Phobia (5 early Jason Smith cases) by Stewart Giles AN ESSENTIAL INTRODUCTION TO THE DETECTIVE JASON SMITH THRILLER SERIES. Phobia is a series of five Detective Jason Smith cases that he worked on before we met him in the first book 'Smith'. We are given insights into what moulded him into the Detective Sergeant we first get a glimpse of in 'Smith'. As a young detective disillusioned by life, Smith quickly realizes that police work isn't always cut and dried. Justice is not always black and white; there are many shades of grey in between. If you like gripping detective stories, then this is a series you wonβt want to miss. THE SETTING York is a historic walled city in North Yorkshire, England. At the confluence of the River Ouse and Foss, York is the traditional county town of the historic county of Yorkshire. York Minster and a variety of cultural and sporting activities make it a popular tourist destination. THE DETECTIVES DS Jason Smith is an Australian who was sent to York to live with his Grandmother when his sister disappeared from a beach. He has suffered many losses in his short life and is now a dedicated detective. He is a bit of a loose cannon he has his own way of doing things and that doesnβt always mean following orders and procedures. DS Thompson is of the same rank as Jason, but he doesnβt have the same support or success. He and Jason have a love/hate relationship which brings a bit of humour to the series. Thompson is old school and thinks his age should give him respect and privileges, but life doesnβt work that way for him. DC Erica Whitton is Jasonβs preferred partner they work well together and share a bond. She isnβt always appreciated by Jason, but they care about each other and that brings a different dimension to the series. What readers are saying about Phobia: βI really enjoyed this book, we get to read five stories featuring Jason Smith which set the scene and tell us more about his character before the first full length novel - Smith..β βDonna Maguire βI still can't understand why Stewart is not better known to fans of crime thrillers, but it's their loss! Five stars *****.β βPat McCulloch β- which is just as well as I have already downloaded the next 8 books. I'm liking DS Smith so far and look forward to reading more about this very interesting detective.β -Dora βAn unusual and effective way to introduce young policeman Jason Smith to his reading public, and to his induction into CID. A thoroughly entertaining read.β βKindle Customer βWell written. I really cannot wait to read more about Jason Smith. Now we know his background, let's read his futureββ Wendy Gail