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Jerry McNeal #18
Dearly Departed
Dearly Departed
In episode 18 of the Jerry McNeal Series, Mr. Bigsby, the spirit who’s been seeking April’s assistance, is back and insisting she drop everything to help save his wife before it’s too late.
The wife is leaving on a cruise in two days and Mr. Bigsby fears the man will successfully swindle her out of her inheritance.
While Jerry’s former boss Seltzer and his wife June are slated to be on the same cruise, the spirit insists April go along to make sure his wife isn’t duped by the man suspected of catfishing her.
The planets align when a wedding party cancels at the last moment, allowing Jerry and April to not only take their place on the ship, but if Jerry has his way, utilize their good fortune to finally make April his wife.
Will April be able to help Mr. Bigsby convince his wife the man she is dating isn’t the man she thinks he is?
Will Jerry and April depart the ship as newlyweds?
Find out as Jerry and the crew encounter ghostly hijinks on the heavy seas, and hold on to your lifejackets as they join forces to bring down a scam artist who is preying on spouses of the Dearly Departed.
In episode 18 of the Jerry McNeal Series, Mr. Bigsby, the spirit who’s been seeking April’s assistance, is back and insisting she drop everything to help save his wife before it’s too late.
The wife is leaving on a cruise in two days and Mr. Bigsby fears the man will successfully swindle her out of her inheritance.
While Jerry’s former boss Seltzer and his wife June are slated to be on the same cruise, the spirit insists April go along to make sure his wife isn’t duped by the man suspected of catfishing her.
The planets align when a wedding party cancels at the last moment, allowing Jerry and April to not only take their place on the ship, but if Jerry has his way, utilize their good fortune to finally make April his wife.
Will April be able to help Mr. Bigsby convince his wife the man she is dating isn’t the man she thinks he is?
Will Jerry and April depart the ship as newlyweds?
Find out as Jerry and the crew encounter ghostly hijinks on the heavy seas, and hold on to your lifejackets as they join forces to bring down a scam artist who is preying on spouses of the Dearly Departed.
- GenresDogs
143 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2025
239 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Sherry A. Burton
58 books176 followersSherry A. Burton is the author of The Orphan Train Saga novels, a planned eighteen book historical fiction saga that revolves around the Orphan Trains. Books in the saga include Discovery, Shameless, Treachery, Guardian, and Loyal.
Ezra’s Story, the first in The Orphan Train Saga spinoff series.
Sherry's fiction titles include Tears of Betrayal, Love in the Bluegrass, Seems Like Yesterday, The King of My Heart, Somewhere in My Dreams, Surviving the Storm, and Always Faithful, a Jerry McNeal Novella.
Born in Kentucky, Sherry and her Retired Navy Veteran husband live in Michigan’s thumb. When not in the writing chair, Sherry travels the country doing book signings and giving lectures on the orphan trains.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
May 30, 2025
Once again you drew me in and kept me interested. I just love how each book you bring more joy and happiness to Jerry's life and the antics of all the characters. I look forward to the next book in the series.
On a side note: please know we will be thinking of you as you continue to get better and understand that it may take a while for the next book. :)
On a side note: please know we will be thinking of you as you continue to get better and understand that it may take a while for the next book. :)
July 25, 2025
sequel
Another great addition to the series. Hope it continues with additional stories. The dogs give the story so much joy
Another great addition to the series. Hope it continues with additional stories. The dogs give the story so much joy
May 30, 2025
The golden years of friends and family.
What a enjoyable story. I have enjoyed each book and look forward to many more. This story touched my heart. The interactions of Jerry, his wife and daughter to be. Each coming together to make a family, of course the dogs and friends too. Please Sherry, keep writing you have a wonderful gift. I pray that your health keeps improving .
What a enjoyable story. I have enjoyed each book and look forward to many more. This story touched my heart. The interactions of Jerry, his wife and daughter to be. Each coming together to make a family, of course the dogs and friends too. Please Sherry, keep writing you have a wonderful gift. I pray that your health keeps improving .
June 29, 2025
This is the 18th book in the Jerry McNeal Series featuring a former state trooper who solves cases involving something of a supernatural (ghostly) nature along with his canine partner, Gunther, a deceased former police dog. Together they help the departed to accomplish whatever they left undone and to prevent living criminals from succeeding in violent crimes.
Here Jerry has entered into a relationship with April, a single mother of a daughter named Max. Max has always exhibited a supernatural gift knowing when someone needs help. Now April is also exhibiting a talent herself. Jerry and April are engaged and they are learning to be a family. Meanwhile Gunther is mentoring a half spirit half canine son named Houdini, who has attached himself to Max.
Jerry and April have decided to stage their wedding on a cruise ship. While there, they will be keeping an eye on a widow who is being pursued by a suspected con man to help Mr. Bigsby to move on. Jerry’s boss, Seltzer, and his wife June, are slated for the cruise. Wherever Jerry and April go, they find ghostly hijinks. The ghostly canine partners of the crime fighting team also contribute to the mayhem.
I enjoy this series as much for the animals as the other characters and plot. It’s a fun change of pace I look forward to with each new novel. Characters are well developed, plots are entertaining and I recommend to readers of cozy mystery, mystery-suspense and humorous supernatural elements.
Here Jerry has entered into a relationship with April, a single mother of a daughter named Max. Max has always exhibited a supernatural gift knowing when someone needs help. Now April is also exhibiting a talent herself. Jerry and April are engaged and they are learning to be a family. Meanwhile Gunther is mentoring a half spirit half canine son named Houdini, who has attached himself to Max.
Jerry and April have decided to stage their wedding on a cruise ship. While there, they will be keeping an eye on a widow who is being pursued by a suspected con man to help Mr. Bigsby to move on. Jerry’s boss, Seltzer, and his wife June, are slated for the cruise. Wherever Jerry and April go, they find ghostly hijinks. The ghostly canine partners of the crime fighting team also contribute to the mayhem.
I enjoy this series as much for the animals as the other characters and plot. It’s a fun change of pace I look forward to with each new novel. Characters are well developed, plots are entertaining and I recommend to readers of cozy mystery, mystery-suspense and humorous supernatural elements.
October 22, 2025
It's time to say my goodbye's to Jerry, Gunter, April, Max and Houdini and all their escapades, as I have sadly finished reading the last book, so far of this series. I know that perhaps 2 more at least are in the pipeline for the future.
This time the ever increasing number of members added to Jerry's world, was rapidly growing, which didn't even include his tag along spirits. Their adventure this time took them on a cruise ship, but for Jerry, April & Max, it was a working trip even though Fred made it seem more realistic as a ploy, to include Jerry's parents, an x police officer, who had trained Jerry with his wife as part of the clever ruse to try and ensnare their prey who were also on the same cruise ship............
This time the ever increasing number of members added to Jerry's world, was rapidly growing, which didn't even include his tag along spirits. Their adventure this time took them on a cruise ship, but for Jerry, April & Max, it was a working trip even though Fred made it seem more realistic as a ploy, to include Jerry's parents, an x police officer, who had trained Jerry with his wife as part of the clever ruse to try and ensnare their prey who were also on the same cruise ship............
June 5, 2025
And then there were 5!
And the 5 are all McNeal's- Jerry, April, Max, Gunter and Houdoni!
What an excellent book, as with all of Sherry Burton's McNeal books they are well researched (as well as you can research about the other side), well written and extremely hard to put down! What a treat is was see Granny and Bunny and to revisit with Clive, and especially Joseph! It was fantastic for Jerry and Seltzer (Brian) to be working together again, I would love to see those two getting together more often.
This series is for any age, if you like mysteries, some romance, the paranormal and also love dogs then this series is for you!
And the 5 are all McNeal's- Jerry, April, Max, Gunter and Houdoni!
What an excellent book, as with all of Sherry Burton's McNeal books they are well researched (as well as you can research about the other side), well written and extremely hard to put down! What a treat is was see Granny and Bunny and to revisit with Clive, and especially Joseph! It was fantastic for Jerry and Seltzer (Brian) to be working together again, I would love to see those two getting together more often.
This series is for any age, if you like mysteries, some romance, the paranormal and also love dogs then this series is for you!
June 21, 2025
Loads of fun.
I've read the whole series and it's always been a favorite. It's full of ghosts, or I should say spirits, which are plentiful and mostly high-spirited fun. Jerry has seen spirits all his life and always felt different, and not in a good way. Now he's got a crazy high powered job, a terrific fiance and her daughter, Max, who has the same "powers" as Jerry. And he has Gunter, the spirit dog who started it for Jerry - Gunter, the German Shepard police dog, who died in the line of duty, and who made Jerry his new partner. They are one fantastic team and I can't wait until I can find out what's next for Jerry, Gunter, and Team McNeal.
I've read the whole series and it's always been a favorite. It's full of ghosts, or I should say spirits, which are plentiful and mostly high-spirited fun. Jerry has seen spirits all his life and always felt different, and not in a good way. Now he's got a crazy high powered job, a terrific fiance and her daughter, Max, who has the same "powers" as Jerry. And he has Gunter, the spirit dog who started it for Jerry - Gunter, the German Shepard police dog, who died in the line of duty, and who made Jerry his new partner. They are one fantastic team and I can't wait until I can find out what's next for Jerry, Gunter, and Team McNeal.
June 2, 2025
As Always GREAT
Jerry, April and Max are favorites of mine. They eat h have their own abilities and mesh as a family and at work. Mr Bigsby joins them on the cruise only to be devastated by his widow. Clive and his horse show up to help. Of course, Jerry's grandmother and Bunny are never far away, helping to move things along smoothly. Trying not to spoil this and let too much out. Read it! You won't be disappointed! Great job. Thank you. I pray God will show you and your doctors the best path for your healing.
Jerry, April and Max are favorites of mine. They eat h have their own abilities and mesh as a family and at work. Mr Bigsby joins them on the cruise only to be devastated by his widow. Clive and his horse show up to help. Of course, Jerry's grandmother and Bunny are never far away, helping to move things along smoothly. Trying not to spoil this and let too much out. Read it! You won't be disappointed! Great job. Thank you. I pray God will show you and your doctors the best path for your healing.
June 1, 2025
Totally awesome!
Didn't think the series could get any better. The covers drew me in - each of them features a German Shepherd - Gunther, one of the stars of the series. Danger, love, ghosts - some friendly - others dangerous - family, friends and animals (some from the other side) others still here. Eighteen of them now, and hopefully many more. Tears, laughs, and a few shivers from danger all add to the satisfaction of a story, well crafted. Highly recommend!
Didn't think the series could get any better. The covers drew me in - each of them features a German Shepherd - Gunther, one of the stars of the series. Danger, love, ghosts - some friendly - others dangerous - family, friends and animals (some from the other side) others still here. Eighteen of them now, and hopefully many more. Tears, laughs, and a few shivers from danger all add to the satisfaction of a story, well crafted. Highly recommend!
June 2, 2025
Another wonderful Jerry McNeal book!
I remember reading the first book. While it wasn't love at the first few pages, by the end I was looking forward to the next book. Since then, I have eagerly devoured being immersed in Jerry's world, loving both the style of writing and the characters I have come to feel are friends.
This is a remarkably awesome series! I very happily enjoy every hour that I spend with Jerry and The Spirits!
I remember reading the first book. While it wasn't love at the first few pages, by the end I was looking forward to the next book. Since then, I have eagerly devoured being immersed in Jerry's world, loving both the style of writing and the characters I have come to feel are friends.
This is a remarkably awesome series! I very happily enjoy every hour that I spend with Jerry and The Spirits!
June 3, 2025
A Fun Read
I found Sherry A. Burton through her book, The Orphan Train; this series is very different, fun and lighthearted.
The series is a joy to read, and makes me smile.
If seriousness is your genre, choose these books for a change and lightness.
I admire all authors who can find a way to put their stories on the page, I particularly admire Sherry who despite health issues continues writing to make complete strangers, happy. Thank you
I found Sherry A. Burton through her book, The Orphan Train; this series is very different, fun and lighthearted.
The series is a joy to read, and makes me smile.
If seriousness is your genre, choose these books for a change and lightness.
I admire all authors who can find a way to put their stories on the page, I particularly admire Sherry who despite health issues continues writing to make complete strangers, happy. Thank you
June 12, 2025
Another 5+
Each book in this seies has been delightful. Jerry and Alice , along with Max, are so in tune with each other they will always be family. Add the dogs and there is nothing this family can’t and have been delighted with each of them. Good, gleam reads. A tight knit group of friends. Well developed characters. And uplifting stories.
I have read every one of the Jerry McNeal books and look forward to more
Each book in this seies has been delightful. Jerry and Alice , along with Max, are so in tune with each other they will always be family. Add the dogs and there is nothing this family can’t and have been delighted with each of them. Good, gleam reads. A tight knit group of friends. Well developed characters. And uplifting stories.
I have read every one of the Jerry McNeal books and look forward to more
June 12, 2025
Love every book!
I fell in love with these characters and books with the very first one. Every book is just as great or better. Not giving away the plot but this book was really a fun read. I am hoping for lots more to come too. They suspend reality with just enough credibility to make them wonderful. Enjoy two detentions of living at the same time. These books are addictive! Brilliant writing
I fell in love with these characters and books with the very first one. Every book is just as great or better. Not giving away the plot but this book was really a fun read. I am hoping for lots more to come too. They suspend reality with just enough credibility to make them wonderful. Enjoy two detentions of living at the same time. These books are addictive! Brilliant writing
August 5, 2025
A ghost is concerned his living wife is getting catfished. However, April's investigation shows she may be the one who caused his death and is planning the same thing on the new gentleman. They are going on a cruise and Jerry and his team join the cruise to investigate. Jerry hopes at some point he is able to wed his fiance on the ship, thus avoiding the issue of what kind of wedding to have and starting their lives together officially.
May 30, 2025
Love this series
Just wish the books were longer. Great quick reads, with lovable protagonists and evil villains. Man and his ghost dog heros, expanded to man and his family of heros. Aways have the release date marked on my calendar. Highly recommended for paranormal, including dogs and lots of fun!
Just wish the books were longer. Great quick reads, with lovable protagonists and evil villains. Man and his ghost dog heros, expanded to man and his family of heros. Aways have the release date marked on my calendar. Highly recommended for paranormal, including dogs and lots of fun!
June 1, 2025
Such an enjoyable read!
I always love reading this series about this man and his dog. Never mind that the dog is a spirit and their adventures always involve other spirits that may be good or bad! They always make me laugh one way or another. I hope Sherry is able to continue the series despite her health issues, but she needs to take care of herself first, always!
I always love reading this series about this man and his dog. Never mind that the dog is a spirit and their adventures always involve other spirits that may be good or bad! They always make me laugh one way or another. I hope Sherry is able to continue the series despite her health issues, but she needs to take care of herself first, always!
June 2, 2025
amazing
Another great story to this awesome series. I hate when they ending because I want to read more about Team McNeal. Never thought I enjoy a paranormal but this series with Gunter and Houdini are so heartwarming. I wish the best for the author and will be patient for the next book.
Another great story to this awesome series. I hate when they ending because I want to read more about Team McNeal. Never thought I enjoy a paranormal but this series with Gunter and Houdini are so heartwarming. I wish the best for the author and will be patient for the next book.
June 2, 2025
Got to love a happy ending!
Jerry and April complete each other! This book is the culmination of all their dreams and then some. I know there are endless storylines possible for future books, but Dearly Departed neatly wraps up several issues in a most satisfying way! Oh, and naturally they also solve a very important case along the way.
Jerry and April complete each other! This book is the culmination of all their dreams and then some. I know there are endless storylines possible for future books, but Dearly Departed neatly wraps up several issues in a most satisfying way! Oh, and naturally they also solve a very important case along the way.
June 3, 2025
LOVE THIS BOOK!
This whole series is so wonderful! April has begun hearing spirits and one in particular won’t leave her alone. She & Jerry end up on cruise ship trying to help the spirit. This book was funny, sweet and full of all kinds of action. I’m really looking forward to the next book!
This whole series is so wonderful! April has begun hearing spirits and one in particular won’t leave her alone. She & Jerry end up on cruise ship trying to help the spirit. This book was funny, sweet and full of all kinds of action. I’m really looking forward to the next book!
June 4, 2025
5 Stars
When I read the first Jerry McNeal book I thought this will probably be a one time read. Although I like sify books I usually don't like ghost stories. Well after just finishing the 18th book in the series I guess I like ghost stories better than I thought. Hope she writes some more.
When I read the first Jerry McNeal book I thought this will probably be a one time read. Although I like sify books I usually don't like ghost stories. Well after just finishing the 18th book in the series I guess I like ghost stories better than I thought. Hope she writes some more.
June 10, 2025
Another winner!!!
Once again, I started this book making myself go slowly, I wanted it to last. All the previous books were done in a day or three and the wait for the new book was difficult. This story did not disappoint, the plot was believable and I cared about all the characters---and it has happy ending. Now the long wait for book 19.
Once again, I started this book making myself go slowly, I wanted it to last. All the previous books were done in a day or three and the wait for the new book was difficult. This story did not disappoint, the plot was believable and I cared about all the characters---and it has happy ending. Now the long wait for book 19.
July 6, 2025
Great Series
I read the whole series. Although you could read them as an individual book I enjoyed knowing the back story on the characters. My pet peeve with some series is the author spends too much time catching up those who didn’t read the previous book. This author gives highlights but does not use three chapters to rehash what I already know.
I read the whole series. Although you could read them as an individual book I enjoyed knowing the back story on the characters. My pet peeve with some series is the author spends too much time catching up those who didn’t read the previous book. This author gives highlights but does not use three chapters to rehash what I already know.
July 14, 2025
I just couldn't quit reading it
In the past 2 weeks I have read back to back to back until I read all of your books Staying up much later than I really need to but I just had to know what was going on What's going to happen next. You are magnificent With your words and how everything just flows They were just totally awesome
In the past 2 weeks I have read back to back to back until I read all of your books Staying up much later than I really need to but I just had to know what was going on What's going to happen next. You are magnificent With your words and how everything just flows They were just totally awesome
July 28, 2025
A terrific story
This was another terrific story, and a great addition to this series. It's an entertaining and humorous series about a man who has special talents and his awesome K-9 partner who is a spirit. It's a clean series that is appropriate for most everyone.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
This was another terrific story, and a great addition to this series. It's an entertaining and humorous series about a man who has special talents and his awesome K-9 partner who is a spirit. It's a clean series that is appropriate for most everyone.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
October 6, 2025
Life's Success With Happiness.
Sherry A. Burton you knocked this book out of the ballpark.
A story filled with life's human experiences with family, friendship, acquaintances and societies. You mixed character challenges with individual careers , friendship, love, faith, and belief in success and happiness. Once you start reading it's very hard to stop.
Sherry A. Burton you knocked this book out of the ballpark.
A story filled with life's human experiences with family, friendship, acquaintances and societies. You mixed character challenges with individual careers , friendship, love, faith, and belief in success and happiness. Once you start reading it's very hard to stop.
October 23, 2025
Every single book!
This series has cracked me up, amped up my excitement, created tears in my eyes, made me stay up late until the wee hours of the morning. I have loved every book and sincerely want to thank Ms. Burton for her creativity as well as sense of humor and writing skill. Thank you Sherry!
This series has cracked me up, amped up my excitement, created tears in my eyes, made me stay up late until the wee hours of the morning. I have loved every book and sincerely want to thank Ms. Burton for her creativity as well as sense of humor and writing skill. Thank you Sherry!
May 31, 2025
Dogs and ghosts and fun!
The evolution of Jerry, Gunter , Max and April from characters playing their parts to becoming a family was a beautiful trip! That the ghosts play a part just makes it more fun and makes for smiles and hoots along the way! Well done!!
The evolution of Jerry, Gunter , Max and April from characters playing their parts to becoming a family was a beautiful trip! That the ghosts play a part just makes it more fun and makes for smiles and hoots along the way! Well done!!
May 31, 2025
Superb
I absolutely love this series..each book I read is my favourite and this one is no exception..
Terrific storyline, wonderful characters it's a truly captivating series.
Thank you Sherry A. Burton, you are a very talented author..xx
I absolutely love this series..each book I read is my favourite and this one is no exception..
Terrific storyline, wonderful characters it's a truly captivating series.
Thank you Sherry A. Burton, you are a very talented author..xx
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June 1, 2025What a delightful read! Can't wait for more sequels. Sherry Burton describes real character flaws and yet redeeming and relearning among them as well. As a pet owner, Ms. Burton captures much enjoyment with those two dogs and can picture them so well!
June 1, 2025
Finally the Wedding!
Jerry and April and Max are finally a family! This could be a wonderful finale to the series but I hope not. I hope Sherry is able to give us more of these joyous interludes!
Jerry and April and Max are finally a family! This could be a wonderful finale to the series but I hope not. I hope Sherry is able to give us more of these joyous interludes!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews