Step into the spirited world of Jerry McNeal, where a psychic ex-Marine turned Pennsylvania State Trooper teams up with a ghostly K-9 to solve mysteries that bridge the living and the dead! Sherry A. Burton’s Jerry McNeal series is a delightful blend of paranormal cozy mystery, heartwarming camaraderie, and supernatural sleuthing. With its novella-length 'Paranormal Snapshots,' this series offers quick, engaging reads that feel like tuning into a weekly TV show, perfect for fans of quirky characters and lighthearted suspense.
From snowy rural roads to haunted coastal towns, Jerry’s adventures capture the charm of small-town America while weaving in themes of duty, self-acceptance, and the enduring bond between humans and their spectral companions. Whether you’re a cozy mystery enthusiast or a paranormal fiction lover, this series promises a unique ride!
How Jerry McNeal Began
Sherry A. Burton, a Kentucky-born author now settled in Michigan, crafted the Jerry McNeal series with a nod to her love for storytelling guided by intuition. Inspired by her 43-year marriage and a knack for weaving heartfelt narratives, Burton envisioned the series as a blend of 'Odd Thomas' and 'Highway to Heaven.' Launched in 2019 with Always Faithful, the series follows Jerry, a Marine veteran with psychic abilities, and his ghostly German Shepherd partner, Gunter, as they tackle mysteries driven by Jerry’s premonitions. Burton’s knack for blending humor, heart, and the supernatural has made the series a fan favorite.
The Heart of Jerry McNeal
The Jerry McNeal series kicks off with Always Faithful (2019), where Trooper Jerry McNeal’s psychic 'feeling' leads him through a snowstorm to save a life, aided by Gunter, a spectral K-9. In Ghostly Guidance (2022), Jerry grapples with his gifts while racing to protect Savannah, a psychic medium in danger. Rambling Spirit (2022) sees Jerry and Gunter in Louisville, navigating Derby festivities to save a police officer, with Jerry’s PTSD adding emotional depth. Mystic Angel (2022) takes them to Mystic, Connecticut, to solve a missing child case, blending cozy mystery with poignant ghost encounters.
Burton’s novellas shine through their accessible, conversational style and vivid settings, from Pennsylvania’s snowy landscapes to Salem’s haunted streets. Themes of duty and self-acceptance resonate as Jerry learns to embrace his psychic abilities and his spectral sidekick. The series also explores the connection between the living and the dead, with Gunter’s loyalty and ghostly antics stealing the show. Readers praise the light humor, relatable characters, and the series’ ability to balance mystery with emotional warmth, making it a cozy yet thrilling escape.
Why Jerry McNeal Resonates
The Jerry McNeal series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, captivating readers with its blend of paranormal intrigue and heartfelt storytelling. Fans on Goodreads and Amazon rave about the dynamic between Jerry and Gunter, with many calling the ghostly K-9 the series’ true star. Burton’s portrayal of Jerry’s PTSD, especially in Rambling Spirit, has struck a chord with veterans, offering authentic representation. The series’ novella format and clean, PG-rated content make it accessible to a wide audience, from young readers to cozy mystery buffs, ensuring its growing popularity.
- First Book: Always Faithful (2019)
- Books Published: 16 (as of 2025), with more planned
- Genre: Paranormal Cozy Mystery
- Setting: Small-town America, various locations
Ready to join Jerry and Gunter on their next ghostly adventure? Grab Always Faithful and dive into the Jerry McNeal series’ charming world of paranormal cozy mysteries!