Domingo Laban prefers the term “bail enforcement officer” over “bounty hunter”. Either way, he’s the best in the business at tracking down immigrants who break the law. As a naturalized U.S. citizen from the Philippines, Domingo (also known as Sunday) has personal experience with the failings of the system as well as individuals who aim to exploit it. In Sunday or the Highway, he’s hired by a wealthy heiress with a tragic past who is determined to uncover the secrets of her mysterious lover.

Sunday is a unique and likable protagonist. While I enjoyed following his adventures, the structure of the book left something to be desired. Each chapter begins with Sunday’s journal entries on immigration that he hopes to one day share. It’s a useful tool for communicating accurate information about ICE, asylum, and exploitative “coyotes” but it often broke up the flow of the story. I wish the information was integrated into the plot, as opposed to an infodump every chapter. In addition, while I appreciated the translations of Tagalog, I struggled with how cultural explanations were included. I’m sure they were helpful for readers who didn’t know that Spain colonized the Philippines or that Ube is a (delicious) purple yam. However, I found them distracting – especially when interjected into intense moments. Finally, the major twist was compelling but felt underdeveloped. Identity, privilege, and family are fertile ground for exploration and I would have appreciated more time spent juxtaposing Sunday and "Lover Boy” in the narrative.

Overall, Sunday or the Highway is a solid mystery with an interesting premise. It provides useful information about the US immigration system and raises nuanced questions about identity in a country where assimilation is celebrated as a “melting pot”. While I have critiques of the writing, it was ultimately an enjoyable and light read.