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Jerry McNeal #1
Always Faithful
Call it a premonition. Call it intuition. Call it anything you like, but Pennsylvania State Trooper Jerry McNeal simply thinks of it as “that feeling.” That feeling may come on without warning, so intense he can’t breathe. Or, it may be a gentle nag that pulls at him until he decides to do something about it. He never quite knows what “it” is until he gets there, but when he arrives, he always knows he’s found what he is looking for.
During one of the biggest snowstorms of the year, Trooper McNeal feels that familiar stir. An unease that grows with each flake that falls. Its intensity pulls at him until Jerry has no choice but to venture out onto the treacherous roads, following an invisible pull that grips at his very soul. Tonight, that feeling is going to take Trooper McNeal into a blizzard when the streets are supposed to be empty to save a life that would have otherwise been lost.
Only tonight, Trooper McNeal is not going alone…
During one of the biggest snowstorms of the year, Trooper McNeal feels that familiar stir. An unease that grows with each flake that falls. Its intensity pulls at him until Jerry has no choice but to venture out onto the treacherous roads, following an invisible pull that grips at his very soul. Tonight, that feeling is going to take Trooper McNeal into a blizzard when the streets are supposed to be empty to save a life that would have otherwise been lost.
Only tonight, Trooper McNeal is not going alone…
124 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2016
1489 people are currently reading
761 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 365 reviews
January 13, 2024
An Ode to an Engine*
You are my favorite algorithm by far, no matter how many others think they know me and try and push books my way. You just waved this little genre-mashup ghost story in front of me and I bit, hook, line, and epilogue. You found a nice little novella for a pre-bedtime read--were you reading my year-end round-up when I mentioned how only novelettes were holding my interest? You know how much I enjoy those supernatural-psy-majic-sorta worlds; sure, anyone can do that, even Goodreads, but then you managed mix it in with police officers with over-developed sense of duty and an intrepid freelance photographer just desperate to get home to a child recovering from leukemia, the cancer I know best. Your clever little formula probably even peeked ahead to the blizzard headed toward the midwest this week, didn't you? Honestly, super-cute although a shade too realistic with the blizzard tonight. I think I'm now afraid to drive out in the snow.
Anyway, you're still the best and thanks for thinking of me,
carol
*
You are my favorite algorithm by far, no matter how many others think they know me and try and push books my way. You just waved this little genre-mashup ghost story in front of me and I bit, hook, line, and epilogue. You found a nice little novella for a pre-bedtime read--were you reading my year-end round-up when I mentioned how only novelettes were holding my interest? You know how much I enjoy those supernatural-psy-majic-sorta worlds; sure, anyone can do that, even Goodreads, but then you managed mix it in with police officers with over-developed sense of duty and an intrepid freelance photographer just desperate to get home to a child recovering from leukemia, the cancer I know best. Your clever little formula probably even peeked ahead to the blizzard headed toward the midwest this week, didn't you? Honestly, super-cute although a shade too realistic with the blizzard tonight. I think I'm now afraid to drive out in the snow.
Anyway, you're still the best and thanks for thinking of me,
carol
*
December 24, 2023
So, I love doggie detective duo stories, with my faves ranging from the silly, cozy mystery (Chet & Bernie) series to the action packed, crime thriller (Sydney Parnell) series. This story includes the whole other genre of the paranormal. The story is about Trooper Jerry McNeal and K9 Gunter rescuing two motorists who crashed on the road during a blizzard.
I don’t want to say too much because the premise is a good one that I haven’t come across before. It’s also a really short story that can be read in one sitting. So, if you’re a fan of doggie detective duos, you may like this one. I certainly did and will be adding it to my list of my fave doggie detective duo series. The ending was a lead-in to the next installment and it sounds like a good one too!
I don’t want to say too much because the premise is a good one that I haven’t come across before. It’s also a really short story that can be read in one sitting. So, if you’re a fan of doggie detective duos, you may like this one. I certainly did and will be adding it to my list of my fave doggie detective duo series. The ending was a lead-in to the next installment and it sounds like a good one too!
May 24, 2023
Always Faithful was so different from the books I usually read. I like stepping out of my comfort zone once in a while and this one turned out to be a success. I hadn't paid attention to how many pages were in the book so I was surprised when suddenly it was over ... and I wanted MORE! I would call it more of a short story rather than a book.
But, who knew I would fall in love with a paranormal story? The part about the dog was my favorite, of course. Always Faithful ended with a cliffhanger, which I dislike. Hopefully, the rest of the books won't because I want to read them all!
But, who knew I would fall in love with a paranormal story? The part about the dog was my favorite, of course. Always Faithful ended with a cliffhanger, which I dislike. Hopefully, the rest of the books won't because I want to read them all!
December 26, 2023
Always Faithful
By Sherry A Burton
This is a short book about a trooper that has these feelings about tragedies before they happen. He is guided by a gut feeling and this is book one. It also introduces a ghost police dog.
I really liked it and will look for more books in the series.
By Sherry A Burton
This is a short book about a trooper that has these feelings about tragedies before they happen. He is guided by a gut feeling and this is book one. It also introduces a ghost police dog.
I really liked it and will look for more books in the series.
June 1, 2022
Positives: Good German Shepherd story. Realistic. Ex-military, damaged male protagonist, story takes place not far from where I live. All the makings of an adventure I can enjoy. And it started out that way. Until…
Negative (just one): As I am a Christian, I found the application of the name Jesus Christ used as an expletive offensive. I mean, what other religious figure has his or her name besmirched in this way? Unfortunately, this occurs way too often these days. There is no respect. And if I turn off movies for this same offense, I cannot justify continuing reading a book exhibiting the same contempt. (Honestly, I would prefer the use of profanity, even the F-bomb rather than the use of Jesus’ name in this way). I will not insult Ms. Burton by giving the book one or two stars; however, I have reduced my rating from five to four stars. Thus ends my tirade. (For most readers, this will have little to no impact. Read the book, enjoy the story. But for those who are believers in Jesus Christ, consider yourselves warned.)
My final word: I did finish the book and enjoyed the story. The premise is interesting, and the pacing well done. This is a quick read and on the light side. Jerry is an empathetic main character and I loved Gunter. As a German Shephard mom, I am always on the lookout for fiction where the breed is showcased. As a Christian, I cannot recommend this book though I wish I could. I plan to read one more book in this series but if the lack of respect continues, I will stop reading a series I believe I could have enjoyed.
Negative (just one): As I am a Christian, I found the application of the name Jesus Christ used as an expletive offensive. I mean, what other religious figure has his or her name besmirched in this way? Unfortunately, this occurs way too often these days. There is no respect. And if I turn off movies for this same offense, I cannot justify continuing reading a book exhibiting the same contempt. (Honestly, I would prefer the use of profanity, even the F-bomb rather than the use of Jesus’ name in this way). I will not insult Ms. Burton by giving the book one or two stars; however, I have reduced my rating from five to four stars. Thus ends my tirade. (For most readers, this will have little to no impact. Read the book, enjoy the story. But for those who are believers in Jesus Christ, consider yourselves warned.)
My final word: I did finish the book and enjoyed the story. The premise is interesting, and the pacing well done. This is a quick read and on the light side. Jerry is an empathetic main character and I loved Gunter. As a German Shephard mom, I am always on the lookout for fiction where the breed is showcased. As a Christian, I cannot recommend this book though I wish I could. I plan to read one more book in this series but if the lack of respect continues, I will stop reading a series I believe I could have enjoyed.
September 28, 2023
Always Faithful was a quick and enjoyable read. I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep at 4:00 AM, so read this book and it took me a little over an hour. You are definitely left with wanting more.
The major characters are described well and seem to be people you want to make your friends.
As the summary of the book tells you, the major character Trooper Jerry McNeal has a gift, or gets 'the feeling' when there will be trouble. If elements of the supernatural are not your thing, then maybe pick another book, but I enjoy a little magic.
The other supernatural element is the dog. His part in this book is significant. A thought by Jerry hints at how he helps:
'The dog is the real hero, If not for that animal, we would have all driven away.'
So loved the book, with my only complaint is that I wish it was just the first few chapters in a much larger book with the rest being equally as good, but we will just have to read the rest of the books in the series.
The major characters are described well and seem to be people you want to make your friends.
As the summary of the book tells you, the major character Trooper Jerry McNeal has a gift, or gets 'the feeling' when there will be trouble. If elements of the supernatural are not your thing, then maybe pick another book, but I enjoy a little magic.
The other supernatural element is the dog. His part in this book is significant. A thought by Jerry hints at how he helps:
'The dog is the real hero, If not for that animal, we would have all driven away.'
So loved the book, with my only complaint is that I wish it was just the first few chapters in a much larger book with the rest being equally as good, but we will just have to read the rest of the books in the series.
February 16, 2023
What a great find! I loved this story with the paranormal twist. Jumping straight to the next book in the series!
January 7, 2024
Interesting
This was an easy read short story. Interesting premise and likable characters. I will definitely add this author and series to my “read more of pile”.
This was an easy read short story. Interesting premise and likable characters. I will definitely add this author and series to my “read more of pile”.
March 25, 2022
119 pages is not enough ...
...so I bought the other two that have been released and preordered the next in line. I love Jerry's "feelings" ( I think we all have them to some degree) and so far I love Holly's wit and strength. Can't wait to dive into Book 2!
...so I bought the other two that have been released and preordered the next in line. I love Jerry's "feelings" ( I think we all have them to some degree) and so far I love Holly's wit and strength. Can't wait to dive into Book 2!
January 2, 2023
1st in a series . Looking forward to reading the next one
January 16, 2024
Pretty good for a short read.
I will read the next in the series.
3.75 stars
I will read the next in the series.
3.75 stars
January 1, 2025
I loved this book! Short and sweet, but told the story with everything it needed. I did not want to put it down! I'll be grabbing book 2 ASAP!
October 18, 2024
Idk, there was so much stupid stuff in this. The photographer! In a blizzard, she decides her camera needs her knitted hat more than her head does?! She gets in her car & doesn't plug her phone in in case she has an emergency later?! Then after she has the accident & has a flashlight on, she doesn't even try to find the phone?! And when she opens the camera bag after the accident she pulls out a scarf?! Not the hat?! And the scarf was a fashion scarf, not a warm scarf, even tho she knew she was going to be out in bad weather?! And the wedding itself! They go ahead with it in a blizzard?! AND go in to a full, late reception?! The entire event was all at just a church! I'm sure it could've been rescheduled!
Then the description of the plow after the accident left me very confused, unable to picture it.
And there were times when there was just too much detail. I can't think of examples right now, unfortunately, but I remember several times thinking "YES, obviously, that's how you do that! Move on!" When a short story (novella?) that's only a 2-1/2 hr audiobook feels too long, there's something wrong.
And yes, how can a ghost keep somebody warm?? And the trooper feeling a rush of WARM air when he opened his back door? 1. Tradition holds that ghosts are cold spots. 2. Why would a ghost need to wait for him to open the door?? 3. How did she get a photo of a ghost?? I thought that wasn't possible. (By traditional mythology.)
I listened to the audiobook. I guess the reader was ok, I was so distracted by all this other stuff, Idk.
Then the description of the plow after the accident left me very confused, unable to picture it.
And there were times when there was just too much detail. I can't think of examples right now, unfortunately, but I remember several times thinking "YES, obviously, that's how you do that! Move on!" When a short story (novella?) that's only a 2-1/2 hr audiobook feels too long, there's something wrong.
And yes, how can a ghost keep somebody warm?? And the trooper feeling a rush of WARM air when he opened his back door? 1. Tradition holds that ghosts are cold spots. 2. Why would a ghost need to wait for him to open the door?? 3. How did she get a photo of a ghost?? I thought that wasn't possible. (By traditional mythology.)
I listened to the audiobook. I guess the reader was ok, I was so distracted by all this other stuff, Idk.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2023
Jerry McNeal is an ex-Marine and a current Pennsylvania State Trooper. He has a gift--he is precognizant. He doesn't know exactly what is wrong, but he knows when something bad is about to happen. On the night of a major blizzard, he is at work, nerves tingling, knowing something is wrong. He finally convinces his boss, Sergeant Seltzer, that he has to go out into the storm.
As he drives, he hears a dog howling and angrily thinks how he will find the dog's owner and let them know how rotten it is to leave an animal outside in this weather.
Finally it happens. He comes across a snowplow, plow jammed into the side of a hill. The driver is fine and Jerry can relax now that he has found the problem and can get the driver safe. But a dog keeps howling and Jerry discovers something else is wrong.
This is a fun book, well-written, with a clever premise. It's more a novelette, so it's a quick read. I instantly bought the next book, which was a little longer but still a quick read. There are 14 books in the series, so far. Not to insult the author but $3.99 for a 171 page book is too steep for me. But I promise you will enjoy the stories.
As he drives, he hears a dog howling and angrily thinks how he will find the dog's owner and let them know how rotten it is to leave an animal outside in this weather.
Finally it happens. He comes across a snowplow, plow jammed into the side of a hill. The driver is fine and Jerry can relax now that he has found the problem and can get the driver safe. But a dog keeps howling and Jerry discovers something else is wrong.
This is a fun book, well-written, with a clever premise. It's more a novelette, so it's a quick read. I instantly bought the next book, which was a little longer but still a quick read. There are 14 books in the series, so far. Not to insult the author but $3.99 for a 171 page book is too steep for me. But I promise you will enjoy the stories.
September 4, 2023
What the …?
I was throughly enjoying the story and then as I turned the page in anticipation of a continuation of an intriguing telephone call, then… Nothing.
End of book credits. I am sure if anyone had walked into my lounge at that moment and seen me reading they would have noticed a large multicoloured aerial question mark hovering above my head. I think, firstly I felt cheated, it wasn’t so much a book, as a short story, and to end it that way made me feel like the author wanted to ensure a second purchase.
Three stars is my rating for, “nice, but I will not be re-reading it”.
I was throughly enjoying the story and then as I turned the page in anticipation of a continuation of an intriguing telephone call, then… Nothing.
End of book credits. I am sure if anyone had walked into my lounge at that moment and seen me reading they would have noticed a large multicoloured aerial question mark hovering above my head. I think, firstly I felt cheated, it wasn’t so much a book, as a short story, and to end it that way made me feel like the author wanted to ensure a second purchase.
Three stars is my rating for, “nice, but I will not be re-reading it”.
February 5, 2024
Short story about a clairvoyant police officer (trooper) that has a feeling something bad is going to happen during a blizzard. He is led to a snow plow (or salt truck) that has wrecked. A ghost dog leads him to another wreck victim through his loud, persistent howling.
The cover of this book depicted the face of a German shepherd so I had the impression that the focus would be on the ghost dog. That wasn't really the case. And even though I'm all on board with ghost dogs, this one had the ability to keep one of the crash victims warm. That was a reach for me.
This was a quick, easy read and the beginning of a series. Not sure if I'll continue on with it, but I did enjoy this one.
The cover of this book depicted the face of a German shepherd so I had the impression that the focus would be on the ghost dog. That wasn't really the case. And even though I'm all on board with ghost dogs, this one had the ability to keep one of the crash victims warm. That was a reach for me.
This was a quick, easy read and the beginning of a series. Not sure if I'll continue on with it, but I did enjoy this one.
November 17, 2023
Always faithful
With a good editor the story will be better. Many thoughts are repeated multiple times.
I would consider this a short story rather than a book. I easily finished reading it in 1hour.
Finally, the title and book cover is deceptive. Very little of the story is actually about the dog. Definitely not enough to use the dog as a book cover or to title the book about the dog.
With a good editor the story will be better. Many thoughts are repeated multiple times.
I would consider this a short story rather than a book. I easily finished reading it in 1hour.
Finally, the title and book cover is deceptive. Very little of the story is actually about the dog. Definitely not enough to use the dog as a book cover or to title the book about the dog.
August 5, 2023
A great story a policeman that senses trouble.
September 9, 2023
Not for me, very simple book, not very interesting, uses a lot of tropes and stereotypes as a crutch
January 14, 2025
A friend told me about this book, series. I read the first one and can't wait to read the second book.
February 14, 2024
This my first book of the series and so as a result I cannot quite say where this book fits into that series or can work as a standalone. To me in all regards, though, this feels like it is one of those millions of novellas written to provide the reader with a prequel that helps to provide an origin story that can also be offered for free or low amounts in the hope of catching newly interested readers.
In Always Faithful, the reader will find themselves meeting the book's protagonist first when he was a toddler. Although this episode just explains his "talent" there is no other actual inclusion for the episode while the reader will have to read the story to find out if he was able to save his family or even whether the event unfolded as he saw it do.
The rest of the story bounces between the perspectives of various characters who will be the primary players in this unfolding story. And as a result there are some definite stereotypical types of characters to add to the story - the love-bitter single mother heroine of a sick child, the overweight food-driven man one step away from a heart attack that is happy to do his daily grind and of course our jaded protagonist who cannot escape what he thinks is a curse at the worst of times along with the salt-and-pepper Sarge in the background.
I chose to provide this book with three stars since it did capture my attention for a minute until it hit about the second half of the story. The story started to have more internal monologue, which would have probably done a lot better to have been set out in the open, instead of disrupting the story as the character talks to themselves before saying something completely different to the person in question .
From the cover itself the reader will read that the story is about basically a man and his dog who use their special "gifts". Nowhere in the book does the book state the pup was the partner of our man but instead that his actual partner-handler is on leave for grieving thus he never makes an appearance in the book nor does the dog ever change forces to be with Jerry. At the same time although said dog does play a pivotal part in the book, he is rather a bit player whose appearance is rather brief.
Although not a meaty story and one to delay you much, Always Faithful was a decent enough read to help one pass away a few hours.
In Always Faithful, the reader will find themselves meeting the book's protagonist first when he was a toddler. Although this episode just explains his "talent" there is no other actual inclusion for the episode while the reader will have to read the story to find out if he was able to save his family or even whether the event unfolded as he saw it do.
The rest of the story bounces between the perspectives of various characters who will be the primary players in this unfolding story. And as a result there are some definite stereotypical types of characters to add to the story - the love-bitter single mother heroine of a sick child, the overweight food-driven man one step away from a heart attack that is happy to do his daily grind and of course our jaded protagonist who cannot escape what he thinks is a curse at the worst of times along with the salt-and-pepper Sarge in the background.
I chose to provide this book with three stars since it did capture my attention for a minute until it hit about the second half of the story. The story started to have more internal monologue, which would have probably done a lot better to have been set out in the open, instead of disrupting the story as the character talks to themselves before saying something completely different to the person in question .
From the cover itself the reader will read that the story is about basically a man and his dog who use their special "gifts". Nowhere in the book does the book state the pup was the partner of our man but instead that his actual partner-handler is on leave for grieving thus he never makes an appearance in the book nor does the dog ever change forces to be with Jerry. At the same time although said dog does play a pivotal part in the book, he is rather a bit player whose appearance is rather brief.
Although not a meaty story and one to delay you much, Always Faithful was a decent enough read to help one pass away a few hours.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2021
Always faithful mixes a bit of paranormal with everyday life.
Short Synopsis
Holly finishes photographing a wedding and drives home in a horrible snowstorm. Dennis leaves his twins & pregnant wife to plow the roads. They end up meeting on the road in the worst of ways.
Jerry McNeal is a cop with a special gift. He knows something is about to happen, but isn’t sure what that something will be. When he comes across an accident, he still can’t get rid of the feeling that there is more to his premonition than what he’s discovered. With the help of a certain canine, Jerry is able to figure out what that is, and save the day.
My Thoughts
This is an emotionally satisfying story. Jerry, with his paranormal experiences, and Holly, a single mother whose young daughter is in remission from cancer, are easy to like. They are both caring, loving individuals. Dennis and his wife love each other & their children fiercely.
This story left me with a warm fuzzy feeling. That may sound like a bit much knowing that an accident occurred, but it refers to how the characters were portrayed. They showed playfulness, a high work ethic, love, care, and a sense of humor. I guess I’d call them well rounded characters!
I am glad to see this is a series as I want to see where the characters go from here.
Short Synopsis
Holly finishes photographing a wedding and drives home in a horrible snowstorm. Dennis leaves his twins & pregnant wife to plow the roads. They end up meeting on the road in the worst of ways.
Jerry McNeal is a cop with a special gift. He knows something is about to happen, but isn’t sure what that something will be. When he comes across an accident, he still can’t get rid of the feeling that there is more to his premonition than what he’s discovered. With the help of a certain canine, Jerry is able to figure out what that is, and save the day.
My Thoughts
This is an emotionally satisfying story. Jerry, with his paranormal experiences, and Holly, a single mother whose young daughter is in remission from cancer, are easy to like. They are both caring, loving individuals. Dennis and his wife love each other & their children fiercely.
This story left me with a warm fuzzy feeling. That may sound like a bit much knowing that an accident occurred, but it refers to how the characters were portrayed. They showed playfulness, a high work ethic, love, care, and a sense of humor. I guess I’d call them well rounded characters!
I am glad to see this is a series as I want to see where the characters go from here.
July 11, 2023
I love photography but I am not gifted - capable but lacking the killer touch. I've been lucky enough to know one man who, even though it wasn't his primary focus, was an absolute genius.
Working, as I was on local newspapers, he always delivered the goods but also created problems wherever he went. Mostly he created the photograph he wanted and if that meant falsifying it he had absolutely no problem - I still look back with horror at the child, pothole and rat picture (who, in their right mind, keeps a rat in their freezer because they reckon it will come in handy some day!?) At the orders of management I had to fire him several times, but I always got him back on the team.
The first chapter of 'Always Faithful' certainly brought back some memories - good ones.
Pennsylvania Trooper Jerry McNeal has a gift, he knows when something bad is going to happen, just not quite what or where.
And then something magical happens. A trapped woman (a photographer), alone in a crashed car, off the road, on a stormy, snowy night ... is rescued.
To say anything more would be giving the story away. Suffice it to say that this is a short book that shouldn't work but does.
3 Stars
Working, as I was on local newspapers, he always delivered the goods but also created problems wherever he went. Mostly he created the photograph he wanted and if that meant falsifying it he had absolutely no problem - I still look back with horror at the child, pothole and rat picture (who, in their right mind, keeps a rat in their freezer because they reckon it will come in handy some day!?) At the orders of management I had to fire him several times, but I always got him back on the team.
The first chapter of 'Always Faithful' certainly brought back some memories - good ones.
Pennsylvania Trooper Jerry McNeal has a gift, he knows when something bad is going to happen, just not quite what or where.
And then something magical happens. A trapped woman (a photographer), alone in a crashed car, off the road, on a stormy, snowy night ... is rescued.
To say anything more would be giving the story away. Suffice it to say that this is a short book that shouldn't work but does.
3 Stars
January 3, 2025
2 5 STARS (rounded to 3)
Entertaining. For a While.
Firstly, be warned. This series are novellas at best, not full books.
Now, this review is not just for the first book but the first 14 books of the series. Unfortunately the series slowly but surely went downhill.
The first few novellas were short fun reads. Jerry had some issues with his gift, a bit of family conflict and wasn't sure he wanted Gunter the ghost K-9 as a sidekick. With some interesting cases.
But as the series progressed, it became tedious and annoying. The main reason for this is Jerry the MC. He is immature, self absorbed and at the same he becomes an arrogant Gary Stu. Supposedly the perfect guy. Oh and just HOW many times can a guy "rolled his neck" in one chapter?! My own neck started to crick in sympathy.
I still loved Gunter, Max and Fred, the secondary characters, but Jerry just annoys me so much.
Entertaining. For a While.
Firstly, be warned. This series are novellas at best, not full books.
Now, this review is not just for the first book but the first 14 books of the series. Unfortunately the series slowly but surely went downhill.
The first few novellas were short fun reads. Jerry had some issues with his gift, a bit of family conflict and wasn't sure he wanted Gunter the ghost K-9 as a sidekick. With some interesting cases.
But as the series progressed, it became tedious and annoying. The main reason for this is Jerry the MC. He is immature, self absorbed and at the same he becomes an arrogant Gary Stu. Supposedly the perfect guy. Oh and just HOW many times can a guy "rolled his neck" in one chapter?! My own neck started to crick in sympathy.
I still loved Gunter, Max and Fred, the secondary characters, but Jerry just annoys me so much.
April 26, 2023
Feelings
Not a well defined description of Trooper Jerry McNeal’s paranormal 6th Sense, but “feeling” does get the point of his uncontrollable urge to head out in a blizzard to hunt for trouble. His boss believes in him and trusts him to call for help as needed. The K-9 is introduced later in the story and he “feels” a presence. The surprise to this story is who sees the dog.
The book is a quick, easy read and the background of events are explained from the main characters’ perspectives. The plot is tied up well and the next stage of the chronicle is introduced. Some may see it as a cliff-hanger, but it works like the tease for next weeks segment of a TV show and the plot for the present book is finished. I had trouble putting it down. I got this book free with the author’s hope of a review.
Not a well defined description of Trooper Jerry McNeal’s paranormal 6th Sense, but “feeling” does get the point of his uncontrollable urge to head out in a blizzard to hunt for trouble. His boss believes in him and trusts him to call for help as needed. The K-9 is introduced later in the story and he “feels” a presence. The surprise to this story is who sees the dog.
The book is a quick, easy read and the background of events are explained from the main characters’ perspectives. The plot is tied up well and the next stage of the chronicle is introduced. Some may see it as a cliff-hanger, but it works like the tease for next weeks segment of a TV show and the plot for the present book is finished. I had trouble putting it down. I got this book free with the author’s hope of a review.
May 22, 2022
Oh my....a man with special feelings who is also a trooper goes out one snowy night because of theis said 'feelings' and saves one person and when doing so hears the howling of a dog in the midst of a blizzard. When he goes to find the dog he finds someone else in serous trouble with no dog in sight. But no to worry said dog will show up later in a ghostly form at the precinct where his former handler also works.....and thus the story begins. I found myself racing through the series loving each story and loving the main characters in every one; they are real people with joys and sorrows anyone can identify with. I did however come to a screeching halt when the last book is not published yet-Yikes!
Thank you for this great series.
Thank you for this great series.
April 22, 2024
I read this book for the simple reason that it popped up on my feed and has a German Shepherd. When I got done, I read the next two in the series. Not sure how many there are. I will probably read another in the future, but done for now I think.
I was going to rate this a three. It’s a very fast read, well-written, well-edited, but not really my thing. It’s quick but a little—not sure what word to use, shallow, maybe? Not a deep book in any way. But then I realized that it’s not fair to compare this book to other genres and writing styles. I should rate it for itself. Thus I changed my rating to four stars, because to be honest, I’ve given far worse books a three, and that’s not fair. This book really had nothing wrong with it. Just a fast, light, enjoyable read.
I was going to rate this a three. It’s a very fast read, well-written, well-edited, but not really my thing. It’s quick but a little—not sure what word to use, shallow, maybe? Not a deep book in any way. But then I realized that it’s not fair to compare this book to other genres and writing styles. I should rate it for itself. Thus I changed my rating to four stars, because to be honest, I’ve given far worse books a three, and that’s not fair. This book really had nothing wrong with it. Just a fast, light, enjoyable read.
July 2, 2022
An enjoyable fast read.
It would be so devastating, knowing something really bad is going to happen but not knowing what, when, how or how bad. That’s what Jerry McNeal feels all the time. His earliest memory of his "gift" was at two years old, when he saw a fire that started in his own bedroom. Now he knows something is going to happen and he suspects it will be happening soon, in the middle of a whiteout blizzard. It will also introduce him to his new partner, who is a real hero who's not ready to give up a job he loved. I, for sure, am going to keep reading to find out more.
It would be so devastating, knowing something really bad is going to happen but not knowing what, when, how or how bad. That’s what Jerry McNeal feels all the time. His earliest memory of his "gift" was at two years old, when he saw a fire that started in his own bedroom. Now he knows something is going to happen and he suspects it will be happening soon, in the middle of a whiteout blizzard. It will also introduce him to his new partner, who is a real hero who's not ready to give up a job he loved. I, for sure, am going to keep reading to find out more.
January 21, 2023
Books 1-3 of The Jerry McNeal Series in one volume~ Always Faithful,Ghostly Guidance, and Rambling Spirit. Great titles.
Book 1 was pretty good. Expectations not met going into book 2 and 3. There are 11 of these?
While the animal characterizations and interactions were good, and the K9 ghost dog a cool concept, I was bored with Jerry going into book 2, which continued as I scanned through book 3.
Gunter and Cat were the best non-human characters. Holly and Sgt Seltzer the best human characters. Jerry needs some work. Felt cardboard to me. Maybe Jerry gets better through the series but I'm not going to be finding out.
Book 1 was pretty good. Expectations not met going into book 2 and 3. There are 11 of these?
While the animal characterizations and interactions were good, and the K9 ghost dog a cool concept, I was bored with Jerry going into book 2, which continued as I scanned through book 3.
Gunter and Cat were the best non-human characters. Holly and Sgt Seltzer the best human characters. Jerry needs some work. Felt cardboard to me. Maybe Jerry gets better through the series but I'm not going to be finding out.
April 27, 2023
I was drawn to this book after it was suggested to me after reading the Zackie series. I mean, paranormal and a ghost dog? I'm in! This book was quick moving and drew me in right off the bat. Jerry isn't perfect and still struggles with it all even though he's had his gift for a while. In this book, we also meet Gunter, a recently deceased police dog who died in the line of duty. Gunter is apparently haunting Jerry in order to help him save people. This book is short at less than 200 pages and you'll find yourself jumping into the second immediately after finishing the first. Read these books! You'll love them!
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