Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Review: A Bad Day For Sunshine by Darynda Jones


New York Times bestselling author Darynda Jones is back with the first novel in the brand-new snarky, sassy, wickedly fun Sunshine Vicram series—A Bad Day for Sunshine!


A BAD DAY FOR SUNSHINE by DARYNDA JONES
Series: Sunshine Vicram #1
Publication date: April 7, 2020
Published by: Macmillan/Saint Martin's Press
Genre: Mystery

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SYNOPSIS

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, its strong cups of coffee—and a nationwide manhunt? Del Sol native Sunshine Vicram has returned to town as the elected sheriff--an election her adorably meddlesome parents entered her in--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 it's reminding Sunny why she left Del Sol in the first place. Add to that trouble at her daughter’s new school and a kidnapped prized rooster named Puff Daddy, and Sunshine has her hands full.

Enter sexy almost-old-flame Levi Ravinder and a hunky US Marshall, both elevens on a scale of one to blazing inferno, and the normally savvy sheriff is quickly in over her head. Now it’s up to Sunshine to juggle a few good hunky men, a not-so-nice kidnapping miscreant, and Doug the ever-pesky flasher. And they said coming home would be drama-free.


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Praise for A Bad Day For Sunshine:

"Provides plenty of action. Recommended for fans of Linda Castillo and J.A. Jance." - Library Journal

"A Bad Day For Sunshine is a great day for the rest of us - captivating characters, great writing, pace, humor and suspense." - Lee Child, New York Times bestselling author

"Fans of Jones’ bestselling Charley Davidson series and Janet Evanovich’s romps will devour this steamy series launch, which introduces both an irresistible pair crime-busting Gilmore Girls and a quirky, mysterious setting.” - Booklist

"Compelling characters and a sexy, angst-filled bunch of mysteries add up to a winning series debut." - Kirkus

"A Bad Day for Sunshine is everything you want from Darynda Jones … and more! Laugh-out-loud funny, intensely suspenseful, page-turning fun with a sassy new heroine you will love. Prepare to be hooked by this witty, sexy, and thrilling new series from one of my favorite authors!” - Allison Brennan, New York Times bestselling author

“Swoon-worthy heroes, quirky characters, and a page turning mystery. Move over Stephanie Plum, Sunshine Vicram has arrived. Prepare yourself. This book is a keeper!” –New York Times Bestselling Author Christie Craig

"Darynda Jones has done it again. With trademark humor, eccentric yet relatable characters, and masterful storytelling, she takes us on a journey we don't want to end. A Bad Day for Sunshine is a great day for readers!" -#1 Bestselling Author Tracy Brogan

“Smart, sexy, and outrageously funny. Jones masterfully balances heartwarming comedy and bone chilling suspense.” -Marina Adair, #1 National bestselling author of Summer in Napa

“From the creative genius who brought you Charley Davidson comes your newest obsession: Sunshine Vicram. Mother. Sheriff. Warden of weird.” -New York Times Bestselling Author Susan Donovan

"Darynda Jones is always on my MUST READ list! No one can pull you into a book like she can!” 
-New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Donna Grant

"All the snarky humor and engaging writing you've come to expect from master storyteller Darynda Jones. I would read her if she scribbled on a napkin. Luckily, her new story has more than just lipstick and a number. Prepare to get sucked in. Her writing is like a vortex; you can't get out until you're done and sobbing for more." - New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Eve Langlais

"A new town, new characters to become friends with, same snort-in-public humor . . . you're going to love this story!” - Award Winning Author Laura Drake

"A Bad Day for Sunshine is deliciously witty, fast paced and filled with laugh-out-loud dialogue. Darynda Jones knocks it out of the park with this delightful new series!” - Robyn Peterman, New York Times Bestselling Author

“Darynda delivers again! A Bad Day for Sunshine tugs at your heartstrings and tickles your funny bone. From gut-wrenching heartbreak to full-abdominal belly laughs, Sunshine is a literary workout for your core. Another unique read from a stellar storyteller!” -Diane Kelly, Award Winning Author of Hilarious Mysteries

“Smart, sexy, clever . . . and so many laughs! Darynda Jones brings her trademark wit and charm in A Bad Day for Sunshine. I couldn’t get enough!” - Kim Law, Award-winning Bestselling author of Montana Cherries



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

NYTimes and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious RITA, a Golden Heart, and a Daphne du Maurier. As a born storyteller, she grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, annoying man and beast alike. She currently has two series with St. Martin's Press, the Charley Davidson Series and the Darklight Trilogy. Darynda lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband of more than 25 years and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.

Follow her:
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REVIEW

A Bad Day for SunshineA Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Confession time: I... *inhales deeply* havenotreadDaryndaJonesbefore. Until now.


1) No, I haven't been living on a deserted island, oblivious to her popularity.
2) I have literally no reason for not picking one up before now.
3) I will go sit in the corner marinating in shame for my (in)actions.

Sunshine Vicram is probably the least likely to become sheriff in her hometown of Del Sol, New Mexico. She was the firecracker in school who frequently got into trouble, and gave her parents more than their share of premature grey hairs. So it was an unexpected turn of events when she won the election for sheriff-even for Sun. Her unrepentant parents may or may not have had something to do with the job that fell in her lap. Her exasperation was hilariously clear, but she can't help but be grateful that her new position will help her solve a very personal unsolved mystery. Who kidnapped her when she was a teen, and why?

It quickly becomes obvious that work is going to be more challenging than anticipated. No big deal, just a psychic, a flasher, a fresh kidnapping, a dead body, a missing person, a crime family that hates her, and an escaped convict running around. You have to love her self-depreciating, sarcastic personality as she takes it all in stride. I can't tell you how many times I laughed out loud at her thoughts or conversations with her equally funny family and friends. There were quite a bit of characters introduced here which I stumbled over a time or two, but for the most part, reading flowed really smoothly. You get that small town series feel with each and every oddball person you meet, all of them delightfully original. There was absolutely zero chance of boredom when it comes to the antics of this town.

Sunshine's fourteen-year-old daughter Auri is whip-smart, brave, and like her mom in many ways. I loved the fact that she has significant page time devoted to her story arc in high school. She has a sad family history that you get piece by piece as the story wears on.

    She most definitely did not want anyone sifting through her past. She had something to hide. Something she’d give her life to keep hidden. Something Auri could never, under any circumstances, find out.

She meets a broody boy who only has eyes for her, and defends herself against your typical bullies who joyfully make her life miserable. All this while doing her part in helping her mom investigate the kidnapping of her new friend. She isn't your typical rebellious teen, she's not against breaking the rules now and again, but not without good cause. An innocent girl's life hangs in the balance, and she isn't about to sit idly by while time runs out for her.

   Most kids loved being burdens. Reveled in it. Counted on it to get their way on multiple occasions. But not this little morsel of moxie. Nugget of nerve. Princess of pluck. It was the red hair. Sun knew it down to her bones. That red soaked into her brain and set it on fire. And Sun would have it no other way.

The main plot is the race to solve Sybil's kidnapping, but we also get detailed backstory on Sunshine's ordeal. Piece by piece, you're able to put together how Levi Ravinder played a part in her life. At least, I was able to ferret out quite a bit, but at this point they're only theories. At first I wasn't sure what to make of this mysterious guy who Sunshine has had strong feelings for. I didn't understand where her fascination stemmed from beyond his bad boy rep and good looks. Thankfully, there isn't a lack of development there, it's simply drawn out at a slower pace. He has a multitude of layers that have yet to be revealed, but so far he's shaping up to be a love interest with a whole lot of charisma and heart.

This was such a breath of fresh air, and I'm so glad my book bestie Astrid pushed me to request it. To be honest, mystery is not my genre of choice because I tend to get easily bored and impatient to get to the big reveal at the end. This is a great book for non-mystery readers like myself who are looking for something with a lot of action, a hint of romance, and a lot of snark. The dialogue is razor sharp. The plot keeps you guessing, and the characters effortlessly engage you into their lives. I'm now a loyal fan of this series and will be auto-reading each installment as soon as they're up for grabs. There is a cliffhanger, but that's pretty much to be expected in a series with a continuing storyline such as this one. It didn't leave me in suspense, just hungry for more. I can't wait to see where Sheriff Sunshine leads us next.


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