Thursday, March 1, 2018

The Pajama Frame - Cozy Mystery Review

Source: NetGalley

Description:  
Nightie Night!

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 tangle of secrets and lies and discovers that sometimes, the bed you make is not your own.

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book:
  I've really enjoyed this series and love all the Mod references.  Plus, if this author's name is on the cover I know it's going to be a fun book!

My Impression:
  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!

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?
  Absolutely!  I've really enjoyed all the books by Vallere that I've read.

Would I Recommend this Book?
  If you love cozy mysteries and you're not reading Diane Vallere's books you're missing out!

9 comments:

  1. This cover is so fun, and the story sounds pretty engaging too. Glad you enjoyed it! Hugs...RO

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  2. That cover is cute! Totally gives off the fun vibe you said the book has. Great review!

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  3. I read another review of this one recently and I love the fact that her books in this series give a hat tip to Doris Day movies. And I'm kind of fascinated with the idea of a pajama factory - suppose one of those actually existed? LOL

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  4. I've read the first in this series and I was given the second, so it's in my condo. I really need to try to get caught up.

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  5. I will check this series out. I love pajamas and how interesting to inherit such a factory.

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  6. Sounds like another good cozy and I love those pj's.

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  7. I am not sure what post war pjs are but it sounds good to me :) I have not heard of this series before but I think it sounds great. I like the old case meets new case kind of mystery.

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  8. I definitely have to check this out!!

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  9. Oh yes. I do love those long ago mysteries, too. Sounds fun :)

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