It was good read Darynda Jones again. She has her trademark style from Charlie and incorporates it into Sunshine. There are the hilarious quotes that start the chapter and the snarky responses that are full on Charlie except are now being used as marquee signs about the town.

This story has a little paranormal in it but it could amp up throughout the series, just like with Charlie. There is a smoldering love interest, a quirky best friend, funny parents and a daughter. All the elements that can be mirrored from the Charlie Davidson series. There isn’t any sex in this story, but it is alluded to in conversation. There is no gore, but there is a murder. It’s a long ago murder that needs to be solved, but it’s one that isn’t hard to guess at the conclusion, HOWEVER, I am sure that it won’t be as cut and dried as I think, which is a thrill.

I felt the story was chaotic and popping up with new characters every other page. That could be because it’s a new series and the foundation has to be laid. I enjoyed the back stories to the people of the town and their idiosyncrasies. Every small town has those citizens that are strange and weird. Each small town has those cases that just make you want to shake your head and ask, “Seriously?” Being the Sheriff, Sunshine would know them all. Darynda Jones knows how to make loveable characters. I like the way the daughter has got more of a focus, but I also think there is something about her that will bring the paranormal to the forefront. The book is wrapped around a town with key players waiting in the wings for their que.

I am somewhat on fence with this book. I don’t want to disrespect this title or the author, but it’s hard for me to not make comparisons to her other work. There are a lot of reviews raving about this story, and I don’t debate that it’s good, but the cast has been cast before. It could be that the mix of characters that Darynda uses is her secret recipe and Sunshine Vicrum series will take on a life of it’s own. Here’s to hoping it’ll become it’s own singular style.

Romance, suspense, snark, a heroine you'll want to root for. This has it all. A missing persons case, a decades old murder, small-town crazy and heart.
I loved that we got not only the Sheriff's POV, but also her teenager daughter's. I cannot wait for book two!
Full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer April 7, 2030.

I have been a HUGE fan of Darynda Jones since book one in her Charley Davidson series. That series had such magic and wit and humor I wasn't sure she could duplicate it with a new series. But holy cow, this book was so good. Quirky characters, humor, mystery, all wrapped up in great writing.

The new sheriff of Del Sol, New Mexico, Sunshine Vicram, has her hands full her first day on the job: a distraught woman drives her car into the police station, a prisoner has escaped from jail and is hiding out in Del Sol, and a 14-year-old goes missing and leaves an eerie note behind detailing her demise. To make things even more stressful, the Mayor is keeping an eye on Sunshine as her methods for winning the Sheriff's election were less than conventional. There is a lot happening in this one story. It is is a fast paced, fun and entertaining read that had me laughing out loud. Similar to Jones’ Charley Davidson series, this book is filled with eccentric, sharp characters, a quirky lead, and super hot bad boy.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced read in return for my very honest review. I would read Darynda' Jone's version of the yellow pages as long as it has her unique brand of wit..

What a fun beginning to a new series by Ms. Jones. The same wonderful humorous dialog that we have come to know from her Charley Davidson series makes the story race by. Returning to her home town as the new sheriff, a job she did not apply for, Sunshine Vicram is ready for the slow pace of Del Sol, New Mexico. Her fourteen-year old daughter, Aurora, is looking forward to wearing “real” clothes to school, unlike the uniforms at her private school. If their first day is any indication of their new lives, they are both in for a wild ride. Sunshine is searching for a missing teen while Aurora has already learned that being the daughter of a sheriff in a small town has its own issues. A thoroughly enjoyable story and I am eagerly waiting for the next book. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

I received A Bad Day for Sunshine through Netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review. It was an enjoyable read, though very different from her previous series. I will definitely read more by this author.

This book is a great lead in to another can't wait to read series. The "Grave" series was very popular at our library. She does a great job of developing her characters and the way they interact - they feel like friends that you hate to leave at the end of the book!

So excited about this book! I’m a huge fan of Darynda Jones’s Charley Davidson series so I was beyond happy to receive a copy of the first book in her new mystery series. A Bad Day for Sunshine did not disappoint. The things that I loved about the Charley books – witty conversations, love for coffee, and quirky people with deep, heartfelt connections to each other – are present in this new series.

Sunshine Vicram returns to her hometown, teenage daughter Auri in tow, as the newly elected sheriff. With no chance to gently ease into her new role, Sunshine has to hit the ground running on her first day as one of Auri’s classmates has been abducted. Is the case related to Sunshine’s own abduction when she was a teenager? How does it relate to Levi, the bad boy crush from Sunshine’s past? For fans of the Charley books, Levi definitely smolders with Reyes vibes.

Fast-paced, well-plotted mystery that is an absolute page-turner. I read this one in a day and cannot wait for the next book!

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.

Almost 5 stars...but I can't cuz I'm still BOOING over the cliff hanger ending. LOL What can I say about this book - I LOVED it- if you enjoy your books with mystery snark and heart then this is the book for you. While the relationship between Sunshine and her teen daughter Auri shines, the sexual and emotional tension between Sunshine and her old flame Levi was a bit maddening (okay maybe in a good way...but still LOL). And speaking of Levi...he kind of steals the show LOL

I can't even tell you how excited I was to get an arc of this book. I am a huge fan of the Charley Davidson series and I was really excited to see what Jones could do in a different genre. I was not disappointed. She brought the same flair that made the Charley books so fun and special to the world of Sunshine Vicram. This was more of a crime fiction/mystery/suspense novel, but there was still undertones of something other.

Jones sweeps you away into the quirky town of Del Sol, where muffins are omens of impending doom, book club feels closer to a coven, Puff Daddy roams the streets attacking old men, the ghosts of old crimes still linger and intertwine with the present, and dreams are not something to ignore. There's a pulse to this city and it follows its own beat.

The people inside are equally as enchanting. I love the way Jones writes characters. No one is filler, everyone is interesting in their own unique way. You can't help but be enamored and want to get to know each of them more. Each is their own little mystery wrapped in exquisitely inviting designs that draw you in.

Jones is also a master at writing relationships, whether it be romantic, best friends, mother-daughter, they feel so genuine and the banter is my absolute favorite. I definitely felt some Reyes vibes from Levi. That gooey sweet center seen only in glimpses initially and by few, wrapped up in all kinds of dangerous seen by all. Sunshine and Levi have that push and pull slow burn kinda thing going on and I am 1,000% into it. The relationship Sunshine and her daughter Auri have is awesome. I feel like in some ways it reminds me of my relationship with my own teenage daughter. Maybe it's something about when you have a child at a young age and you both grow up together in a way, or maybe a bit of not being so far from understanding how it feels to be that age, or maybe it is something as seemingly simple as just having a strong bond, I'm not sure exactly what it is that makes it that way, but I think Jones pretty accurately represents it here.

There were plenty of twists and turns, some you may see coming and some that will surprise you in the best way. This story is also jam-packed full of feels! It was a rollercoaster of emotions, I laughed out loud, I gasped in shock, I swooned, and I felt sorrow.

One thing was always consistent though and that was I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of the ride. Even though there was some darker aspects being shown or talked about, there was a perfect balance of whimsy, fun and humor that kept it feeling relatively light. That ending was a bit of a cliffhanger, but even if it wasn't I would still be anxiously awaiting the next installment. Sunshine and Del Sol have so much more to give and I can't wait to see what happens next!

This fast-paced and well-written drama had me completely immersed in all that was happening, quickly becoming a page-turner because I could not put this book down.

The mystery was nicely executed with a solid multi-plot arc that that kept me intrigued as the story moved forward. The main protagonist is a strong-willed, yet have her vulnerabilities that add to the dimensions of her characterization. With pivotal roles having a stake in this tale, it all came to fruition when the pieces started falling into place. There were a few heartbreaking moments that set the stage for an adventure worth the wait. One of the things I liked best was the police blotter that headlined each chapter.

I’m so in love with this group of eccentrically quirky characters that I can’t wait for the second book in this wonderfully, engaging and entertaining new series.

This author consistently delivers well thought out, funny, suspenseful, and delightful books! For fans of the author's First Grave series, this book will feel like coming home. It set in entirely a different universe, but the writing, pacing, and character development live on in this text. Highly reccomend.

Another hit by Darynda Jones! If you love sassy, snaky heroines, than read A Bad Day for Sunshine. I cannot wait for the more in this new series.

This was a lot of fun. Quirky characters, humor, mystery, all wrapped up in great writing. This is my first read of a Darynda Jones novel and I will likely be reading more because I truly enjoyed it. When it starts out, Sunshine Vicram and her daughter Auri have returned to their hometown. Sunshine has been elected Sheriff - but she didn't even enter the race. Sunshine had left Del Sol, New Mexico after having a horribly traumatic experience there. Now she wants to find the perpetrator. There are many events on Sunshine's first day as Sheriff, but the main one is a child abduction, and the main storyline centers on finding this child.

I loved the humor. The conversations between Sunshine and Auri are wonderful and these characters are all great. Cruz and Levi (swoon) are both great characters too. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a mystery and enjoys a sense of humor.

Thanks to Darynda Jones and St. Martin's Press through NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book. It was witty, well written and characters to die for. Seriously, this was a laugh-out loud, nail biting crime thriller that I cannot wait to read again and again. I hope the next one comes soon so I can get more of Sheriff Sunshine Vicram, her fierce daughter and everyone else in this extremely entertaining story.

A Bad Day for Sunshine is a good day for us. I wasn’t sure at first what to think of Sunshine and her sense of humor but I soon became a fan! I really enjoyed this book that was full of humor as well as suspense. I definitely recommend this book and I am looking forward to the next installment in this series.

I loved the Charley Davidson books so I was super excited to see a new series from Darynda Jones. This is a strong first in that new series. Sunshine is fabulous and the relationship with her daughter feels real and is touching. I am looking forward to seeing where Jones take these new and awesome characters.

Newly elected Sheriff Sunshine Vicram rolls back into Del Sol, New Mexico with her fourteen year old daughter Auri and a suitcase full of bad memories and karma. She'd left this whimsical little town in her rearview at age seventeen - running from a traumatic, life-altering experience and a broken heart with no intention of ever returning to the scene of the crime. And yet, here she is having won an election she didn't enter. Is that even legal? One's thing for sure, the most action this place ever sees is from resident flasher Doug, an escape artist rooster called Puff Daddy, or a group of eccentric old ladies called The Book Babes. Piece of cake, right? lol Think again. On Sunshine's first day on the job, all hell breaks loose when a girl is reported missing and an escaped convict is spotted around the outskirts of town. Sunshine and Deputy Quincy Cooper, a childhood friend, begin their investigation and, of course, one of the first people they need to interview is Sunshine's ole flame Levi Ravinder . . . one of THE Ravinders. And no surprise that nothing's changed between them as sparks, flames, and ugly, hurtful words fly. What is his problem?! Buckle up y'all - you're in for one hell of a ride!

A Bad Day For Sunshine is told through two points of view - that of Sunshine and her daughter Auri. The results are alternating chapters and intertwining dual plotlines that will keep readers on their toes. Auri is faced with her own drama from being bullied at school plus she's a wanna-be sleuth with a tendency to jump in the deep in without a backup plan. Strangely enough, it's often Levi that rides in on a white horse to rescue her. Yes, there's a story there too.

Multiple plot lines and muti-dimensional characters help set a fast pace in A Bad Day For Sunshine. It's an entertaining read with lots of witty banter, quirky characters, and one-liners. I will say that all the snark had me concerned early on as it was spread a bit thick. I found myself searching for the plot line and thinking is this all there is? No need for concern as the story soon settles in, and I quickly became immersed in hunting for clues to the kidnapper's identity and a link I felt I was missing. Character-driven stories such as this one with a star support cast generating a great deal of suspense are among my favorites. Jones trademark wit is evident throughout creating laugh out loud scenes even in the midst of a kidnapping investigation. I did feel at times as though the urgency of the case was sacrificed to the humor as main characters meandered off course frequently, but in her usual magical manner this author makes it work. There's an overall story arc that obviously continues into the next book, and I'm looking forward to seeing where it leads these characters and readers.` All in all, A Bad Day For Sunshine is a great start to a fascinating new series by the beloved Darynda Jones. Highly Recommended!

Darynda Jones brings us back to New Mexico with her new series, this time to Del Sol and the new sheriff Sunshine Vicram. Sunshine was elected as local sheriff (despite not ever entering the election) and she needs to return, along with her daughter Auri, to her hometown that she fled years prior. What she finds is a town that is full of crime, including the disappearance of a local high school girl that recently befriended Auri. As expected, there’s a hilarious cast of characters including her co-workers Quincey, her parents, and the local outlaw family that is connected to Sunshine in ways we have yet to discover. The story is told through dual perspectives, that of Sunshine and Auri! These two have a great connection, and I can’t wait to see more of them in other books.

Those hoping for more Charley Davidson should be warned…there’s no cross-over here. This has some of the same themes of suspense, humor, and an unresolved love interest, but it’s full of living humans exclusively! While not a cliffhanger ending, you can tell there is more to come.

Not going to lie, I'm a little disappointed in this book. It's not that there's anything wrong with it and in fact it's a pretty enjoyable read but as someone who absolutely loved the Charley Davidson series I just expected more.

This actually reads a lot like the Charley Davidson books, there's the same humour and sass that I absolutely adored and many of the characters and the relationships between them feel pretty similar. However, for me that was probably the biggest problem. I've read the Charley Davidson books (all of them in the last 12 months), I wanted something different or another Charley Davidson book. This obviously doesn't have the "I see dead people" supernatural elements (or at least not yet) and the main character is a police sheriff rather than a PI but Sunshine Vicram feels a lot like Charley. She's new to a job she didn't really want, in a town she was hoping never to return to and her first case is that of a missing 14 year old girl. Add to that she's also dealing with a flasher, a custody battle involving a rooster, a man hunt and some cursed muffins.

It seems like there should be plenty going on and the missing girl does make for a intriguing case but I felt a lot of this book was spent getting to know the various different characters, their backstories and the town. Rather than being an action packed read it turned out to be a little on the slow side and for me there were just too many characters. I struggled to remember who was who and didn't really connect with anyone.

It probably wasn't helped that the story was told from the pov of both Sunshine and her teenage daughter as this meant we were introduced to what felt like the whole town and had to follow a number of different storylines rather than being able to focus on one or two. I also grew a little frustrated that the mystery from Sunshine's past was dragged out so long. I'm pretty sure we can all guess what the big reveal is going to be so I really wanted it to be revealed already rather than, as is looking increasingly likely, made to span several books. Possibly I'm doing the author a disservice here and it'll surprise me.

This is all making it sound like I hated this book but honestly this couldn't be further from the truth and there was a lot I liked. Sunshine makes for an interesting character and I think there's room for real growth there. The other characters are quirky and unique, something I love. The humour is as always great and I am loving the friendships between the characters. Despite some frustration over it's glacier pace I'm also loving the romance that appears to be on the horizon. Even though the main love interest doesn't appear too often there are some definite sparks and I can see this turning into my new favourite ship..

I will almost certainly grab the next book when it comes out as there's something addictive about Jones' writing and I want to see where the story goes but this didn't exactly wow me. If you love the Charley Davidson series and are looking for something similar you'll probably love this, and if you haven't read the Charley Davidson series there's a good chance you'll enjoy this too but I'm holding out hope that book two will take the story in a new and unexpected direction.