What did jess mean when he said the burkes were smart in a way he had never know real live people to be?

When Jess referred to the Burkes as "smart in a way he had never known real live people to be," he was likely expressing admiration for their unique intelligence and perspective. This suggests that their cleverness went beyond conventional knowledge or academic prowess; it might have encompassed emotional intelligence, practical skills, or creativity. Jess's observation highlights his recognition of their distinct qualities, which set them apart from others he had encountered in his life.