I am a huge fan of the author and the first installment of the Sunshine Vicram trilogy did not disappoint. If you’ve read the author’s earlier work (specifically the Charley Davidson series), you won’t want to miss this one. And if you haven’t read Ms. Jones’s books, this is a good one to start with.

The story is told from alternating first person POV between Sunshine and Auri.

Sunshine Vicram is fun, smart, sassy, and resourceful. She is flawed and fully aware of it. She is vulnerable, but never weak and really just an all-around bad ass. I would love to be her, or at least her best friend. Sunshine is loyal to her friends and family, cares deeply about the people she serves, and would do anything to protect her daughter.

Auri Vicram is a little spitfire, wanting to follow in her mother’s footsteps. And she is very much a mini me with her mom. At times Auri seems a little young for her age, other times she seems a little too old. She is actually a freshman in high school, but not afraid to investigate things on her own, especially when one of her friends is in trouble. And she is just as loyal as Sunshine.

The rest of the side characters bring the story to life. Senior Deputy Quincey has been Sunshine’s best friend since they were both children. He has been there for her through the worst times of her life and has her back no matter what. There’s a little flirtation between them, but neither is romantically interested in the other. The other officers that work with them add enjoyable banter between cases.

Sunshine’s parents are incredibly supportive of both Sunshine and Auri. And they’ve also adopted Quincey, Cruz and everyone else into their family as well.

Cruz is the bad boy with the good heart who zeroes in on Auri the first day of school. He writes poetry and beats up bullies. And has had Auri’s back since the moment they met.

Levi is the bad boy with a good heart from Sunshine’s school days. There is a strong connection between them, though he could be involved in a tragedy from Sunshine’s past. Levi adores Auri and will do anything to protect her (and her mother). I have a theory about what happened between Levi and Sunshine and can’t wait to find out if I’m right (I usually am, so I hope so!).

I can’t wait to dive into the second book in the series to find out what happens next!

Disclaimer: I received a DRC through Net Galley on behalf of the publishers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.