I loved everything about this book - Sunshine, her parents, her daughter, her small-town with all its antics. There was mystery, both old and new, romance for both the mom and the daughter, and lots of fun. Can't wait to read more in this series!!!

Oh Darynda. This book has just made my year.

I have to start with saying that The Charley Davidson series is my all time favorite series. With that said... I had some trepidation about starting A Bad Day for Sunshine, because of the sky-high expectations I harbored for it. But I am very happy to report that Sheriff Sunshine Blaze Vicram certainly did not disappoint.

In A Bad Day for Sunshine, we follow our main character Sunshine Vicram. She has just been elected as the new sheriff of her hometown of Del Sol, New Mexico, which was surprising news to her, since she didn't even know she was running for sheriff. Thanks to her oh-so-adorable parents scheming, she is moving back to Del Sol to take on her new position, her 14 year old daughter, Auri, in tow. We get dual perspectives of both Auri and Sunshine in this novel, which I really enjoyed. Sunshine is nervous about coming back to Del Sol and doesn't quite expect to be looking for a missing teenage girl on her first day on the job and it's bringing up all the memories of why Sunshine left Del Sol in her rear view all those years ago. Mix in her bestie, Quincy, a missing deputy, a potential new boyfriend for Auri, and the sexy as hell/expert tracker Levi and coming home is nothing short of a roller coaster for Sunshine.

Darynda is the queen of conveying character chemistry and it was no different in the book. I could feel the past these characters had with each other and wanted to know every detail. All of the characters worked so well together and had such rich relationships.

A Bad Day for Sunshine was exquisite, sassy, and fun. I cannot wait for the next book! Darynda, I know the first book just came out today, but I need book 2 now! :)

A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones

Police Mystery suspense with a female protagonist. First book in the Sunshine Viacram series. A bit of mystery, suspense and snark.
Alternating view points of Sunshine and daughter Aurora. The two have a close and caring relationship that is wonderful to be a part of.
There are multiple storylines and not all are fully resolved by the end of the book. Certainly not a cliffhanger, but more the beginning of a deep relationship you will want to follow and feel.

An engaging story and mystery that will win your heart.

Sunshine Viacram returns with her daughter to Del Sol, New Mexico as the newly elected sheriff. Her parents have built her a house in their backyard. They made sure Sunshine won the election for sheriff. Best friend and deputy Quincy knows most of Sun’s secrets. He’s glad to have her expertise in the office. It’s a quiet town with some eccentricity and surprises around the neighborhood.

I’m rounding this up from 4.5 because I enjoyed the relationships but had a bit of confusion in sometimes knowing which perspective I was in at the time. Minor issue that may have been me not paying enough attention.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to share and reread.

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. A Bad Day for Sunshine is the first book in Darynda Jones new series Sunshine Vicram. Fans of her Charley Davidson series will enjoy this one too. Sunshine Vicram is the new Sheriff of Del Sol the small town she grew up in and couldn’t wait to leave, and winning the election was a bit of a shock as she as far as she knew, she had not run for the office. Her first day on the job turns into a crazy mess with a missing teen, an escaped felon, a kidnapped rooster and close encounters with her teen crush Levi Ravinder. All of the things that made the Charley Davidson series so delightful are here… well written supporting characters, super sexy possible love interest, a hint of the paranormal, intriguing mystery and a wicked sense of humour. I found this book very entertaining to read and look forward to revisiting Del Sol in future books.
Medium Steam. Publishing Date April 7, 2020. #NetGalley #ABadDayForSunshine #DaryndaJones #StMartinsPress #MysteriesAndThrillers #HotRead #bookstagram

Sunshine Vicram has just been elected sheriff of Del Sol, the only problem is she didn't know she was in the running. Sunshine has been in law enforcement for most of her adult life. Some would say it's all because she has been trying to solve the crime that has plagued her since she was seventeen.

Her first day on the job and she has a missing teenage girl, an escaped convict, and a murder. Sunshine always knew she was good at her job, but this might be too much for even someone of her caliber.

The story is told from a dual point of view, Sunshine and her daughter Aurora or Auri as she is affectionately called by family and friends. I enjoyed seeing it from both sides considering how much the mystery of Sunshine's "accident" affected both of them. However, there were times when I wasn't sure whose head I was in, their "voices" were too similar.

There was certainly enough mystery to keep me engrossed. Even when one crime/mystery was solved, there was still something else to ponder. Not everything is explained or figured out in this book. I guess we'll have to wait for the next one to get more answers. Don't worry though, its not a terrible cliffhanger.

You can be sure to expect the humor you've come to love from this author. Even though it was sometimes too much. I wanted the seriousness of the situation to show through instead of the constant witty remarks and comebacks. But it didn't ruin anything for me.

I highly recommend you start this adventure with Sunshine and her sometimes crazy deputies. You won't be disappointed.

Darynda Jones has written another winning series. Full of humor, quirky characters, a good mystery, I was hooked from page one. What a ride. The story opens with Sunshine Vicram getting ready for her first day as sheriff of Del Sol, New Mexico. Boy, did that come as a surprise to her. Her daughter, Auri, is getting ready for her first day at a new school. Things are about to get crazy....as they do in any book written by Darynda Jones. I usually don't enjoy books with multiple points of view but, in this book, it works very well and it didn't bother me in the least.
I won't say more because I don't want to drop any spoilers.
The mystery is solid with some romance, lots of laughter and a few tears. I was so caught up in it that I think I may have missed a meal along the way and definitely stayed up way past my bedtime. All the signs of a good book.
My thanks to the publisher St. Martin's and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

A sassy, smart, and super fun read!

Sunshine Vicram is moving back to Del Sol, NM with her daughter Aurora (Auri). She is reporting for her first day of work as the sheriff. A position that she didn't know her name was on the ballot, but she was elected for. How could that happen, you might ask yourself. In a town as small as Del Sol, money and social influence go a long way and maybe her parents had something to do with it. She has a long day in front of her as the new sheriff in town. An escapee from the prison is on the loose, a young girl is missing, and a conflict over a rooster is taking up more time than necessary. On top of everything else Sunshine is confronted with a bad boy love interest from the past that has reignited flames.

The narrative goes between Sunshine and her daughter Auri. Auri is dealing with the insecurities of a new school and fitting in. Everyone knows her mom is the new sheriff and Auri is pegged as a narc when a party is busted by the cops. The relationship between Auri and Sunshine is awesome. The communication between the two was sweet and hilarious. Who knew Lisbeth Salander would be referenced as a parenting guide.

I knew I would be obsessed with this book before I finished the first chapter. This is #1 in a series and I'm looking forward to more Sunshine!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the arc.

A Bad Day for Sunshine is as fantastic as Darynda Jones's Charley Davidson series! The protagonist, Sun or Sunshine has many of Charley's qualities without the supernatural element, as far a we know. Her self-deprecating humor is just as hilarious as is her interaction with her family and her best friend but she takes her new job as sheriff seriously. All of the characters have great depth and dimension and carry a feeling that they have both a past and a future; an element not common for secondary characters. Of course, Ms. Jones brings us a heart-stopping, edge of our seats plot with frequent twists. The story line flips back and forth between Sun and her daughter Aura and readers are sure to fall in love with both, those two and a couple of guys!.
I requested an ARC from NetGalley and you can imagine how excited I was to be approved. Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Darynda Jones
#NetGalley #ABadDayforSunhine

Oh this was so good! Darynda has a wonderful way of telling a story! The characters are entertaining and vibrant. It was fun but also full of action and suspense. I couldn't put it down!

Move over Charley Davidson there’s a new sheriff in town and her name is Sunshine!

Wow this was fun! Darynda Jones is the queen when it comes to spinning stories filled with Snark, humor, banter, quirky characters, and hot men. I was a huge fan of the Charley Davidson series and sad to see it end, but I think I found a new favorite. Sunshine Vicram has returned to small town Del Sol, New Mexico. She is the newly elected Sheriff and that is slightly problematic seeing though she didn’t even run for the position? But Sunshine is a big girl now, it is time to face her past and what could possibly go wrong in this sleepy small town? Loved Sunshine! She was smart, strong, savvy, and sassy. She is also a single mother to 14-year-old Aury. Aury was a tremendously likable character as well definitely her mother‘s daughter, but perhaps with a little more common sense and tact. I loved how we got both of these characters perspectives, really giving the story a refreshing feel. And ladies there are some men in this book that will give Reyes a run for his money. Sunshine’s BFF and new coworker Quincy as well as her long lost crush Levi. Aury also gets her very own crush in a young sweet mysterious boy named Cruise. A kidnapping, an escaped prisoner, missing pieces of the past, secrets, attraction, laughs, and heart. And oh yeah, a cliffhanger that will leave you wanting more. My only complaint... the second book isnt already out.

This book in emojis ☀️ ☕️ 📓 ✉️ 🐓 🚔 ⛰

*** Big thank you to St. Martin’s Press for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

A BAD DAY FOR SUNSHINE is the first instalment in Darynda Jones contemporary, adult SUNSHINE VICRAM mystery, suspense, somewhat humorous series focusing on Sheriff Sunshine Blaze Vicram and her daughter Aurora ‘Auri’.

Told from dual third person perspectives ( Sunshine and Auri) A BAD DAY FOR SUNSHINE follows Sunshine Blaze Vicram Freyr on her return to her home town of Del Sol, New Mexico following her questionable election win as the new sheriff. With her fourteen year old daughter Auri in tow, Sunshine’s return to Del Sol is met with derision, especially for Auri as she enters high school for the first time. A kidnapped teenager, a missing lieutenant, a decomposed body, an escaped fugitive, a flasher, a rooster named Puff Daddy, and demons from the past find Sunshine struggling within hours on her first day of the job, a job that will bring her up close and personal with Del Sol’s meanest, strangest and bad.

Sunshine Vicram has suffered like no one else, and with her return come the memories that are slowly revealing a forgotten connection to the town that almost destroyed her life. Our heroine, a passionate mother and daughter, finds herself facing down her demons when her daughter reveals a secret Sunshine had long thought buried.

A BAD DAY FOR SUNSHINE is reminiscent of Darynda Jones’ CHARLEY DAVIDSON series including an Easter egg or two referencing the aforementioned series. The premise is complex, detailed, gritty and real; the numerous characters are colorful, nosy, quirky and bad- the mean girls and bullies at the local high school are heart breaking and sad. We are introduced to Sunshine’s parents Cyrus and Elaine Freyr, her best friend and fellow law enforcement officer Chief Deputy Quincy Cooper; students Cruz De los Santos and his father Chris, Sybil St. Aubin and her parents Mari and Forest; the local ‘book babes’ who get together for drinking and gossip but every once in awhile, a basket of muffins foretells of darker things to come. The in-depth world building is full of possibilities. There is the hint of a romance for our leading heroine but life and past history may get in the way.

As per Darynda Jones’ style of writing, the humor is spot on. The back and forth between Sunshine and Auri is priceless, sassy and fun. Each chapter begins with a humorous window sign found at the local restaurants and shops. A BAD DAY FOR SUNSHINE is the perfect vehicle to add a little ‘sunshine’ and humor into your life.


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Mucho love for this first book in a series. She's snarky, sarcastic and has become my latest hero. I love reading stories with strong women who are not perfect as the main character. This is a must read now. Yeah. Now. What are you waiting for? You're gonna love it. Happy reading!

Sunshine Vicram is probably the least likely to become sheriff in her hometown of Del Sol, New Mexico. She was the firecracker in school who frequently got into trouble, and gave her parents more than their share of premature grey hairs. So it was an unexpected turn of events when she won the election for sheriff-even for Sun. Her unrepentant parents may or may not have had something to do with the job that fell in her lap. Her exasperation was hilariously clear, but she can't help but be grateful that her new position will help her solve a very personal unsolved mystery. Who kidnapped her when she was a teen, and why?

It quickly becomes obvious that work is going to be more challenging than anticipated. No big deal, just a psychic, a flasher, a fresh kidnapping, a dead body, a missing person, a crime family that hates her, and an escaped convict running around. You have to love her self-depreciating, sarcastic personality as she takes it all in stride. I can't tell you how many times I laughed out loud at her thoughts or conversations with her equally funny family and friends. There were quite a bit of characters introduced here which I stumbled over a time or two, but for the most part, reading flowed really smoothly. You get that small town series feel with each and every oddball person you meet, all of them delightfully original. There was absolutely zero chance of boredom when it comes to the antics of this town.

Sunshine's fourteen-year-old daughter Auri is whip-smart, brave, and like her mom in many ways. I loved the fact that she has significant page time devoted to her story arc in high school. She has a sad family history that you get piece by piece as the story wears on.

She meets a broody boy who only has eyes for her, and defends herself against your typical bullies who joyfully make her life miserable. All this while doing her part in helping her mom investigate the kidnapping of her new friend. She isn't your typical rebellious teen, she's not against breaking the rules now and again, but not without good cause. An innocent girl's life hangs in the balance, and she isn't about to sit idly by while time runs out for her.

The main plot is the race to solve Sybil's kidnapping, but we also get detailed backstory on Sunshine's ordeal. Piece by piece, you're able to put together how Levi Ravinder played a part in her life. At least, I was able to ferret out quite a bit, but at this point they're only theories. At first I wasn't sure what to make of this mysterious guy who Sunshine has had strong feelings for. I didn't understand where her fascination stemmed from beyond his bad boy rep and good looks. Thankfully, there isn't a lack of development there, it's simply drawn out at a slower pace. He has a multitude of layers that have yet to be revealed, but so far he's shaping up to be a love interest with a whole lot of charisma and heart.

This was such a breath of fresh air, and I'm so glad my book bestie Astrid pushed me to request it. To be honest, mystery is not my genre of choice because I tend to get easily bored and impatient to get to the big reveal at the end. This is a great book for non-mystery readers like myself who are looking for something with a lot of action, a hint of romance, and a lot of snark. The dialogue is razor sharp. The plot keeps you guessing, and the characters effortlessly engage you into their lives. I'm now a loyal fan of this series and will be auto-reading each installment as soon as they're up for grabs. There is a cliffhanger, but that's pretty much to be expected in a series with a continuing storyline such as this one. It didn't leave me in suspense, just hungry for more. I can't wait to see where Sheriff Sunshine leads us next.

Lightning can strike the same place twice. Or, in other words, Darynda Jones has another hit for us. It was like being back in a familiar world where the setting might be new as well as the faces, but I still felt like I knew them somehow. Giggleworthy wit, twisting plot threads, quirky characters, a bit of woowoo, and a riveting first in series that left me groaning for the next book.
Review

A Bad Day for Sunshine opens on Sunshine Vicram’s first day of county sheriff in Del Sol, New Mexico, her home town. Oddly, she won an election she didn’t actually run in or want to win, but her adorable parents and her spritely teenage daughter, Auri, are tickled she got the job and is back. Not that she isn’t qualified- she was a Santa Fe detective for years, but a dark moment in her past drove her away and would have kept her away in spite of her deep feelings for one brooding hottie, Levi Ravinder.

But, her first day begins with a missing girl, a prison escapee, and trouble for Auri as the new girl. Sunshine quips her way through first day with best buddy Quincy as her chief deputy at her side. Don’t let the light manners and pretty face fool you. She has a first-class mind and can keep up just fine with all the craziness that Del Sol can throw at one. Too bad that dark nightmare and her childhood hot crush might be one and the same.

The book jumps right in a a clipping pace and the reader better fasten in or get left in the dust. Sunshine was an immediate reader crush for me as were every other character I encountered along the way including the secondary storyline of Auri, her daughter doing the treacherous gauntlet that is high school. Both are strong intelligent female leads that crack their jokes and have a strong mother-daughter bond because of Sunshine’s heartbreaking past. Her parents were salt of the earth and backed her up through all that and into the present.

This book set up the series and slid into a dire group of current cases and Sunshine’s own cold case. Sunshine and her posse work it all and the zany zinging around was no trouble to follow. I loved the intro to the group of older gals that pal around with Sunshine’s mom, her own circle of friends that are as loyal and fun as they come, the redneck and southern Ravinder clan who live ‘back in the hills’ of New Mexico making shine, and of course Auri’s growing circle of friends. Quite the colorful layers for this cast of characters.

There is a slow burn romance for Sunshine even as Auri has her first girl crush and romance with the school’s heartthrob, Cruz. Levi Ravinder is sizzling and there are some nice sultry teasers that foreshadow things though his connection to Sunshine’s own cold case does have her torn in two directions just as the trouble with his family clan is still problematic. Pretty sure these storylines will carry over through the series.

Woven through the book is a hint of magical realism in the form of psychic talent and one fun little crossover moment with the previous Charley Davidson series.

So, all in all, this was an abso-fab winner that will soothe Charley Davidson-loving hearts though will come to love Sunshine Vicram in her own right. Romantic Suspense fans should get in on this one from the beginning.

I rec’d this book via Net Galley from St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.

A Bad Day for Sunshine is a new series by Darynda Jones, who sticks to her writing style of fun, witty with just a dash for uniqueness. If you’re a fan of her work, don’t worry, it is as good as her other series and has funny posts to start of each chapter, which is her signature move.

Sunshine’s parents want her and her daughter to return Del Sol, so to facilitate that, they found a way to get her elected Sheriff. She never expected things to be so crazy in such a small town with little crime, but her first day is bigger than she expects when a teenage girl goes missing, and a kidnapper is on the loose. Sunshine knew she should never have returned, and this case is bringing back a lot of memories from when she was a teenager, but at least there are hot guys around to keep her spirits lifted.

Jones's writing is so easy to read and her story lines always hold my attention making her the perfect writer to follow. If you’re looking for something new to read this will not disappoint.

I absolutely loved Darynda Jones' Charley Davidson series and was sad to see it end. I was so excited to see she had started a new series and even more excited that I really loved it!

It's told from two points of view, Sunshine and her 15 year-old daughter Auri. It worked well and I was just as interested in both points of view and potential love interests. Sunshine Vicram was voted in as the new Sheriff in her Del Sol hometown although she didn't run for the position so has no idea how it happened. The whole story is based on her few first few days in her new role and there are several incidents and mysteries that take place on her very first day. Now that we've been introduced to so many new characters, it will be easier to keep them straight in the next books. So many laughs, teary-eyed moments and almost hot moments.

I really can't wait for more in this series!

This is one author that has the magic with words to keep you hostage as the world created unfolds to the last page. This one is different than her others is also refreshing. A fantastic opening in a series that busted it wide open with this one. Sunshine and her daughter are characters that become good friends right away. Being the new sheriff was a biggie and even a small town has whoppers. Know all about those small town schools but this one will get its rewards. the drama as it unfolds has many aspects leading into other sides of Sunshine's life. Other characters will also be grabbing attention and get it making this one a full bodied read and not wanting to leave anytime soon. Now to wait patiently for the next one knowing it will be worth it.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.
When Sunshine returns to her home town of Del Sol New Mexico she has no idea all the mayhem that is going to happen within the first few days being back. Del Sol is known for their wacky off-beat residents but nothing can prepare the town for a missing teenage girl and a kidnapper. This book was funny, a little romantic, and a great mystery all wrapped up in a nice package. As a fan of Charley Davidson I was hoping this would live up to my exceptions and it did! Thank you Darynda Jones for another great binge worthy series!

A fun and suspenseful page-turner of a book. Highly recommended to look for a quick mystery to get lost in. This book is a book 1 of a series. Thank you to St Martin's press and net galley for my review copy. Highly recommend this one! All opinions are my own.

4 1/2 stars for this crazy, fun, and unique book!

This is an incredibly fun, smart, and well written story that I enjoyed reading. I loved the writing style and I thoroughly enjoyed the wit and sarcasm sprinkled throughout. I'm not sure if I've ever loved a character more than Sunshine Vicram. I mean, she is funny, smart, and so relatable. Honestly this story is crazy but it so much more than that. I loved how complex and layered it was. When I first started it, I wasn't sure how the author was going to make it work, but she did. I was laughing in parts and almost crying in others.

I never talk too much about plot in my reviews because I'm a big fan of going into a book blind. This review will be no exception because I'm not sure I can do the plot justice. It's something you are just going to have to read to understand. The important thing to note is that this book is unique and a breath of fresh. If like me, you read a lot of dark thrillers then this will be the sort of distraction that you will welcome. I can't say enough good things about this book and its crazy cast of characters. Just know that I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. I can't wait to see where the author takes us next!

Huge thank you to NetGalley and the team at St. Martin's Press for providing me with an egalley . I've just found one of my favorite books I've read this year!