This was a fun read! I read so many books that I didn’t realize that I’d read one of the books in this series until after I started the book.

Madison runs her own decorating business, Mad for Mod. I love this because, like Madison, I’m a mid-century modern lover. I can imagine the items she writes about as I’m reading. I also love how she dresses like Doris Day, after having been told she resembles Doris.

In this book. Madison inherits an old pajama factory that comes with a mystery. Her friend, who left it to her, also left her a letter saying it was up to Madison what she wanted to do with the factory but there were some preservation groups that were interested. As she begins to learn about the factory she discovers a dead body, then another.

I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this book and, of course, Madison and her style.

Madison Night is surprised when her elderly friend Alice Sweet dies and leaves her a pajama factory. Once a thriving business, Sweet Dreams closed abruptly after a tragic accident took the life of young model Suzy in the 1950s. Madison has to get the police to unseal the building for her and asks her friend Captain Tex Allen for help. Madison finds the factory is in pristine condition, including an inventory full of 1950's era pajamas. But she is shocked to find the body of John Sweet, who was Alice's grandson and the person handling Alice's estate, upstairs. The dead body of the law partner in John's office is the next victim. Both were shot dead and Madison finds a gun in a storage facility that Alice had left for her. Who was trying to frame Madison for these murders? Other family members and special interest groups have differing views on what should be done with the pajama factory.

This is another fun read in the Madison Night mystery series.

I received an eARC via Netgalley and Henery Press with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.

This is an interesting and well done mystery.
An easy read, it still is quite captivating with the ins and outs of what goes on.
I look forward to more of these adventures.

Interior decorator Madison Night is no stranger to the occasional odd inheritance. But when an octogenarian friend dies and leaves her a pajama factory, the bounty is bittersweet. Once a thriving business, Sweet Dreams closed decades ago after a tragic accident took the life of a young model. Or was that simply a cover up? Between her friend’s death and her own stagnant life, Madison is tempted to hide under a blanket of willful ignorance. But when family members and special interest groups lobby to expose the secrets of the factory, Madison gets caught in a dangerous nightmare and discovers that sometimes, the bed you make is not your own.

https://www.dianevallere.com/madison-night


Doris Day is one of my favorite actresses. I watched a lot of her movies when I was younger and still like them. Few women of a certain age don’t like Doris. The happily-ever-after endings, the morality of the characters Doris portrayed, the good-looking male leads, and the clothing Doris wore—all of which made for great female entertainment.


Diane Vallere’s Mad for Mod series main character, Madison Night, looks like Doris (a perky blonde), dresses like Doris, and designs house interiors like those shown in Doris Day movies (late fifties/early sixties styles). In Madison’s quest for period furnishings, she’s drawn into the drama of estates and death. The Pajama Frame is Diane’s fifth Madison Night novel.


Often murder motives in mysteries are far fetched, but the motive for murder in this novel was grounded in the real world. Cute dogs, pastel fabrics, and tailored clothing aside, Diane takes on some real-world issues in this book and some of her character’s issues, too.


Welcome back to WWK, Diane. E. B. Davis

Madison inherits a pajama factory from her elderly friend Alice Sweet. It’s been boarded up and neglected for sixty years. Why did she pass off her problem to Madison? Avoiding the building’s painful past, or is it more personal?

DV: I think Alice was a woman who came into her own after her husband died (when she was in her fifties) and instead of letting her new life be defined by something her husband had done (or not done), she chose to let her life be defined by her own identity.


Why did Madison name her little Shih Tzu, Rocky?

DV: Rocky is named after Rock Hudson. She added the “y” because it makes the name cutesy, but both Captain Tex Allen and Hudson James, the two men in her life, only call him Rock.

Does the Captain’s relationship with Rocky mirror his relationship to Madison?

DV: I think you can tell a lot about a person by how they interact with someone else’s pet, so having Tex interact with Rocky gets to show him in a different way than only showing him interacting with Madison.


Why doesn’t Madison have many close friends her own age?

DV: Madison left Pennsylvania for Texas, not for any reason other than the person she was getting away from was in PA and would never come to TX. She had friends there, but after started over with a whole new life, she discovered that it’s harder to make new friends in your late forties than your twenties.


At the cemetery while looking at Alice Sweet’s headstone, Madison has a moment of reckoning. What hit her so hard?

DV: Even though Alice was decades older than Madison, the two women were friends, and Madison sees Alice’s life as having been similar to hers. She realizes how alone she’s been in Texas, how here’s a woman who died and her family is treating the death like an inconvenience. Madison, who has been trying to open up to people feels a bit like she’s losing herself in the process of inviting people into her world. It’s a real struggle: stay isolated and protect herself, or be vulnerable to others and risk being hurt.


Donna Nast (former Officer Nasty) talks a lot. She claims Madison lives in the past. Does she speak the truth?

DV: Nasty is a very interesting (and fun) character for me because she represents what I think a lot of people might think if they encountered a real life Madison Night. Madison does dress in vintage, and her business does revolve around the midcentury style, and people often assume she’s ignorant of technology or modern business practices.


I like to think of Donna Nast as Alex Krycek from The X-Files. She has her own agenda, and you never really know whose side she’s on.



Nasty also said of Captain Tex Allen, “For him, the job comes first. Period.” True or is she just a “think-she-knows-it-all?”

DV: I’m going to leave this one unanswered so the reader can decide for themselves!


I was surprised that Donna Nast felt impacted by a man’s suicide she may have indirectly caused even though she didn’t know him. Does Donna have more emotional depth than readers perceive?

DV: I think every single person has emotional depth, whether we like them or don’t like them. Nasty is a great nemesis for Madison, but to me she’s more interesting because she does have layers.


Although Donna Nast isn’t pleasant, she was more forthcoming with information about a past case connected to Madison’s case than Captain Tex Allen. He can hide behind the shield, but withholding information is a kind of lying. Why would he do that to Madison?

DV: I can admit that understanding police procedure and behavior is the steepest learning curve I have when writing a cop, and I learned early on in this series (after consulting with a 25-year homicide detective) that there are things a cop would not discuss because it would jeopardize a case. Tex will share information to a point, but he wouldn’t want Madison to think he wants her to put herself in danger. Their relationship has changed a lot since the first book, when she proved to him that she can think through facts and evidence clearly, but they still have a police/civilian barrier.


“[Madison’s] My desire to live an independent life without the possibility of emotional connection or pain dissolved.” (Kindle Loc. 3457) What did Madison discover about Alice’s life that affected her so deeply as to change her path?

DV: The death of her friend (regardless of her age) made Madison see that life is short and feeling alive—and experiencing the messiness that goes with the ups and downs of that—is better than going through the motions. In her friend’s life she saw opportunities lost and doesn’t want that to be her.


You have four mystery series, but this fall you released a science fiction novel. Has sci fi always lurked as an interest?

DV: I think of MURDER ON MOON TREK 1 as a mystery set in outer space more than a science fiction novel. I love Star Trek and UFO and wanted to have the freedom to completely create an alternate setting while still relying on clues, evidence, and sleuthing for my amateur to solve the crime. I expect Sylvia Stryker to have more adventures, but I don’t expect to delve farther into sci fi than dipping my toe, which is what I’ve done here.


What’s next for Madison?

DV: I’m currently working on book 6, which is expected out later this year. In her efforts to expand the boundaries of her life, she has been bidding on higher profile jobs, and in book 6 she’s competing in a design competition that pits her and her mid-mod aesthetic against more commercial designers throughout the state of Texas. Unfortunately, a computer hacker is wreaking havoc on the very technology Madison is forced to embrace…

When a friend of her’s dies, Madison Night inheritance her pajama factory. Sweet Dreams use to be a thriving business hiring women that needed jobs during the war, but closed decades ago after a tragic accident that had taken the life of one young model. Years later, some of the locals still believe that the entire thing was a cover up and that it was actually murder.

But when Madison and Tex discover the body of the lawyer that contacted her inside Sweet Dreams, things go south really fast. Now Madison is being set up, and it’s up to her and Tex to figure out by whom and why.

I read the last book in this series and really enjoyed it. Madison Nights series is a fun read, it’s fast paced, the writing and the storyline flows and before I knew it I was blowing through the pages. I once again found myself reluctant to part with Madison and her story until the mystery wrapped up. I loved the characters, I really liked the dynamic with Tex and Madison and I am curious to see where the author will take the relationships of the main characters as this series progresses.

If you are looking for a fun, fast paced cozy mystery with a down to earth character – I recommend the Mad for Mod series. I do love Madison and her Doris Day obsession as well as all the trouble that seemed to follow her. I did enjoy Tex in this book because I loved the way the two worked together.

Overall, a great series that I will continue to follow and eagerly await the next book.

This one is difficult to review because its premise, the vintage aspects and why the gun was found where it was created some good scenes but I didn't care for most of the characters this time around.

Pajama Frame is my first Madison Night book but not my first Diane Vallere book and now I need to go grab the rest of the books in this series.
Another great book by Diane Vallere that keeps you reading until the very end.
I recommend this book to anyone that needs a great read.

This is the fifth in a series about Madison Night, an interior decorator with a passion for mid-century design. She also loves Doris Day and has more than a glancing resemblance to Ms. Day which is made more evident by the vintage 60’s style clothing that she wears.

In this story, Madison and her boyfriend, Hudson, are still miles apart and that makes life difficult on a personal level. Madison receives a surprise inheritance when one of her friends passes away. Along with the inheritance comes a quest to find out the truth about something that occurred many years before.


Captain Tex Allen (previously Lieutenant Allen) of the Lakewood police force, is nearby to both assist Madison and to drive her crazy (as always.)

The series is one of my favorites. The location, the characters and the plots are always amusing and fun to find out the whodunnit. I’ve read all of the books in the series and can recommend then all. While the book can be read stand-alone, I recommend reading the series in order so you can see how the characters have grown over the books.

I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley.

While this series is new to me, the author is not. I have really enjoyed her other fashion themed series so I was eager to start this one. To find out this is the fifth in the series - wonderful. Now I have four previous books to read. Full of humor and a main character who is more mature is a plus.
Madison inherits a 1960's, long closed pajama factory, a veritable time capsule of the Mod '60s. Too bad this new chapter of her life comes with some corpses. In order to figure out who done it, Madison has to deal with her nemesis in the police department, Tex Allen. I had no trouble getting into the swing of things even though this was the first I have read in this series. It stands alone very well. The combination of humor and a satisfying mystery make this a five star series.

Madison finds her hands full when she inherits a pajama factory. She finds herself trying to decode mysteries of the past and current day associated with the factory. She finds herself trying to just ignore it all an pretend likes she doesn't know what is going and getting caught up in it all trying to figure out what really happened.

A good mystery and a good read.

I received a copy of the book from the author, the review is my own.

This is the fifth book in the Madison Night series and they just keep getting better. Mad for Mod has a part time employee, Hudson is still in California and Madison is back in Dallas, trying to get back into the swing of things. She is surprised when one of her elderly swimming buddies passes away. In addition to the household inventory for Mad for Mod, Alice Sweet has left her a shuttered pajama factory called Sweet Dreams. Madison is thrilled with the discovery of factory sealed pajama samples but not as enamored with hints that the accident that closed the plant may not have been accidental. There are multiple storylines running and plenty of suspects and guesses as to what is really going on in this part of town. I really like the richness of all the characters, the peeks into Tex Allan and even Donna Nast. Madison is almost fifty, a wonderful character that is facing the flaws and questions that plague many of us. I enjoyed the turns the story took and can't wait for more.

It was a joy to discover this new-to-me author and series! Other reviews have done a great job recapping the storyline so I’ll focus on the reasons that I found the book so engaging. The protagonist is mature but still quirky, not the typical 20 something airhead often featured in cozies. She was able to connect and build relationships with a diverse group of individuals. Her resemblance to Doris Day and her decorating business based on 60’s mod created a unique background/setting but was not over-the-top or exaggerated. I stayed up way too late reading this one and will definitely keep reading this series. (I received a copy of this book from Net Gallery in return for an honest review.). https://www.amazon.com/gp/review/R1K36DEPN3PD3N?ref_=glimp_1rv_cl

Vallere's The Pajama Frame is another exciting mystery that captures the reader's attention from beginning to end. While a fan of Vallere's previous work and series, this is the first book that I have read in the Madison Night series. Despite being unfamiliar with the series, I was able to jump right in. When Madison unexpected inherits a pajama factory from her deceased friend, she has no idea what is in store for her. Madison starts out the book sure about her work, her life, and even her love life, but this unexpected inheritance changes everything.

Madison is very well developed throughout the book, and the reader gets to experiences these changes and upheavals right with Madison. I also loved the push and pull relationship that Madison has with Tex. I am really looking forward to seeing what happens next now that things seem to be changing between them. The Pajama Frame has plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing, and I can't wait to go back and read Madison's previous adventures. Overall I would definitely recommend this book and series.

Received a copy of The Pajama Frame from the author in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed reading Pajama Frame by Diane Vallere, the fifth book in her Madison Night Mysteries series. Madison unexpectedly inherited a pajama factory that had been closed for close to sixty years, after the death of one of the models. All is not as it seems with Madison’s inheritance of the factory and the contents of the house owned by her deceased friend Alice. Suddenly, dead bodies are appearing whenever she looks for information or clues. With her boyfriend Hudson working in Palm Springs, Madison teams up with her nemesis Police Captain Tex Allen and her dog Rocky to figure out what is going on, how does this connect to her inheritance, and who is killing these people. In addition, Madison is interrupted by picketers at the factory, an ex-police office, an actress trying out for a role in the movie based on Hudson’s life, and a stray dog. This doesn’t include the strange guns being used and left at scenes of the killings. I loved the way Ms. Vallere mixed humor within the mystery leading this reader on an emotional roller coaster as I tried to figure out who was the killer.

I genuinely enjoyed reading this funny, sweet and intriguing book and had trouble putting this book down. Ms Vallere kept me on my toes guessing who the killer was, until I turned the last page. Her writing had me feeling as if I was there, watching the events unfold. I highly recommend this book to other readers and hope to read additional books in this series.

This is the first book in this series that I have read. I appreciated that it worked very well as a standalone. Madison is an interesting character. She's no pushover, but has a definite soft spot for animals and certain people. I enjoyed her interactions with her dog Rocky.

The mystery was fairly well done. There were enough clues so that the killer will probably be on most mystery lovers' radar. It was nice that things develop in a logical way. It isn't really Madison running head-first into ridiculous situations, as can be the case with some cozy mysteries.

I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more books in the series.

Madison Night is an interior decorator who is no stranger to strange inheritances. When her friend, Alice Sweet, passes away, Madison is shocked to learn she has inherited a pajama factory.
This surprising inheritance puts Madison smack dab in the middle of a double murder investigation. Which, despite the best efforts of police captain Tex Allen, Madison can't keep herself out of. The mystery of truth behind the closing of the pajama factory and the current murders is engaging and well written. I was kept guessing until the end. The Pajama Frame is an excellent cozy mystery.

I never knew this was part of a series but I loved it and can’t wait to read the others

When I start a Diane Vallere mystery I know I'm in for a fun read full of quirky characters and a solid mystery. And now I have a need for post-war pajamas. I'm not a 100% what they look like but Madison's enthusiasm and her description of the patterns has convinced me.

One of the things I really like about this series is that while it's light and fun there's some seriousness too. Madison is funny and optimistic but she also is dealing with some of the real consequences of being involved in murder investigations both physically and emotionally. As well she is dealing with really trying to figure out what she wants for her future as well as dealing with changes in her identity personally and professionally as she is heading towards her 50th birthday. It makes her a much more endearing and likable character.

The mystery was intriguing. I mean I can't resist a mystery from long ago - especially when it's combined with modern day dead bodies! I really liked how Madison and Tex worked together to figure out just what was going on and how Tex struggled to keep the balance between friend and law enforcement. I had a number of theories as to just what was going on but really had no idea until the reveal. The end was a bit rushed and I would have liked a little more detail on some of the points but that was only a minor flaw.

This was an entertaining real with a likable main character though it does always make me want to start searching out vintage shops!

“The Pajama Frame” is the latest installment in Diane Vallere’s Madison Night series. It is not necessary to have read the other books before enjoying this one; there are quick mentions of previous events, but they are within the context of the current happenings rather than gratuitous summaries of past books. New readers will have no trouble jumping right into this plot.
Madison Night, owner of a mid-century modern design business, finds herself with a bizarre inheritance, a long defunct pajama factory, complete with dust, dirt, plastic-wrapped vintage pajamas, and a tainted, even controversial history. She becomes entangled in a web of complications and contradictions. What is fact, what is rumor, and what about that dead body? There are questions at every turn.
“This isn’t about what you think it’s about.”
The book is written as Madison’s first person narrative as she tries to find answers and keep out of trouble.
“I didn’t know how tonight was going to end, but I didn’t want to die without answers. I didn’t want to die, period.”
Madison grows in each book of Vallere’s Madison Night series. This is not a book with the same basic plot, and characters are just given new names. Madison is still a modern woman in ‘50s clothes, however, she is now forty-nine, her business is growing, and she struggles with her future. Her relationships mature and change as well, some in surprising ways.
“I felt like pieces of myself were blowing away, like fuzz from a dandelion that gets caught in a gust of wind.”
I received a copy of “The Pajama Frame” from Diane Vallere, Henery Press, and NetGalley. An enjoyable mystery does not have to be dark, oppressive, or over stressful. If your brain needs a break from dramatic, traumatizing, shocking thrillers, but you still want a book with suspense and crime, “The Pajama Frame” is a perfect choice. Seriously, this is an entertaining book to read, but be careful, you might just laugh out loud as you read.

The Pajama Frame is the fifth installment of the Madison Night mystery series. I love this series and it's retro vibe and it's fun, yet intelligent stories. That it contains lots of Doris Day references makes it just that much more interesting to me. The novel could be read as a stand alone, but to get the backstory on all the main characters, it would be better to start at the beginning. I always look forward to a new Madison Night book, and cannot wait for the next one.