I admit to being just as shocked as probably everyone else when I learned that Lisa Jewell was penning the first story in a new line of Marvel Crime novels. BREAKING THE DARK features Jessica Jones, whom many Marvel fans fondly recall Krysten Ritter portraying in the Netflix series “Jessica Jones” and “The Defenders.”

Jessica is still located in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen and has left the superhero game behind her. She now works full-time as a private investigator with her own agency, Alias Investigations, and that is the doorway that is darkened at the start of the book by Amber Randall. This wealthy and distraught woman is positive that something is wrong with her 16-year-old twins, Lark and Fox. She also believes that they came back to the US literally changed following a summer visit with their father in the UK. Having only $128 in her bank account, Jessica accepts the case and a $5,000 retainer.

"Cheers to Lisa Jewell for what she has accomplished. For those who might be mystery/thriller snobs, don’t toss this novel aside without perusing further as I think you will be pleasantly surprised."

The novel features several scenes that begin 38 years earlier in Harlem. In the first flashback, we meet Ophelia, a very interesting young woman who might be connected with the case of the infamous Harlem Vampire. I will leave it at that.

Jessica is sold after spying on Lark and Fox, especially when she notices how perfect and porcelain-like their skin is and the way that Fox seems obsessed with a girl named Belle. In fact, the word “perfect” is used so much by them and their circle of friends that it comes off as a mantra. The administration at their school believes that they are forming some kind of cult, which makes Jessica eager to delve deeper. To do so, she takes on a teenage “intern,” Malcolm. He dyes his hair blonde, comes up with the persona of “Sly,” the son of a wealthy family, and infiltrates the circle to get answers for Jessica.

While Malcolm is doing his undercover thing, Jessica decides to jaunt to the UK and spend time in Barton Wallop, the town where the twins stayed over the summer and where their father lives. She meets with residents in the local pub under the guise of a New York writer doing research for a historical mystery novel. This gets the attention of Amber’s ex-husband, Sebastian, who himself is a published writer. He gives her a full tour of his estate, and she learns more about where Lark and Fox spent their vacation. The home is run by Debra, an elderly woman, and the mysterious Belle.

Jessica also does research on Barton Wallop’s history and learns a lot of scary stuff that includes the horrifying deaths of 12 children at Barton Manor in 1436. Once she eventually gets to Debra and Belle’s place, things really get weird. She keeps seeing and hearing about someone named Miranda and also goes into a sort of trance-like state while staying there and loses time. Jessica is able to snap out of it and assist the police in apprehending Debra and turning over Belle, who might not be who she claims to be.

When Jessica returns to New York City and teams up again with both Malcolm and her lover/superhero friend, Luke Cage, the developments in the case come fast and furious. More importantly, the dangerous trouble the twins are involved in will turn out to be far larger than anyone ever thought and includes more than a little taste of the supernatural.

BREAKING THE DARK is so much fun, and all the Marvel geeks out there (like myself) will simply relish the bits with Luke Cage, Danny “Iron Fist” Rand, Madame Web, and even references to Daredevil and the Avengers. Cheers to Lisa Jewell for what she has accomplished. For those who might be mystery/thriller snobs, don’t toss this novel aside without perusing further as I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

I also need to mention that my inner Marvel child did a little jig when I read at the end of the story that the series will continue with novels featuring Luke Cage (written by S.A. Cosby) and Daredevil (written by Alex Segura). Excelsior!