Books On Board

Too Smart Jones Books in Order

  • 10 Books
  • 1999 – 2000 Published

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How to Read the Too Smart Jones Series

Written by the prolific Christian author Gilbert Morris, the Too Smart Jones series consists of ten children's mystery novels published between 1999 and 2000 by Moody Publishers. The series follows twelve-year-old Juliet 'Too Smart' Jones, her younger brother Joe, and her group of homeschooling friends (including her close friend Jenny) as they solve local mysteries in their cozy town while navigating faith-based lessons and moral growth.

Because each book is structured as a self-contained mystery, the chronological story matches the publication order. Readers can comfortably pick up any book in the series, but starting from the beginning helps establish Juliet's character, her nickname's origin, and her dynamics with her family and friends.

Publication and Chronological Reading Order

Here is the complete list of the Too Smart Jones books in their recommended chronological and publication order. Note that some library databases and retail listings contain minor spelling variations or typos (such as cataloging the seventh book as 'Stanger in the Cave' instead of 'Stranger in the Cave'):

  1. Too Smart Jones and the Pool Party Thief (1999) – Juliet investigates a missing camera at a pool party and learns the importance of placing others before herself.
  2. Too Smart Jones and the Buried Jewels (1999) – A treasure hunt leads to hidden jewels, prompting Juliet to grapple with honesty and integrity.
  3. Too Smart Jones and the Disappearing Dogs (2000) – When local dogs begin vanishing, Juliet and her friends search for the culprit.
  4. Too Smart Jones and the Spooky Mountain (2000) – While investigating a mysterious house on the outskirts of town, Juliet sees a suspicious light and learns a lesson about honesty and confession when she trespasses.
  5. Too Smart Jones and the Dangerous Woman (2000) – Juliet crosses paths with a local outcast known as 'Butcher-Knife Annie' and learns to practice compassion and empathy over fear.
  6. Too Smart Jones and the Cat's Secret (2000) – Juliet's kitten, Boots, keeps disappearing and coming back well-groomed, leading Juliet to visit a local nursing home to solve the mystery.
  7. Too Smart Jones and the Stranger in the Cave (2000) – Juliet, Joe, and Jenny explore a newly discovered cave to find out if a runaway or criminal is hiding inside.
  8. Too Smart Jones and the Wilderness Mystery (2000) – An outdoor adventure turns into a search for clues when strange events disrupt the wilderness camp.
  9. Too Smart Jones and the Stolen Bicycle (2000) – Juliet tracks down a stolen bicycle, dealing with peer pressure and justice in her community.
  10. Too Smart Jones and the Mysterious Artist (2000) – The final book focuses on a secret artist and local rumors, wrapping up the series with themes of friendship and understanding.

What to Know Before You Start

Unlike secular middle-grade mystery series like Nancy Drew or The Hardy Boys, the Too Smart Jones books are written from an explicit Christian worldview. Gilbert Morris weaves biblical principles, prayer, and character-building moments directly into the narrative. Juliet often reflects on how her decisions align with her faith and seeks advice from her parents.

The series is highly regarded within homeschooling communities and church libraries because Juliet and her friends are homeschooled, reflecting the lifestyle of many of Morris's readers. The books are relatively short (around 100 to 120 pages) and written at a 3rd-to-6th-grade reading level, making them excellent choices for young readers transitioning to chapter books.

Related Series by Gilbert Morris

If your young reader enjoys Too Smart Jones, Gilbert Morris wrote several other highly popular Christian youth series that offer similar wholesome adventures:

  • Dixie Morris Animal Adventures: Co-written with his granddaughter Dixie, this series follows a young girl traveling with her missionary parents and interacting with various animals.
  • The Seven Sleepers Series: A faith-based allegorical fantasy series for slightly older kids (middle school and young adult) featuring a group of teenagers who awaken in a mysterious post-apocalyptic world.
  • Daystar Voyages: A sci-fi Christian adventure series co-authored with Bobby Funderburk, taking young readers into outer space.

Frequently Asked

What is the recommended age range for the Too Smart Jones books?

The series is ideal for middle-grade readers, specifically ages 8 to 12 (grades 3 to 6). The simple vocabulary and short chapters make them perfect transition books for young readers starting independent chapter books.

Do I need to read the Too Smart Jones books in a specific order?

No, each book contains a standalone mystery that is resolved by the final page. However, reading them in publication order starting with Too Smart Jones and the Pool Party Thief is recommended to see the characters grow over time.

Why is Juliet called 'Too Smart' Jones?

Juliet earned her nickname because of her exceptional observation skills, quick thinking, and love for reading and learning, which she uses to crack cases in her neighborhood.

Is the seventh book titled 'Stanger' or 'Stranger' in the Cave?

The correct word is Stranger. However, due to a printing error on the original Moody Publishers cover, the title was spelled 'Too Smart Jones and the Stanger in the Cave', which is why it appears with a typo in many library catalog listings.

Are there any crossover characters with the Dixie Morris series?

No. While both series share the last name 'Morris' in their author credits and 'Morris' in the character name Dixie, there are no official crossovers between Too Smart Jones and the Dixie Morris Animal Adventures.