The Recommended Reading Order for Knight & Moon
Because the Knight & Moon series relies heavily on character development and the building of an unlikely partnership, the books should be read in order of publication. Thankfully, keeping track of the order is simple: the series consists of two fast-paced novels with no complex timelines, side stories, or spin-offs to navigate.
- Curious Minds (2016)
- Dangerous Minds (2017)
Meet the Unlikely Duo: Emerson Knight and Riley Moon
The series centers on the electric chemistry between two wildly mismatched protagonists. Emerson Knight is a charmingly eccentric, introverted billionaire who sees the world differently than anyone else. Armed with vast wealth and a mind that processes clues at lightning speed, he is determined to solve mysteries that baffle ordinary investigators. Riley Moon, on the other hand, is a grounded, hardworking Harvard Business and Law graduate. When she is assigned by her bank to keep an eye on Emerson's finances, she has no idea she is stepping into a whirlwind of conspiracy, espionage, and cross-country adventures.
Supporting characters add to the series' charm, notably Vernon—Emerson's incredibly enthusiastic and loyal cousin—and Aunt Myra, who serves as a tough caretaker. Together, this quirky cast turns every mystery into a comedic caper.
Inside the Books: Plot Overviews and Highlights
Curious Minds (2016)
The adventure kicks off when Riley Moon, a junior analyst at Blane-Grunwald bank, is tasked with 'babysitting' Emerson Knight, who insists on inspecting his gold reserves. What starts as a standard client management task quickly spirals out of control. Riley and Emerson uncover a massive discrepancy in missing funds and gold, leading them on a cross-country chase. They must unravel a grand financial conspiracy and track down a vanished man, all while dodging dangerous figures determined to stop them.
Dangerous Minds (2017)
The stakes are raised in the second book when Emerson's friend, a Buddhist monk named Wayan Bagus, discovers that his private island of solitude in the Pacific Ocean has completely vanished. Refusing to believe an island can simply disappear, Emerson recruits Riley and his cousin Vernon to investigate. Their quest leads them into a century-old conspiracy protected by the National Park Service. From the corridors of Washington D.C. to the wilderness of Yellowstone, the team must avoid bullets and hatchets to reveal the truth.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the Knight & Moon series, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- A Collaborative Effort: The series represents a unique creative partnership. Janet Evanovich, famous for the Stephanie Plum series, brings her signature comedic timing, while Phoef Sutton, an Emmy-winning writer and producer known for his work on Cheers and Boston Legal, contributes sharp, television-style dialogue and fast pacing.
- Tone and Style: Expect a lighter, buddy-comedy action vibe. While there is plenty of suspense, the violence is kept light and cartoonish, making it a perfect quick escape.
- Status of the Series: Although fans have expressed strong interest in a third installment, no further books or novellas have been released since 2017. The two existing novels tell complete stories and can be enjoyed as a completed duology.
How Knight & Moon Compares to Stephanie Plum
Fans of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series will find much to love here, but there are notable differences. While Stephanie Plum relies on high-energy, slapstick bounty-hunting antics in Trenton, Knight & Moon leans into a more intellectual, puzzle-solving dynamic. Emerson's massive wealth allows for grander settings and national-scale conspiracies, making the books feel like a mix between a cozy mystery and an adventure movie. The banter is sharp, and the relationship between Emerson and Riley is built on mutual respect and quirky compatibility rather than the romantic triangles of the Plum series.