Between the Numbers/Holiday Novels Books in Order

Between the Numbers, also used for the holiday novellas, is where Janet Evanovich lets the Stephanie Plum universe loosen its tie a little. These books are shorter than the numbered novels, meant to be quick, seasonal reads, and they often focus on one wild problem instead of the usual stack of cases.

They also answer a practical question: what happens in the gaps? The numbered Plum books can be read straight through, but the novellas were released between the larger installments. They slip into the timeline, filling in character moments, side adventures, and a few plot turns that would feel too odd for the main line.

A lot of them are built around a holiday setup. Visions of Sugar Plums brings Christmas chaos and a missing-person style assignment that turns strange fast. Plum Lovin' plays like a Valentine’s-season detour, mixing romance trouble with a short case that pulls Stephanie back into the field. Plum Lucky adds a lucky charm vibe and another quick chase. Plum Spooky leans into Halloween mood and lets the series flirt with the supernatural.

Diesel is a big part of the difference.

When Diesel shows up, the books tend to tilt into odd rules and stranger enemies, turning Trenton crime into something that feels like a paranormal caper. Even then, the tone stays Evanovich: fast scenes, sharp jokes, and Stephanie’s constant sense that she’s in over her head.

You don’t have to read these to follow the main story. They’re optional extras, like bonus episodes. But they can make the world feel bigger, especially if you love Lula and Grandma Mazur and want more time with the supporting cast.

For reading order, the simplest approach is to treat them as add-ons and slot them where they fit between the numbered books. If you’d rather keep it simple, you can also read them on their own whenever you want something light and seasonal, with familiar characters and a plot that moves at sprint speed.

One thing these novellas do well is change the texture of the series without changing the voice. The numbered books tend to balance multiple skips, a bigger mystery, and Stephanie’s personal life. The holiday books usually pick one central mission and then crank up the seasonal chaos around it. That can mean family obligations, strange coincidences, or the kind of small-town weirdness that feels perfect for a Halloween night.

They’re also a gentle entry point for new readers. If the idea of a long numbered series feels intimidating, a novella is a low-commitment way to see whether you like the mix of jokes, danger, and Stephanie’s constant refusal to quit. If you do, you can always circle back and start the main run at One for the Money.