardcover & eBook.
She has left behind most of her close friends from her years as a—admittedly below par—super hero. 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. And she has felt for so long that this is where she belongs, here in this nasty apartment, doing this nasty, messy job, alone, drunk, empty inside. But surely, she wonders painfully, surely there must be more than this.
I have only read 3 other books by so-called "psychological suspense" writer Lisa Jewell, but they were more suspenseful and creepy than this one. I only know Jessica Jones from the TV adaptations of the Marvel comics character, which were much more noir-like and dark themed. So although the promo text for this "first book in the brand-new Marvel Crime series, [which] introduces fans to a grittier, street-level side of the Marvel Universe" promises a darker edge, I suspect that both groups of fans may be somewhat disappointed in the result.
Actor Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones in the Netflix TV series adaptations (2015-2019). Image sourced from Slash Film.
Former superhero (abilities: superstrength/flying) Jessica Jones now runs her solo Alias Investigations private detective business. She is hired by a client to investigate why her 2 teenage children have returned from a summer visit with the father in England and do not seem to be the same as they were. Jones takes on the case and also enlists a teenage assistant Malcolm to help infiltrate the high school world of the kids. Occasional boyfriend Luke Cage makes some cameo appearances. Superhero antics are kept to a minimum though with Jones trying to curtail her drinking and use of powers due to a possible pregnancy.
Overall this did feel in keeping with the Jessica Jones that I knew from the TV adaptations. Chronologically it takes place after her retirement from superheroing and after her escape from the mind control of Kilgrave (which was the story arc of Season 1 on TV). The plot she faces in Breaking the Dark is diabolical enough, but it all seems much lighter than her own or Lisa Jewell's other outings.
The narration by Helen Laser was fine in all voices. It would have certainly added a further edge if they had gotten Krysten Ritter to narrate.
Trivia and Links
There is a promotional article at Marvel.com where you can also read the opening chapters of the book here. The article also mentions that future planned Marvel Crime novels include a Luke Cage novel by [a:S.A. Cosby|20464985|S.A. Cosby|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1593596506p2/20464985.jpg] and a Daredevil novel by [a:Alex Segura|5364666|Alex Segura|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1698679821p2/5364666.jpg].