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Magical Soapmaker #1
No Lathering Matter
Ivy Bradshaw knows soap, but she has no idea how to solve a murder. Unfortunately, that’s just what she’ll have to do, when a missing box of lye from her store gets linked to a recent small-town murder and everyone labels her as the prime suspect.
With a wise-cracking, uppity skeleton as her sidekick, Ivy is forced to investigate the crime, all while trying to figure out who would want to implicate her in such a serious ordeal—especially considering the cops and their new necromancer-for-hire are all but certain of her guilt. Meanwhile her biggest business rival sees the open investigation as the perfect opportunity to muscle Ivy out of business, and also her super cute librarian crush may have finally noticed she's alive.
Uh-oh, it looks like she may not come out of this squeaky clean, after all… But hopefully she can still come out of it alive.
With a wise-cracking, uppity skeleton as her sidekick, Ivy is forced to investigate the crime, all while trying to figure out who would want to implicate her in such a serious ordeal—especially considering the cops and their new necromancer-for-hire are all but certain of her guilt. Meanwhile her biggest business rival sees the open investigation as the perfect opportunity to muscle Ivy out of business, and also her super cute librarian crush may have finally noticed she's alive.
Uh-oh, it looks like she may not come out of this squeaky clean, after all… But hopefully she can still come out of it alive.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2020
185 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Babin
85 books380 followersS.E. Babin has a passion for writing books with a paranormal twist. Whether it's romance or mystery, she loves taking the norm and turning it into the extraordinary. Her love of reading turned into a curious exploration to see whether or not she could write her own novel.
Beginning with random, terrible poetry and a slightly popular reimagining of Beowulf's Grendel in her high school English class, Sheryl spent way too much time in the library, killing any chance of her becoming a cheerleader or anything even remotely cool. Find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SEBabin. She loves to hear from readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 11, 2020
I was entertained by this book! There’s a cool character who’s a skeleton, and he adds a lot to the storyline. I enjoyed the protagonist and her craft of using herbs and oils making soaps. The story has warmth and humor in a small town setting. I’m eagerly waiting to read the next book!
January 14, 2023
That cover 🤗
3.5 stars, fun cozy. Would read more if only I had further audio access to this series!
3.5 stars, fun cozy. Would read more if only I had further audio access to this series!
February 28, 2021
Excellent first book
I'm over the moon excited that I stumbled upon this series. I can't say enough wonderful things about this book. Its funny, fast paced, full of great characters, and a good solid mystery. I'm excited to read the next book.
I'm over the moon excited that I stumbled upon this series. I can't say enough wonderful things about this book. Its funny, fast paced, full of great characters, and a good solid mystery. I'm excited to read the next book.
October 6, 2025
This was a cute quick cozy read. Sad the guy who was murdered had to die for the mystery but I enjoyed the characters.
June 11, 2022
No Lathering Matter 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, and I'm giving it four stars.
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, and I'm giving it four stars.
March 22, 2021
I almost didn't read this book. When I first started it, it reminded me so much of Leigh Perry's 'Sid' from her The Family Skeleton Mysteries series. But so glad I stayed with it because things changed quickly. And I really enjoyed the story and characters. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
April 12, 2023
Cute & cozy
What a sweet little cozy mystery. Most of these kinda books tend to be extra cheesy. This one aZ well written and fun. Loved the characters even if I did figure out the bad guy early.
What a sweet little cozy mystery. Most of these kinda books tend to be extra cheesy. This one aZ well written and fun. Loved the characters even if I did figure out the bad guy early.
March 3, 2021
This book was so much fun! I found another skeleton character I just love and can't wait to read more! His personality is way different from the other one I've read about (Sid), but Harry is awesome in his own way, and he got to prove just how handy he was. Ivy's soap shop assistant discovered they were missing lye, and a pile of bones that Harry had discovered looked as if said lye may have had something to do with the bones being just bones. Ivy was feeling like a suspect and decided to figure it out before the police could charge her with murder.
I suspected part of what was going on but not everything or why. The showdown was a really good one, and Ivy finally felt like justice was done for her customer who had been murdered. I have a feeling she might become good friends with his widow now, at least I hope Helen might be in the next book. Ivy also has two very different guys who seemed interested in her. I'm really looking forward to the next book!
I suspected part of what was going on but not everything or why. The showdown was a really good one, and Ivy finally felt like justice was done for her customer who had been murdered. I have a feeling she might become good friends with his widow now, at least I hope Helen might be in the next book. Ivy also has two very different guys who seemed interested in her. I'm really looking forward to the next book!
March 15, 2021
A delightful start to a new series. I especially like the inculsion of Harry, the skeleton. He added not only fun, but a thread of mystery to this cozy. Three magical sisters, all with different talents, made an interesting mix along with the herbal soap making. A nicely written mystery that kept me guessing. Looking forward to the next in this series.
June 23, 2020
A good humorous mystery
Three magick sisters named Ivy and Rose and Holly, Harry an animated skeleton (a spirit or a soul?), a puppy, and a mystery — what more could you ask for. Very likable characters, a good mystery, and story moves along nicely. For about the first third of the book the author gets the sisters’ names mixed up which was confusing for this reader, but other than that a very fine book. I look forward to the next one. A delightful book which I recommend for a rainy day. Enjoy!
Three magick sisters named Ivy and Rose and Holly, Harry an animated skeleton (a spirit or a soul?), a puppy, and a mystery — what more could you ask for. Very likable characters, a good mystery, and story moves along nicely. For about the first third of the book the author gets the sisters’ names mixed up which was confusing for this reader, but other than that a very fine book. I look forward to the next one. A delightful book which I recommend for a rainy day. Enjoy!
March 17, 2024
A world that shows real promise, look forward to the next book.
I like the start of the world building. I love Sam & Sloane. Who would think a necromancer could be so sweet? The animated skeleton is a stroke of genius. Harry is so mysterious. Especially, since he won't reveal much about his past. Ivy is too nice & I think that's why she was taken advantage of. She was too trusting. And the poor guy that was murdered was one of Ivy's best customers. The only parts I didn't like was that Ivy seemed stupid when it came to putting the pieces together.
I like the start of the world building. I love Sam & Sloane. Who would think a necromancer could be so sweet? The animated skeleton is a stroke of genius. Harry is so mysterious. Especially, since he won't reveal much about his past. Ivy is too nice & I think that's why she was taken advantage of. She was too trusting. And the poor guy that was murdered was one of Ivy's best customers. The only parts I didn't like was that Ivy seemed stupid when it came to putting the pieces together.
May 19, 2020
A gold medal!
Does everything that Babin touches turn into gold? It seems so, because I thought that this was another winner! What an exciting new series! What a fun book! It seems that only exclamation marks will do! I was turning those pages like I was obsessed! Which I guess I am now. I love love loved it! An amazing cozy mystery, that was different, in a good way. A real pageturner! Can’t wait for more! If this were a game Babin would have won the gold medal! Outstanding!
Does everything that Babin touches turn into gold? It seems so, because I thought that this was another winner! What an exciting new series! What a fun book! It seems that only exclamation marks will do! I was turning those pages like I was obsessed! Which I guess I am now. I love love loved it! An amazing cozy mystery, that was different, in a good way. A real pageturner! Can’t wait for more! If this were a game Babin would have won the gold medal! Outstanding!
June 28, 2020
I have been provided with a copy of No Lathering Matter by Sweet Promise Press for an impartial review. This is the first book in the brand-new Magical Soapmaker Mysteries series and this was just a fantastic way to start off a new series. Ahhhh this was just such a wonderful read. I was just drawn in and I was so sad to turn the last page. I just couldn’t get enough of this story or it’s characters. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this series.
January 8, 2024
Small Town, Soapmaker with a skeleton
Ivy moved to a small town and bought a house.As she was searching an unused portion she found a skeleton that was very much alive. Ivy turned out to be a Soapmaker and she put up a shop in the house. Then all of a sudden so many things started happening. I can't tell you what but you would enjoy reading this wonderfully humorous book. It has something for everyone.
Ivy moved to a small town and bought a house.As she was searching an unused portion she found a skeleton that was very much alive. Ivy turned out to be a Soapmaker and she put up a shop in the house. Then all of a sudden so many things started happening. I can't tell you what but you would enjoy reading this wonderfully humorous book. It has something for everyone.
May 21, 2020
A good and amusing mystery.
I like Ivy. She makes magical soaps and cares about people. Harry is a "living" skeleton. He is cranky and very secretive about his life. A dead body is found on her property. I like the plot and characters. Ivy is attracted to the local librarian, and the warlock necromancer policeman. There is also a mystery involving theft.
I like Ivy. She makes magical soaps and cares about people. Harry is a "living" skeleton. He is cranky and very secretive about his life. A dead body is found on her property. I like the plot and characters. Ivy is attracted to the local librarian, and the warlock necromancer policeman. There is also a mystery involving theft.
October 24, 2021
A Pleasurable and Cozy Read
This book was very entertaining and it kept my interest from beginning to end. The characters and the plot are/is clean and suitable for most age groups. There is two caveats there is a discovered murder and a firearm in the story, but there use is mild and not graphic in nature.
This book was very entertaining and it kept my interest from beginning to end. The characters and the plot are/is clean and suitable for most age groups. There is two caveats there is a discovered murder and a firearm in the story, but there use is mild and not graphic in nature.
September 13, 2022
A good start to the series. It was a funny, well paced mystery. Ivy’s business is beginning to take of but soon the theft of a box of Lye and the discovery of a set of bones dissolved in lye on her property leaves her a mystery to solve and as a suspect. Between trying to solve the mystery of Harry, the living skeleton, and clear her name, Ivy has a lot in her plate.
May 17, 2020
What a fun, funny mystery with a talking skeleton for a partner. Ivy certainly has her hands full figuring out the mystery of the skeleton bones in her back yard. The murderer was not on my radar. I received an ARC. This is my honest, voluntary opinion.
May 20, 2020
I really enjoyed No Lathering Matter. This is a fun and unique story. I love the characters. this book is entertaining and interesting. This is a wonderful new series. I look forward to reading more.
June 1, 2020
I am loving this new series! Magical soaps...sign me up please. I had a feeling who the culprit was, but there were still some twists and turns I didn't expect. I am definitely looking forward to seeing what happens next!
October 22, 2020
I want more
I loved this book I can’t get enough of ivy. I do hope I don’t have to wait long until the next one comes out. My favorite mystery from this book is the skeleton I want to know what he did and why he can talk.
I loved this book I can’t get enough of ivy. I do hope I don’t have to wait long until the next one comes out. My favorite mystery from this book is the skeleton I want to know what he did and why he can talk.
September 11, 2021
Loved This Book
I really enjoy the way S.E. Babin writes. Her characters are wonderful and the type I want to be friends with. Even though this book was about murder it was also light hearted at the same time. Very easy to read and a page turner for sure.
I really enjoy the way S.E. Babin writes. Her characters are wonderful and the type I want to be friends with. Even though this book was about murder it was also light hearted at the same time. Very easy to read and a page turner for sure.
March 31, 2022
Light Hearted Fun
Really enjoyed this story. Story was cute with a great build up and conclusion. Ivy was sweet with a hint of romance. No sex scenes and I badly want some of her bath bombs.
Really enjoyed this story. Story was cute with a great build up and conclusion. Ivy was sweet with a hint of romance. No sex scenes and I badly want some of her bath bombs.
May 21, 2024
delightful read
This has a little bit of magic, a spirit friend, a Librarian friend, a necromancer friend and magical family. This was a joy to read and I look forward to the next one. Recommend you enjoy this one.
This has a little bit of magic, a spirit friend, a Librarian friend, a necromancer friend and magical family. This was a joy to read and I look forward to the next one. Recommend you enjoy this one.
May 19, 2020
no lathering matter
May 25, 2020
Good
This is a good quick read. Cozy is the best way to describe the story of a magical soap maker and her friends and family. I'm sure there is more to come.
This is a good quick read. Cozy is the best way to describe the story of a magical soap maker and her friends and family. I'm sure there is more to come.
October 26, 2020
Loved the characters, the storyline, and the town.
November 29, 2020
Interesting, entertaining and different
March 8, 2021
absolutely loved this book.
really looking forward to the rest in this series.
really looking forward to the rest in this series.
March 17, 2021
Awesome first start to a new series. I loved the characters, the writing style and learning about soap making. Harry, the Skeleton is a really cool addition to the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews