A Bad Day For Sunshine
Darynda Jones
April 7, 2020


Sunshine Vicram was born and raised in Del Sol, New Mexico. After a stint in Sante Fe as a detective with the local police department she and her 14 year old daughter Aurora moved back to her hometown to accept the position of sheriff. She was appointed with the help of townsfolk who found the past man elected to the post absolutely terrible. Although she felt her parents, Cyrus and Elaine Freyer somehow pulled some strings with local politicians. Who was she to question the decision? Her folks had built a 2 bedroom guest-house behind their home in Del Sol. The house was beautiful and cheap and grandparents who would happily watch, feed, and/or pick up their granddaughter from high school as needed. Sunshine figured her first week on the job would be difficult but after all, the town is small, how much civil disobedience could take place?
After giving Auri words of advice on her first day of school, she took off in her sheriff's uniform and car ready to greet the new squad. Little did she know that her first day would make the capital city seem like a ghost town.
Now I chose this title from newbies that NetGalley had to offer in the mystery category. True it centered in New Mexico, a place near and dear to my heart but the plot seemed like a fun journey to read. I had never read anything by Ms. Jones so I was totally surprised that she had me hooked into her story within the first pages of her book. The plot began to revolve around Sunshine and her family adjusting to living back in Del Sol as well as making job decisions on her first day. Other people of Del Sol’s population began becoming important characters in Darynda Jones's story. This is a really good mystery. One of the best elements of Sunshine’s journal is that it has a sense of humor. The cases involved are not laughable, just a bit strange and very interesting. I understand from Amazon’s pre-order that the book will be number one in the Sunshine Vicram series. I am stoked to read the next as I read this first in two days.
A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones is published by St. Martin’s Press. It will be available on April 7, 2020 for purchase. I appreciate their generosity in letting me read and review this excellent selection. If you are not familiar with Ms. Jones work don’t let it stop you from picking up a copy of this suspense read. I will be looking for more of her work.

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 were 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

I really wanted to like this book, and I actually did enjoy it as I was reading it. Once I finished it and thought about it though, the more frustrated I became with the characters. "A Bad Day for Sunshine" was fun, but I don't feel invested in the characters enough to need to continue with the series. I would consider the second book, but I definitely don't feel the NEED to read it. 

"A Bad Day for Sunshine" is like a book version of a CW TV show, only for a 20-30s audience. All the men are incredibly hot and they all love the main character, Sunshine. The high school drama (that is actual in a high school haha) is over-the-top and the main male character IS SO HOT AND MYSTERIOUS and OMG, IS HE LOOKING AT ME?! There is even a reference to a CW show that two teens watch together. 

Sunshine pines for Levi, a successful, well-built man with a checkered past (I'm rolling my eyes as I write this). He is a typical alpha male that would make a terrible choice for a long-lasting relationship because he doesn't listen and is prone to aggression. Levi obviously has feelings for Sunshine as well, but rather than be adults about it, they ignore each other, get angry and frustrated at each other, and then finally release a bit of sexual tension only to get angry at each other again. That's a big NOPE for me.
There was also a particularly graphic sex dream-- it's not something I would normally comment on, but it felt really out of place and unnecessary.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I absofreakinglutely loved this new book! These characters are great. Sunshine and Auri are amazing and their relationship is fun, sweet, and engaging. I am torn as to who I enjoyed more. The sarcastic wit and charm we have grown to love from this author is present here. The mystery is action packed with plenty of twists. I also think Levi may give Reyes a run for his money. And perhaps Cruz even more so. I loved his interactions with Auri and they reminded me very much of the early days between Charley and Reyes. I think most readers know where the story with Sun, Levi, and Auri is headed but being a long time fan of Ms. Jones I fully expect so much more will come to pass than we can imagine.
The town and residents are half the fun of this story. I laughed so much. There is a lot of world building going on here and I can't wait to see where things go. I may never look at a muffin the same again!

Everyone has the same two questions: Is Sunshine Vicram the new Charley Davidson and is this as good as the Charley Davidson series? My answer is that while Sunshine is not quite as lovable as Charley aka the Grim Reaper, I ended up loving this frenetic, scattered, dizzyingly funny mystery. There aren't any demons or curses like in Charley's World, there still was plenty of goofy snark and sizzling sexual attraction. Also, its still too early to tell if Levi can hold his own against the devilishly hot Reyes.

The big surprise for me was how much I adored Sunshine's teen daughter Auri. Basically Auri is Rory Gilmore and Veronica Mars combined and stuck in the world's wackiest New Mexico town.

There are a lot of mysteries swirling in and around Del Sol, New Mexico; some for Sun to solve, some for Auri to figure out, and some that just refuse to be answered. What happened to Sun when she was abducted at seventeen? How did Sun's parents get her elected sheriff without her knowledge? Who is Auri's dad? Who kidnapped Sybil, a girl that bears a strong resemblance to Auri? Where is the missing fugitive Ramses Rojas? Does Levi love or hate Sun? How are Sun and Hailey connected? What's the deal with Cruz? Who are the Dangerous Daughters? Where is Lt. Bob?

To be honest, I was quite lost in the first quarter of the book trying to keep characters and stories and quirks straight. Then just as I was contemplating DNFing, the book hit its stride and took off. There was no way I was going to stop reading when I had to learn more, not about the missing girl or Sun's unspoken past, but about Auri. I loved Auri's bond with her mother, her struggle to fit in high school, her crush; she was the most real and relatable person in a very kooky universe. Auri and her mom's motto was WWLSD or as Sun asks her repeatedly, What Would Lisbeth Salander do?

Sunshine Vicram and her crazy job, past, and life was fun. But the real story here is Auri and I want more about her adventures in Del Sol. I can't wait for the next book, but I sincerely hope the author doesn't drag it out disclosing Auri's obvious parentage.

4.5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC. First, I love Darynda Jones Charley Davidson series so i was excited to get the first book in this new series . I liked the Sunshine and Auri back and forth funny bantering, and like always, Ms Jones funny quotes before each new chapter. But this book was just all over the place for me. Levi was so gosh darn snotty and mean to sunshine through most of this book, I wanted to slap the crap out of him ! Then there were so many different stories going at one time,, it was a bit confusing. I had to re read some of the pages, to see if I missed anything, like sunshine’s abduction should have been a first book in this series ? Honestly, the characters and storylines were just all over the place. I skimmed the last few chapters to get all the conclusions of all the storylines. And I still don’t know if Levi’s the father or not. So because I was giving it 2 1/2 stars , I went with the 3 star just cause I do love The charley Davidson series and think this author can, no will do better with book 2 in this new Sunshine series.

A Bad Day for Sunshine by Ms. Jones i s filled with sassy female characters who take control and lead the pack. Sunshine has moved back to her hometown where she has won an election to become Sheriff. Once there, Sunshine and Auri, her daughter, move in to the new apartment that Sunshine's parents built for them. Just when Sunshine is starting to get a handle on things, many twists and mysteries surround the whole town. I love the flow and interactions between all of the characters. Those that you feel are the underdog or bad/evil, show their true colors. I highly enjoyed this book, and I recommend it. Thank you St. Martin's Press, Darynda Jones, and NetGalley for allowing me to have an ARC of this book. I can't wait until the next book comes out to see what happens next.

I've read every book in the Charley Davidson series and I adore them all, they're probably my top series of all time. Reading A Bad Day For Sunshine felt like reading my favorite series for the first time. This book is like putting on your favorite comfy sweater.

The story is the same witty, cleaver writing i'm used to and I can see this being a new favorite series. Darynda knows how to write a funny and engaging lead with a broading heartthrob, I've never not loved a man she wrote they are sexy, witty, and charming. She also deal with a traumatic event in Sunshines' past and she writes it in a way its not uncomfortable like some stories that include the topic. The setting is a small town in New Mexico and you feel like you're right in the town watching Puff Daddy in the streets.

The story itself is fast paced and enjoyable, I devoured it in one sitting and was sad when it was over. I love the view from Auri and Sunshine and how they intermingled. It was just a really well written story with great characters and a good mystery. I recommend it to anyone who loved Charley and anyone who loves a good mystery with a little spunk.

Darynda Jones knows how to tell a story! I enjoyed the changing points of view. This is not always something easy to pull off but I got invested in the story and really liked the different perspectives. Nice twisty plot. Kept me entertained the whole way through. Highly recommend A Bad Day for Sunshine!

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.

I enjoyed this new read from Darynda Jones. At first I wasn't sure I would enjoy the changing perpective from mom to daughter, but they are both strong characters and I did like both of their voices. I enjoyed unraveling the mystery and can't wait for the next book to learn more about this full cast of characters.

The Book: A Bad Day for Sunshine (Sunshine Vicram #1), by Darynda Jones
15 years after some really hinky stuff went down in her hometown of Del Sol, New Mexico, Sunshine Vicram returns as the new sheriff, having won an election she didn't even know she'd run for. Sunshine's day gets started with a bang (literally) as her daughter Auri's new bff is kidnapped, the marshal's show up chasing an escaped convict and things start popping with her own, now-cold kidnapping case. It's a helluva first day on the job. Add to that Del Sol's … unconventional citizens, a couple pull-no-punches friends and several very sexy men and you've got a classic Darynda Jones novel.
I loved this book! Sunshine Vicram is no Charley Davidson, but something better, more mature. As is this entire series. Ms. Jones' standby themes are all in place –friendship, family, humor, honesty, and hot sex, but her characters are more developed, her story more complex and the basis for years of adventures with Sunshine solidly set. I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast-paced who-done-it while laughing their ass off.
I received A Bad Day for Sunshine free from Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Wow, the first of this new series, has all the fun and snark we have come to expect from Ms.Jones. I surely miss the Charley series and Sunshine has started out with a bang. We meet the newest characters in Del Sol, Sunshine Vicram, Auri, her daughter and a select cast of strange and wonderful characters. You may ask “how do you get elected Sheriff, when you never entered the race?” Read this book for the answer to this and many other quirky questions. Add this to your TBR list and enjoy!

Fun, feisty characters with a take-no-shit attitude!

Exactly the kind of book fans of Jones and the Charley Davidson series will enjoy. Not only enjoy, but relish the laugher and heart encompassed within. I want to thank St. Martins Press for the early copy via NetGalley. I cannot wait to to discuss this book with fans when it releases April 2020!

To be honest I was a bit nervous about this book after her great Charley Davidson series and if it would hold up to it. And I’m happy to report, yes, it does. It is different than Charley Davidson, but still very good in his own rights.
Admittedly, it took me about 5-10% to really get into it but then I really enjoyed it.
We get both POVs, Sunshine and her daughter Auri’s , which I really enjoyed. I loved it, and that way, sort of get two stories in one, but also the main plot combines the two.
The story is pretty fast –paced but still easy to follow and keeps you on your toes until the last page.
I loved Sunshine and Auri and their relationship, matter fact I liked all of the characters. Both are super funny and smart and can hold their own, but also love to have a shoulder to lean on when needed.
I liked Levi but so far he was not my favorite and sometime came over more of an ass than anything, but maybe that will change the better we get to know him.
I did however like Cruz very much and can’t wait to see more of the two of them together, I think that will be so much fun. I think them with Jimmy will be a hoot.
Zee and Quincey were also super fun, but we do get more of Quincey, and I loved that and him.
I really enjoyed this book and the suspense, I wouldn’t caller it a thriller but most definitely suspense filled. We do get some nice twists and turns, some I saw coming but most not. Of course we get lots and lots of snark and humor which I loved filled and topped with some hunky sexy men and moments. But we also get some tender and heartbreaking moments in the mix.
While I loved most of the book there were some things I could have lived without. It felt off and unnecessary, looking back now. The premonition for example.
I think I spotted a Charley Easter egg which I loved, but I can’t be too sure lol.
Overall, I think it was a great first book in a new series and I’m looking forward to reading more now that we have most of the introductions of main story line and characters out of the way .
I rate it 4 ★

Having been a big fan of the author’s previous Charley Davidson series I was eager to start her new one, thanks to an Advanced Readers Copy from NetGalley and the publisher. Sunshine Vicram, as the new sheriff of her home town (a job she didn’t want)and her daughter are faced with solving a kidnapping on her first day on the job. I loved the sometimes snarky humor, the characters, and how a mystery from Sunshine’s own past impacts her current investigation all work to create a fast paced, fun mystery. Looking forward to more!

If you read the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones and enjoyed those, I am sure you will enjoy this as well. Very different characters but still the same level of humor that makes it an easy, enjoyable read. I look forward to the author continuing this series.

I've been a huge fan of the Charley Davidson books, and I was so excited to learn that Darynda Jones had a new series out. Sunshine Vicram does not disappoint. Sunshine returns with her daughter to Del Sol to become Sheriff, a job she did NOT want, but knows that it's time to face her past. The community had plenty of charm and antics to add humor and the Ravinder family adds plenty of danger of suspense. Plus, Levi Ravinder is hot Hot HOT (I do love me a mysterious bad boy). Not to mention that we get a storyline and a little romance for her teenage daughter as well. The book does leave a lot of loose threads, even for a series, which I don't love, but I anticipate reading the rest of the series. My only other issue was the formatting. There were no spaces between POV changes, but I'm sure that'll be fixed before the final copy comes out!

This is one long laugh out loud blend of heady comic entertainment with crime fiction, the first in a new series by Darynda Jones set in Del Sol, New Mexico, a place that teems with the strange and the bizarre. Sunshine Vicram has returned home with her beloved teenage daughter, Auri, after leaving a town where she experienced harrowing trauma. She is not sure how this all happened, her parents are behind her election as sheriff, which means she will be working with her best childhood buddy, Deputy Quincy Cooper. Her first day is one hell of an initiation, with a rooster, Puff Daddy, roaming free, resident local flasher Doug, a visit from Mayor Donna Lomas threatening to get to the bottom of her odd election as sheriff, an escaped fugitive at large, and a teenage girl, Sybil, has been abducted and the clock is ticking.

Oh and Auri's first day at the local school is no piece of cake either as she is branded a narc and is the target of some mean teens, led by Lynelle, although there is the cool and edgy Cruz, who just can't keep his eyes off Auri. Her hopes of meeting up with a girl, Sybil, she had met in the holidays crumbles to ashes when she becomes aware that Sybil has been kidnapped, and there is no way she is not going to investigate. Sunny finds herself still carrying her childhood heart stopping attraction to Levi Ravinder, now running a successful corn whiskey distillery and the best tracker in town, skills needed when his autistic nephew, his sister Hailey's son, Jimmy, goes missing. As Sunny finds family secrets spilling out, she turns to the Book Babes, a bookclub actually for gossip, socialising and drinking, for information, she finds herself surrounded by hot men, and puzzled why she cannot ever get hold of one Lieutenant Bobby 'Bo' Britton.

This is my first read of Darynda Jones, and I had a whale of a time acquainting myself with Sunny, Auri and the entire town of Del Sol with its quirky eccentric residents. This is a great novel to read if you are feeling even a hint of the blues and in need of a lift. The mother-daughter relationship of Sunny and Auri is a joy to behold, particularly as Sunny becomes aware of just how much Auri knows about her past. All in all, this is kooky, fun and entertaining crime fiction and for sure I will be returning to this series. Many thanks to St Martin's Press for an ARC.

I struggled with this review. I had a hard time figuring out what the book wanted to be. Romance? Comedy? Police procedural?

I think the storyline was good and had a lot of potential but suffered from too many attempts at humor during situations where humor would not be appropriate. The main character is in her 30s and is supposed to have been a police officer for years, yet she has panic attacks during stressful situations and spends an inordinate amount of time drooling over attractive men and often becomes tongue tied in their presence. As the character is written, it’s just not that believable that she she’s attained so much respect in her profession with her lack of maturity and professionalism. I did enjoy the book but would have given it a higher rating with more realistically drawn characterization and a bit more focus on what genre it wanted to be. A bit less focus on sex and more on the investigations would have helped in that regard.

Thank you NetGalley for for the reading opportunity.