Book 49, 2022

No Lathering Matter: A Magical Soapmaker Mystery by S.E. Babin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Wednesday night (dang!) I finished reading No Lathering Matter, which is the first part of S E Sabin's "Magical Soapmaker" mystery series. Protagonist is Ivy Bradshaw, who combines her skill at making soap with her magical ability to infuse her product with emotion.

Ivy's business is finally beginning to take off when she learns someone has stolen a box of lye from her, and shortly thereafter, a pile of bones is found on her property. Now the police, including handsome necromancer Sloane, are questioning Ivy. Worse, she finds out that an old friend-turned-enemy has been asking around about her business, leading Ivy to fear that Trinity may be trying to horn in on her soapmaking business. It seems Ivy's only friends are Harry, the animate skeleton that shares her home, and Sam, the cute librarian. Ivy has some work to do if she's going to not only salvage her business, but also her reputation.

I'd like to say the walking, talking skeleton was unique, but it reminded me far too much of author Leigh Perry's "Family Skeleton" series of cozy mysteries. That being said, this story was fun, and I liked the magical aspects of it. Ivy is likable. The culprit (one of them) was easy enough to guess, but the motive for murder was barely a motive. I suppose that speaks more of the killer's psyche, to kill someone for such a pithy reason. I wasn't really on board with two love interests, but, knowing the overly-formulaic cozy mystery genre, Ivy will end up with Sloane. I'm putting it out there that my prediction is Sam will end up being gay. Time will tell. Overall, this was an enjoyable story.

Favorite lines:
♦ Handsome, smart, and worked in a library? Be still my beating heart.
♦ And that's how two strangers instantly bonded. Over my stress.
Ivy was referring to Sloane and Sam. I'm guessing the author won't be bold enough to pair them up, but a girl can hope. Hah!

First book in a series? I'm putting it to my ( Trope Test )

More 'yes' answers than 'no' answers, but I'm still giving this one four stars.