Just saw a book...

Fallen London
1

…Which frankly sounds like it could be from here:
Http://subterraneanpress.com/news/announcing_soulless_by_gail_carriger

Haven’t read, but amusing premise:

Alexia Tarabotti is a proper English miss—so long as you don’t count her spinsterhood, half-Italian heritage, or weaponized parasol against her. Oh, and there’s that little matter of her lacking a soul. But, honestly, isn’t being soulless and thus able to nullify the powers of vampires and werewolves and other supernatural beings a good thing in a London chockful of them?

Weaponized parasol please?

2

Rather like a poisoned umbrella, I suspect.

– Mal

3

She’s even wearing an Elegant Emerald Gown.

4

Also: Parasol Protectorate. Excellent name for a vigilante Aunt society.

5

Cannot like this enough. ^_^

6

And on second look, that’s a Sporing Bonnet.

7

That series has now garnered repeated mentions on this forum, and always with high praise:

http://community.failbettergames.com/topic518-books-reminiscent-of-fallen-london.aspx#post6757
http://community.failbettergames.com/topic518-books-reminiscent-of-fallen-london.aspx?Page=3#post106516

It does sound really delightful, so I’ve put it up next on my read-list.

8

I have read all of Miss Carriger’s books, and found them quite fun. They are particularly enjoyable in audio book form, narrated by Emily Gray. The YA finishing school series is light fun in the same universe and has some of the same characters. Ms. Carriger also has a retro-fashion blog that is quite enjoyable.