A Hard Day for a Hangover = Pure Entertainment.

Sheriff Sunshine Vicram is doing what she does best, solving crime in Del Sol, Mexico with her bestie, Chief Deputy Quincy Cooper, and the rest of her team, which just happens to include her teenage daughter Auri, who thinks of herself as an amateur detective.

It’s all hands on deck when a young woman is found injured on the mountainside. Near death, Sunshine, Quincy and Levi Ravinder, the love of Sunshine’s life, who also happens to be deputized, rappel down to the ravine to save her. Meanwhile Auri works to figure out who the mystery girl is.

A buddy listen with Kaceey that we both enjoyed

A well written mystery with lots of laughs, Darynda Jones reeled me in from the start. Best friends, Sunshine and Quincy trade sarcastic barbs like no other, and the relationships between all the characters give me the warm fuzzies.

Thanks to Minotaur Books via NetGalley for the arc.

★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S A HARD DAY FOR A HANGOVER ABOUT?
Wow, this is hard to do. This is the third book in a trilogy, so let's start off with this—all the ongoing storylines are progressing—barrelling to some sort of conclusion, we get to know everyone a little better, we see the ramifications and ripple effects of the deaths, arrests, plots, and everything else from book 1 and 2, secrets are revealed, lives are changed, and....well, it's a third book. A lot happens, many things end, and some things start.

There are a couple of new/book-specific plotlines: the town flasher gets stabbed by an unlikely weapon; a prisoner escapes from state custody, which leads to some uncomfortable questions for Sherrif Vicram; someone breaks into the home of one of the town's elderly residents (and she wants it covered up); a young woman is found beaten and hanging on for dear life—and she may not be the first woman in that situation; and a group of grade schoolers starts a boy band (you won't believe which of those storylines intersect).

All in all, this is a bad week for Sunny to start hungover.

HOT ONES
I'm not a die-hard fan, but my wife and I watch a lot of Hot Ones —and we frequently buy and use the sauces we see on the show. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you should fix that, and this illustration won't make much sense. Sorry about that.

When I'm eating those sauces, I generally prefer the ones that are in the 1-3 slots, but occasionally, I can enjoy up to a 5 (and, yes, I've eaten sauces in all 10 spots—and have consumed "The Last Dab" more than once). If you convert Hot Ones's sauces into sex scenes in books, I think you'd find my tastes for those pretty well align. Keep things mild, close the door before things go too far, and let these people have some privacy.

Jones clearly has no designs to do anything like that. This book (like the rest of the series) is definitely not erotica—but it's far too spicy for my taste. It's not so distasteful that I have to stop reading, but my skim-reflex does kick in. As I said when I talked about A Good Day for Chardonnay, All I could think of as I read those sections was, "My mom is going to read this." She's going to read it because I bought her the first book. Not only is she going to read this book, but she's also going to know that I read those scenes. And then I wanted to burst into flames.

I would guess that there are fewer spicey scenes in this book, but they rank higher on the Scoville scale. That's going to please some (most?) fans, but others should know that going in.

TOO MUCH?
Like the previous two books, Jones keeps the action jumping back and forth between Sunny and Auri, from case to case, or from case to personal arc constantly. And every time you think you're about to settle into one of the stories for a while, she yanks the focus from you to something else (quite possibly something you'd forgotten was going on). There are times I felt like a lab dropped into a herd of squirrels, never sure what I should be focused on because there were so many things to watch.

And, on the whole, I found this as effective and fun as before. I don't think Jones could write a boring story, but I'm not sure because she never gives you the chance to start to get bored with a storyline, before she changes things.

But...I'm not sure it was the right choice for this book. She'd given us so many great characters, so many wonderful ideas and plots, plus the new ones we that she introduced in this novel. I think it was just too much. There were (at least) two great characters that we never got to see this whole novel—they were mentioned, but the life-changing nature of what transpired in the storyline they're attached to could've used their presence. Mostly, I'm bothered because one of them was one of the brightest rays of sunshine in the series (and in this series, that's saying something).*

* I take that back. Sort of. One of the two I'm thinking of shows up for one scene. The fact that I remembered this just before publishing both illustrates what I said about this being overstuffed and undercuts my complaint.

Then there are storylines that seem to be given short-shrift—I can't get into specifics without spoilers—but there were a couple of storylines that we'd spent so much time over the previous two books that I expected something major to occur here—but we get token bits of instead. That's largely true for some of the storylines introduced in these pages, too.

Still, there's just so much happening—so much to enjoy and get caught up in—that other than the absence of that bright ray of sunshine I mentioned, I didn't notice and/or care about this until I sat down to think about and write about the book. I do think that this novel could've benefited from another 70-100 pages to give us all the characters readers expect to see and give adequate space for all the storylines. But in 350 pages for Jones to accomplish all that she does is an impressive feat and I don't want to complain about that.

I guess I'm just feeling like someone who goes to a concert for a favorite band and they don't play as many of their hits that you wanted them to, just most of them—and seemed to cut off the encore a little sooner than you'd hoped.

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT A HARD DAY FOR A HANGOVER?
I had such a blast with this. I seriously didn't want it to end—not just because of what I talked about in the last section—but unless this trilogy spawns a sequel or becomes a longer series, this is the end of the road for these characters. I don't want to be done with them—especially not Auri and her friends. We've gone so far with all of these characters and I want to see what happens to them next.

That doesn't seem fair to this book—it's funny, it's charming, it's sweet—probably sweeter than the rest just because of where various storylines resolve. Even the silly raccoon storyline will elicit a few "awwww"s. The banter between Sunny and Auri is as great as ever—ditto for Quincy and Sunny. I don't need plots, Jones can just release occasional 30-40 page collections of conversations between those pairs every now and then as they go about their daily lives, and I'll buy every one.

The mysteries were resolved nicely (and I got one pretty large surprise along the way)—although I thought the missing prisoner story was resolved a bit too neatly (space issue, I'm sure). It'd be easy to overlook most of those stories in the midst of all the other stuff going on, and that'd be a shame—Jones really can tell a mystery story well and I hope she returns to the genre soon.

I'm honestly at a loss for what to say beyond this—if you've read A Bad Day for Sunshine and A Good Day for Chardonnay, of course, you're going to want to read this—and you'll be so glad that you did. If you haven't read the previous novels—do not start here, go back and start from A Bad Day and you'll thank me. This book—like the series—is a little bit Moonlighting, it's a little bit Veronica Mars, it's a little bit Gilmore Girls, and it's a lot of warm-hearted fun.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this.

A hard day for a hangover is the third and final book in the Sunshine Vicram trilogy and while I’m disappointed that this series can’t go on forever I was not disappointed in the book itself. Imagine if Lorelai Gilmore was the police chief in Stars Hollow. Did that hook you like it would’ve me? Sunshine has such a witty personality and fierce love for her daughter and her town. Darynda Jones’ writing is so atmospherical that you feel as though you’ve been sucked into the book and town from the very first page all the way through to the last. Every character, no matter how small a roll they play feels so alive well thought out. This book, as well as the previous two in the series, had such a great mystery but also had such poignant, heart warming parts where you find yourself not only rooting for your favorite characters but crying along side them, fighting with them, laughing with them. Picking up this book is like going on vacation to a small town with all of your favorite people.

sigh. I love the snarky humor, strong female characters, and interesting smart mysteries... but, I am soooo over Sunshine's obsession with Levi and her daughter's obsession with boyfriend, Cruz. Their behavior & decisions are completely at odds with the way their characters are portrayed otherwise.
The final standoffs - yes more than one - are high energy and satisfying. Looking forward to the next in this series.

Darynda Jones has done it again! This is a 5 star book in my opinion. A Hard Day for a Hangover is the third book in the Sheriff Sunshine Vicram series, so you definitely want to read the first two novels before digging into this one, as they do build off of each other story wise.

Darynda Jones writes her characters with such fun and witty personalities that I can't help but wish they were real people in Santa Fe's police force. Readers immediately can sense the love and loyalty each of the townspeople have for not only their homes but each other as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy of this novel.

Book 3 of 3 and I'm pretty bummed it's the end. Sunshine Vicram is back mere days after all that imploded in book 2, A Good Day for Chardonnay. We start with a local hunter finding a girl who had been thrown off the side of a canyon, barely still alive. Sunshine and her Scooby Gang are on the case while sneaky Auri, her 15 year old daughter, works the case at her high school as she thinks her nemesis' cousin may be involved. Levi, Sunshine's dreamy crush since she was a kid, is back of course and they finally talk about their past and future. A moment I've been waiting for since Book 1! This last book is filled with its loved quick-witted dialogue, many crimes to solve, Sunshine and Auri's banter and the quirky town-folks, again including Randy the Raccoon, still running around messing with Quincy. I absolutely loved this one and read it at record speed. Thank you NetGalley, Goodreads and St. Martin's Press for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

A Hard Day for a Hangover – Darynda Jones

Police Chief Sunshine Vicram and the colorful residents of Del Sol, New Mexico are back once more in another hilarious and unforgettable read!

It’s just another day in Del Sol when Sunshine and her 2nd in command Quincy find themselves assessing an assault victim in the ED, a telltale knitting needle buried deep in his neck. But this isn’t any assault victim – it’s Doug the Flasher - and Sunshine figures that he finally flashed his pride and joy to the wrong person. As Sunshine questions the victim, Quincy sees that she is distracted, and calls her on it, allowing her to reflect (and update potential new readers) on the recent events that occurred between her and the town’s bad boy, Levi Ravinder – like his complete silence when she revealed to him that he was the father of her daughter, Auri, followed by his sudden disappearance when she tried to place him in protective custody for his safety, and taking Quincy’s police cruiser with him, to boot!

As the duo finishes their interview with Doug, they head back to the Station, where they soon learn that a hunter has spotted a body, somewhere in Copper Canyon. As she and Quincy arrive on scene, they learn that the young female is alive, and group together to plan their rescue. Out of the blue, the aforementioned cruiser thief, Levi, walks up like he never left, and assists with getting the girl to safety. But now Sunshine has a real mystery on her hands – who harmed this girl and why? Have there been other victims?

As Sunshine and Levi rekindle past feelings, she and her crew work to solve this latest mystery, while Auri - and every bit a chip off the old block, much to Sunshine’s delight and dismay - starts her own investigation into the going’s on around town, coming surprisingly close to the truth in doing so - and drawing a killer’s attention. As a field trip gone awry becomes a game of cat and mouse, Auri must use her wits to outmaneuver the killer until her Mom and the rest of the force can arrive…

This was the third and final installment of a delightfully funny series, and I am so sad to see these characters and their exploits end. I can only hope that somehow, the author and publisher will re-consider extending these characters, and the colorful townspeople of Del Sol for some more laugh-out-loud action and suspense! I don’t think I could ever get enough. In the meantime, I’ll have to settle for some of her older works – these novels were that good!!

I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy from Netgalley & Montlake in exchange for an objective review. Do you love to read?? Visit netgalley.com and start reviewing books today!!

Thank you NetGalley, Darynda Jones and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of A Hard Day For A Hangover. This is my personal review.
I have to say that Darynda Jones knows how to tie up a trilogy! It was done perfectly. I enjoyed them all and I know you will too! There was a bit of lag in parts of the story but all in all it was a very good book.
This book has Sunshine doing what she does best- solving crimes and giving the reader enough to make them keep turning the pages.

Omg the best book ever! Levi and Sunshine are goals yes! My heart hurt that this wonderful laugh out series is over. I’d love to read a series about the daughter as well. Super in depth character development but at the same time we get comic relief too. Darynda Jones is a mastermind!! Can’t wait to continue reading more books of hers (meanwhile I’ll continue to reread all her other books)
Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

The third book in this series finds Sheriff Sunshine Vicram investigating when a barely alive teenage girl is found on the side of a hill. In addition, she is having to deal with the revelation that her daughter is also the daughter of the love of her life, Levi. Oh and his uncle is trying to kill him.

Another great mystery! There were a lot of loose ends tied up here so I’m curious to see if there will be another, and if so, what direction that one goes in. I will say a warning for this one - there is a surprising sex scene here. It didn’t feel super relevant (and also different from the previous tones of these books) so skip ahead if that’s not your jam - it won’t affect the plot at all!

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I'm going to miss these characters but I loved this finale so much! Sun, Levi, Auri and the rest all have grabbed my heart and the way things wrap up is so satisfying. There's plenty of mystery and intrigue with a huge dose of humor. I am never disappointed by a Darynda Jones book!

This series starring Sunshine Vicram has given me lots of laughs in each book. All the characters are back - even that raccoon (it's time for him to disappear in my opinion) - in this adventure and there's a lot going on in Sheriff Vicram's town.

It all starts when Sunshine wakes up with a hangover, and then the day gets progressively worse. There's a hunter who called and said he had spotted a girl in Copper Canyon who has been badly injured and sexually assaulted. While at the hospital with the girl, a prisoner who was brought in with a heart attack escapes. Wanda's special sewing tin has disappeared and she is very anxious for Sunshine to recover it. The Book Babes, a group Sunshine's mother is in, wants to do ride alongs with the Sheriff's department so they can write a book. Auri, Sunshine's 15-year-old daughter, thinks she's an investigator. Then, of course, there is Levi Ravinder, the love of Sunshine's life. There's a reveal with Dangerous Daughters and Sinister Sons, the group that runs the town. Whew - just a lot going on!

I hear this is the end of the series and I am so bummed! I love reading about these characters and their adventures and I'd love for Darynda Jones to continue spinning their stories. These are memorable characters, and the humor in the book is perfect.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on December 6, 2022.

I hadn't realized Darynda Jones had released a new series until I saw this book come up to request! I had read her Charley Davidson series before and had loved it.

When I requested this book before I was even approved I ran and purchased the first two books in the series. I devoured them. The way the characters pull you into their fun, quirky and dangerous stories reminded me why I loved Darynda Jones as an author.

I will also say I really enjoyed the Easter Egg to the Charley Davidson series in this book!

I highly recommend this book ( and the other twoin the series) to anyone that enjoys Janet Evanovich or Sue Grafton books! I have heard this is a triology but I really hope to see more from Sunshine, Auri, Levi and their friends and family!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to enjoy this ARC!

Wow, what an ending to an incredible series. Reading the series in order would be helpful as there are so many eclectic characters. Sheriff Sunshine is the most complex and unique of them all She is feminine and a badass at the same time.

Sun suffered a trauma being abducted as a teen but has ended up being a loving mom, competent sheriff and team leader along with being in love with a bad boy.
Levi has adored Sunshine forever and thankfully misunderstandings finally get healed. I adore Levi and despite his warped family and rough upbringing he is a decent man.

And Auri, Sunshine's 15 year old daughter is clearly once again the star of the story. Her spunk and fearlessness is definitely from her DNA. This story is full of action and just in case it sets off a trigger there is a live shooter scene.

I highly recommend this high octane tale of murder, mystery and finally romace. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book for my reading pleasure.

The Sunshine Vicram series just makes me so happy. Right off the bat, each chapter starting out with some witty sign, a funny tshirt, or hilariously relatable diary entry sets the tone for ridiculous adventures that the city of Del Sol provides. You know as soon as the gift basket is delivered that something bad is about to happen!

I love in this book that we FINALLY got to see the “reveal” of the past relationship with Sunshine and Levi (& Ari 🥰) I think we already knew it but finally having it out in the open made me so happy! The slow burn relationship came to & we love them together!

As always the mystery isn’t just one layer, but multiple layers with tons of mysteries to solve! I know this is the final book in the series but I need more Sunshine & the gang in my life 😫

The last book in the Sunshine Vicram Trilogy, A Hard Day for a Hangover, does not disappoint. Author Darynda Jones has yet again knocked it out of the park with this book. Full of snarky humor and great one-liners, it is a page-turner with a plot that swiftly carries you through the story. If you like mystery, romance, family, and snarky humor then this is the book (trilogy) for you. Five stars!

I don't know how Darynda Jones does it. This is a laugh-so-hard-tears-blur-your-vision thriller which combines humor and nail-biting suspense.

Sunshine Vicram is the sheriff of tiny Del Sol, New Mexico, but tiny certainly doesn't mean crime-free. Between the local flasher and someone "disappearing" young women and a family rivalry that wants Sun's long-time love dead, she has a lot to do.

I love the relationship between Sun and her fifteen-year-old precocious daughter Auri who really wants to be as great an investigator as her mother and often finds herself in deadly danger. I liked the romances too between Auri and Cruz and between Sun and Levi Ravinder - the man she's loved since pre-school.

The dialog is wonderfully done. It's packed with humor and always entertaining. The quotes at the start of each chapter almost always made me chuckle even though the chapter contents might have not been at all humorous as the danger grew.

Fans of humor and thrillers will really enjoy this series. This is the third book, but the first two are equally engaging.

This book takes place right after the events in book 2 (and I think for this series, it's good to start at the beginning - which shouldn't be a problem because all three books are great.

The issues in the previous books get resolved, but there is also a new mystery with a series of young women disappearing.

I love the characters in Darynda Jones' novels. They make me laugh, and some of the situations are silly, but for me it never crosses the line into being TOO silly. Sunshine's daughter Auri is fantastic, and I was glad she was a point of view character along with Sunshine.

A fitting conclusion (at least it seemed liked a solid finale) to the Sunshine Vicram romantic suspense mystery series! In this book Sheriff Sunshine has reunited with her high school sweetheart and the father of her teenage daughter, Levi. She also is in charge of tracking down the murderer of a number of young girls. Full of the trademark wit and heart, this newest book did not disappoint! Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!! Recommended for fans of books like Finlay Donovan is killing it.

Jones is a longtime favorite author and I love this new mystery series. The characters are complex yet so relatable, Sunny and Auri are quirky, down-to-earth and totally loveable and the dual narration, of Sunny and Auri, is a nice difference and I love seeing their different perspectives. Jones has written a police procedural mystery that’s well-balanced and keeps you on the edge until the end. And can I just say that Jones snarky sense of humor just hit me in the right spot. I also love the development of Sunny and Levi’s relationship, the slow burn buildup of the first two books was paid off very satisfyingly (wink wink). Check the CWs as this book tackles sensitive subjects. This is book three in the Sunshine Vicram series, to get caught up on all the hijinks be sure to check out the first in the series, A Bad Day for Sunshine.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley & St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.