All is right with the world. Lady Alexia Maccon has the love of her husband, respect of the Queen, and a title that will welcome her in all the important parlors in London. If only the local vampire hive would stop trying to kill her, life would be perfect. But, since the vampires are afraid of the child she is carrying and what it will become, Alexia will just have to deal with the inconvenience of avoiding death by unusual means, including being attacked by what appears to be zombie porcupines. The Maccon's and Lord Akeldama devise a plan that will hopefully stop the attacks but may also push Lord Maccon over the edge of what he is willing to do for his wife. On top of the personal issues plaguing the Maccons, Alexia receives a report that someone is threatening the life of the Queen. She must push full steam ahead to protect the monarchy, even if she must waddle through the investigation.

Carriger has delivered an amazing story again. This fast paced adventure brings the reader into alternate universe where paranormal beings walk the streets of London in the height of fashion. The dry humor will have you laughing as you quickly turn the page to find out what could possibly happen next to our leading lady. HEARTLESS also delivers background information about Alexia's father that helps fill in some of the unknown areas of his past. Tarabotti's past is not the only one that comes up in conversation. Alexia discovers the truth behind subjects that were long thought solved. And of course, we are introduced to inventions that push science to the next level.

As a devoted fan of the Parasol Protectorate series, I enjoyed every moment of this book. Carriger continues to deliver excellent book after book never letting down her fans with the next adventure. The entire series is well written, incredibly funny, and just down right fun.

Book Summary

Lady Alexia Maccon, soulless, is at it again, only this time the trouble is not her fault. When a mad ghost threatens the queen, Alexia is on the case, following a trail that leads her deep into her husband's past. Top that off with a sister who has joined the suffragette movement (shocking!), Madame Lefoux's latest mechanical invention, and a plague of zombie porcupines and Alexia barely has time to remember she happens to be eight months pregnant. Will Alexia manage to determine who is trying to kill Queen Victoria before it is too late? Is it the vampires again or is there a traitor lurking about in wolf's clothing? And what, exactly, has taken up residence in Lord Akeldama's second best closet?