Chris Grabenstein Books in Order

Where to Start with Chris Grabenstein

Chris Grabenstein is a master of high-energy, fast-paced storytelling that appeals to everyone from reluctant young readers to adult mystery enthusiasts. Because his catalog spans multiple genres, your starting point depends entirely on what you enjoy reading:

• For Middle-Grade Puzzle Lovers: Start with Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library (2013). It is his signature solo book and the perfect introduction to his playful, riddle-filled style.
• For Adult Mystery Fans: Start with Tilt-a-Whirl (2005), the Anthony Award-winning first book in the John Ceepak Mysteries set on the Jersey Shore.
• For Spooky, Fun Chills: Start with The Crossroads (2008), the opening novel of his Haunted Mysteries series.
• For Laugh-Out-Loud Action (Co-authored): Start with I Funny (2012) or Treasure Hunters (2013), both written alongside his longtime collaborator James Patterson.

Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Series

This is Grabenstein's most famous solo work, following a group of kids who get locked in a high-tech library designed by eccentric gamemaker Luigi Lemoncello. Readers can choose between two main orders: chronological order (which starts with the prequel) or publication order.

Publication Order

1. Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library (2013)
2. Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Olympics (2016)
3. Mr. Lemoncello’s Great Library Race (2017)
4. Mr. Lemoncello’s All-Star Breakout Game (2019)
5. Mr. Lemoncello and the Titanium Ticket (2020)
6. Mr. Lemoncello’s Very First Game (2023)
7. Mr. Lemoncello’s Fantabulous Finale (2024)

Chronological / Prequel Order

If you want to read Luigi Lemoncello's origin story first, follow this sequence:

1. Mr. Lemoncello’s Very First Game (2023) — Luigi's childhood years.
2. Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library (2013)
3. Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Olympics (2016)
4. Mr. Lemoncello’s Great Library Race (2017)
5. Mr. Lemoncello’s All-Star Breakout Game (2019)
6. Mr. Lemoncello and the Titanium Ticket (2020)
7. Mr. Lemoncello’s Fantabulous Finale (2024)

Note on upcoming releases: A new entry, Mr. Lemoncello's Wondermous Christmas Gift, is scheduled for release on October 13, 2026. Graphic novel adaptations also exist for the first two books in the series.

John Ceepak Mysteries (Adult Fiction)

Before writing for children, Grabenstein wrote adult mystery novels featuring the straight-laced Officer John Ceepak and his partner, Danny Boyle, in the fictional beach resort town of Sea Haven, New Jersey. The series should be read in publication order to track the characters' personal and professional development:

1. Tilt-a-Whirl (2005)
2. Mad Mouse (2006)
3. Whack-a-Mole (2007)
4. Hell Hole (2008)
5. Mind Scrambler (2009)
6. Rolling Thunder (2010)
7. Ring Toss (2011) — A short story often labeled as Book 6.5.
8. Fun House (2012)
9. Free Fall (2013)

The Haunted Mysteries (Middle-Grade)

This award-winning supernatural series follows young Zack Jennings as he moves to a haunted Connecticut town and uncovers spooky secrets. These are best read in order of release:

1. The Crossroads (2008)
2. The Hanging Hill (2009) — also published under the title The Demons' Door.
3. The Smoky Corridor (2010) — also published under the title The Zombie Awakening.
4. The Black Heart Crypt (2011)

The James Patterson Collaborations

Chris Grabenstein is one of James Patterson's most prolific co-authors. The duo works via detailed outlines written by Patterson, which Grabenstein then drafts and polishes. When reading these, stick strictly to publication order within each specific series:

Treasure Hunters Series

Follows the Kidd siblings on global adventures looking for their lost parents and sunken treasures.

1. Treasure Hunters (2013)
2. Danger Down the Nile (2014)
3. Secret of the Forbidden City (2015)
4. Peril at the Top of the World (2016)
5. Quest for the City of Gold (2017)
6. All-American Adventure (2019)
7. The Plunder Down Under (2020)
8. The Ultimate Quest (2022)
9. The Greatest Treasure Hunt (2023)

I Funny Series

Focuses on wheelchair-user Jamie Grimm's goal to become the world's greatest stand-up comedian.

1. I Funny: A Middle School Story (2012)
2. I Even Funnier (2013)
3. I Totally Funniest (2015)
4. I Funny TV (2015)
5. School of Laughs (2017)
6. The Nerdiest, Wimpiest, Dorkiest I Funny Ever (2018)

Max Einstein Series

A smart science adventure series co-authored with James Patterson and officially sanctioned by the Albert Einstein Archives.

1. The Genius Experiment (2018)
2. Rebels with a Cause (2019)
3. Saves the Future (2020)
4. World Champions! (2021)

House of Robots Series

1. House of Robots (2014)
2. Robots Go Wild! (2015)
3. Robot Revolution (2017)

Jacky Ha-Ha Series

1. Jacky Ha-Ha (2016)
2. My Life is a Joke (2017) — also available as a graphic novel.
3. Jacky Ha-Ha Gets the Last Laugh (2023)

Daniel X Series (Grabenstein's Contributions)

While the sci-fi Daniel X series was created by James Patterson, Grabenstein co-wrote two specific volumes:

• Daniel X: Armageddon (2012) — Book 5
• Daniel X: Lights Out (2015) — Book 6

Katt vs. Dogg Series

1. Katt vs. Dogg (2019)
2. Katt Loves Dogg (2021)

Other Solo Series and Standalones

The Smartest Kid in the Universe

This fun trilogy features Jake McQuade, who accidentally eats ingestible smart chips and gains superpower-like intelligence.

1. The Smartest Kid in the Universe (2020)
2. Genius Camp (2021)
3. Evil Genius (2023)

Dog Squad (Complete Series)

This completed duology centers around a stray dog who becomes an actor's stunt double.

1. Dog Squad (2021)
2. Cat Crew (2022)

Co-authored and Solo Standalones

• The Explorers' Gate (2012) — Solo fantasy.
• The Island of Dr. Libris (2015) — Solo book where characters come to life.
• Word of Mouse (2016) — Co-authored with James Patterson.
• Pottymouth and Stoopid (2017) — Co-authored with James Patterson.
• Laugh Out Loud (2017) — Co-authored with James Patterson.
• Stuck (2020) — Solo novel about a boy stuck in the fifth grade.
• Best Nerds Forever (2021) — Co-authored with James Patterson.
• Scaredy Cat (2021) — Co-authored with James Patterson.