Cover Image: THE PAJAMA FRAME

THE PAJAMA FRAME

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Member Reviews

I haven’t read a ton of cozy mysteries, but the name appealed to me .. and didn’t disappoint! I could relate to Madison’s age and knee issues, and the skunk event, and the love of older fashions! I read this book over the course of a couple days because (1) my 11 cats don’t like to be ignored and (2) I had to sleep! I’m genuinely happy I persevered, it was that much fun!

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The Pajama Frame is the fifth book in Diane Vallere’s Madison Night mystery series. Midlife and mid century modern decorator Madison Knight has received an inheritance from an acquaintance made at the gym pool. Octogenarian Alice Sweet was also a fan of all things mid century modern, both clothing and decor. Expecting the bequest to be some of Alice’s vintage clothing or furnishings, she is quite surprised to learn she has been left a derelict factory closed sixty years ago in the 1950s after the accidental death of a pajama model. Rumors had spread about a liaison between George Sweet and the model, making it impossible to keep the business open. Besides the building, Madison has been left escrow funds to update the taxes, a letter asking if she will clear Alice’s husband’s name, and some items at a storage center to help solve the mystery.

What she didn’t expect to find in the storage unit was a handgun. She immediately calls in her friend Captain Tex Allen of the Lakewood Police Department and he secures the gun. He also accompanies Madison to inspect the old factory the next day where something else unexpected is discovered—the body of John Sweet, executor of his step-grandmother’s will. From there the body count increases and ties to a case a few years earlier are discovered, culminating in some scary times and quick thinking for Madison.

Although part of a series, this book definitely stands alone. It is a fast paced read with interesting, even quirky, characters. With many turns, it isn’t until the very end when the pieces all come together and the plot is revealed. I did enjoy, and do recommend, this book.

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This newest installment in the Madison Night Mysteries does not disappoint. Madison is in her true form, this time involving her inheritance of a pajama factory, from one of her friends, which closed years ago under suspicious circumstances. True to form, Madison calls on all of her resources for assistance in this wonderfully written, fast paced cozy that is sure to please any mystery reader. There is plenty of action, twists, turns, good guys and bad guys and enough sass in this book to make you laugh out loud and keep on going without wanting to stop. One of the best things about this book is that it can be read as a standalone without any difficulty following along, and will make you want to go back and read the other Madison Night mysteries also. But, without giving anything away, the absolute BEST thing about this book is it hooks you and keeps you guessing till the very end as any good (cozy) mystery should! Ms. Vallere has another hit on her hands!

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This is the 5th book in the Madison Night Mystery Series. I do recommend the entire series however this book can be read as a stand alone. This was my favorite in the series!
In this next in series Madison has inherited a Pajama Factory from a deceased friend.
Sweet Dreams was closed down suddenly after the suspicious death of one of the pajama models in the 50's and has been sealed ever since. Madison has to get the police to unseal it for her. Once they enter, Madison, much to her delight, finds the factory is in pristine condition and new inventory full of 50's era pajamas. But they also find the body of the grandson of the original owner .
With the inheritance several events occur that leave several people dead and rumors that the death in the 50's was murder. In addition, a group is picking outside the factory. Madison has many challenges in this next in series and she meets them all head on with her usual bravery and intelligence. She finds out someone is trying to frame her and she is determined to find out who during her sleuth.
I find these books very enjoyable. The vintage aspect is a delight, the characters all add to the story and the sleuth is very well crafted. This mystery had many elements to it that left this avid mystery reader guessing until the end. A enjoyable read and I look forward to the next in series.
Thank you for the ARC which did not influence my review.

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Fifth in the Madison Night Mystery series, this is the first one I’ve read; I now have to read the rest! With her classic humor and familiarity with fabrics and élan, Diane Vallere has penned a mystery with more plot twists than Mad has Keds. From the very likable Madison “Mad” Night to the very unlikable Detective “Nasty” Nast, the characters are best exemplified by their clever dialog and behavior. This is a delightful cozy mystery, and those who like to laugh out loud between spine-tingling creepy moments will love this. Especially if one loves the 50’s and 60’s and Doris Day.

Madison Night is an interior designer with a focus on 50’s and 60’s décor. She dresses in the style of that era, especially in Doris Day-type outfits. One way she gets inventory for her business is by reading obituaries, contacting family members, and offering to purchase the whole lot. Other items she might find at the sidewalk awaiting garbage pickup. She hired her friend Connie so she can seek out new clients.

One of the worst things you can find in the obits is one for a friend. Alice Sweet was an 86-year old who swam almost every day where Mad goes. Two things they talked about was what it was like for Alice to be an extra for the movie Pillow Talk, and the décor in her beautiful home. Alice’s husband died in 1989 and she had not redecorated since. They owned Sweet Dreams, a pajama factory that employed many women while husbands or fathers were fighting in WWII. Mr. Sweet closed it after a freak accident in the 50’s that cost a beautiful young pajama model her life. It was rumored that Alice’s hubby had an affair with the model, or that it was really murder instead of an accident.

What does one do with a pajama factory sealed shut since the 50’s? Everybody has an opinion, until family members pop up out of nowhere and dead bodies appear. Tex, her friend who is now the police captain in their part of Dallas, is on the case, but when it comes to the players involved, it is a big task. Her boyfriend, Hudson, has been working in Palm Springs, too far away to help.

Madison is my kind of girl. Few people I know would talk about Doris Day. I like how Mad tries to put herself in other people’s ballet flats with an active imagination, thinking about what it might have been like for women going to work at that time, including at the pajama factory. Her raw introspection shows how multifaceted she is. Mad is very well defined, as are the rest of the characters as suiting their roles. Detective Nasty brings out the inner mean person in me. Other than Nasty, and a couple of protestors, other folks seem very likable.

This is an interesting, unique mystery, beginning with Madison herself. While others who enjoy vintage clothing, I’m unaware of other sleuths who specialize in “mod” décor. This is a fast-paced story that immediately pulled me in and held my attention throughout. The way the author uses the specific neighborhoods of Dallas, it is almost like small town living. Each time I thought I had an idea of who the bad guy/ gal was, along came another plot twist. Some seemed more like twisters! I was quite surprised to learn who the real bad guy was, and in a way, even a bit sad. I highly recommend this to anyone who appreciates tightly-written cozy mysteries, fabulous female sleuths, and proudly living out one’s own style, whether vintage or contemporary.

From a grateful heart: I received a copy of this from the author and NetGalley, and here is my review.

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Madison Night is a decorator who is firmly rooted in mid-century modern, Doris Day, and vintage clothes from the 50's and early 60's. She has an adorable shih-tzu named Rocky who goes practically everywhere with her. Madison has a boyfriend, named Hudson, who is currently finishing up a project in Palm Springs and working on a story about part of his life with people in Hollywood. Meanwhile Madison is in Dallas where her business "Mad for Mod" is located.

After an accident left her with a bad knee, Madison has turned to swimming for exercise. She has become friends with a group of older ladies that swim at the same time each day. Most of these women are over 80, and some over 90. Madison is a spring chicken at age 49! The women are enthralled to be around Madison and her unabashed polyester wardrobe of clothes from the late 50's early 60's. A near copy of Doris Day, Madison always wears vintage clothing, and in fact even has a vintage powder blue Alfa Romero. Because of her interest in all things mid-century and her clothes, the women adore her. (Quite possibly it is a way they can relive their youth.)

One in particular has become a special friend. Alice Sweet has made no secret of the fact that Madison will inherit the contents of her house when she dies. The secret that is discovered when Alice succumbs to an illness, is she has also left her a pajama factory that was owned and operated during the war by her husband George Sweet. But that surprise is only the tip of what is to come.

From the moment she first enters the factory, she discovers a pristine example of a wartime factory that was run by women. Unfortunately it comes with a sad story of a young model's death that caused the factory to literally close overnight. To Madison, the rotting thread on the sewing machines, the bins of fabric, and the inventory room full of pajamas that had never been sold is a treasure beyond belief. Inspite the pressure from the Historical Society and others, she is in no hurry to decide what to do with the property. It isn't until the bodies star showing up that the decision is taken out of her hands.

Madison struggles with an identity complex and trying to decide what is next in her life at the point most people are starting to plan for retirement. Her vivacious attitude and personality make you think of her as a real friend and flesh and blood person-not a character in a book.

Murders, duplicity, and a hunky friend who is the Captain of the police force make this book one of the best yet in a series of wonderful books. You'll want to read them all in order, so if this is a new series for you, get going! Pajama Frame will be out in a couple weeks! You won't want to miss it!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a copy for my voluntary review.

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This is a great book; this is the fifth book in the Mad for Mod Mystery series and is written by Diane Vallere. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

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Madison Night is at it again in The Pajama Frame, author Diane Vallere's 5th entry in the Mad for Mod Mystery Series. Madison is a successful 49-year old interior decorator and businesswoman. She's settled in Dallas with her precious Shih Tzu, Rocky, friends, and volunteer work, and her temporarily long-distance relationship with boyfriend Hudson seems to be going smoothly, even if her life does seem to have come to somewhat of a standstill while everyone else moves forward. She's had a lot of stressful, dangerous experiences in her life, but is it time for her to move on, too? And, oh yeah, don't forget that Madison is just a bit quirky: she loves all things mid-century modern, and looks and dresses like Doris Day.

When The Pajama Frame opens, Madison has just inherited a pajama factory from her octogenarian swim club friend, Alice. Sweet Dreams closed decades ago after a tragic accident took the life of a young model. There have always been rumors that there was a cover up, and as soon as it becomes known that Madison has inherited the factory the story takes off. She's bombarded with requests and demands and surrounded by people who may be lying to her. You know she won't stop trying to find the truth, but how dangerous will it get for her and Rocky?

This is a fun series, and it gets better with every book. The titles remind me of all those great old Doris Day movies and the covers are marvelous. Madison's outfits and accessories are terrific, as are the descriptions of everything in her house and shop. She takes obsession to another level, and I love it. It really is a trip down memory lane. When Madison and Connie decorated her shop window I felt like I was with The Jetsons. Madison is quirky, but warm and funny and her character continues to grow. Things with Hudson seem good, but he's in Palm Springs and she's not. Newly-promoted Police Captain Tex Allen is back and investigating the murders. Is there a hint of something there with Tex? Could there be? Should there be? Mostly he annoys her with his womanizing ways, but what's really going on?

I enjoyed The Pajama Frame. The mystery was good and kept me guessing. The characters have depth and surprise you. Madison is a real woman with a real life and is much more than her quirky Doris-Day persona. Her dog Rocky is her biggest love, but there are a few clues to keep you guessing where her heart may end up. The mystery is satisfactorily resolved, but with enough what-if to make you ready for the next book. I highly recommend The Pajama Frame. I received an advance copy from the publisher Henery Press and the author via NetGalley.

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4+ stars
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this story and started reading uncertain I would relate to an interior designer main character but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Madison Night inherits a pajama factory from a friend she met during her early morning swim routine. The pajama factory had been shut down in the sixties due to an accident that left one person dead. When Madison goes to visit the closed factory, she encounters protestors who want the building opened so that an investigation of the young woman’s death can be performed – there are rumors that this death was a murder. The local historic society is vying to have the structure named a historic structure.
Turns out that the lawyer that worked on the will is also a family member which adds yet another vested party to the list that are interested in the factory. So many potential suspects when a new body is found in the factory when Madison finally does go through the building after getting it unsealed by the police several day later.
The details of the mid-century wardrobe of Madison’s is delightful. She is a great character and a lot of fun. They mystery, as well, is a blast with lots of twists and turns. SO MUCH FUN!
Thank you NetGalley and publisher, Henery Press, for the opportunity to read this ARC.

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Madison Knight is back and better than ever. I'm always excited to learn about a new book in this series, it's one of my very favorites and I was not disappointed. Madison continues to grow and evolve with each story and it's fun to watch.

The author has crafted a story that quickly captivated my attention and kept me reading until the last page was turned. There is so much going on, I began to wonder how everything was going to come together at the end. The twists and turns kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat.

I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I hope there will be many more adventures with Madison Knight.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley. My review has been voluntarily submitted.
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Madison Night, who bears a close resemblance to Doris Day, and loves all things mid-century, is left Sweet Dreams Pajama Factory, which produced sixties pajama and peignoir sets. I drooled over the buttery yellow and mint green designs. That is one of my favorite Era for clothes. One of the fun parts of this book is that you are descriptively indulged with wonderful house designers and cute clothes. Madison runs her own shop, Mad for Mod, that specializes in getting these wonderful items first. To that end she cultivates Estate Planners and those in the know. But Alice Sweet leaving her a deserted building and a six decades old mystery has the historical society, and a group of protesters after Madison.

The Factory, where a woman died sixty years ago -in suspicious circumstances, yields another dead body. That's only the beginning. Not too many people can deal with murder and a shih tzu,who has gotten skunked all in one day. But Madison had help in the form of a hunky Captain she had met on other cases. Keys, mysterious letters, storage units and Mrs. Sweet's family are hard to deal with but Madison is as worried about her boyfriend in California as she is being set up. What about the gun?

I liked the wise cracking and the flow in this newest mystery of Diane Vallere. There is a continuation of build-up between the characters and I loved the retro angle. I have a soft spot for vintage and movies from that Era, so, I really enjoyed visiting with these characters. A good little mystery and now I need to go back to the first one and read Book One. Like me- I am sure you will enjoy this series.

My thanks to Netgalley and Henery Press

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The Madison Night mystery series keeps getting better and better as the relationships between the characters continue to develop. Continuing the quirky ties to Doris Day movies (because Madison models herself after her favorite actress) this book has her inheriting the Sweet Dreams pajama factory, a building that was sealed decades earlier after the tragic death of a pajama model. Protesters want the building opened immediately so that they can discover the truth behind the young woman's death. The local historical society has its eyes upon the historic structure. And the estranged family of the woman who left her the building isn't at all pleased by the situation. The mystery is complex and intriguing, and full of those bits of mid century modern-ness that drew me to this series in the first place.

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Madison Night, owner of Mad for Mod vintage décor and lover of all things Doris Day, is sadden to learn of the death of her friend and fellow swimming buddy, Alice Sweet. She is also surprised to learn that Alice left her Sweet Dreams, a pajama factory, that she had never talked about. Sweet Dreams has been closed down since 1956 following a suspicious death of one of the pajama models.

In order to get in before the factory is formally turned over to her, Madison has to get the police to unseal it for her and who better than her friend Tex Allen, now the police captain. Once they enter, Madison, much to her delight, finds other than dust, the factory is in pristine condition and new inventory full of 50's era pajamas. But her delight is short lived when they find the body of John Sweet, who was Alice's grandson and he was also the one to handle Alice's estate.

But with the inheritance, comes events that leave several people dead and rumors that the death in 1956 was murder. In addition, groups are picking outside the factory to have it unsealed and an investigation into the models death , as well as a determined representative of an historical society demanding the building be given historical designation. With each piece of information Madison finds, it seems someone is out to frame her. Madison embarks on her own investigation, but will she find the killer before becomes the next victim?
The Pajama Frame is an attention grabbing, well written cozy that will appeal to all cozy readers. If you haven't read this series before, I think you will like it.

Note: I received a copy of this book through Netgalley.com

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She's established a business by buying retro clothing and furniture and decor and offering it to customers. She'll even help them decorate. When she finds a friend of hers left her an old pajama factory, she's overwhelmed. She doesn't know what to do with it. And she can't even get in it because it was the scene of a crime years ago and is still padlocked. Even worse, there's lots of gossip about what happened all those years ago. Is this a blessing or a curse?

Henery Press and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you). It will be published tomorrow.

Madison is approached by protestors and the historical society when she goes to visit the property. Then the cops show up. Madison also has a conflict of interest with the cop. They used to be enemies, now they are almost friends, and she's finding him attractive. But her boyfriend is in California. She's conflicted over that as well as the murder.

Two more people die in the present day before she works out who the killer is. And when she does, she finds the killer in the same building she's in. She can't hide. Can she stay alive?

The story moves along well, the romance is interesting and I'm sure there will be more in this series. It's a good cozy read.

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In The Pajama Frame, Madison is at a crossroads in her life, and with Hudson in Hollywood, she's thrown together with Tex Allen in trying to solve this mystery. Her reasons for feeling out-of-kilter are very real, and when her emotions begin to waver between the present Tex and the absent Hudson, it's much more a case of mind and heart than just mere hormones. As a reader who really doesn't care for romance in her mysteries, I appreciate this series' emotional depth.

Vallere keeps readers guessing at what's really going on in that old pajama factory, and since I was much more interested in looking at all the sleepwear, fabrics, and machinery, I was thrown for a loop when the nefarious goings-on were uncovered. The author threw in some top-notch misdirection, that's for sure! (And before I forget it, I'd like to say how much I liked the fact that the owner of Sweet Dreams was a businessman with true integrity.)

But as good as the mystery is in The Pajama Frame, it's the character of Madison Night that I love. When someone tries to intimidate her into taking over the arrangements for something, Madison does not cave in. The would-be intimidator is met with silence... and he suddenly changes his mind. There are also touches of humor throughout the book, one of my favorites being when Donna Nast claims that Madison is a goody-goody.

I'll be honest and admit that one of the reasons why I like Madison so much is that I identify with her a bit. She's staring fifty in the face and took a long, long time to commit to a romantic relationship. She's got a bum knee. She likes to swim. Those who try to intimidate her only make her angry. And when she's in real danger, she makes sure her dog is safe first.

There is depth and there is soul in Diane Vallere's Madison Night series. Not to mention humor and a whole lot of other good stuff. If you have yet to sample this series, by all means, start with Pillow Stalk. I'm willing to bet you'll find out that having Doris Day as a role model is a very good thing indeed. This is now my favorite cozy series, and I'm hoping it will be yours, too.

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Madison Night befriends Alice Sweet at their early morning swim exercises. Alice leaves Madison an old pajama factory, Sweet Dreams, that her husband owned back in the day. Rumor had is a model, Suzy Bixby, had died due to a malfunction of a equipment. There are many different stories that intertwines in this story. A very good read that will leave you going....Your kidding! I never say that coming!!! I would like to thank Net Galley for a copy of this book. The review is my own opinion.

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Although this is considered a cozy, it's not like you typical cozy mysteries I can't quite put my finger on it though.. It takes place in Dallas, verses a small town. It is clean (as far as the sexual content,) but the crimes feel more 'real' than some books. The cast of characters is minimal, yet there are enough possible suspects that keep you guessing. (It has those few red herrings.) The Protagonist isn't a nosy busybody just trying to play sleuth and getting involved in the police investigation. Any involvement she was in, she was in because it pertained to her or her belongings. The mystery itself was complex and had several layers. There is some humor, (loved the scene at The Mummy) but it's not a constant. There are a few emotionally charged scenes. It reads easily and quickly. This book is part of a series, and while the main characters evolve throughout it, this can be read as a stand alone without any problems. Although it is a clean read, I think it would be most suitable for 16+.

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The Pajama Frame by Diane Vallere, is the 5th book in the Madison Night, Mad for Mod Mystery series and another great addition. Madison is an interior decorator in Dallas, TX, that specializes in mid century designs. Madison loves Doris Day, and even looks and dresses like her. When Madison's 84 year old friend, Alice, passes away, she is shocked to learn she inherited a long abandon pajama factory. This book has more twists and turns, that keeps you turning page after page. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I strongly recommended this book and series for any cozy mystery lovers like me.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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Madison Night is back. Living in her vintage world, looking and dressing like Doris Day. Running her decorating business alone while boyfriend Hudson is still out in California doing his own thing. The relationship is as stagnant as her life at the moment.

When she receives a call from her friend Alice’s step-grandson telling her she has inherited a pajama factory that closed years ago after an accident led to the death of one of the girls working there. It was closed that day and no one has been in since. A vintage capsule.

But things aren’t adding up and Madison trusts her instincts and makes sure Tex, the police captain knows her every move. I liked this about her. She wasn’t running around hiding evidence from the police, she was smart, and funny. Her vintage outfits were adorable and she kept it true to vintage in every portion of her life, from the quilted housecoat to the old coffee percolator.

I really enjoyed this book. Madison isn’t some twenty something. She is in her late forties and has endured much in her life. She is true to herself and I have found a new author to love!

NetGalley/Henery Press February 27, 2018

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It’s not every day a girl inherits a pajama factory and gets framed for murder. But that’s exactly what Madison Night gets It’s not every day a girl inherits a pajama factory and gets framed for murder. But that’s exactly what Madison Night gets when her friend, Alice Sweet passes away.

A Doris Day loving, Interior Decorator specializing in decor from the 50s and 60s, Madison inherits the former Sweet Dreams pajama factory that has been close for more than 60 years. The factory was shuttered after an accident killed the company’s model and when the doors are reopened 60 years later, the body of the former owners grandson is found and someone is trying to pin the murder on Madison or someone she knows.

While I am familiar with the author’s Costume Shop mystery series, this is the first introduction for me to her Mad for Mod mystery series. Well this is the fifth book in the series, the book can be read as a standalone. The characters are well developed and the story is fast-paced and a real page-turner. I couldn’t put the Book down and was in suspense right until the end. I recommend this book for any cozy mystery lover.

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