New York Times bestselling author Darynda Jones is back with the first novel in the brand-new snarky, sassy, wickedly fun Sunshine Vicram series—A Bad Day for Sunshine!“Laugh-out-loud funny, intensely suspenseful, page-turning fun.”—New York Times bestselling author Allison Brennan”A Bad Day For Sunshine is a great day for the rest of us.”—New York Times bestselling author Lee Child Sheriff … rest of us.”—New York Times bestselling author Lee Child
Sheriff Sunshine Vicram finds her cup o’ joe more than half full when the small village of Del Sol, New Mexico, becomes the center of national attention for a kidnapper on the loose.
Del Sol, New Mexico is known for three things: its fry-an-egg-on-the-cement summers, strong cups of coffee—and, now, a nationwide manhunt? Del Sol native Sunshine Vicram has returned to town as the elected sheriff—thanks to her adorably meddlesome parents who nominated her—and she expects her biggest crime wave to involve an elderly flasher named Doug. But a teenage girl is missing, a kidnapper is on the loose, and all of this is reminding Sunshine why she left Del Sol in the first place. Add to that the trouble at her daughter’s new school, plus and a kidnapped prized rooster named Puff Daddy, and, well, the forecast looks anything but sunny.
But even clouds have their silver linings. This one’s got Levi, Sunshine’s sexy, almost-old-flame, and a fiery-hot US Marshal. With temperatures rising everywhere she turns, Del Sol’s normally cool-minded sheriff is finding herself knee-deep in drama and danger. Can Sunshine face the call of duty—and find the kidnapper who’s terrorizing her beloved hometown—without falling head over high heels in love…or worse?
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I love this book, but it was hard sometimes trying to figure out who was talking, but I hope it will be fixed in the finished copy. I can’t wait to read more from this author. I also hope that this will be a series; there are so many questions I need answers to. Also, in the beginning, Sunshine was run over, and the paramedics said she needed stitches, but she never went to the hospital? I am confused about that, did she go to the hospital, or not?
Beware the muffins ! Seriously if someone brings you some delicious mouth watering muffins, buckle up buttercup it’s going to be rough day.
I will admit to being afraid to start this book. I loved her previous series, it’s in my top 5 series, read and re-read several times. I was afraid it wouldn’t or couldn’t be as soul catching. Silly me Ms. DJ, wrote another book that I can’t stop thinking about and already want to re-read. The characters are fantastic. Sunshine, Levi, Quincey, Auri, Cruz, Jimmy and many more make up this quirky town each memorable and lovable. Sunshine’s relationship with her daughter was wonderful and fun.
Sunshine is the new sheriff in town. She grew up in this town and has good, bad and some lost memories from her time here. She moves back to town with her teenage daughter, in an apartment behind her parents house. The funny thing is she didn’t run for sheriff but somehow she won the job. Her first day on the job goes wild when one town’s folks brings them some muffins, cursed muffins ! That’s where it all started to go wrong.
The ending, < deep sigh > left me hanging off a cliff by my fingernails. I have to know ! I will be preordering book 2 asap.
I receiver a copy of this from the publisher for an honest review
This was an advanced reader edition I received for free. I was pleasantly surprised, as I have not read this author before. The release date is 4-7-20. So, if you are already a fan (or you are a new reader to Jones’ work), this book will draw you in as you read.
Sunshine returns to the town of Del Sol as the sheriff for a full-blown challenge from day one. You’ll want to read this book. I believe it will be an intro to a new series. I think Sunshine will face more challenges as readers follow her. Her daughter Auri is a captivating character that will keep you waiting for her contributions to her mom’s cases. Well-woven and developed…look for this book when it is released.
Sunshine Vicram’s first day as Sheriff in her old hometown includes mystic muffins, a car crashing through her office and a kidnapping. This powerfully written story grabs you immediately and doesn’t let go. The writing is very skillful, with a nice twisty plot and believable, well-developed characters. Highly recommended! I’m eagerly awaiting the next book. I received this book free and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.
2.5 Stars
“Sometimes the hand you’re dealt sucks.”
Let me start by saying that I adore Darynda Jones’ Charley Davidson series! I devoured each book and cursed nonstop with each ending in a cliffhanger. After 13 books, the series ended (kinda), and I was so excited to learn about a new story she was developing. Now if you are like me and was an avid fan of Ms. Jones’ writing style in the Charley Davidson series, you may enjoy A Bad Day for Sunshine, so don’t let my opinion sway you on giving the book a shot!
Now you are probably asking if I enjoyed the snark and humorous storytelling, why did I only rate this book 2.5 stars. Because for me, the snark and humor only carried this story so far…
In the beginning, the banter between Sunshine and her daughter and others was familiar territory, but perhaps too familiar. It had the feel of Charley minus the paranormal elements, and half way through it meandered so much that I was confused, and there was no end in sight. Yes, you will be left with a cliffhanger feeling when you reach the end. Sorry, you have been warned!
The other problem I had may be an age thing with me…I’m in my 40’s, and honestly, I was getting an ick ick ick feeling reading about Sunshine’s 14-year-old daughter and the (insert every adjective you can imagine for sexy/hot/cute) wanna be boyfriend. Now if this is a marketed YA novel, I’d totally understand, but it’s not (is it?), and I really don’t want to spend every other chapter reading about how sexy this high school boy is…ick…
As to the actual plot, I believe there is a mystery Sunshine and her deputies are attempting to solve, but between her drooling over the boy (now man) that got away (at least for now) and the drama of her past “accident” playing in the background, I just couldn’t keep track and felt like I needed a flowchart to keep pace with the changing storylines.
As with all books/stories, some appeal to readers and others do not. This was a no go for me, and I will not be continuing the series (sad to say). But if you are a fan of Darynda Jones, give Sunshine Vicram a try! While not mine, it could possibly be your next fav read…
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
This is book one in the Sunshine Vicram series. It offers readers a pleasant introduction to characters with some contextual background. At its core, the narrative is a mystery/police procedural but Darynda Jones brilliantly wraps it up in off-the-wall satire and quick-to-love characters. She offers the readers a variety of emotional pulls and a bit of an angsty love-hate dynamic. The conclusion does leave some lingering questions so readers looking for a tidy wrap up may be disappointed. However, the plot arc will carry over nicely to the next book(s) as the narrative continues to develop. Looking forward to see what’s next! 5 stars.
abduction, law-enforcement, romance, suspense, situational-humor, verbal-humor, family-dynamics, friendship
Hard to put down! All kinds of cops, all kinds of fun, a plot line that has many threads woven together to keep us reading through to the end and waiting for the next one! It also has plenty of misdirection, plot twists, and red herrings. The publisher’s blurb is pretty good at providing hooks and hinting at an overview, and I see no need for spoilers. Just let it grab you by the imagination so you can enjoy the fun stuff while working on the tough stuff. I absolutely loved it!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from St Martin’s Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
This was fantastic! It had all the elements that I loved in the author’s Charley Davidson series but with a new set of characters and a whole new world that I absolutely loved. I am so excited for this new series. I can already tell you this will be a series I will want to re-read often.
Those elements I mentioned is the snarky heroine, fun sidekicks and an incredibly intense hero. To me it’s the perfect formula to an entertaining series. As fun and entertaining as this book was, it also had some pretty heavy material. I can admit that I cried a couple times. There are a few sad moments that really pulled on my heart. It’s a well rounded book with everything it provides.
This author really knows how to build up the intensity for her couples. She seems to love that delayed satisfaction and normally I would say that I want it now, but I can’t deny that it’s worth the wait. The longer it takes for the couple to get together, the more the intensity builds. I think this couple will be another explosive relationship to look forward too.
If I thought it would do any good, I would beg for the next book to be published soon after A Bad Day for Sunshine. This doesn’t end on a cliffhanger but you also know there is more to come and I can’t wait!
A Bad Day for Sunshine is as fantastic as Darynda Jones Charley Davidson series! The protagonist, Sun or Sunshine has many of Charley’s qualities without the paranormal element, as far a we know. Her 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 great 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, and a couple of guys. I am so ready for the next five or six books to be available, can not wait!
I requested an ARC from NetGalley and you can imagine how excited I was to be approved.
#Netgalley #ABadDayforSunshine
What did Jones do, put several storylines, a ton of characters, a variety of genres and more into a blender and let it whip? There’s way, way too much going on here and none of the most important bits in a new series get enough attention. There were also a lot of similarities to her previous (Charley Davidson) series. If it’s going to be a new series, let’s try something different. That said, I’m sure many fans of the first series won’t mind more.
Besides the fact that was too much of everything, it jumped all over the place. The transitioning (despite someone else’s review) was awful. One line we’re with Sunshine in the middle of something then BAM! we’re with Aurora. There was constant whiplash shifting. I would have to back track a few lines sometimes to figure out what happened.
Sunshine acting like she was almost in heat reminded me of the later Charley books and it turned me off there as it did here. Yes, a 32 or 33 year old woman is going to look at men and evaluate them, but there was too much of it.
The characters and setting have a lot of potential, but I think the author needs to calm it down and develop this new world in a more focused fashion and give them time to develop and slowly add more facets as the stories unroll.
The sad thing is that the “signs” that start off the chapters (aka the t-shirt sloagans in the Charley davidson series) are the best part of the book.
Definitely willing to give book 2 a shot, but hope the story development improves.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
I’ve read other books by this author and this is so different.
I enjoyed the story, it kept me guessing to the end. Loved all the characters and will look forward to next one in the series. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy.
A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones is book one in her new series. I fell in love with this book from chapter one.
Ms. Jones’ descriptive writing made the town of Del Sol and it’s residents come alive. This story flowed as readers are introduced to Sunshine, Quincy, Auri, Jimmy, Hailey and Levi. The kidnapping mystery was complex with so few suspects and clues that I was beginning to doubt if it would be solved in this first book. With Ms. Jones’ sarcastic wit, a well-crafted plot and another mystery about Sunshine to be resolved in a future book, I am hooked on this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
Wow oh wow. I could not put this book down. From the very first word till the very last word, I was taken away by this book. It moves along at a very comfortable reading speed and transitions between scenes easily. The characters you will fall in love with and no matter what may be in their way attempting to block them from what they want to achieve, you want to see them overcome. The story is sooo good that once you start reading you will be hooked. There is no doubt about it. This book needs to be on your list to read, you will not be sorry and in fact you will be recommending it to your friends.
I cannot wait for the next book! Del Sol is this quirky and eccentric small town in New Mexico. Sunshine thought she left Del Sol behind for good, until she ends up as the new town Sheriff thanks to her parents. Returning home isn’t easy as she has many secrets and never forgot her first crush, Levi. Sunshine is smart, savvy, sassy, and follows her gut. She’s a great mom to her spunky chip-off-the-block daughter, Auri.
Everyone in town is entertaining and some are not so happy for Sunshine and her daughter to return. Theirs is a homecoming filled with secrets, teen drama, romance, and new cases. Sunshine at least gets to work with her best friend as one of their new cases brings up her past and has her seeing the grown-up version of Levi. Sparks fly as she works with Levi and other sexy (and available) men in law enforcement. Darynda Jones created a new series just as engaging and addictive as the Charley Davidson series and left me wanting more.
This is a really good read that will keep you riveted to your seat as the story unfolds. The mystery is well written and will keep you guessing until the end. The added elements of additional unsolved crimes keep you guessing and wanting to find out who dunnit, especially the mystery of Sunshine’s past. I highly recommend this book to all mystery lovers.
I am a huge Darynda Jones fan, so when I saw her name as the author, I jumped on this opportunity to read this NetGalley ARC.
Though the are some similar relationships (a mother, her smart and savvy daughter, and a distinct hottie), this book is a huge departure from her Charley Davidson series, though it is also just as full of suspense, and twists and turns, and all-out laughter as you have come to expect from Ms. Jones. Sprinkled through the text are some of the best fiction lines I have ever read in my life!
I had some “what I thought were good guesses” as I read, most of which were blown out of the water in spectacular fashion. When I thought there was something so obvious that it couldn’t be missed, but was, it turned out that there was a darned good reason for it!
If you’re a Darynda Jones fan (as you should be), I wouldn’t pay too much attention to those who think this book is a disappointment. I had two other ARCs with reading deadlines in-hand before I got “Sunshine,” and opening Sunshine made me completely forget about the other two.
The only thing that consistently bothered me was the non-graphic way Jones switched points of view within a chapter. With no line feed separation spacing, no graphic (***, or ———————, or +++++++++++, or anything whatsoever) separation, no nothing, just the next line not indented introducing what could easily have been a completely new chapter, in some cases, and was just switching back to the other POV. Your brain does a double-take and comes to a complete halt, every single time. The layout needs work.
Fabulous start for a new series by a brilliant author. If you’ve read any of the Charley Davidson series you will be familiar with the kind of humor that draws the reader in. The story/plot have many different facets going on with it. There is the current mystery they are trying to solve, but meanwhile one or two addition crimes take place, plus that one ‘big picture’ mystery that will most likely carry over throughout the series. The characters are very lovable. They are all smart and witty, even the brooding ones. Sunshine (the Protagonist) has survived a horrible incident when she was younger, and she is determined to stand strong no matter what comes her way. She’s raising her daughter to be a strong independent girl as well. (Sometimes easier said than done.) The pair have a unique relationship and are closer than many mothers and daughters. Along with the crimes that take place, there is also some personal mysteries surrounding the duo, and couple of the other small town residents. There’s a little romance throughout, but no sexual content included. There is a small amount of violence played out, but nothing to bad or gory. While the crimes and all are of a serious nature, the book as a whole has a lightness about it (primarily due to the humor.) It’s a well written and well plotted book. Easy to read. Alternates between POVs. I feel this could be safely enjoyed by both teens and adults.
*I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley.
A Bad Day for Sunshine is an absolutely incredible day for readers! I missed Charley Davidson and the sarcastic, witty, snappy dialogue that came along with the characters, now Sun, Auri, Quincy and the rest are here and the dialogue is so on point, I loved every second!
Now, Sun somehow gets elected sheriff without running, thanks to mom and dad’s efforts, right there that should tell you something about this place, or the fact that muffins being delivered to the police department signal impending doom… Or that for 9 years a little girl knew something would happen on her 15th birthday – psychic or something else.
There is so much going on in this book, it could have come across as absolute chaos, but that’s actually the intention and it works beautifully. I didn’t get lost along the way, instead I got lost in the story and the characters, and isn’t that really the goal?