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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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.
When the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones was still being written (it ended with book 13) I would take the day off of work when her latest book came out, so I could read it that day. I did not savor it, I devoured it. Continually chuckling and falling deeper and deeper in love (in most cases friend love, although with Reyes, that’s a different story) with the characters. When the Charley Davidson series finished I was content with how it ended and looked forward to what Jones would come up with next.
And she did not disappoint!
If you’ve read the Charley Davidson books you will see some similarities. The chapters all begin with wacky things, but instead of sassy T-shirt sayings, you get crazy police recaps and wacky signs from the local restaurants. And there is a brief run in with Donnie, who was the bartender in the Charley Davidson series. This was a fun nod to that series, and I felt like a little gift left for the readers of Charley.
While characters using ASL (American Sign Language) played a part in the Charley Davidson books, in A Bad Day for Sunshine, Jones ramped up the use, which is fantastic. I love reading about people doing things I know little about. Jones’ oldest son was born deaf and she is a sign language interpreter in an educational setting, so she has first hand knowledge with ASL and it really shows in her writing.
And as for the story itself, it’s full of zany characters and hints of the strange, and perhaps supernatural, when it comes to what happens in the town. A member of her mom’s book club may be psychic and instead of telling the police when something is going to happen, she bakes them muffins. Feuds over a chicken, I mean a rooster, bring levity throughout the book. And Sunshine can’t seem to locate one of her deputies. Every time she asks about him, the only response is Who?, or that he’s out on patrol.
But A Bad Day for Sunshine isn’t all laughs. Jones also touches on some serious subjects, including suicide and adoption. I was tearing up on some of the chapters. So much emotion and hurt drifted off the page, once again showing what a great writer Jones is.
I recommend this book sooooo much! Especially if you enjoyed the Charley Davidson series. But if you’ve never read that series, read this book and then go back and check out Charley in the first book, First Grave on the Right. Readers of the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich may also enjoy both Charley and Sunshine.
Weird little town, weird people results in a really good story. Each and every one of the people are characters all on their own. Sunshine remembers that the town called Del Sol was often called the Psych Ward by the locals. And it sure seemed to fit as well as being amusing most of the time. Well, if you don’t count the dangers. Those were real too.
But Sunshine and her daughter Auri they were in a class all of their own. I loved how they interacted with each other and some of the goofy things that they said. Made me smile more than once. But don’t get me wrong, Sunshine is no wimp. She’s one fierce Mama Bear. In fact, the principal of the school here remembers her as a firecracker.
Getting back to the principal, I really liked him. He really was unusual unlike any principal I ever met. But he also added a flavor of his own at the times he showed up in the story. So did other people and that includes Cruz, who shows up in part where Auri is in her new school. This will make up part of the story and Auri’s upsets from school do add just one more thing to Sunshine’s plate.
There are all kinds of secrets in this book and Levi Ravinder seems to be holding quite a few too. We only get to see some of those secrets about people in this book but not all of them. I kind of went, “Oh no” when I saw that this book had to continue onto another one to hopefully get all the answers. I won’t lie I was disappointed about that. However, I loved the main characters so much, I think I’m going to have to follow up on this when I get the chance.
What makes it even more interesting is that Sunshine has some large gaps in her memory, and it’s important that she remembers or at least figures out what is missing.
I really enjoyed how the chapters started with an amusing Police Blotter entry, they really funny and appropriate. I hope that Chapter 12 Police Blotter entry makes it into the final copies because that one was really funny!
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
Sunshine may be her name but it certainly is not her game. After winning an election for sheriff ogpf her hometown (which she knew nothing about) she returns home. She is a single mom with a teen daughter so she has her hands full. Especially with crazy things going on such as her winning the election. This new series is certainly something to talk about. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Loved this book and the characters. I would like to know the answer to an unanswered question. Hmmm. This is small town living at its best. If you now live or have lived in a small town, you may recognize someone in these characters. Some are quite amusing! Are our decisions always the best way to go? I’m sure at the time we all think so. You get to follow along with Sunshine and crew has they work a current case that brings up memories of a cold case. Mean girls aren’t just in the movies. Interesting how things work out sometimes. This author is new to me, but I hope to read more of her work. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.
***4 Stars***
I seriously wish this Del Sol, New Mexico was real, because I’d so be down for a road trip to visit it and meet all the unique people who inhabit the place. But, as that is not an option I will settle for practicing patience for the next book in the series to drop, because I’m hooked and need more ASAP!
Sunshine was a lot of fun to get to know. She is sassy, sweet, observant and determined and truly cares about everyone in her life. As for the rest of the characters that inhabit this world, her daughter Auri was awesome! She is very much a teenager with her sass and insecurities, but there is a goodness to her that draws you in and I’m looking forward to getting to know her crew of friends a lot better. As for the adults, Sunshine’s parents were awesome, Quincy was a lot of fun ~ as were the rest of the crew at the sheriff’s department. Then there is Levi. I have my own take on the man, but he is definitely going to be a lot of fun to get to know.
This isn’t my first time reading a book by this author, I did dive into the Charley Davidson series for a bit, though I haven’t completed the series, so I already knew I would enjoy the author’s style and voice, which I did very much. My only real issue was that there were parts that felt like they dragged a little, nothing that put me off reading the books or skimming to get to the next part, but enough that it was noticeable though not a surprise considering that this is a first in series and a lot of info was tossed our way. As for the kidnapping. I thought it was done well and I didn’t figure out the who or why until it was all revealed, so big thumbs up for that. And as for that ending? Well, I’m all in and cannot wait to see where the next book takes us!
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
Wow this one is a tough one because it was a little of a lot. Take away – definitely reading book two. Sunshine comes back as Sheriff(a position she didn’t run for) to her home town with her daughter Auri. Their relationship has the feels, laughter and its own drama.
Auri is a teenager with her own issues, new school, some cruel teenagers and a hunky schoolmate. She’s definitely her mom’s daughter with her investigative spirit and her choice in men.
Sunshines’ first day has a car plowing through the office and a missing teen. That is just the beginning. This book had several mystery, tangled and weaved together. Awesome secondary characters with bff Quincy, and childhood crush, teenage, adult, Levi. There are fantastic characters running throughout the book, I can’t wait to know more about them.
The snippits at each chapter made me laugh out loud, the banter between Auri and DeSoto made me smile. The banter between Sunshine and Quincy could be a tad much at times.
This book is told between Sunshine and Auri. At times I was confused as passages appeared to be intermix between the two. I am hoping this was a download issue of the arc, as it definitely interrupted the flow.
I am thrilled NetGalley, St Martin, and Darynda Jones allowed me the opportunity to grab this arc. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions.
Quirky, clever, suspenseful, and outrageously funny!
A Bad Day for Sunshine is a sexy, compelling read that transports you to Del Sol, New Mexico, where strange and unusual things are known to happen, and new police chief, Sunshine Vicram, is having quite the first day with a runaway vehicle, a missing teenage girl, a lost, special needs boy, the kidnapping of a valuable rooster, as well as the unexpected presence of her unrequited love interest and the haunting memories of a past she’d like to forget.
The prose is witty and sharp. The characters are unique, multilayered, and endearing. And the plot, including all the subplots, intertwine and unravel quickly into a humourous, yet thrilling tale filled with family, friendship, heartbreak, secrets, jealousy, obsession, mystique, violence, spirited hijinks, hilarious mishaps, and small-town antics.
Overall, A Bad Day for Sunshine is an intricate, fresh, edgy mystery that kept me entertained and amused from the very first page. It’s the first novel I’ve read by Jones, but based on this creative, fantastic start to this new Sunshine Vicram series, I can guarantee you it won’t be my last.
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.
Book source ~ NetGalley
Sunshine Vicram is back where she grew up. Coming home again is not all sweet apple pie though. Sunshine has somehow been elected Sheriff of Del Sol, New Mexico. While she has no idea how that happened in her absence, she strongly suspect her parents are behind it. In any case, she has to take on the job to serve and protect. However, she’s failing on the protect front when a teenage girl goes missing and Sunshine suspects a kidnapper is on the loose. While organizing a manhunt she has to deal with a multitude of other wacky small town shenanigans. And cursed muffins. Who says you can’t go home again?
If you are a fan of the Charley Davidson series then look no further. This series has everything that is awesome about Charley. Well, except it only has a little of the paranormal stuff. Just a hint. But otherwise it’s all action, humor, and suspense. I love it. Sunshine is a great character, her daughter Auri is adorable, her parents are great, secondary characters shine, and there are a couple of hunky hunks for some bubbling sexual tension. Yum. Pick this one up then strap yourself in because you’re in for a fast and exciting twisty turny ride.
I have been wanting to read a Darynda Jones novel for some time now, so when I saw the chance to grab this advanced review copy from NetGalley, I jumped all over it.
Sunshine Vicram is back in town after some shenanigans pulled by her parents, getting her elected as the sheriff of Del Sol, New Mexico, and supplying her with an adorable home for her and her daughter, Aurora.
Right off I liked Sunshine and Auri’s relationship, their verbal banter leads to some very humorous dialogue, and I could there are some underlying problems.
Sunshine has a past that demands answers and she is going to find them
Auri has seemed a bit off since the New Year’s party she went to when they arrived.
Del Sol is a small town with all kinds of crazy going on. We have some unique, quirky, entertaining characters and lots of secrets surround them. There is a sense of mystery underlying every event that transpires and no one gives answers easily.
I enjoyed the beginning of the book, but began to wonder what all the hoopla was about Darynda Jones’ work. The fun writing and character’s personalities had me liking them and the undercurrent in town made me think there was danger coming, but where is that feeling that I can’t stop reading until I have all the answers? At 30%, I became more involved, but the verdict is still out.
At 62%, Darynda Jones got my attention with a twist and I even teared up thinking about Auri…and the rest of the pack. After this it moved quickly. I know how this will end, but the last third of the book is what made it all worthwhile, keeping me glued to the pages.
Well…I love it and, even though this story is told, I am sure there is more to come for these fabulous characters and I hope to be there with them.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of A Bad Day For Sunshine by Darynda Jones.
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I loved this book and couldn’t put it down. The stories suck you in and yes you read it right, the stories plural. Because the way this book is written is very unique.
First, you won’t feel like only one couple forms the main characters. You have the teenagers like Cruz and Auri that are so sweet and smart that you can’t help but fall in love with them. Then you have Sun and Levi with an intensity that pulls you and leaves you wanting more and cursing everyone that interrupts them.
Each one of them are very well rounded with their own goals and secrets. But the best part is that even when there are many things happening (and trust me, there are) all of it comes together smoothly. You never get bored. This is a book with many mysteries and surprises but it is also a lot of fun with the crazy town people. I can’t wait for the next one.
A Bad Day for Sunshine is the first book in a new series by Darynda Jones. Set in mythical Del Sol, New Mexico, this story begins as Sunshine Vicram takes office as the town’s new sheriff. Sunny has a strong law enforcement background from her work in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, but is a bit taken aback by having won an election that she didn’t know her parents had entered her in. But then Cyrus and Elaine Freyr would move mountains, and build a guest house, to get Sunny and granddaughter Auri back home in Del Sol.
On the first day of the new job a haunting case comes Sunny’s way when a young girl has been abducted. This case hits far too close to home for Sunny. From the letter Sunny receives from the girl and her parents’ accounts, this girl had a premonition and dreams of this happening that no one took seriously. Did she see her future or did she plan it?
With a cast of fascinating characters and more twists than a mountain road, this is a fabulous new series that calls up Sunshine’s past and future in this small town tale. And while it solved the immediate case, there is so much more that the next book will need to reveal. I very much enjoyed this book, I look forward to the next book in the series, and do recommend this story.
I was sucked into this book as soon as I started reading it. You will laugh, cry and get a little heated up reading this book. Sun is a badass with a heart of gold especially for her daughter Auri. I loved how this book went back and forth between Sun and Auri. I really didn’t want the book to end. Though I knew who the bad person was in this book I still had fun reading about it all and who they ended up catching the person. I wish the next book was already out so I could continue the story right now.
*I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
It’s a Darynda Jones book, need I say more? For those of you who loved the “Graves” books as much as I did, this is very different. There’s a little bit of strangeness to Del Sol, NM but not Reyes/Charley strange. Sunshine is the new sheriff of Del Sol after having left town over a decade ago. Problem is – she didn’t run for sheriff. She even won a debate with the ex-sheriff, except she wasn’t there. Now she’s back with her daughter, Aurora. I saw shades of Cookie and Amber in this at first, the way they spoke, probably because I was looking for it. It didn’t take long for these new characters to form their very different personalities. I loved them and all the secondary characters, especially Levi and Cruz. A girl is kidnapped on her first day of work and during the search, Sun comes across clues to do with her own abduction many years before.
It’s clear this is a series and I only have one request. Please tell me I don’t have to wait another year for the next book.
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
I was so excited to read this first book in Darynda Jones’ new series. I love her Charley Davidson series and wasn’t sure what to expect from this book. I must admit, when I started the book I wasn’t pulled in as fast as I expected, however, as I continued reading I fell in love with the story (it didn’t take too many chapters to engage me though so be sure to hang tight if you’re not engaged immediately). Sunshine and her daughter Auri are very well written characters and I already have thoughts on where I’m hoping their stories will continue (I don’t like reviews with spoilers, so I’ll just leave it at that). I enjoyed how the story didn’t have a MAJOR cliffhanger, however, there are enough things that weren’t solved that I can’t want to continue reading this series…. I’m ready for the next book NOW actually!! Anyways, this is a good story that has humor, sassy snark, deep friendships, complicated relationships, romance, and mystery. This book is a must read and I am sure everyone will enjoy getting to know the characters in the small village of Del Sol, New Mexico. Thank you to NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for sharing this amazingly written book in exchange for my honest review!! Thank you, Darynda Jones for writing another book that is beginning a phenomenal series!
A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones is the first book in the Vicram Series. This is the first book I have read by this author and it will not be the last. Ms. Jones wrote a wonderful, entertaining, make you laugh out loud story which drew me right in, making me forget everything else and did not let me go until I turned the last page. This is one of those books once you start you can’t put it down. The story was very well written the characters witty and well developed. If you have the winter blues or are just having a bad day pick up this hilarious book. This was a very quick and fun read. I can’t wait to read the second book in this series.
A serious mystery with laugh out lines! How can that be?
With author Darynda Jones, it is possible. The first I have read from this author and she made it enjoyable. Sunshine is the new sheriff in town and some are not happy about it. But she can’t worry about that now – she has enough to handle including two missing teens, a manhunt for an escaped convict and she is also worried about her daughter that is being bullied at her new school.
A new series that is apparently out of character for the author. But it has just enough mystery to have me looking forward to book two. I received an ARC from Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press. The comments and review are my honest opinion.
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! It was witty, swoon-worthy, and at times, deeply touching. An evocative trifecta and my reading nirvana. Okay, so there was also a mystery (or two) and some shady dealings that were just as impressively written. The book’s main mystery was gritty and thrilling, but the ongoing plot lines have me excited and maybe a little anxious about where they’re headed.
This book hasn’t even released and I’m already lusting for the next one. Just know that this is book 1 of an ongoing romantic mystery series that concludes one mystery, but doesn’t necessarily tie up all the loose ends. Along with 1-2 overarching mystery plot lines, there are unfinished romantic entanglements that continue into the next book(s) as well. Again, I can’t wait! I was completely taken in with this story and enjoyed the author’s humor, dialogue, and all-around story development. For like-minded readers, I can’t recommend it enough.
Darynda Jones never fails to have me glued to the pages and laughing out loud with her books. I absolutely loved A Bad Day for Sunshine! The main characters are fantastic, and the storyline is a definite page-turner. I loved the bond between Sunshine and her daughter. And Levi Ravinder…*fans self* Ooh baby! I can’t wait for more from this series!