A Bad Day For Sunshine is the first book in the Sunshine Vicram series. You can read this as a standalone. But realize that there are key unresolved issues. I loved the author's previous series and have been looking forward to reading this one. Even though this is the first book in the series, the author jumps right into the story and I felt like I was playing catch up for the first couple of chapters. I'm so glad I stuck with it as this book is worth reading. Now I have to try and be patient for the second book to be written and published.

This book was so awesome! I've really enjoyed her Charley Davidson series, and yeah, I was really excited to read this book! Sunshine was a fantastic character, and she had the same kind of narration that seems to be Darynda Jones style, though it was dialed back in her YA series.

Mainly, this book is a mystery. It's not really a paranormal, there's weird stuff going on in town, and there's this one character, and this one incident, and one character mentions Charley, but Sunshine's a sheriff, and that involves solving the various crimes brought to her attention.

There are a ton of mysteries in this book. There's the main one where a teenage girl is abducted, a minor one where there's an escaped felon, an over arching series one, and a minor one that had my scratching my head as to what was going on! So great to read!

There's this one big reveal, and it made me so mad, the way it went about it-not at the book, but at the characters who revealed it. Because it was so petty and honestly could be dangerous. And it was a little aggravating, how it was handled, but it was the better path.

I enjoyed this book so, so, so much, and I can't wait to see where this series goes!

I want to thank Netgalley, Darynda Jones and the Publisher for giving me the chance to read this for an honest review.

I was heartbroken when the Charley stories ended. Devastated! BUT Ms. Jones has done it again! It has a sense of supernatural in it that you can only find naturally in New Mexico....It almost felt like Charley was back in a way tho...instead of being a private eye Sunshines's parents somehow get her voted on as sherriff, the mayor has a beef with her, she has a mysterious deputy that is never around...her daughter is so adorable but seems to be struggling as not only the new kid BUT the sheriff's kid.

Can't wait for the next books in the series!

I am a huge fan of Darynda Jones’s writing. Having read and loved her Charley Davidson series, which is urban fantasy, I was excited to see what she would do with a brand new series without fantasy. I wanted to see her bring those quirky, witty, smart, and entertaining words to a whole new set of characters. And I dove in!

A Bad Day for Sunshine is a quintessential first book. It has everything you look for when beginning a new series. Establishes new characters with just enough backstory to make you interested but leaves you craving more. All the quirky and snappy dialogue that I was hoping for was present and accounted for. And there was just enough mystery, romance, and dysfunction woven together to be dramatic but not ridiculous.

I love the way Jones writes with such lightness even in the midst of heavy situations and storylines. It’s a balance that shouldn’t work, where most authors would come out flippant or glib, but damn, she does it so successfully.

The mysteries and action that our leads have to deal with as Sheriff and amateur detective are fun and intriguing, if a little predictable (though that didn’t detract from anything). But this book really shines in the characters themselves. It’s a hugely character driven book and they’re all so dynamic with so much room to grow. I can’t wait to see where it can all lead.

Overall, I’m all in and ready for book two.

*I received a free early e-copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Loved it. Already waiting on the next book in the series. Lots of interesting characters and plot twists.

I loved her other series, I'm not sure if I will read any more of this one. I was excited to see she had a new book, but this wasn't for me.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ACR, I voluntarily read and reviewed.

Lightning does strike twice!

A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones is the first book of a fantastic, new mystery series and a great “replacement” for the Charley Davidson series that I loved. I wasn’t sure that a new series would capture the magic of the Charley Davidson cast of characters. Lightning can strike twice! The new series has finely drawn relatable character that pull the reader in and make it impossible to put this mystery down until the last page is turned. The plot is explosive with both action and intrigue.

Sunshine Vicram is the newly elected sheriff of Del Sol, New Mexico, after her parents entered her name on the ballot without her knowledge. A detective with the Santa Fe PD, she moves back to her small home town with her 14-year-old daughter. There is a lot of "luggage" from her past as well as unrequited love. Along with solving her current cases, Summer also plans to track down the man who abducted her when she was 17.

With both current and past abductions, suspicions run high in this fast-paced mystery. Will Sunshine solve the mystery of her past abduction as well as the current kidnapping? After thoroughly enjoying this first mystery, I can’t wait for the author’s next release in this series. Please write faster, Ms. Jones!

Wow, a big. no for me, and a big let down from the stated description of what this book would be about. First of all, it took me over 3 weeks to finish this book when most books take no more that a week for me to read, and usually much quicker. That should tell you all you need to know about the pace and interest provided in the plot. Secondly, the plot had no real flow and it seemed to start one direction, to switch to another direction before finding its way in the last 1/3 of the book. And lastly, it was not at all funny, laugh out loud, or anything of the sort. Sunshine to me was an incredibly boring character and I find it hard to believe one can write an entire series around her. Unfortunately a big miss from what was promised in the description.

My rating scale:
5☆ - I loved this book and it brought out true emotion in me (laughter, anger, a good cry, etc)
4☆ - I loved this book.
3☆ - I liked this book.
2☆ - I didn't really care for this book.
1☆ - I did not like this book at all and probably did not finish it.

It is rare that I laugh out loud in a story. This story not only made me laugh, but I found myself in tears with laughter! Sunshine is such a terrific character. She is a young women who mysteriously wins an election in a small town in New Mexico. How she won the election is unbeknownst to her and, in fact, she does not remember even running for office. Along with her daughter, Auri, Sunshine returns to a town he had taken a vow to which she would never return and then the fun begins! This town is a bit magical and a lot quirky. Her romantic pursuits are complicating yet entertaining at the very heart of them. All of the characters are not only lovable but hilarious as well. This story is sure to lighten your heart and engage your attention. I eagerly anticipate more from this author and hopefully from these characters!

I am a huge fan of Jones' Charley Davidson series. When I heard that she was writing a mystery novel I knew I needed to read it. I really enjoyed this book. The book included the same humor and feel as the other books she has written. I really liked Sunshine's relationship with her daughter, Auri. The sarcasm and quips between the two felt natural. I found myself laughing out loud in several places and eagerly reading parts of the book aloud to my husband (who simply looked at me unamused). I like that the characters in the book are quirky and flawed. Overall I think I liked the parts of the books written in Auri's perspective. This is not to say that the chapters from Sunshine's view weren't fun, only that I liked Auri's voice and her interactions better.

The story is engaging, though I did find I had an issue with a few of the plot holes in the book. I think if you are wanting a fun little mystery with a lot of humor and pep, this would be perfect. I am already recommending this book to patrons at our local library where I work. I think this would be perfect for those who really enjoy the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy!

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.



Thank you to #NetGalley for this ARC. It was read and reviewed voluntarily by Tarrah Marie (@wayward_readers). All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was exceptional! I loved it so much more that I thought I would! It was one of the funniest reads I’ve ever read. I really enjoyed it!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

A new to me author Darynda Jones. I went into this book not knowing anything. A Bad Day for Sunshine was a okay book for me. I enjoyed some of the characters and the dialogue. I look forward to checking out more by author.

A Bad Day for Sunshine
Sunshine Vicram, Book 1

I Picked Up This Book Because: I’m a big fan of the author’s previous works.

The Characters:

Sunshine Blaze Vicram:
Aurora “Auri” Dawn Vicram:
Levant “Levi” Arun Ravinder (the one that got away, kinda),Cyrus and Elaine (Sunshine’s parents), Quincy Lynn Cooper (Sunshine’s BFF), Cruz De los Santos (Auri’s maybe boyfriend),

The Story:

This story started out a little uphill. New setting, all new characters and just a lot of back story to tell which is my least favorite part of any book. Honestly I love series because I don’t constantly have to meet new people, but I digress. Sun is the new sheriff, even though she didn’t run for the position, of her hometown Del Sol, New Mexico. A town that is quite frankly nuts but also very entertaining. It can also be very scary. Once the back story was told and the investigation into the missing Sybil, about 30 or so percent in, I couldn’t put the book down. So much drama but relieved with lots of comedy and genuine affection between the characters and a big does of heart.

I love the friendship between Sunshine and Cooper. And the relationship between Levi and Auri. Oh and the chemistry between Sun and Levi, please hose me down. I’m so excited for the next book and considering this one hasn’t officially been published I’m in for quite a long wait. *sigh *

The Random Thoughts:

Prediction for the future (view spoiler)

The Score Card:

description

3.75 Stars

This reminded me a bit of a Stephanie Plum book, girl has her eye on two guys (or is it more than 2?). There's a new sheriff in town and she didn't even apply for the job. Moving home with her daughter to live in her parent's "garage" and what a first day she has! Murder and mayhem. Not only that but her daughter isn't having the best day either.

I truly enjoyed this book! I've been a fan of Darynda Jones since the Charley Davidson series. She's so much fun, and I always get so into her writing. This book is comparable to the Charley Davidson series in that the characters are great, I laughed a lot, and I was sad to have finished it. I can't wait for book number two!!

Honest review here...at first I hated this book... I am always up for a good psychological thriller or mystery, but at FIRST this was not doing anything for me! I was interested in the main characters, Sun and her daughter, but it was not a book that I would say I could not put down... HOWEVER... that all changed! Finally, everything clicked into place for me and I found myself wanting to just read and let the rest of my life be on 'standby'. As the book came closer to the end the questions were answered and you could not wait to see what would happen.

The characters at time got a little confusing, as there were lots... especially various police types. You will find yourself relating to Sunshine and rooting for her and Levi.

This is a sequel, and I will for sure be looking forward to book #2.

I loved this book. The characters and story line are fully developed and interesting. I liked the back and forth between Sunshine and her daughter's view, although I wish there were more separation between the two when they switch. Sometimes its hard to tell when the voices change. The tension between Levi and Sunshine is wonderful I can't wait to see where it goes. I can't wait until the next book. #A Bad Day for Sunshine #NetGalley

Sunshine Vicram grew up in quirky and somewhat peculiar Del Sol, New Mexico. While it may be hailed as the Land of Enchantment, Sunshine knows there are aspects that are less than charming in this small municipality. Back in her hometown as the new sheriff thanks to her parents machinations, Sunshine hits the ground running when a young girl is kidnapped hearkening back to a dark time in her own past. Sunshine is also a single parent. Her fourteen year old daughter, Auri, has her own adjustments to make as the new kid in school coming to a place where she has spent summers. It is not easy making friends when your mother is the sheriff. Who Auri’s father is makes up part of the intrigue and mysteries of this compelling and complex story.

In true Darynda Jones style, humor underpins the darker themes of kidnapping, a criminal element, and Sunshine’s own difficult past. A man she grew up with, Levi Ravinder, has held her heart for years; however, they only seem to clash rather clutch when they are together. Sunshine’s deep longing for Levi has haunted her for a long time. Levi, a complex characer, has a less than upstanding family; he is trying to protect his sister and nephew, plus he gives dark and dangerous a whole new level. Sunshine has some other hot guys interested in her who come to aide with some of the several issues she is dealing with including an escaped convict. She also has a group of her mother’s friend who “help” out whenever they can whether Sunshine wants it or not.

This story is first in a series and while some things are resolved, some other important mysteries remain. And while this book is not listed under paranormal, those elements definitely exist. Del Sol is a woo-woo kind of place where the strange and weird are everyday occurrences. I liked Sunshine and Auri very much; their alternating POV’s provide readers quite a bit more background and perspective, in particular on Sunshine and Levi’s primal attraction and history. Fans of Ms. Jones will be happy to be back in her creative and compelling literary world. I can’t wait to see what happens next.