Alexandra Barnaby books in order

The complete reading order for Janet Evanovich's Alexandra Barnaby series, featuring a female mechanic who gets caught up in adventures in the NASCAR world with Cuban-American driver Sam Hooker.
Series · Romantic Comedy · Mystery

Reading order

# Title Published Author Buy on Amazon
1 Metro Girl 2004 Janet Evanovich Buy
2 Motor Mouth 2006 Janet Evanovich Buy
3 Troublemaker 2007 Janet Evanovich Buy
4 Troublemaker 2 2010 Janet Evanovich Buy

Janet Evanovich launched this series in 2004 with Metro Girl, introducing readers to Alex Barnaby. Unlike the perpetually struggling Stephanie Plum, Alex is competent at her job as a boat mechanic and knows her way around engines. When her brother disappears in Miami, she heads south to find him and crosses paths with NASCAR driver Sam Hooker.

The chemistry between Alex and Hooker drives the series as much as the plots do. Hooker is charming, wealthy, and used to getting his way, while Alex is practical and unimpressed by his celebrity status. Their banter and growing attraction provide comedy while they navigate dangers involving smugglers, stolen gold, and various criminals who want them dead.

Evanovich expanded the series into graphic novel format with the two Troublemaker volumes, collaborating with artist Joëlle Jones. These comics kept the characters’ voices while taking advantage of the visual medium for action sequences. The series offers a lighter tone than Evanovich’s darker collaborations, sticking to the romantic comedy-adventure formula that made her famous.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Alexandra Barnaby series about?

The series follows Alex Barnaby, a Baltimore boat mechanic and NASCAR fan who gets pulled into danger when her brother goes missing. She teams up with Sam Hooker, a hotshot Cuban-American NASCAR driver, and the two develop a romantic relationship while dealing with stolen goods, dangerous criminals, and high-speed chases.

How is this series different from Stephanie Plum?

While both series feature Evanovich’s signature humor and romance, Alexandra Barnaby is set in the world of NASCAR racing rather than bounty hunting. Alex is a mechanic with technical skills rather than a stumbling amateur like Stephanie. The series is shorter at four entries and has a different setting, moving between Miami, the NASCAR circuit, and other locations.

Are the Troublemaker books graphic novels?

Yes, Troublemaker and Troublemaker 2 are graphic novel adaptations that continue Alex and Hooker’s story in illustrated format. They were created in partnership with Dark Horse Comics and tell original stories rather than adapting the two prose novels.

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