It's been about a month since I read 'A Bad Day for Sunshine' and it absolutely still merits a 5 star rating because I did enjoy reading it and it was a very good story. I haven't sought out any of the books that followed this start to the series though, for what that's worth. But that could just be me, since I usually find the start to a series to be the best and am wary of future variations.

I can absolutely see this novel being turned into a movie or a show, and I'm honestly surprised it hasn't been. The rural landscape, the quirky sheriff and her would-be romance with the dark and mysterious brewery owner who might have mob connections, missing kids, precocious kids... it screams Hollywood.

And in the meantime, I highly recommend it if the summary sounds good to you!

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I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest an original review. All thoughts are my own.

I am slow giving a review for this one. I have read other novels by Darynda Jones & "A Bad Day for Sunshine" did not disappoint! I have already started the 2nd one in the series! Sunshine Vicram is a great character and so are all the others! Sun & her teenage daughter have returned to her home town, as the new elected sheriff, even though she didn't run for sheriff...something her parents pulled off to bring her home.
This book made me laugh out loud many times!

I had a couple of false starts with this book, but I cannot say for the life of me what the problem was. I mean, I love the other series by this author (okay, it would be more correct to say that I "loved" that series because after a point things started to become less funny or interesting and more annoying, but still...) and sure, because of that I had some expectations. But the expectations were not the problem here. I mean, I was expecting something funny, with a great MC, humor, some nonsense, and some mysteries. And we have all of that. And yet, I started the reading and then dropped it a couple of times. I guess it was just not the right moment for it.
But at last, I started it and I went right through it till the end. And do you know what? I had a ton of fun with it!
I love Sunshine, and I love that we get not only one sassy MC with a strong will and a big heart, but two, because in the package there is Aury, too, who is her daughter and a great character in her own right. And Levi. He is on par with my expectations (and if you have already met Reyes, you know that my expectations were pretty high!). I loved the characters, I loved the humor, and I loved the mystery. But the best part? The mother-daughter relationship! I am not usually a big fan of this, not that I dislike it, it's just that usually I don't give it a lot of attention but in this case, it is well worth mentioning.
If you are in for some fun, a lot of absurd things (but in the best way!), a swoon-worthy male character, some really sweet moments, and the shadow of the past hovering above them all, well, search no more! This new series is the right one for you!

The second I started listening to A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones, I knew I was going to have a hard time doing anything else. Darynda's storytelling hooked me right from the start, and Lorelei King's narration brought the story and characters to life in my ears, making me believe I was there with the characters as everything unfolded.

I'm a romance/fantasy reader most of the time, but there are times I crave a mystery/thriller that has me on the edge of my seat with the characters that are trying to solve cases. It also helps when the story has humor in it that has you laughing out loud and your husband giving you crazy eyes, wondering what can be so funny in a mystery book. A Bad Day for Sunshine was that book. If I had to stop listening to the book because I had to sleep, I was dreaming about it or thinking about it constantly.

I needed to know if Sheriff Sunshine Vicram was going to find the kidnapper who kidnapped Sybil, who happened to be around the same age as her daughter. The girl who was abducted premonitioned her kidnapping for years in her dreams, but no one believed her until it eventually happened, and now that is the first case that Sheriff Sunshine Vicram has to solve on her first day on the job. Sunshine's daughter, Auri, knows the girl and wants to help her mom find her, but unfortunately is dealing with her own issues at school, with kids bullying her due to her mother being the Sheriff of their small town.

Poor Sunshine Vicram is having a busy few days at her new job as Sheriff, something she never signed up for, but she won during the election. I felt terrible for her, but she did have some fantastic deputies working for her, one of them being her best friend from school, who was assisting her in her new job. Sunshine isn't only dealing with the kidnapping case but also having to figure out what happened to her when she was seventeen since she has no memory of her abduction. She only knows that it may involve the Ravinder family since they are part of an organized crime family.

I really enjoyed this book and wish I would have read it sooner. The mystery behind the case of the kidnapped girl and the whole dark past of the Ravinder family had me on the edge of my seat. The snarky humor that was in the book definitely kept me entertained, especially with how Sunshine handled things. I loved that her daughter had that same humor.

There is an emotional part in the book that had me in tears, and it involved Sunshine's daughter and what she found out about what happened to her mother years ago. I won't go into it because it's a spoiler. Just be prepared to have tissues on hand, just in case.

There is a romantic subplot developing between Sunshine and her longtime crush, Levi Ravinder, but with his family's dark past, she isn't sure she can trust him. It's obvious something is brewing between the two, and I need more of it. I also need answers to the truth of Sunshine's abduction. I need more of this small town, Del Sol, New Mexico, and the characters, which means I'll be borrowing the second book from my library.

If you enjoy a mystery with comedy and a suspenseful storyline with a great cast of characters, then this book needs to be added to your TBR.

I am a huge fan of the author and the first installment of the Sunshine Vicram trilogy did not disappoint. If you've read the author's earlier work (specifically the Charley Davidson series), you won't want to miss this one. And if you haven't read Ms. Jones's books, this is a good one to start with.

The story is told from alternating first person POV between Sunshine and Auri.

Sunshine Vicram is fun, smart, sassy, and resourceful. She is flawed and fully aware of it. She is vulnerable, but never weak and really just an all-around bad ass. I would love to be her, or at least her best friend. Sunshine is loyal to her friends and family, cares deeply about the people she serves, and would do anything to protect her daughter.

Auri Vicram is a little spitfire, wanting to follow in her mother's footsteps. And she is very much a mini me with her mom. At times Auri seems a little young for her age, other times she seems a little too old. She is actually a freshman in high school, but not afraid to investigate things on her own, especially when one of her friends is in trouble. And she is just as loyal as Sunshine.

The rest of the side characters bring the story to life. Senior Deputy Quincey has been Sunshine's best friend since they were both children. He has been there for her through the worst times of her life and has her back no matter what. There's a little flirtation between them, but neither is romantically interested in the other. The other officers that work with them add enjoyable banter between cases.

Sunshine's parents are incredibly supportive of both Sunshine and Auri. And they've also adopted Quincey, Cruz and everyone else into their family as well.

Cruz is the bad boy with the good heart who zeroes in on Auri the first day of school. He writes poetry and beats up bullies. And has had Auri's back since the moment they met.

Levi is the bad boy with a good heart from Sunshine's school days. There is a strong connection between them, though he could be involved in a tragedy from Sunshine's past. Levi adores Auri and will do anything to protect her (and her mother). I have a theory about what happened between Levi and Sunshine and can't wait to find out if I'm right (I usually am, so I hope so!).

I can't wait to dive into the second book in the series to find out what happens next!

Disclaimer: I received a DRC through Net Galley on behalf of the publishers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Another great start to a new series. I already love this author's work and couldn't wait to start this new series and I fell in love with the character.

I know Darynda Jones is very popular and even though I could not get into her Charley series, I was happy to get this from NetGalley in 2020 (sorry my review is so late!). Sunshine Vicram is an interesting character and this book was ok. I did not love it and I am not sure I will continue with the series. Ms Jones writing style is not for me I don’t think. If you like fun books with funny characters you will probably like this one.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-arc I received in exchange for my honest review.

A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones: Introduces readers to the charming and eccentric town of Del Sol, New Mexico, where the summers are scorching, the coffee is strong, and the unexpected is always around the corner. The spotlight falls on Sunshine Vicram, the town's newly elected sheriff, who returns with the reluctant expectation that her biggest challenge would involve an elderly flasher named Doug. Little does she know, a nationwide manhunt, a missing teenager, and a kidnapped rooster named Puff Daddy are about to shake up Del Sol in ways she never anticipated.
This is a great start of a series that promises quirky characters, unexpected twists, and a sheriff who navigates crime, chaos, and matters of the heart with equal flair. Highly recommended for fans of cozy mysteries with a side of humor and a dash of romance.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and author Darynda Jones for the opportunity to review the advance copy of this book.

Sunshine Vicram is making the most of her bad days. With a cast of supporting, mysterious characters this is the beginning of an interesting series. I really loved the concept an execution of the story. The author did a good job of making an abusive situation into a cheering opportunity.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are freely given

Sunshine Vicram is still scratching her head when she learns that she has been voted in as mayor in a small town in New Mexico. With years of policing under her belt, she takes on this new job with pride. Her very first case is quite serious.. A teenager is missing and there is a kidnapper that is plaguing the small town. Sunshine has no choice but to hit the ground running, with hopes that they find the teen alive, and that no other kids are snatched.

I went into this book and trilogy with the strong idea that I would love it and I was not disappointed. Sunshine is a real treat. She is sarcastic, funny, kind and loving. She is the mom to a teenage girl named Auri who follows just a bit too close in her mother's footsteps. I also really love Sunshine's parents in all of the books in this series. Then there is Levi, Sunshine's major crush since forever. Lastly, there are other characters, including those on Sunshine's small team, who are just as enjoyable in this delightful first book in the series.

This new series features Sunshine Vicram as the newly elected Sheriff of a small town in New Mexico. Sunshine is a complex character with a backstory that includes being kidnapped and amnesia. As Sheriff, she must work a teen girl's kidnapping before it turns into a murder case. The characters are fun and intriguing. I'd like to read more in this series, can't wait for the next book.

This book has it all! A humorous, laugh out loud, suspense thriller with a bit of romance, too, because why not. Daryndra Jones knocked this one out of the park. Job well done. Crazy good!

Oh wow I love the start of this series. I completely fell in love with Sunshine and the quirky town. I just love Auri too. I think you have made me love a new series. Bring on more Sunshine.

4 big stars from me!

I absolutely adore anything written by Darynda Jones. Her characters are lovable misfits and her books are filled with humor. In this new series, Sunshine Vicram is back in her small hometown where she has been elected Sheriff even though she didn't run. She relocates back to New Mexico with her daughter Aury to take the position against her will. A teenage girl goes missing and Sunshine is on the case. Throw in a former love interest, meddling parents and a fun guy best friend and this book has it all. It has Charley Davidson vibes but is different. Each character is unique and interesting and not like anyone in Charley's Davidson's world but it has all the good things about the Charley Davidson series - the humor, the mystery, the fast pace, the hot bad boy. I cannot wait for the rest of the books to come out.

I loved this one! I just finished this one and the second one in the series and absolutely love the storyline and the characters. The mother/daughter relationship is so close it reminds me a lot of my own with my Mom.

I laughed so much during reading that I couldn’t put this book down. My eyes were glued to the pages (not literally because that would be difficult).
In this book, Darynda introduces us a new series character: Sheriff Sunshine Vicram another independent, tough, funny, sexy, smart, likable character. When you compare her with Charley, she's flirty and confidant like Charley. Sunshine's 14 year old daughter Auri, is incredibly smart,sensitive,friendly, such a likable character. Plus she seems to have inherited her mother’s detective skills.
Another character in the book is Levi Ravinder, one of the most charismatic characters of the book. I really enjoyed the characters, the witty and humorous writings. If you've enjoyed other Darynda Jones, then there's only one thing to say, GET THIS BOOK DUMMY! 😂

I am pretty sure this was my first Darynda Jones, but it will not be my last. I found A Bad Day for Sunshine to be seriously quirky, consistently amusing, and well worth reading. There were times that this felt a little slower to me, but I never felt myself wondering if I should just put it down and give up. More of an enjoyable slow burn. I really enjoyed the multiple mystery aspect of this one, and will be looking for more!

This is book 1 in the Sunshine Vicram series. Sunshine is the sheriff of a small town where she grew up. She expects the biggest crime wave to be a local flasher. Unfortunately, that is not what she encounters. There is a missing girl and a kidnapper on the loose. This all reminds her of why she left in the first place. The one bright spot is her old flame, can he help her solve the crime, or will he have to save her life?

A BAD DAY FOR SUNSHINE - Darynda Jones

#1 in the Sunshine Vicram detective series

GOOD SERIES - FAVORITE AUTHOR - 4 stars

Plot - 4 stars - We first meet Sunshine on her first day on the job as sheriff of her small home town. We're not sure how, but apparently her parents engineered her election to overcome the current sheriff, much to his dismay. Immediately Sun is pulled into a couple of serious cases and becomes totally embroiled back into the town and its people, but not without some fallout. At the same time we follow Auri, her daughter, as she tries to navigate her new school.

Writing - 4 stars - Jones is a very familiar author because of her Charley Davidson paranormal series. I recognized some favorite sayings and formats, but this only enhanced the book for me. There were a few moments when I felt Jones went overboard with the wisecracks (as she did with the first Charley Davidson book). But then she settled down, and the second half of the book was exciting and enjoyable.

Characters - 4 stars - Sunshine is a wisecracking but serious detective-turned-sheriff who cares deeply about her home town. She has some solid roots there, but there's also a mysterious secret that haunts her. She has a terrific relationship with her teenaged daughter Auri, and I loved watching them interact. Auri is a chip off the old block and provided much amusement and angst. Levi is the mysterious possible hero of the story, but we really don't learn a lot about him. I have hopes that his character will develop as the series progresses. Best friend and deputy Quincy, the other deputies, as well as Sun's parents, added another layer of fun and interest.

Title - 4.5 stars - Very clever play on words to capture the sense of the book while using the main character's name.

Cover - 4.5 stars - Great cover that definitely draws the eye. The colors are vibrant, but without too many distractions that would make it too busy.

Overall - 4 stars - As with the Charley Davidson series, I felt that Jones tried a bit too hard with the jokes in this first-in-series book, although it did settle down and certainly gave a sense of the main character and her interactions with those around her. In any case, I love the characters, especially Sunshine, and found the story fairly easy to follow and enjoyable to read. There was plenty of action, and the gradual reveal of Sunshine's mystery definitely kept my interest. Auri is a great secondary character, with a large personality and story of her own, but told from the teenager point of view. This added an unique outlook and added points to my enjoyment of the book. I also liked the format of having a funny excerpt from the police blotter at the beginning of each chapter, although I didn't really feel that it added any information about what to expect. All in all, this is a solid beginning to what appears will be another favorite series.

If you're a fan of Darynda Jones Charley Davidson series and you're missing the quick witted, coffee addicted crew, then A Bad Day for Sunshine will be right up your alley! (There's even a line or two referencing everyone's favorite Grim Reaper if you look closer about halfway through the book.)

Sunshine is back at her former hometown of Del Sol and she's a little confused and a little anxious. Anxious because this was the place where, as a teen, she was kidnapped and held for ransom for days in a crime that was never solved. The event messed with her memory and resulted in a month long coma and a daughter. She's confused because, somehow, she was elected as the town sheriff even though she never but in her name for the job and she was nowhere near the town during the election process.

Throw in some fun officers, a weird interaction with a family full of frenemies, and a daughter with some severe anxiety and a detective streak of her own and you've got an interesting cast of characters.

A Bad Day for Sunshine is funny and full of twists and turns though I'm hoping the over arching mystery of Sunshine's kidnapping is resolved sooner rather than later.