by Darynda Jones
Series: Sunshine Vicram #1
Genres: Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Sheriff Sunshine Vicram finds her cup o’ joe more than half full when the small village of Del Sol, New Mexico, becomes the center of national attention for a kidnapper on the loose.
Del Sol, New Mexico is known for three things: its fry-an-egg-on-the-cement summers, strong cups of coffee―and, now, a nationwide manhunt? Del Sol native Sunshine Vicram has returned to town as the elected sheriff―thanks to her adorably meddlesome parents who nominated her―and she expects her biggest crime wave to involve an elderly flasher named Doug. But a teenage girl is missing, a kidnapper is on the loose, and all of this is reminding Sunshine why she left Del Sol in the first place. Add to that the trouble at her daughter’s new school, plus and a kidnapped prized rooster named Puff Daddy, and, well, the forecast looks anything but sunny.
But even clouds have their silver linings. This one's got Levi, Sunshine's sexy, almost-old-flame, and a fiery-hot US Marshal. With temperatures rising everywhere she turns, Del Sol's normally cool-minded sheriff is finding herself knee-deep in drama and danger. Can Sunshine face the call of duty―and find the kidnapper who's terrorizing her beloved hometown―without falling head over high heels in love...or worse?
A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones is the first novel in the Sunshine Vicram mystery series. Jones’ delivers suspense, snark, romance and unique characters.
I loved Jones’ Charley Davidson urban fantasy series and was delighted to see her venture into a new genre. Sunshine is a strong, funny, kickass character you’ll quickly identify with, come to care for and most importantly laugh with.
Sunshine Vicram has returned to the small village of Del Sol, New Mexico as the newly appointed Sheriff. This after her parents entered her in the election. A feat she still isn’t sure how they pulled off. She has her teenage daughter, Auri with her.
First day on the job and Sunshine has a missing child, an escapee from prison and a squabble over a rooster. Ah well at least someone delivered muffins! She has her close friend and fellow officer Quincey to lend support. Even though he teases her over the cow eyes she is making over the man who makes her knees turn to jelly. That forbidden fruit is Levi Ravinder, and he just happens to be the best tracker around.
The story is told from the POVs of Sunshine and Auri. Filled with humor, secrets, and the new cases. We’ve got muffins that make the police squad nervous, a missing officer and plenty of danger in this thrilling mystery.
Turns out Auri is an amature slueth and the missing girl is someone she met before winter session started at school. Here she will face down enemies, meet an interesting boy named Cruz and help her autistic friend Jimmy.
There are touches of paranormal woo-woo in the form of premonitions and I loved it. Jones gave us a romance with sizzling chemistry and peppered in humor that made me burst out laughing. These helped balanced out the intense case, danger, twists and tender moments.
I was hooked from the start and appreciated the quotes that began each chapter. They offered insight to the town and plenty of humor. I am also curious about some of the threads left unanswered. The author left me fully invested in the town of the Del Sol and the characters living there.
While the case wrapped up, Jones left us with her jaw-dropping last paragraph. Gads, I cannot wait for the next Sunshine Vicram novel!
Humor, suspense and mysterious cases make A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones a #MustRead #SunshineVicram #Mystery #NewRelease Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Leona
I loved Auri’s character so much! Sunshine’s character was a hoot! This was a promising start to a new series.
Carla Johnson-Hicks
This one sounds fun Kimberly. I only read the first one in the Charley Davidson series, but I keep saying I want to get back to it. I am glad this series is starting off well and I definitely intend to read it, I wonder if it will be produced as an audiobook?
Kimberly
It is available on audio. I was just too impatient to wait!
Carla Johnson-Hicks
That is great news. I will see if my library has it then.
Melliane
I’m soooooo curious to read this one!!! It looks good. I was actually wondering about it.
Jen
Excellent review. I ended up really loving this one – probably more than the last several CD books! I fell in love with the characters right from the start. Tight storytelling, wonderful plot… I agree, can’t wait for more!
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
Oh this sounds good! I like that this one doesn’t sound quite as paranormal as her previous books. I’ll definitely have to pick this one up.
Sophia Rose
After reading Sunshine’s first book, I don’t miss Charley so much. 🙂
Kimberly
It helped to ease the pain. Have you read Betwixt by her too? It’s the first in a new paranormal women’s fiction and brilly.
Sophia Rose
Not yet, but I’ve got it. 🙂
Nadene
I have this. Hope to pick it up soon.
Anne - Books of My Heart
Fantastic review! It is a great start to a new fun series.
sherry fundin
i read this one too and can hardly wait for the next one
Ethan
This one sounds right in my wheelhouse!
kindlemom1
Woot! Glad you felt the same way about this that I did Kim! It really was so much fun and I’m really looking forward to book two.
Debbie S Haupt
Oh a new genre too, this looks like my cuppa, thanks Kim!
Cindy
Time to start a new series! I love the name Sunshine too and you had me at a jaw dropping ending!
Trish @ Between My Lines
This sounds so good. I love the setting, and snark is always welcome in my books. Adding it to my tbr, thanks Kim.