Ghostly Guidance

Jerry McNeal #2

by Sherry A. Burton

Jerry McNeal didn’t ask to be born with the gift of premonition. Nor did he ask to be haunted by the ghost of a K-9 police dog that doesn’t even appear to like him. And yet, in the second book in The Jerry McNeal Series, Jerry finds himself saddled with both.

As Jerry struggles to coexist with his new ghostly companion, he must also follow the feeling that warns him of imminent danger in order to save Savannah - a psychic medium who unknowingly puts her own life at risk when she refuses to give her client bad news.

Will Pennsylvania State Trooper McNeal be able to find the dog another companion to attach itself to? Or will Jerry finally accept things he has no power to change and make a decision that will alter his life forever?

Genres: Mystery, Paranormal, Dogs, Animals, Contemporary, Fiction, Adult

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 18, 2022

About the author

Sherry 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.

Reviews

[Donne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This installment is listed as #2 in the series, but the first two installments were so short and really kind of ran together. This installment started a day, maybe two, after the last one ended and Holly, who Jerry saved from a car accident in the last installment, is still in the hospital. Both stories are so short and quick, they could have literally been combined as one book, or in this case, a prequel because based on the ending of this one, it seems Jerry’s life could be making a huge course change.

After speaking with a psychic teeanager, who needs Jerry's help in dealing with her psychic abilities, and meeting Savannah at the local psychic convention, Jerry comes to grips with his "spidey senses" (aka psychic ability) along with his ghostly partner, Gunter, Jerry's life needs to change.

Once again, this story is so short, I don’t really need to say much because the book summary pretty much lays out the whole storyline. While I’m really enjoying the series, the brevity of the story doesn’t leave much room for characterization and content. What it lacks in characterization and content, it kind of makes up for in pacing and writing style. Overall, it’s a good, solid 3star read.

[Connie P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable, quick read.

Jerry and Gunter are still getting used to each other, although Jerry still doesn't know why Gunter chose him rather than his former partner. While trying to find answers, a psychic convention is taking place. Jerry is skeptical of these so-called psychics but he knows something will happen there. Now he has to find out for who and why. He does find at least one legitimate psychic at the convention. Maybe he'll also get some answers that will help him understand why he is the way he is. And why Gunter chose him. This is a short and easy read and a pretty good way to spend a couple hours in your recliner with your feet up, drinking your favorite beverage (coffee for me, thanks!). I'm going to continue reading about Jerry and Gunter.

[Latisha’s Low-key Life · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ⓑⓞⓞⓚ Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝙂𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙂𝙪𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚
Sherry A. Burton
Paranormal
168 pages

Sʜᴏᴿᴛ Sʏɴᴏᴘsɪs

Jerry McNeal and Gunter move on and discover a new adventure involving a psychic convention.

Mʸ Tᴴᴼᵁᴳᴴᵀs

Jerry and Gunter, the ghostly police dog, make a great team. The relationship between them is kind of a love-hate one at times. They irritate each other but also enjoy being together.

I appreciate the paranormal aspect of this series. Gunter fading in and out at any given time adds a bit of extra zing to the story.

The unlikely partners help others and keep devastation from affecting lives. Being able to anticipate trouble, Jerry makes a difference in the world. Add his ghostly police dog, and you’ve got yourself a heck of a story.

There are a few swear words, but they don’t get out of hand. If that bothers you, but you enjoy this author, try her Orphan Train Saga. All books in this series are clean. 🚂

I definitely recommend this series. Each book is a quick read, and the stories are sublime!

~Read more riveting reviews at Latishaslowkeylife.com

[betty wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book..

love animals and our dogs have all been special to us..the last one wasn't he very smartest..we're a 'Blue' family with 15 family members associated with law enforcement..grandson/nieces and nephews /brothers and son in law from local to state members..

[Vickie Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A man with a special gift.

[Diana Duell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book of the series and just as good as the first. I like the Jerry character and the situations he finds himself in. I look forward to seeing where his story goes to next.

[C.S. Wachter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review will read like a repeat of the review I wrote for Always Faithful with a couple differences.

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: As with Always Faithful, I did finish the book and enjoyed the story. The premise is, once again, 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, his loyalty and snark. 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. This is the second book in the series, and, like the first, frustrated me with the inappropriate the use of the name of Jesus Christ. The lack of respect has continued; and I am sorry to say, I cannot continue reading a book series I might have enjoyed otherwise.

[Cynthia webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Dog

I love Gunter, the dog, and Jerry is ok too. The fact that Gunter is a ghost takes a lot of stress out of reading this for me as I have come to avoid dog stories or any relating to animals as so often they get killed. I've lost pets over the years, just due to natural causes but don't want the grief brought back in a book. These are short books, easy to read, but well written. The characters are well thought out and never one dimensional. The author seems to have a sense that all of us have our own troubles and don't always have the perfect answer for them.

[Candy Daulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

My partner is a ghost!

This series is wonderful! Jerry McNeal is a patrol officer in Pennsylvania. He has a paranormal ability to sense when something is going to happen, but he doesn't know what it is until it happens. Crazy huh? Of course, along the way a K9 German shepherd was killed in the line if duty. This ghost dog, Gunter, appears to Jerry, but most others can't see him. The dog helps him solve the cases that arise from Jerry's "spidey sense" as he calls it. Jerry doesn't like dogs, but the ghost won't leave. In this book Jerry finally accepts Hunter's presence and assistance. In this book Jerry attends a paranormal convention with Fortune Tellers. He has one do a reading for him and she's really good. She can see the dog too. She's the one, along with spirits of deceased family members,that finally get Jerry to make a important decision.
This is book 2 in the series. I recommend starting with book 1 to get all the needed information about the characters. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I plan to complete the whole series. Thank you Sherry Burton for a wonderful series!

[PepperP0t · Rating 4 out of 5]

To thwart Jamieson Finch’s emotional attack on his illegitimate son, billionaire tycoon Archer Blackwood (who may not be aware Finch is his father), as he prepares to sell the oil and petroleum parts of his empire, Beatrice asks Sparrow, Zoe Somersby to protect Archer from Finch while working as Archer’s multi-lingual/dialectal interpreter during negotiations as Finch is part one bidder’s contingent. Archer, may be still grieving the loss of his pregnant wife a decade ago and the scandal that followed. Archer’s surprised how drawn he is to Zoe, who wishes she’d met him under different circumstances.

Believing she’d be useful to Archer when Finch flirts with her, Zoe accepts his offered dinner date. Finch doesn’t mention the negotiations but he has a proposition for her. Finch is aware of her hidden past as an expert codebreaker and warns he’ll kill her family if she doesn’t break the codes he wants. Zoe leaves the restaurant in a daze and is stunned to find Archer on her doorstep prepared to act on their mutual attraction. Sex with Archer is a no-brainer but Zoe’s moral dilemma is who she’ll betray, the man in her bed, her ‘boss’ Beatrice or her brother.
Rating: 3.75stars

[stacy newcomb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can u write without swearing

I love your book but am a Christian so I do not want or need bad Maybe not put them as Christian but as a clean book Normally I would have turned off your book immediately Because of the bad words But a Ghost dog Andaman with gifts was just too much to pass up is there any way that you can write these books with them without cussing Maybe not put them as Christian but as clean book There are tons of books I would like to read westerns suspence military books

but the cussing and the sex in them Or something I will not read Is there any way that your publish can Take those things out of books and allow us weird Christians to read them again as a clean book
I know that publishers have already thought of this and for whatever reason decided not to do it But your book was really good and I'd love to read the next 2 but they're gonna have cussing in them Yours truly a frustrated reader stacy lnewcomb @gmail.com

[Ken Finlay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trooper Jerry McNeal doesn't have a dog, doesn't want one and yet finds himself stuck with a ghostly mutt who, despite spending a lot of time with him, doesn't seem to like him very much.
Gunter, a K-9 who died in the line of duty, also has the ability to become solid and can be seen by people who have psychic abilities.
"Ghostly Guidance" is mostly about how psychic Jerry tries to come to terms with his new partnership, how to convince the people around him that he is not barking mad (sorry! I couldn't help myself), and coming to terms with his tendency to choose flight over fight in his life.
There's a little bit of crime solving along the way, mostly involving Gunter, but I found the book confusing and Jerry self-absorbed in a very one-dimensional way.
It ran to just over 100 pages and, overall, it's just too simplistic.
2.5 Stars, raised to 3 Stars.

[Jo Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read Book 1 in about an hour and enjoying it, I immediately bought Book 2, which I read in about two hours. I like the story and characters and the premise. A State Trooper has "second sight" but he can't see what is going to happen, just that something is, and will be bad. He is aided by a recently killed K-9. In this book, Jerry tries to help a young girl who also senses things and needs a mentor. He is also drawn to a psychic fair, where he mingles with the fakes and real deals. He learns more about his deceased K-9 pal and makes a friend.
I have enjoyed the two books I've read but at about 170 pages, they're more novellas and at $3.99 a pop, I really can't afford them. They are free on Kindle Unlimited so if you have it, try these books. They are feel good.

[Barb · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a German Shepherd named Günter! I would love it if he haunted me and helped me solve crimes. I really should’ve loved this book but I just didn’t. The main character wasn’t very likable. Something about the writing didn’t click with me. I didn’t realize until quite a ways into the book that i started with book 2 instead of book 1, but i don’t think I’m going to go back and read book one. Sad because l’ll miss Gunter but that’s the only thing I’ll miss about this book. One more thing, the dog didn’t exhibit typical GSD behavior in my opinion. I realize he was a ghost & all, but GSDs are dedicated to their people. This dog didn’t seem to like his previous owner. Oh well, I’m disappointed that I didn’t love this book because I saw myself reading through the whole series.

[Skadams9038 Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

an incomplete plot.

This is incomplete. It leaves the reader hanging. It’s like starting to read a book and being told in the middle you will have to purchase another book to get more of the story. I’m upset because I’m paying for a complete book and only getting part of the book. This is why I’m thinking about not buying more in this series… I don’t like being cheated!!! Doesn’t matter how good the series is… if you are always being cheated out of the ending… because it’s not a finished book without a finale ending to the story!!

[MELISSA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jerry McNeal's "gift" warns him of people in various troubled situations. If he can get to them in time, he can help. As a State trooper and a former Marine, he has excellent skills to intervene in many situations but struggles with the responsibility of carrying this gift and blames himself when he is too late to help. I am enjoying the rescue stories in this series as well as watching Jerry hopefully finding some peace with his ability and with his new partner.

[Pam Bales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable series

Love animals and enjoy police procedurals. This series is both - in a way. So far the dog is a ghost and had quite a time getting Jerry to accept him. Psychics, Tarot cards, a sad, difficult life, and scheduling problems all kept me going to the conclusion of the second book in the series. Ready to see how the relationship between Gunther and Jerry continues.

[wayne peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of this book.

Well, things are getting interesting. This wss a direction that I did not see coming. The continuity is spot on. The drama and suspense are ramping up. This is an unusual series. Most move on to an entirely different story. This one continues with the same story. This series is. turning into a really wonderful reading experience. I look forward to reading the entire series.

[J W · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feel-good read with spirit dog and ex-military man

Short feel-good read as part of a series about an ex-military man who sees the spirit of a police dog and has his own intuition about dangerous situations. The series slowly provides character development of the protagonist as his intuition guides him to help strangers and the dog guides the man to act more on his intuition and make choices that help him better manage his trauma responses.

[linda murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is Gunter Jerry McNeal's new Partner

Officer Jerry McNeal has a gift that he's not sure he wants, but it appears the "gift" is there to stay! It appears he inherited the ghost of a fellow officer's dog, who was shot in the line of duty, and though Jerry supposedly is not a dog person, but with Jerry's gift of knowing when there maybe someone in trouble and the ghost dog, Jerry discover how valuable Gunter is!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jerry doesn't know why Gunter has chosen him as his 'partner' unless it's because he can 'see' things, Gunter being one of them.
One of the psychic ladies at the Convention explains to Jerry what his life has been and what it could be like if he left the police force and worked side by side with Gunter using both their gifts.
What will he do? He doesn't feel that he and Gunter like each other much, so how would it work?
Number three book might have the answer! Rambling Spirit here I come.

[Sharon L. Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book by this author

I really enjoyed this book. I accidentally ordered the 2 nd book so I read it and shall now go back to book# 1. I wasn't sure if I would like the story being a vat person but I really enjoyed the book and thought it well written. I would recommend this book to anyone who can understand the " magic" of animals in our lives I will continue with the series and think that any "cozy" reader would enjoy the book.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

partnership

Jerry and Gunter, the K9 team you didn’t know you needed, but you do. Jerry’s gift is on display and is helpful but also puts him in some weird situations. The psychic convention was entertaining and his interactions with Dog and Cat made me laugh. Samantha and her sister are new and their skill sets were quite good and brought an unexpected but so cool element near the end of the story. A fun and quick read.

[Donna Mork · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jerry is contacted by a young girl who needs to be mentored with her psychic powers. He follows his feelings to a psychic convention where a man is about to commit a crime after falling on hard times. A psychic helps Jerry contact his passed away family members. His job as a police officer is getting hard because of conflicts between his special treatment due to his gift and his fellow officers who are resentful of the treatment.

[Debbie Vetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe some peace

Jerry and Gunter help at a physic convention. Gunter saved his original handler again. The physic that was rescued by the two informs him the dog was sent to him by someone to loves him, are worried about him and thought he could use the protection. A beautiful story. Great job and thank you very much for stories that warm the heart.

[Marie Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

Wow!! The story is something!! It's so cool!! It's not romantic, gory, or frivolous! Its entertaining and engaging!! I got to the end before I knew it!! I don't like to say too much because I'm afraid I'll give something away, but I will say this - I LOVE the dog!!! Enjoy!!!

[Cindy Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghostly Guidance ( Jerry McNeal and his ghostly K-9Series book 2)


I absolutely love the story of Jerry & Gunner, they make a great team. I have always loved dogs, this series just shows how smart dogs really are, 🐶💞.
I can not wait to read another book in this wonderful series.
Thank you so much Sherry A.Burton for writing such an amazing book.
Cindy Riley

[Marlyn Spring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Help from above

Enjoyed the whole concept. I like to read and I enjoy lots of different topics, love stories, autobiography, westerns, thrills, you name it. But most of all I want to be entertained. This books was good, storyline moves quick but never loses the reader. Hope it makes sense and you enjoy it as much as I did.

[Delia15 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghostly Guidance

I have a fondness for stories of people with a conscience who may or may not be psychic and are partnered with a being, animal or alien, who do good in life situations. This book is the second in the series and I liked the first one to get this one. I liked this story too, very much. I just got the third book.

[Cecile Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books. Of course I love dogs but the relationship between the man and dog keeps getting better. I am just happy that there are more in the series that I can't stop reading.

I think Sherry Burton is a great writer and I hope she keeps on giving the reader a great experience.