Between the Sheets

Redondo and Rose Neighbors in Crime #2

by Bonnie Hardy

After Viv's Desert Doula agency goes bottom up, she’s eager to put the work into rebuilding. Unfortunately, Rex Redondo keeps getting in the way. Ever since the pair solved a mystery together, Viv is convinced his only interest in her is as a partner in the private investigator business he’s determined to launch. Little does she know, his feelings for her run far deeper than friendship.

Seated side by side at an HOA meeting at the Desert Tortoise Estates, they are stunned when the cops burst in to announce they found a dead body in the community casita.

Rex is eager to launch into an investigation to discover who killed Carmine Nelson while Viv isn't ready to give up on her doula agency. Yet realizing he won't leave her alone until the murder is solved, she takes matters into her own hands.

A chat with the widow.

An invitation to the memorial.

A possible lead to the killer…

Will Viv going rogue amongst the knitting and pickleball-playing residents of Desert Tortoise land her in a heap of trouble? Or will Rex and Viv put their differences aside and work together before a local cop chases them off the case?

In this second installment of the Redondo and Rose Neighbors in Crime series, readers will find intrigue, humor, and a touch of Old Hollywood romance.

Genres: Audiobook, Cozy Mystery

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2024

About the author

Bonnie Hardy, a retired professional turned author, is celebrated for her two enthralling cozy mystery series. The first, set in the picturesque mountain town of Lily Rock, features amateur sleuth Olivia Greer, known for her uncanny ability to draw out confessions from the most unlikely people.
The second series, set in Palm Desert, features the mid-life duo mentalist Rex Redondo and his down to earth next door neighbor doula Vivienne Rose.
Inspired by Agatha Christie, Bonnie's captivating tales of mystery and community masterfully blend fast-paced whodunits with clever sleuthing.

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vivienne Rose and Rex Redondo, neighbors at the Desert Tortoise Estates, plan to attend the HOA meeting to bring up some concerns. However the meeting is interrupted by police regarding a murdered man in a casita. Rex seizes the opportunity to dive into another case with Viv. Viv is not so sure, having ambivalent feelings towards Rex and his methods. The police officer’s ageist remark spurs her into action, setting up a meeting with the grieving widow. As Viv and Rex get deeper into the investigation, they attract the attention of some shady characters and come face to face with danger.

In this second book in the Neighbors in Crime series, it feels as if Rex and Viv are working at cross purposes more often than not. Not quite in synch with each other’s motivations and desires, this conflict drives the plot as much as the mystery itself. The dual POV gives the reader insight into the characters, and the author’s use of internalized reflections for each pushes the character development. Themes of later in life romance and physical intimacy, as well as “age appropriate” hobbies and retirement, and trust are explored. I’m interested in finding out how this relationship will progress. Is Rex’s interest truly fixed or is he fascinated by Viv because she doesn’t fall for his tricks?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viv and Rex . . .

Vivienne Rose and Rex Redondo are neighbors at the Desert Tortoise Estates. They are intending to go to the HOA meeting to discuss their concerns, especially as a speeding vehicle almost ran over a little boy riding his bike who was slightly injured. As the meeting continues, the police arrive to announce the discovery of a man’s body, Carmine Nelson, found in a casita nearby. Having already shown their PI talents in the past, Rex is eager to investigate the murder with Viv who doesn’t seem nearly as eager to work with Rex. Police Officer Susan Farrah orders them to leave the investigation to the authorities, which seems a sure way to tempt them right in and prove her wrong! There will be quite a number of suspects to question. Will they uncover the clues they need to track down the murderer? Will they put themselves in danger when they get too close? And will Rex open up to Viv about his real feelings for her before she walks away?

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading Bonnie Hardy's mysteries...and this one did not disappoint. I highly recommend checking out Bonnie's books...the Lily Rock series and Neighbors in Crime. I can hardly wait to see how Rex and Viv's relationship (and business) progresses! Thank you, Bonnie, for another fun read!!

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

High stakes!

I love this story as Viv and Rex are caught up in a high stakes investigation that takes them into dangerous situations. Murder, fraud, threats with lots of twists and turns kept me fully engaged from cover to cover. I recommend this book.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am voluntarily writing this review.

[Patricia Kearns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between the Sheets

Another fun filled tale.
A man's body was found in a casita.
Rex and Viv are off running to discover who how, what, and when.
Great read

[Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will they or won't they?

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all, Between the Sheets (Book 2 in the Redondo and Rose: Neighbors in Crime series) by Bonnie Hardy is exactly what I didn’t know I needed—until I was laughing, side-eyeing suspects, and swooning all in the span of a few chapters. Viv Rose is the kind of heroine I root for every time: determined, sassy, and trying her damnedest to keep her business (and heart) in one piece. Her doula agency may be on the fritz, but she’s not about to let a pesky murder—or a certain ruggedly charming Rex Redondo—completely derail her.

Now, Rex? Let’s talk about him. That man is a walking mix of exasperating and irresistible. Viv might think all he wants is a PI partnership, but it’s obvious to everyone (except maybe her) that he’s catching serious feelings. The chemistry between them is the kind that crackles, even when they’re bickering over dead bodies and neighborhood crime scenes.

And speaking of bodies—nothing like an HOA meeting getting crashed by the cops to spice up your day. The murder mystery in this one is fun, fast-paced, and full of quirky suspects (I’m looking at you, pickleball crew). Viv taking matters into her own hands had me cheering, especially when she started poking around like a seasoned sleuth with a grudge.

I love how Bonnie Hardy balances humor, heat, and a good ol’ fashioned whodunit without losing momentum. The slow-burn romance wrapped in sharp banter and neighborhood chaos makes this such a satisfying read. If you love a capable heroine, a not-so-subtle hero, and a murder mystery tangled up in feelings no one’s quite ready to admit to—grab this book and settle in.

I’m already itching for book 3. Give me more Viv and Rex, Bonnie—I’m hooked!.

[Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore the Lily Rock mysteries, but I think the Redondo and Rose mysteries are now my favorites of Bonnie Hardy. The characters are unique in a good way, older than usual in cozies, Rex an Mentalist with an ongoing act at a casino, and Vivienne a doula by trade but with a business that is now dormant, both neighbors in an upscale seniors resort community in Southern California.

Having solved a murder in book #1, they set out to solve another in this book while coming up against a crooked HOA Board whose members are involved in a criminal sideline over and above citing residents for loose dogs and trash cans sitting out in front of the houses too long.

I laughed and laughed at the situations in which Rex and Viv found themselves. The story continues the theme in the first book of will they or won't they? I am planning to start book #3 immediately to see where these characters plus Sutton the assistant, Kevin the Bernadoodle and Miss Kitty who spends much of her time in a catio, find themselves in a new mystery.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vivienne Rose and Rex Redondo, neighbours at Desert Tortoise Estates, attend an HOA meeting that’s abruptly cut short by news of a murder. Rex dives headfirst into the case, dragging a hesitant Viv along. Spurred on by a patronising police officer, Viv gets involved and arranges to meet the victim’s widow.

As the pair dig deeper, tensions rise—not just from the suspects, but between themselves. Their clashing motives and unresolved feelings create as much drama as the case itself. Told from both perspectives, this second Neighbours in Crime instalment explores later-life romance, trust, and what it really means to start over. Is Rex truly keen on Viv, or just intrigued by the chase?

I enjoy the relationship between Rex and Viv and I am looking forward to more about them.

[Genesia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gets better and better with every book. Viv and Rex are involved in their second murder mystery. As in book one, Viv is reluctant to get involved at the beginning, but then she gets pulled in by Rex's sort of manipulation, and it isn't long before she is just as eager to find the killer. With a murder, a reluctant laundromat visit from Viv, some gambling, a suspicious pastor, and even a kidnapping, this made for an entertaining and enjoyable book to read. I love the characters, and the pets are a bonus, bringing funny moments to the book. To me, this is a page-turner and worth every minute spent reading it. I'm looking forward to book 3 in the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luxuriously dead!

Viv and Rex attend an HOA meeting to voice concerns about their community. Police break into the meeting to announce the discovery of a body in one of the community casitas. Rex sees an opportunity to investigate and spend more time with Viv. She is not sure what to think of Rex. His easy lies, his ego, and his attitudes toward women make her uneasy about trusting him, although his smile and mentalist eyes draw her in.

This is a fun cozy. The dual POV gives insight into the characters. There are ample suspects to choose from and a twisty plotline. I received a free copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viv Rose and Rex Redondo back in action, though sadly for Rex, not quite as hot action as he hopes for - yet

tangled relationships with their HOA reveal some complicated neighbors, friends and family connections and a bunch of threats - mixed with barbed overtures

action packed drama and suspense

and of course, Miss Kitty and Kevin the borking Bernedoodle - fun and complex reading!

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viv and Rex are back again and I couldn't be more thrilled. I feel for them in this one as their wires seemed to not cross a lot. One wants one thing, the other something else. And it's complicated when feelings are involved. But it makes for a great read. A fun whodunnit with great characters!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great second book in the series. Characters keep developing and continue to entertain. The HOA board have a distinct similarity to the Vegas Rat Pack from the 1960’s, a clever clue if you match the initials, what fun! In the end, it’s all about family ties! Can’t wait for Book Three.

[AMBER CLARK · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dual POV gives the reader insight into the characters. Viv & Rex go to a HOA meeting and end up finding a body. There are plenty of twists and turns as they set out to prove who the killer is. It's action-packed drama and suspense.