I'm a bit late to the Ripple Effect series, this is the fourth book but only the first I've read and I can safely say this can be read as a introduction to the series or as a standalone. Following the adventures of retired couple Rapella and her husband, Rip, as they travel around the US in their RV, they find themselves in the middle of a mystery wherever they go. Rapella, a charmingly naive chatterbox, made for an entertaining sleuth (and I enjoyed Itsy as the sidekick!) and I was drooling over the beautiful scenery on their cruise. Add in a mouthy cockatoo, a sweet St Bernard and a zippy, lively plot and there was a lot to like!

The plot, surrounnding an anonymous tip that a local woman's death was not due to natural causes and is later determined to be murder. Suspicion is thrown onto Sydney, one of Rip's cardiac nurses and the niece of the recently decesased woman. There were many facets to the plot, from the seemingly "haunted" house to the squabbling siblings to the possible cache of missing gold and I was sucked in from the start. From the breathtaking scenery on the cruise that made me drool to the many lovable (and not so lovable) characters that jumped off the page and the hijinks that Rapella got into had me chuckling (especially the Uber part!) While I read a lot of cozy mysteries, there have been few that were as fun as this and and I'm definitely going to read the other books in the series.

I love unusal setting in Romance. What could be more intersting than a love story that takes place around a Wild West Show? Or a character that was a part of such a show?

1. Wild West Shows were traveling performances in the United States and Europe. The first and most famous, Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, was founded in 1883 and traveled around the world until 1913.

    

Here are some great Romance Novels that start Wild West Shows and Performers. 

My lists are never in any particular order. 

1. Drew by Leigh Greenwood

Drew Townsend wants to buy a ranch close to Jake and Isabelle. In order to earn the money to pay for it, she goes to work for Earl Odom's Wild West Show as the sharpshooter.

Cole Benton, an undercover agent for the United States government, has been given the job of arresting the leader of a gang that has been robbing banks all over the Midwest. He has just three solid clues. The leader is a woman, she's a top-notch marksman, and the robberies always take place in the vicinity of the Wild West Show's performances. His top suspect is Drew Townsend. Pretending to be an amiable drifter, Cole gets a job in the Wild West Show.

Drew does everything she can to keep Cole out of her act . . . and out of her heart. But Cole's smile and unwavering attention batter down Drew's defenses. Drew is hurt and furious when she discovers Cole is trying to collect evidence to prove she's a thief. She leaves the Wild West Show determined never to see him again. Despite accumulating circumstantial evidence, Cole believes Drew is innocent. He convinces her that rejoining the show is the only way to capture the real thieves. He intends to capture her heart as well.

2. The Last Warrior by Karen Kay

Black Lion was sent into the real world to break the curse that dooms his clan to a half life in the mists. Yet no matter how many times he has shown an enemy mercy, the Thunderer’s spell remains intact.

In his beseeching prayers, he hears a song that leads him to join Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show on its travels to London. There he encounters the daughter of two opera singers—the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. A woman already engaged to another man.

Months later, Suzette Joselyn travels to America, a woman changed. Friendless, abandoned by her former fiancé—and pregnant—she finds it impossible to refuse the gentle Lakota Sioux’s proposal to save her child from being born a bastard. Even if it means flashing a pistol to force a reluctant parson to marry them.

Yet her brave new husband is consumed with a mission that may force him to choose between his people and the woman he loves. For the Thunderer is waiting, watching for the perfect time to work his evil deed.

3. Always in My Heart by Donna Valentino

Transported a century into the past only to find himself wounded and getting married to a strange woman, Matt struggles to return to his own time despite his feelings for Kate, who dreams of joining Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show.

4. Ticket to Tomorrow by Carol Cox

Annie Trenton and her late husband's partner, Silas Crockett, step off the train at the great world's fair in Chicago and walk smack into political intrigue. When a stranger accidentally collides with Silas, more than a satchel is unintentionally exchanged, drawing Annie, Silas, and a handsome rodeo rider into a world of deceptions and conspiracies. When Annie's keen powers of observation threaten to expose devious plots, more than her exhibition plans hang in the balance. Will Annie lose her life before she has a chance to surrender her heart?

5. Weston's Lady by Bobbi Smith

There were Cowboys and Indians, trick riding, thrills and excitement for everyone. And if Liberty Jones had anything to say about it, she would be a part of the show, too. She had demonstrated her expertise with a gun by shooting a playing card out of Reed Weston's hand at thirty paces, but the arrogant owner of the stampede wouldn't even give her a chance.

Disguising herself as a boy, Libby wangled herself a job with the show, and before she knew it Reed was firing at her—in front of an audience. It seemed an emotional showdown was inevitable whenever they came together, but Libby had set her sights on Reed's heart and she vowed she would prove her love was every bit as true as her aim.

6. Fortune's June Bride by Allison Leigh

COULD A WEDDING FOR A WEEK…  

For weeks now, sexy-as-heck Galen Fortune Jones has been playing the ardent groom in the Wild West Wedding show at Cowboy Country USA. The bride? His sweet, redheaded neighbor Aurora McElroy. Of course, Aurora has had a hidden crush on the rancher for years, but she's been careful to keep that secret close to the vest! 

…LEAD TO MARRIAGE FOR A LIFETIME? 

Things get a little out of hand, however, when Galen agrees to pretend he and Aurora are real life husband and wife. It's only temporary, of course, and it's for a good cause. But being Aurora's hubby "off stage" is starting to mess with the confirmed bachelor's head. He's having far from friendly feelings for his in-name-only spouse, and it's freaking him out! Has love finally found Horseback Hollow's last unfettered Fortune? 

7. Unbridled Dreams by Stephanie Grace Whitson

An unpredictable tale of an independent young woman who disappears from her trip to finishing school to hook up with Wild Buffalo Bill's show.

8. Coming Up Roses by Alice Duncan

Rose Ellen Gilhooley didn't get to be a star in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show for nothing. Bareback riding and shooting, along with some pretty sharp instincts, have taken her worlds away from the sleepy Kansas town she grew up in. So if Mr. H.L. may thinks a lack of book learning makes her an easy mark, he's in for the shock of his life. Any girl can see the handsome newsman is only interested in one thing. Trouble is, the more he squires her about Chicago and the grand Columbian Exposition, the more Rose yearns for the same! But when H.L. swears he's not the marrying kind, Rose thinks it's high time she taught him a lesson -- about listening to his heart . . . and trusting a future with the woman he loves.

9. Valley of Dreams by Lauraine Snelling

When Cassie Lockwood's mother died, Cassie began travelling with her father's Wild West Show. Along the way, she became an amazingly skillful trick rider and sharpshooter, likened by some to the famous Annie Oakley. When her father passed away, she continued to work with the show, having nowhere else to go. 

Now Cassie has discovered that "Uncle" Jason, the show's manager, has driven the show into debt, and he's absconded with what little money was left. Devastated, Cassie decides to try to find the hidden valley in the Black Hills of South Dakota where her father had dreamed of setting down roots. She has only one clue. She needs to find three huge stones that look like fingers on a giant hand. With Chief, a Sioux Indian who's been with the act for twenty years, and Micah, the head wrangler, she leaves the show and a bundle of heartache behind and begins a wild and daring adventure.

Will they find the valley before winter closes in on them?

10. Gabriel's Lady by Charlotte Hubbard

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

Those were the words spoken at his beautiful young bride's graveside, but Gabriel Getty found they held little comfort for him. At twenty-seven, his life was over: his wife and unborn child gone, his career as a lawyer ruined, his hopes dashed. Then, in his darkest hour, he found Solace.

I will fear no evil, for You are with me.

She was full of life, energy and daring. Solace Monroe was a writer of dime novels, a horse trainer, a rider in a Wild West show, and she didn't seem to be afraid of anything. Not until a rival was murdered, she was accused and all society shunned her for the very individuality Gabe loved. This time he had the strength and knowhow to protect his woman; this time he would have faith that...

Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.

Did I miss one? Let me know!  Vote for the best of the  best on my Goodreads list: Wild West Shows in Romance Novels.

A period of  great change and growing freedom America at the Turn of the Century is an ideal era to set a romance.

Cars, bicycles, and telephones sit side by side with the older ways.  Waves of  European immigration settling into second generations.  The growing middles class battles it out with the Elite. Great stuff!

Enjoy this love stories set as the century was turning.  

1.  Mission of Hope by Allie Pleiter 

No one knows who he is or where he's from. But witnesses throughout San Francisco report a masked man in black is bringing supplies--and badly needed hope--to homeless earthquake survivors. Some believe that the city's gallant rescuer is a gentleman of wealth. But others whisper that he is a working-class man with courage as great as his faith. And rumor has it that one of the city's most spirited society belles is helping him against her family's wishes. What can be confirmed is that the masked messenger will need more than a miracle to escape those on his trail--and win the woman risking everything to save him....

2.  BOXING DAY by Jill Barnett 

 A classic Christmas short story of love set in turn of the century New York City. When her grandfather dies, lonely spinster Eleanor Austen is forced to move into an apartment on the top floor of the building he leased to a noisy gymnasium owned by famed Irish boxer Conn Donnoughue. During a snowy and magical December, two lonely people just might find they have more in common than they thought... 

3. Sweet Everlasting by Patricia Gaffney 

4.  The Passions of Emma by Penelope Williamson

Born to a life of wealth and privilege in turn-of-the-century Rhode Island, Emma Tremayne's life is all mapped out for her--including her engagement to the town's most eligible bachelor. Emma's sheltered world is shattered, however, when she discovers the horrifying working conditions in her fiance's textile mill. And when she encounters Shay McKenna, a brave Irish revolutionary, she learns what it will take to defy society's conventions, and experience a love she never thought possible.

5.  Runaway Hearts by Katie Rose 

Amateur chemist Mary Lou Finch once blew up her own laboratory — but that was nothing compared to her explosive first meeting with Pierce Thorndike. Mary Lou fibbed outrageously to win the position of governess to Thorndike's son. In reality, she is hoping to do a little detective work and find the prize racehorse that was stolen from Thorndike's stable. For Mary Lou's father has bet every dime he has on Damien's Curse — and if the horse is not found before the Saratoga races, her family will be ruined.

Mary Lou had planned a strictly scientific investigation ... until Pierce's sexy blue eyes sent a seductive tingling from her head to her toes. Now, as high stakes, pounding hooves, and irresistible kisses sweep Mary Lou away, the novice sleuth races toward an unknown finish — one that puts her in danger of losing her heart, her innocence, and maybe even her life.... 

6.  A Heart Most Worthy  by Siri Mitchell

The elegance of Madame Forza's gown shop is a far cry from the downtrodden North End of Boston. Yet each day Julietta, Annamaria, and Luciana enter the world of the upper class, working on finery for the elite in society. The three beauties each long to break free of their obligations and embrace the American dream--and their chance for love. But the ways of the heart are difficult to discern at times. Julietta is drawn to the swarthy, mysterious Angelo. Annamaria has a star-crossed encounter with the grocer's son, a man from the entirely wrong family. And through no intent of her own, Luciana catches the eye of Billy Quinn, the son of Madame Forza's most important client. Their destinies intertwined, each harboring a secret from their families and each other, will they be found worthy of the love they seek?

7. Somebody Wonderful by Kate Rothwell 

Michael McCann has a gentle way with women, and Timona Calverson is no exception, despite her ragged clothes. She is lovely--and in dire need of immediate rescue. The brawny policeman makes short work of the ruffians that have her cornered in a back alley of old New York. Though Timona may be no more than a runaway from a house of ill repute, Michael is determined to keep her from harm, if only for one night. . .

Timona can't bring herself to tell him who she really is--or that her rich family will pay handsomely for her return. She knows very little about Michael McCann, except that he is good enough to give his last cup of tea to a stranger, and compassionate enough to own the ugliest dog on earth. But the rugged Irishman's unexpected kindness has won her wayward heart--now and forever. .

8. Something Shady by Pamela Morsi 

Shocking all of Venice, Missouri, when she bobs her hair, Gertrude Barkley is secretly admired from afar by Polish immigrant and successful businessman Mikolai Stefanski, until a scandalous misunderstanding brings them together.

Gertrude Barkley, unmarried and unapologetic, had already caused a lot of talk in Venice, Missouri, with her independent ways and her book-writing career. But when she bobbed her waist-length hair, the town gossips had a field day…

Mikolai Stefanski didn’t know what all the fuss was about. In fact, he rather liked Gertrude’s daring new look. A proud Polish immigrant, who had managed to become Venice’s most successful businessman, Mikolai had always admired Gertrude’s rebellious spunk-if only from afar. After all, he believed in doing things his own way, too – though he wasn’t quite as flamboyant about it.

They had lived in the same sleepy town for a long time. But it would take a scandalous discovery-and a wild misunderstanding-to make them appreciate each other in a whole new way …

9. Beauty and the Brain by Alice Duncan 

For the sake of her career, stunningly beautiful actress Brenda Fitzpatrick is accustomed to hiding her keen intelligence behind the facade of a featherheaded blonde. But not when it comes to Colin Peters, a research assistant on the new romantic movie she's starring in. Fascinated by Colin's vast knowledge, she won't shy away from talking with him about his work. And she isn't blind to the good looks he conceals behind his thick glasses and rumpled clothes. Now Martin Tafft has asked Brenda to loosen up his too-meticulous research assistant. It isn't long before an improbable attraction blossoms into a love more real than any celluloid fantasy

10. Ship of Dreams by Brenda Hiatt

On her own in wild, wicked, post-Gold Rush San Francisco,
Della Gilliland has become a bit of a con artist, though a harmless one.
Falsely accused of murder by a rival snake-oil salesman, she is forced to flee
the lawless city's vigilantes aboard an outbound steamer. Surely her quick
wits--and tongue--can convince someone to help her until her pursuers are far
behind.

Stuffy New York businessman Kent Bradford is shocked when a
lovely redhead he's never met suddenly introduces herself as his wife to an
important business contact. Fearing a scene, he plays along . . . for the
moment. But moments turn into weeks and growing attraction becomes something
more. Then, only days out from New York, their ship encounters a hurricane that
threatens not only their budding love, but their very lives.

Did I leave out your favorite? Let me know!

To vote for the best of the best, go to the Goodreads list: Turn of the Century American Set Romance 

To enjoy even more recommendations, visit my Pinterest Board: Turn of the Century Romance. 

The cover of this book really drew me in.  I love the look of the 1920's so it immediately intrigued me to read a mystery set in that era.  The period details were rich so I wasn't disappointed.  There was a lot to like here!

Daisy Gumm Majesty is a fake spiritualist.  She makes her money holding seances and tarot card readings for the rich in her beautiful California town of Pasadena.  She helps support her husband who was gassed in WWI and her parents, a bookkeeper and a chauffeur.

Though this says it is a mystery, the mystery element is weak.  A crime is central to the story but there isn't anything very mysterious about it.  The characters are so real and likeable however, that the lack of a strong mystery didn't faze me.  I love the look at the day-to-day lives of the characters, both the lower income Gumms and the more wealthy Kincaids.  Daisy's relationship to her handicapped husband and to the police detective seemed realistic to me.

The reason this didn't get more stars was an underlying agenda running through the book that I did not enjoy. I don't care if I have the same social beliefs as the author, I don't want to feel like I'm having social commentary thrown in my face when I'm reading for escapism and relaxation. Also, the editing could have been a little tighter in a couple of places where there was some noticeable repetition. I'll be reading the next one in the series in hopes I can enjoy the story and the characters without the social commentary.