Soulless (Gail Carriger)

This "novel of vampires, werewolves, and parasols" is delightful fun. It is set in a version of Victorian London in which vampires and werewolves are socially recognized classes of people who hold lordships, gather in gentlemen's clubs, and serve on Her Majesty's council. A few rare individuals are born without souls and are immune to these night people, so that their touch turns them back into ordinary humans. Alexia faces this London with several handicaps: her father was Italian, and dead. She herself is tan of skin, large of nose, and unmarriageable -- and soulless. She is also intelligent, strong-willed, cheeky, and great fun to be around. I enjoyed this story a lot, and will read more.