Step into the zany, thrilling world of Knight & Moon, where an eccentric billionaire and a sharp-witted Harvard grad team up to unravel mysteries that are as wild as they are hilarious! The Knight & Moon series, a delightful collaboration between Janet Evanovich and Phoef Sutton, blends mystery, suspense, and laugh-out-loud humor. With its fast-paced plots and quirky characters, this series is a rollercoaster ride for fans of lighthearted thrillers.
Meet Emerson Knight, a charmingly odd billionaire with a knack for solving the unsolvable, and Riley Moon, a Texas spitfire whose Harvard degrees can’t prepare her for Emerson’s chaotic world. Together, they tackle conspiracies and chase clues across the U.S., from Washington D.C.’s bustling streets to New York City’s hidden vaults. If you love witty banter and improbable adventures, Knight & Moon is your next binge-read!
How Knight & Moon Began
The Knight & Moon series was born from a coffee-fueled brainstorming session between Janet Evanovich, the queen of comedic mysteries, and Phoef Sutton, an Emmy-winning writer known for shows like Cheers. Longtime friends, they wanted to create a fresh, fun series that combined Evanovich’s signature humor with Sutton’s knack for sharp dialogue. The result? A dynamic duo in Emerson and Riley, whose chemistry sparked the 2016 release of Curious Minds, published by Bantam Dell.
Evanovich, already a household name with her Stephanie Plum series, saw Knight & Moon as a chance to explore new characters while keeping her trademark wit. Sutton’s TV expertise added a cinematic flair, making the series feel like a buddy-comedy thriller. Their collaboration, backed by Random House, brought a unique energy to the mystery genre, appealing to fans craving something both smart and silly.
The Heart of Knight & Moon
The series kicks off with Curious Minds (2016), where Riley, a junior analyst at Blane-Grunwald bank, is tasked with ‘babysitting’ Emerson, who’s obsessed with seeing his gold. What starts as a simple inquiry spirals into a cross-country chase involving missing funds, a vanished man, and a sinister plot only a megalomaniac could dream up. The sequel, Dangerous Minds (2017), ups the ante when Emerson and Riley investigate a missing Pacific island, uncovering a century-old conspiracy tied to Yellowstone’s volcanic secrets.
Knight & Moon shines through its themes of unlikely partnerships and embracing quirks. Emerson’s eccentric brilliance pairs perfectly with Riley’s practical tenacity, creating a dynamic that’s both hilarious and heartwarming. The series’ settings—think D.C.’s power corridors or Nevada’s Area 51—add a larger-than-life backdrop to the duo’s adventures. Evanovich and Sutton’s humor, packed with snappy one-liners and absurd situations, makes every page a delight, though some fans note it’s less slapstick than Stephanie Plum.
While only two books exist, the series captures the thrill of solving puzzles alongside characters you’d want as friends. Supporting players like Vernon, Emerson’s loyal cousin, and Aunt Myra, a tough-as-nails caretaker, add depth and charm. The plots, though over-the-top, keep you guessing with twists that blend espionage, greed, and a touch of the absurd.
Why Knight & Moon Resonates
Knight & Moon may be a short series, but its impact lies in its infectious fun and relatable heroes. Fans of Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series find a familiar comfort in the humor and pacing, while new readers are drawn to the fresh chemistry of Emerson and Riley. The series’ blend of mystery and comedy appeals to those who want suspense without gore, making it a cozy yet thrilling escape.
Though it hasn’t reached the cultural heights of Evanovich’s other works, Knight & Moon has a loyal following that cherishes its quirky spirit. Its cinematic quality—thanks to Sutton’s screenwriting chops—has fans hoping for a TV adaptation someday. For now, it remains a hidden gem for readers seeking a quick, joyful adventure.
- First Book: Curious Minds (2016)
- Second Book: Dangerous Minds (2017)
- Authors: Janet Evanovich and Phoef Sutton
- Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Humor
Ready for a wild ride? Grab Curious Minds and dive into Knight & Moon’s world of conspiracies, chuckles, and charm!