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Jerry McNeal #3
Rambling Spirit
Pennsylvania State Trooper Jerry McNeal thought resigning from the State Police Post would free him and Gunter - his ghostly K-9 partner - to channel their intuition for the greater good.
What he didn’t count on was just how many people would show up on his psychic radar at every turn.
What is supposed to be a brief trip to Louisville, Kentucky to take Cat to his new home becomes an extended stay the moment Jerry sees a photo of Savannah’s wife, Alex, in her police uniform.
Jerry, his PTSD ramped up, needs all of the paranormal resources at his disposal if he is going to be able to navigate a city full of seven hundred thousand tourists during Derby festivities and save the life of this police officer. With Gunter and Savannah ready to help, the race is on. But will the ex-State Trooper, psychic medium, and a ghostly dog be enough to save the day?
What he didn’t count on was just how many people would show up on his psychic radar at every turn.
What is supposed to be a brief trip to Louisville, Kentucky to take Cat to his new home becomes an extended stay the moment Jerry sees a photo of Savannah’s wife, Alex, in her police uniform.
Jerry, his PTSD ramped up, needs all of the paranormal resources at his disposal if he is going to be able to navigate a city full of seven hundred thousand tourists during Derby festivities and save the life of this police officer. With Gunter and Savannah ready to help, the race is on. But will the ex-State Trooper, psychic medium, and a ghostly dog be enough to save the day?
171 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2022
826 people are currently reading
107 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 159 reviews
February 22, 2025
This series is turning out to be a halfway decent doggie detective duo/cozy mystery. Jerry, a former PA state trooper and his partner, Gunter, a ghost doggie, who was also a former PA state trooper K9 officer that was killed in the line of duty, has decided that he likes hanging out with Jerry. What he won’t tolerate is Jerry’s cat, Cat; she’s got to go. So, Jerry, Gunter and Cat hit the road to take Cat to his new home in Louisville with Savannah (another psychic from the last installment) and her wife, Alex.
The book summary introduces and pretty much lays out the whole storyline. Every installment has Jerry’s psychic abilities getting stronger and stronger. Now that he’s left the troopers, his visions are hitting him pretty much everywhere he goes and involving some random strangers along the way, the he and Gunter are able to help.
I’m enjoying the continuing development of Jerry and his abilities as well as his partnership with Gunter. These short stories are kind of fast paced and all of them I have completed in one or two sittings. The storylines are enjoyable and Gunter is adorable and funny and fierce. The writing is on par for a supernatural/cozy mystery. Loved the ending!!! This was my favorite so far in the series. I’m looking at an overall rating of 3.9 that I will be rounding up to a 4star review.
The book summary introduces and pretty much lays out the whole storyline. Every installment has Jerry’s psychic abilities getting stronger and stronger. Now that he’s left the troopers, his visions are hitting him pretty much everywhere he goes and involving some random strangers along the way, the he and Gunter are able to help.
I’m enjoying the continuing development of Jerry and his abilities as well as his partnership with Gunter. These short stories are kind of fast paced and all of them I have completed in one or two sittings. The storylines are enjoyable and Gunter is adorable and funny and fierce. The writing is on par for a supernatural/cozy mystery. Loved the ending!!! This was my favorite so far in the series. I’m looking at an overall rating of 3.9 that I will be rounding up to a 4star review.
August 23, 2025
Ex-trooper Jerry MacNeal thought he’d be rid of Gunter, the constant pull of danger and save his friend/ex-boss the drama of believing Jerry’s skills. On the road to deliver Cat to Savannah, Jerry experiences many opportunities to prevent crimes. In Savannah’s home, he gets a strong warning, Savannah’s wife will be killed… soon! Unless Jerry can stop it. I liked Gunter being more integrated into the outing.
Rating: 3.75stars
Rating: 3.75stars
January 23, 2024
I like this series. The books are pretty good, and not too long.
Gunter is such a clown when not working the job. Reminds me of my German Shepherd.
On to the next book.
Gunter is such a clown when not working the job. Reminds me of my German Shepherd.
On to the next book.
April 3, 2022
I am invested! This is three in a row!
I have binged the three books currently available in this series and am anxiously awaiting the next.
A reluctant hero with a ghostly K-9 and lives to save goes along making unlikely friends while trying to understand both his “gift” and his purpose. I have found the stories well written and entertaining with good character development and enough background to give you the feeling you know and care about the main character and his ghostly companion.
I have binged the three books currently available in this series and am anxiously awaiting the next.
A reluctant hero with a ghostly K-9 and lives to save goes along making unlikely friends while trying to understand both his “gift” and his purpose. I have found the stories well written and entertaining with good character development and enough background to give you the feeling you know and care about the main character and his ghostly companion.
July 19, 2022
Still like following psychic Jerry McNeal and his ghost dog Gunter as they intervene to save people's lives. I appreciate the police involvement and the evolution of Jerry learning how to handle his "gift." Overall, a quick read with not a lot of complexity and no drawn out resolutions which is a fine respite from some of the more heavy reads. More importantly this series has a lot of good feelings without being syrupy. Ms. Harper keeps Jerry grounded in the reality of not always being able to stop all the bad people but can help those he can.
December 26, 2022
Good Job to Jerry and Gunter
Another Good Read from Sherry Burton. I've read and seen books and movies whose plot ran around the Kentucky Derby, but none of them covered all of the other events surrounding it. Also, it's nice that Jerry's PTSS isn't just shoved aside and is given real consideration when he's going into possible triggering events. It's even better when the dog reacts correctly and covers and protects their person until the episode is over and/or help arrives. My guy is only 80lbs but is still just as reassuring sitting on or next to me until its over.
Another Good Read from Sherry Burton. I've read and seen books and movies whose plot ran around the Kentucky Derby, but none of them covered all of the other events surrounding it. Also, it's nice that Jerry's PTSS isn't just shoved aside and is given real consideration when he's going into possible triggering events. It's even better when the dog reacts correctly and covers and protects their person until the episode is over and/or help arrives. My guy is only 80lbs but is still just as reassuring sitting on or next to me until its over.
April 27, 2023
Like eating Lay’s potato chips - you can’t rear just one
Listen, I don’t 5 star books. I only give 5 stars to books that I would read again. That being said, this series, I think I’ll read it again and again. It’s just that good. Not life changing, you gotta read this to learn something deep about yourself. But just good stories. Quick, easy to follow, and you get invested. I love Gunter, dang it! Not to mention, you don’t have to worry about the dog dying in these books! Well, dying again. READ THEM!
Listen, I don’t 5 star books. I only give 5 stars to books that I would read again. That being said, this series, I think I’ll read it again and again. It’s just that good. Not life changing, you gotta read this to learn something deep about yourself. But just good stories. Quick, easy to follow, and you get invested. I love Gunter, dang it! Not to mention, you don’t have to worry about the dog dying in these books! Well, dying again. READ THEM!
May 7, 2024
reading these stories are the best part of the day
Too much fun. Ms. Burton’s ability to tell a story brings her characters to life, including Gunter the K-9 ghost. I am still processing how real each of the characters seem. Touches like the PTSD triggers involving military aircraft and extreme fireworks. The medic “Doc” who is still making certain his guys are OK. The Sgt who accepts Jerry McNeal’s unusual gifts and supports McNeal’s use of his gifts to save innocent lives. On to the next book in the series.
Too much fun. Ms. Burton’s ability to tell a story brings her characters to life, including Gunter the K-9 ghost. I am still processing how real each of the characters seem. Touches like the PTSD triggers involving military aircraft and extreme fireworks. The medic “Doc” who is still making certain his guys are OK. The Sgt who accepts Jerry McNeal’s unusual gifts and supports McNeal’s use of his gifts to save innocent lives. On to the next book in the series.
April 8, 2022
Another winner!!
This series does not disappoint!! They truly have it all, suspense, humor, and adventure. There aren't many books that I read that leave me feeling so satisfied. I have actually laughed out loud while reading, and I rarely find books that are as entertaining as this series. Ms Burton's writing style is great, I can't wait to read more. You can't go wrong reading this series.
This series does not disappoint!! They truly have it all, suspense, humor, and adventure. There aren't many books that I read that leave me feeling so satisfied. I have actually laughed out loud while reading, and I rarely find books that are as entertaining as this series. Ms Burton's writing style is great, I can't wait to read more. You can't go wrong reading this series.
March 3, 2023
Go, Spirit Support Dog!
I am loving the books in this series, unable to stop reading! This time, Jerry and Gunter end up at the Kentucky Derby festivities, and spend time with Savannah, a psychic woman we met in the last book, and her wife, Alex. Gunter and Jerry save people's lives on more than one occasion, and Gunter I turns out to be a great emotional support service dog for Jerry. "Pretty good for a ghost." :)
I am loving the books in this series, unable to stop reading! This time, Jerry and Gunter end up at the Kentucky Derby festivities, and spend time with Savannah, a psychic woman we met in the last book, and her wife, Alex. Gunter and Jerry save people's lives on more than one occasion, and Gunter I turns out to be a great emotional support service dog for Jerry. "Pretty good for a ghost." :)
March 31, 2023
Rambling Spirit by Sherry A. Burton
This, being the third book in the Jerry McNeal and His Ghostly K-9 Partner, is just as awesome as the first two! Ms. Burton's writing and imagination are perfect for readers like me who like sitting on the edge of your seat reading. The way she brings all the pieces together without you being able to know what is going to happen, is genius. By the way, I absolutely adore Gunter!
This, being the third book in the Jerry McNeal and His Ghostly K-9 Partner, is just as awesome as the first two! Ms. Burton's writing and imagination are perfect for readers like me who like sitting on the edge of your seat reading. The way she brings all the pieces together without you being able to know what is going to happen, is genius. By the way, I absolutely adore Gunter!
September 17, 2023
I See Jerry McNeal inn my Future
I love books about dogs and a good mystery! I think MS Burton has me trapped ! Officer Jerry McNeal and his ghost dog, Gunter, need to find to find a killer before the killer can strike, but how? Jerry has left the police force but still has his old boss on his side and a young girl, Max, who have his back, but can they help him find a killer in time, and can Gunter be counted on to be there, since few ever see him?!
I love books about dogs and a good mystery! I think MS Burton has me trapped ! Officer Jerry McNeal and his ghost dog, Gunter, need to find to find a killer before the killer can strike, but how? Jerry has left the police force but still has his old boss on his side and a young girl, Max, who have his back, but can they help him find a killer in time, and can Gunter be counted on to be there, since few ever see him?!
September 22, 2023
I haven’t finished this amazing book, I’m binging the series. But I wanted to compliment the author. As a disabled veteran who has helped others file claims, the authors descriptions of Jerry’s PTSD is right on. The panic attack he suffers at the air show & fireworks is right on. My hope is that others might see what a combat vet experiences at these events others take for granted and understand their discomfort and not judge them unfairly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2023
Jerry and Gunter seem to be getting along a lot better, it's just so queer having a dog who is sitting next to you one minute, then poof he disappears and Jerry doesn't know where or when he'll see him again.
Gunter knows though, as soon as he is needed he miraculously appears dressed in his PD harness, alert and ready to be Jerry's K9 partner. Through thick or thin, he is there to fend off the foe and die for his partner, if he wasn't already dead that is!
Gunter knows though, as soon as he is needed he miraculously appears dressed in his PD harness, alert and ready to be Jerry's K9 partner. Through thick or thin, he is there to fend off the foe and die for his partner, if he wasn't already dead that is!
November 4, 2023
another Jerry McNeal Book! Well written and attention grabbing!
Jerry McNeal and his ghost dog, Gunter kept me with my nose almost on the page to make sure I didn’t miss anything. Sherry Burton knows how to craft a fascinating story and makes you believe in a canine partner for the main character who is a ghost. I hated for the book to end. Keep writing them Sherry and I will keep reading them. Great series!
Jerry McNeal and his ghost dog, Gunter kept me with my nose almost on the page to make sure I didn’t miss anything. Sherry Burton knows how to craft a fascinating story and makes you believe in a canine partner for the main character who is a ghost. I hated for the book to end. Keep writing them Sherry and I will keep reading them. Great series!
November 18, 2023
book 3
The stories are fairly short. The characters are entertaining. The language is simply written, so the readers could easily include a younger group. The crimes are not very sophisticated. The real stars of the series are the ghost police dog and the human with a psychic gift. If you are looking for edge of the seat crime stories pass this series by. If you enjoy quirky characters you may enjoy the stories.
The stories are fairly short. The characters are entertaining. The language is simply written, so the readers could easily include a younger group. The crimes are not very sophisticated. The real stars of the series are the ghost police dog and the human with a psychic gift. If you are looking for edge of the seat crime stories pass this series by. If you enjoy quirky characters you may enjoy the stories.
November 27, 2024
Forging friendships
Jerry is on the road and making changes with Gunter. Samantha is back and introduces her wife Alex, who is the one in danger. Along the way Jerry reaches out to his past for help via the military doc and his former police supervisor. He also helps several other citizens that he gets feelings about. Gunter is having a blast as a ghost k9 and helping out others. The zombie outfit has me laughing and I flew through this story. A good series and pair!
Jerry is on the road and making changes with Gunter. Samantha is back and introduces her wife Alex, who is the one in danger. Along the way Jerry reaches out to his past for help via the military doc and his former police supervisor. He also helps several other citizens that he gets feelings about. Gunter is having a blast as a ghost k9 and helping out others. The zombie outfit has me laughing and I flew through this story. A good series and pair!
March 22, 2022
Humor, suspense, and a touch of paranormal
I have read the first three books in the series and I’m totally hooked. Waiting for number four and five to come out. Would recommend starting with book 1 as the story and the relationship between Gerry and Gunter regrets. Can’t say enough good things about these books
I have read the first three books in the series and I’m totally hooked. Waiting for number four and five to come out. Would recommend starting with book 1 as the story and the relationship between Gerry and Gunter regrets. Can’t say enough good things about these books
March 31, 2022
Such a different story line in the series
But I absolutely am loving them! Adore Gunther and Cat....and sure wish Jerry McNeal was real...there is a question asked in one of the social media groups of authors that I follow being which character in a book would you like to meet? Mine would be Jerry and Gunther...
But I absolutely am loving them! Adore Gunther and Cat....and sure wish Jerry McNeal was real...there is a question asked in one of the social media groups of authors that I follow being which character in a book would you like to meet? Mine would be Jerry and Gunther...
April 8, 2022
Great concept
Really like the concept of a police K9 coming back from the dead to help the only officer on the force who can see him and use his help. Not a lot of violence and the male/female story lines are clean-cut. Interaction between Cat, Gunter and Jerry is heart-warming. I'll continue reading this series.
Really like the concept of a police K9 coming back from the dead to help the only officer on the force who can see him and use his help. Not a lot of violence and the male/female story lines are clean-cut. Interaction between Cat, Gunter and Jerry is heart-warming. I'll continue reading this series.
April 25, 2022
Refreshing, exciting, fun
Jerry and Gunter make a great team. Add Savannah, Max and you've got lots of help. Lexington, Kentucky will never be the same but at least now the races are over. The main problem Jerry's spidy sense were alerting him was taken care of. Fun series to read. Great job. Thank you.
Jerry and Gunter make a great team. Add Savannah, Max and you've got lots of help. Lexington, Kentucky will never be the same but at least now the races are over. The main problem Jerry's spidy sense were alerting him was taken care of. Fun series to read. Great job. Thank you.
May 5, 2022
Good to read but also boring!
This is the plot of all three of these I’ve read: guy feels danger around someone but can’t tell for sure who it is. Find out who needs to be protected and gets closer to them. Gunther helps save the day and the person lives. Also so mention of PTSD.
That predictability makes them boring to me.
This is the plot of all three of these I’ve read: guy feels danger around someone but can’t tell for sure who it is. Find out who needs to be protected and gets closer to them. Gunther helps save the day and the person lives. Also so mention of PTSD.
That predictability makes them boring to me.
May 29, 2022
A good follow up from the rest of the series
I enjoy the fact of the 'hero" isn't perfect. He has many hang ups, including PTSD. The ghost dog is his true partner that has his back....and protects his six.
There is. A lot of humor throughout that keeps the story rolling.
These are a quick read, on to the next one!
I enjoy the fact of the 'hero" isn't perfect. He has many hang ups, including PTSD. The ghost dog is his true partner that has his back....and protects his six.
There is. A lot of humor throughout that keeps the story rolling.
These are a quick read, on to the next one!
June 5, 2022
Rambling Spirit (Jerry McNeal and ghostly K-9 Gunter
Book 3 )
I just loved how Jerry & Gunter are getting to be close to Rach other and can trust each other . this story is one of the best I have read about, even the fact Gunter is a ghost he can be funny at times to lol 😁 . Thank you for another fantastic book Sherry .
Cindy Riley
Book 3 )
I just loved how Jerry & Gunter are getting to be close to Rach other and can trust each other . this story is one of the best I have read about, even the fact Gunter is a ghost he can be funny at times to lol 😁 . Thank you for another fantastic book Sherry .
Cindy Riley
June 9, 2022
Nicely done character development
The growing self-acceptance of his condition gives a ray of hope that Jerry will finally find some peace in his own mind.
The interactions of the various protagonists are also tidily expressed and, unlike far too often in real life, understanding blossoms.
The growing self-acceptance of his condition gives a ray of hope that Jerry will finally find some peace in his own mind.
The interactions of the various protagonists are also tidily expressed and, unlike far too often in real life, understanding blossoms.
July 20, 2022
Helping a friend
I got to learn more about Gunter and how he works with Jerry. Learned more about Jerry’s family and there are things we don’t know about his early years and his gifts. All at the time that Jerry and Gunter are trying to solve the problems in keeping someone alive.
I got to learn more about Gunter and how he works with Jerry. Learned more about Jerry’s family and there are things we don’t know about his early years and his gifts. All at the time that Jerry and Gunter are trying to solve the problems in keeping someone alive.
October 12, 2022
If you’re a sucker for heroes and the dogs that help them, this series is for you!
This series combines the best of military, police and animal dramas. These books are more like chapters in a very big book. A very good, very well written book! I’m three books in and I don’t think I’ll be abandoning this series. I think it’s going to be good to the last one. I highly recommend.
This series combines the best of military, police and animal dramas. These books are more like chapters in a very big book. A very good, very well written book! I’m three books in and I don’t think I’ll be abandoning this series. I think it’s going to be good to the last one. I highly recommend.
November 19, 2022
I'm always glad when characters from one book feature in more of the same series. Savannah was featured in Ghostly Guidance and now she and her wife Alex are back in Rambling Spirit. Cat has a big part in this one as well. It's a quick, fun read and as soon as I finished this one, I was on to the next. Fortunately, there are several waiting to be read.
April 2, 2023
Best one in the series so far
This book has greater character building than the others, including that of Gunter the police k9. The slow building of the storyline was similar to the previous books. But, I enjoyed the entire book more because of the more realistic interaction between characters and the rounding out of their personalities.
This book has greater character building than the others, including that of Gunter the police k9. The slow building of the storyline was similar to the previous books. But, I enjoyed the entire book more because of the more realistic interaction between characters and the rounding out of their personalities.
November 28, 2023
Rambling Spirit (3)
This is, once again, another amazing story written by this author. The story is absolutely beautiful and fantastic! The ghostly hero is an excellent partner with his ex officer as his lead! However, this K-9 is pretty dog on smart too!m. It would be an exciting TV show all by it's self! I love, love, love this series!!
This is, once again, another amazing story written by this author. The story is absolutely beautiful and fantastic! The ghostly hero is an excellent partner with his ex officer as his lead! However, this K-9 is pretty dog on smart too!m. It would be an exciting TV show all by it's self! I love, love, love this series!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews