Are you ready for yet another Jerry McNeal Series book?

When people say Always Faithful is short, they are right. But that is exactly what it was supposed to be – a one-and-done short novella published at an extremely low period in my life when my husband was going through a major health crisis. I did not want the year to end without publishing a book, so I opted to publish the novella. Years later, after deciding to turn that single book into a series, I listened to my mother, who insisted I keep Gunter in the book. 

While it was my mother who insisted the dog stay, it was the readers who raced through the first three books and begged for more who are responsible for making this series what it is, as they wouldn’t (or couldn’t) let it go. Those first fans were relentless in their quest to get more of this series. I admit I struggled with this: I had only intended on writing two additional novellas before returning my attention to my Orphan Train Saga. In the end, I listened to the loudest voices. It was the right decision, as this series became a pivotal turning point in my career.

I commissioned a new cover and retitled the original book and wrote another, picking up exactly where Always Faithful left off. If I had it to do all over, I might unpublish Always Faithful and continue that part of the story under one cover. Then again, maybe not, as doing so would make it a novel instead of a novella, and that would disrupt the entire series. Aside from a few low reviews for Always Faithful being too short, I am glad I made that decision, as the books in this series are novellas. I write them as episodes, which my JMS readers often call their "popcorn" or "potato chip" series. I’ve had more than a few telling me this, saying they can’t read just one. Isn’t that the goal of a series? To keep readers reaching for more.

 For the most part, The Jerry McNeal Series is written for readers who might be intimidated by longer reads. They are for readers who need a palate cleanse between larger, heavier books. For readers who prefer to sit and read a book from cover to cover in one shot. They are for readers who need a break from reality, allowing them to escape the ugliness of the world. It is not my job to preach to you. Nor do I intend to force my political beliefs on you. It is my job to entertain you. To make you believe that a gentle breeze or unexpected itch is a visit from a loved one. To believe that your beloved pet is still at your side and that it is okay give in to imagination and laugh out loud at things that some would feel too crazy to be believed.
 
Today, I would like to announce the second exception to the novella series model, Spirit of Deadwood being the first.

Maine Event, book 20, will be released as a full-length book this summer. While I haven’t written Main Event yet, I’ve had the title and cover for this book for over a year. The story has been percolating since my trip to Maine in 2024. I fell in love with Maine during our second visit to the state, and believe the town of Belfast is the perfect setting to bring the story to life. I knew from the beginning that book 20 would be the perfect book to mark my 40th book release, which I feel should be a bit special to commemorate that milestone.

As with all the JMS books, Maine event will be available in eBook (including Kindle Unlimited), print, and audiobook upon release.
You can preorder the eBook on Amazon. I will add a print pre-order on my website closer to the release date.
 
And to that question that I'm sure is on the minds of my devoted Jerry McNeal Series fans, yes, there will be more! 
 
 
 
#thejerrymcnealseries #ghostdog #ghoststories #belfastmaine 

Pre-order on Amazon