I enjoyed the quirky characters in this book. I thought it was interesting how the events in the book were interspersed with humor so as not to bring the content down. I look forward to the next one in the series. I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

Jones created a fun, new small-town with a group of madcap characters, and a favorite heroine.  I was hooked from the beginning and enjoyed meeting every one.  The biggest question is how long do we have to wait to hang out with this zany cast of characters again?

Sunshine Vicram is the new Sheriff of Del Sol. As she starts her first day, a kidnapping has occurred which leads to another missing person and the discovery of a long dead body. As Sunshine works to solve these crimes, along with her deputies and her own curious daughter, Auri, she finds clues to her own unsolved mystery from 15 years ago. Can she determine who is behind the crimes before she ends up as another victim?

Full of laughs, action, and suspense, this page-turner kept me eager to read on and solve these mysteries! Sunshine is sassy, fearless, determined and imperfect. I loved her from the first page. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next installment!

This is a brand new series by the author. If you loved the Charley Series you’ll love Sunshine just as much! Sunshine ends up moving back to her town of Del Sol once she becomes sheriff even though she didn’t know she was a in the running for the position but her parents helped her out she’s not sure how they did it but wants to figure it out. Sunshine figures that this won’t be that bad because nothing really happens in Del Sol what could possibly go wrong?!? I really enjoyed this book and the author did amazing story as always.

I have an admission to make - I find it hard to focus in this new, weird world we live in. So if book can capture my attention and hold it, I cherish these moments. Darynda Jones's skill with words is effortless and I completely forgot what a genius she is. I adored her Charley Davidson series, in fact, it is one of my top three paranormal/UF series forever and ever. I was thrilled and excited to start A BAD DAY FOR SUNSHINE, the first in this brand new series.

Thick clouds soaked up the vibrant colors of daybreak and splashed them across the heavens like a manic artist who’d scored a new bottle of Adderall.

In it we meet Sunshine Vicram who reminds me a lot of Charley with her snarky sense of humor. But she isn't a carbon copy - Sun lacks the ADHD-like quality Charley has. She is rational, and loves her daughter with the fire of a thousand suns. Her relationships with Auri, her parents and bestie Quincy are something to aspire to. They are simple, easy, effortless and full of affection. After over a decade she moves back home as the new sheriff of Del Sol, New Mexico and not everyone is happy about that. While she's there she is determined to find her assailant, who abducted her and held her for days. However, she doesn't have access to her memories from that time so she's completely in the dark.

Much more complicated is Sun's relationship with Levi Ravinder, the man she fell in love with when they were kids. He and his family antagonized her so, admittedly, at first it's a little hard to see why Sun is so fascinated with him. But in that regard he is like this author's other hero Reyes. We get glimpses but haven't even scratched the surface, yet we see already the potential of him becoming just as beloved as Reyes is. He is enigmatic, charismatic, mysterious and a little dangerous. He screams bad boy with a heart of gold.

He was everything she’d ever craved. Every fantasy. Every lascivious thought. All wrapped up into one, powerful predator.

I love that we get a second point of view, which is not of the hero - no, it's Sun's daughter Auri's who is her mini-me, a super-smart cookie with so much kindness and love in her, she's simply amazing. Watching her fall in love with her schoolmate Cruz was one of my highlights in this first book - this wonderful guy who is a bit of a loner, deserves a sweet girl like Auri.

“How bad was it?”
“What?”
“The teasing.”
Auri wilted. “Not bad. I’ll probably never live it down, and I’ll need a lot of therapy, but all in all, not bad.”
Sun nodded, wondering how she of all people raised such a horrible liar.

The superbly done and I was pretty surprised in the end. There are several different story arcs running parallel but I was never overwhelmed or confused - that's how clever Darynda Jones's writing is. After finishing A BAD DAY FOR SUNSHINE we'll all have theories about the tragedy that happened to Sun, and Levi's role in it. The author steers us in this direction but I wouldn't be surprised if we didn't get whiplash from the twist, once it's revealed.

Don't make the mistake of comparing the Sunshine Vicram series with Charley Davidson and expecting the same all over again. They are fundamentally different (although there is an Easter egg hidden in there that totally made my day) and you will have a much better reading experience if you read this without this particular expectation.

This book took me out of my head and gave me reprieve from the craziness we experience at the moment. I can't wait for the next installment - I'm already deeply in love wit these characters and completely invested. This series is a breath of fresh air, full of wit, suspense and light angst. Definitely an auto-read.

“The mayor would like you to call her with an update.”
“Oh, okay, can you take down a message for when she calls back?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She made sure her badge was securely fastened to her belt, then said, “Okay, it’s three sentences.”
Anita nodded, pen at the ready.
“Bite. My. Ass.” The poor girl actually wrote down all three words before looking at her questioningly. “I know it’s a bit cryptic, but she’ll figure it out.”

This book captivated me right from the beginning.  The title character and the writer’s style convinced me that I would really like this book. I’m guessing that’s why I had a sleepless night, but it was well worth it. I was pleased to find out that this is the first book in a new series – I will get the next book as soon as it is available. Sunshine comes back to her hometown after a long absence, having won the election for sheriff. Very surprising to her as she didn’t even know she was running! She also is trying to solve the mystery of who attacked her years ago. The town and the characters are somewhat quirky. She has a teenage daughter who takes after her and is very interested in solving crimes. She also has a romantic interest from years ago.  What else do you need in a book??? I’m now impatiently waiting for the next book in the series!

Also reviewed on B&N and kobo

Popular author Darynda Jones has published the first volume in a new series. The series, titled
Sunshine Vicram, is a rural police procedural set in the fictitious town of Del Sol. "A town full of sunshine, fresh air and friendly faces. (Barring three of four old grouches.)"
Del Sol has a new sheriff in town, which is odd, as Sunshine Vicram, our hero, does not remember running for office. She and her daughter, Auri -- short for Aurora live on property owned by Sunshine's parents. It is the first day on the job for Sunshine, and the first day at the high school for Auri. The reader sits on the edge of their seat wondering if they will make it through.

Jones writes non stop action bolstered with snappy dialog that is often hilarious. The same is true for the inner monologues. In this book, we only know the inner monologue for Sunshine and Auri.
Jones is a master plot smith. Layers of characters, completing layers of actions all knit together. At times, a reader might have trouble keeping the large cast in mind. However as the series grows each person will become more well know.

Jones' is best known for her paranormal grave series. She has moved her setting from the paranormal places to one where things are always just a bit "off". Her love of describing really 'hot' men and women remains. In the uncertain times we are experiencing Jones new series offers a welcome diversion.

Full disclosure: I received this ARC from netgalley and Macmillan in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you for the opportunity, (less)

This is genuinely funny! I was pulled into the story from the start. The great characters and action-packed plot kept me turning pages to see what would happen next. The point of view switches kept things fresh and broadened the scale of storytelling. Within the twists and turns of the action we get terrific backstory on the main characters. There is great world building here and a delightful cast of characters, some quirky and some serious.  Even the high school mean girl and her minions are more than caricatures.
My only complaint is the unfinished business left at the ending. This is obviously the first volume of a series. 
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley and I offer my honest opinion in response.

My first by this author and I really liked it.

The characters, Sunshine and Auri are wonderful and you will love them. 
The mystery is well developed and will keep you turning pages to the end.
I look forward to more books by this author. 
A must read.

Thank you NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my review.
A big 4 stars and high recommend from me.

This is another one of those reviews that I have to preface with: this is a fangirl-y, over the top mess of a review. This was actually my first Darynda Jones book! (This has been remedied over the past month) As soon as I read the blurb for A Bad Day for Sunshine though, I knew I had to read it.

Jones’ trademark humor and wit blend beautifully with the mysteries and hijinks around the funny little community of Del Sol. Readers are even treated to a teasing hint of paranormal, this is Darynda after all. As this is the start of a series, there is quite a bit of foundation work that has to be done but I didn’t feel like the pace suffered. Sunshine’s past, the lovable quirky residents of Del Sol, the strange basket of foreboding muffins, and of course the snappy dialogue all kept me seriously engrossed in this story.

Sunshine Vicram and her daughter Auri are everything I could have wanted and more. Much like Lorelai and Rory from The Gilmore Girls, their relationship is warm and loving with the typical stresses that come from parenting a teen. Saddled with this new responsibility as sheriff, Sunshine has to juggle the Puff Daddy feud, find a missing teen, and it is rainin’ hot men. I am all about Levi by the way. Auri, amateur PI extraordinaire, decides she wants to help by investigating at her new high school nevermind that bit of bullying. 

The Mayor that kinda seems like a Disney Villain (it works though) and I’m interested to see how that story arc plays out in the future. Jones has truly done a fantastic job crafting vibrant secondary characters that I can’t get enough of. 

I don’t think I can overstate how much I loved this book! As soon as I finished the last page I had to fight the urge to start it over again. I’ve put the audiobook on hold through my library and I am going to purchase a hard copy for my library as well. Also, I have successfully badgered Mr. B into reading it in the near future. Beware of muffins of doom but DO go out and read this book and then come back and fangirl with me. 

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
**Retail reviews posted to Amazon, B&N, and Kobo

There's a new Sheriff in Del Sol, New Mexico, and she didn't even run for office. Sunshine ran away from the small town after a life altering incident but she back with her 14-year old daughter, Auri and seems like everything is going wrong on her first day. A girl is missing, she can't find one of her deputies, she ate jinxed muffins, there's an escaped prisoner, and the rooster is causing problems. Can Sunshine put together pieces of the present, the past and maybe get her attraction to Levi Ravinder under control. 

This story was a witty, thrilling, mysterious ride that I couldn't put down. I absolutely loved the multiple POV between Auri and Sunshine. Auri is bringing out all the Veroinica Mars feels. I was super interested in not only the present mystery, but as well as what happened 15 years ago. I cannot wait to pry open Levi and all his secrets. The second book cannot come out fast enough! I was already a fan of @daryndajonesofficial Charley Davidson series and I most definitely recommend this one!

I had a hard time getting into this one. I felt like the whole time I was just keeping up with a multitude of characters and their interactions, but I didn't feel immersed in a story. I liked Sun's relationship with her daughter, but I didn't otherwise know where to focus my attention.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really loved this book. It was just a fun, quirky read. It was just what I needed right now. I was drawn to Sunshine and her little town. I can't wait for the next one!

What a great start to the Sunshine Vicram series with a great cast of characters and a story that captivated me immediately, kept me glued to the book and I didn't want it to end - just wasn't ready to say goodbye to Sun and the residents of Del Sol, New Mexico. I felt an instant connection to Sunshine who comes home to serve as sheriff and loved her dynamic with the other characters especially her daughter Auri, her best friend Chief Deputy Quincy Cooper and hottie Levi Ravinder who has been her crush forever. Ms. Jones blew me away with this witty, heartwarming and sometime heart rending novel and I look forward to see what happens next in Del Sol. I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Sunshine Vicram wins an election in her home town to be the new sheriff even though she wasn't in the running. She brings back her daughter and some questions about her pass. I loved the character of Sunshine and the relationship she had with her daughter, Auri, and her parents. The town was a quirky little place and on her first day on the job she is faced with finding a missing girl. Mostly in mysteries I like to see clues to what might be going on but in this story things were dropped which just lead to more questions and I felt distracted from what the real mystery was. This is the first in what I hope will be a series. I liked all the characters and hope to read more about Sunshine, Auri, Levi and Cruz.

HOLY COW!!!  Unlike so many of my book friends, this was my first book by the talented Darynda Jones.  Let me just say, it will definitely not be my last!!

A Bad Day for Sunshine was such a fun and unique read for me.  I can't really put my finger on exactly what about it made me love it so very much....but I did!  I'm a huge fan and cannot wait for the next one in this continuing series.  Let me put your mind somewhat at ease....one mystery will be wrapped up at the end but there is a continuing storyline here that will keep drawing you back...trust me, you will want to return to Del Sol, New Mexico catch up with the people there and their ongoing "stories".  They are all pretty special!  I highly recommend this little gem and am so glad I had the chance to read it!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

What a delightful read! I enjoyed the sarcasm, humor, and suspense and can’t wait for the next one in the series.

OMG...WOW...this book is just wow. It's a complex small-town mystery read, there's kidnapping, murder, theft, flasher and all happen in the first day job of our Sheriff Sunshine and she almost got hit by a car and there's mystery in her past that she needs to solve and then there's her daughter's first day at high school that full of drama. This book keeps hitting me with mystery and shocking revelation in every page, a twist and more secret in every chapter, that keeps me turning page after page and then there's mother-daughter banter that just so adorable and the friendship too, oh so many thing that warms my heart in this book. 

It brings all the feelings, it has a great story, and I think it has more good things coming. Definitely a MUST-READ for a mystery read lovers.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review*

A Bad Day for Sunshine is a new series by the ever popular Darynda Jones.  This is the first book that I have read by her and I have to say that I really enjoyed the book.  The main characters are well written and the storyline is a plot line that is filled with a mystery and a realistic plot involving events that are reported in the news everyday.  I will be reading the next book in this series as I cannot wait to see what happens.

Sunshine Vicram has come back to Del Sol, New Mexico to take her place as sheriff, a job that her parents made sure she got whether she wanted it or not.  She agreed to take the job because the crime rate is low and not to much happens in Del Sol.  When a young girl is kidnapped and unwanted attention is brought to the town Sunny begins to wonder if returning was such a great idea.  Things aren't going well at her daughter's new school which is making life even harder.  She thinks life couldn't get worse until not one but two extremely handsome men enter her life, one is an old flame and the other is a US  Marshal, both there it seems to make her life more interesting.  How is she suppose to find a kidnapper, deal with a couple of handsome men, and all the other issues that seem to be popping up not only in her job but in her personal life too.  Follow along as Sunny weaves her way through her new job, two men, and a crime that was unexpected but one that needs to be solved immediately.  Will she be able to work through everything or will the job and the guys be to much for her in the end.  A great read, I was excited for something new from this author because I've so enjoyed her previous work.