Alexia Tarabotti wields two great weapons: a custom parasol and the fact that she's soulless. Up against mysterious incidents that frighten vampire queens and get under werewolves' skin, will Alexia's ability to cancel out any supernatural powers be enough? More importantly, will her spinster reputation survive her investigatory antics?

And just how provoking can Queen Victoria's werewolf agent, the Earl of Woolsey, become for this stubborn, intelligent lady when they must work together?

Gail Carriger's novel works like an English scone smothered, or jammed, with humor. The light overall feel and humorous quirks tie the whole thing together and make Soulless good, quick travel reading.

However, beneath all that fun lies a very solid and interesting world. The thoroughly thought-out details seem a bit dense at first, but the precocious characters and Carriger's humorous jam balance it out well. The romance works well within the plot. The characters are engaging, and left with plenty of room to grow in the sequels. While not taking the most unpredictable route, the mystery unfolds with aplomb and drives a good pace.

An excellent book to read over tea or when in need of a fun, supernatural escape, Soulless holds a world I would like to visit again.

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