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The Workshop
THE WORKSHOP (Detective Jason Smith #31) by Stewart Giles
From bestselling Stewart Giles comes another brilliant addition to the Detective Jason Smith.
Extensive research has shown that, just like stolen cars that are chopped up and sold in pieces, the human body is worth considerably less than the sum of its parts.
Detective Sergeant Smith is about to be thrown headfirst into the stuff of nightmares.
When the body of a woman is discovered in a field, nobody on the team has seen anything like it. Her head has been removed, as have her arms and legs. Later, at the autopsy Smith learns that most of her vital organs are also missing.
The condition of the second body is even more disturbing and Smith starts to wonder if there's a monster on the loose.
Meanwhile, an urban legend is spreading like wildfire. The rumour mill is talking of a workshop somewhere in the city - a place where human bodies are sent to be chopped up and distributed all around the world.
Smith soon learns that sometimes urban legends are based on reality, and this is one of those times. As the body count rises, Smith and his team find themselves completely out of their depth. The workshop needs to be shut down, but they have no idea where it is.
Will this be a case that Smith is unable to solve?
What readers are saying about THE
The author has well and truly done his homework. It's once again another unputdownable read, that readers will love. – Booklover Bev.
The story flows well and pulls you right in. The characters gel seamlessly and there is humour in their interaction. The ruthlessness and depravity of those involved is clear. I am always glued to these books and have to keep reading. This one was no exception. – Maureen.
The camaraderie between the characters is wonderful and I love Jason’s way of saying things exactly how they are. My only complaint is that I get through these too quickly as they are so compelling. A brilliantly clever, engrossing read. Five big stars. – Misfits Farm.
This makes an interesting and shocking plot. A modern slant on a Gothic theme. Entertaining, gripping, engaging and surprising - all the elements of a five-star read. Highly recommended. – Carol.
BOOKS BY STEWART GILES
DS JASON SMITH SERIES
Book 0.5 - Phobia
Book 1 - Smith
Book 2 - Boomerang
Book 3 - Ladybird
Book 4 - Occam’s Razor
Book 5 - Harlequin
Book 6 - Selene
Book 7 - Horsemen
Book 8 - Unworthy
Book 9 – Venom
Book 10 – Severed
Book 11 – Demons
Book 12 - Deadeye
Book 13 - Motive
Book 14 – Australia
Book 16 – Wishbone
Book 17 – Ghosts
Book 18 – The Scarecrow
Book 19 – The Bluesman
Book 20 – The Librarian
Book 21 – The Viaduct
Book 22 – The Twin
Book 23 – The Dogwalker
Book 24 – The Flytrap
Book 25 – The Electrician
Book 26 – The Cellar
Book 27 – The Loner
Book 28 – The Painter
Book 29 – The Hitchhiker
Book 30 – The Creed
Book 31 – The Workshop
Book 32 - The Preacher
DI O’REILLY MYSTERIES
Book 1 - Blood on the Island
Book 2 - Lies on the Island
Book 3 - Fear on the Island
Book 4 - Malice on the Island
Book 5 – Revenge on the Island
Book 6 – Christmas on the Island
Book 7 – Silence on the Island
Book 8 – Secrets on the Island
Book 9 –
From bestselling Stewart Giles comes another brilliant addition to the Detective Jason Smith.
Extensive research has shown that, just like stolen cars that are chopped up and sold in pieces, the human body is worth considerably less than the sum of its parts.
Detective Sergeant Smith is about to be thrown headfirst into the stuff of nightmares.
When the body of a woman is discovered in a field, nobody on the team has seen anything like it. Her head has been removed, as have her arms and legs. Later, at the autopsy Smith learns that most of her vital organs are also missing.
The condition of the second body is even more disturbing and Smith starts to wonder if there's a monster on the loose.
Meanwhile, an urban legend is spreading like wildfire. The rumour mill is talking of a workshop somewhere in the city - a place where human bodies are sent to be chopped up and distributed all around the world.
Smith soon learns that sometimes urban legends are based on reality, and this is one of those times. As the body count rises, Smith and his team find themselves completely out of their depth. The workshop needs to be shut down, but they have no idea where it is.
Will this be a case that Smith is unable to solve?
What readers are saying about THE
The author has well and truly done his homework. It's once again another unputdownable read, that readers will love. – Booklover Bev.
The story flows well and pulls you right in. The characters gel seamlessly and there is humour in their interaction. The ruthlessness and depravity of those involved is clear. I am always glued to these books and have to keep reading. This one was no exception. – Maureen.
The camaraderie between the characters is wonderful and I love Jason’s way of saying things exactly how they are. My only complaint is that I get through these too quickly as they are so compelling. A brilliantly clever, engrossing read. Five big stars. – Misfits Farm.
This makes an interesting and shocking plot. A modern slant on a Gothic theme. Entertaining, gripping, engaging and surprising - all the elements of a five-star read. Highly recommended. – Carol.
BOOKS BY STEWART GILES
DS JASON SMITH SERIES
Book 0.5 - Phobia
Book 1 - Smith
Book 2 - Boomerang
Book 3 - Ladybird
Book 4 - Occam’s Razor
Book 5 - Harlequin
Book 6 - Selene
Book 7 - Horsemen
Book 8 - Unworthy
Book 9 – Venom
Book 10 – Severed
Book 11 – Demons
Book 12 - Deadeye
Book 13 - Motive
Book 14 – Australia
Book 16 – Wishbone
Book 17 – Ghosts
Book 18 – The Scarecrow
Book 19 – The Bluesman
Book 20 – The Librarian
Book 21 – The Viaduct
Book 22 – The Twin
Book 23 – The Dogwalker
Book 24 – The Flytrap
Book 25 – The Electrician
Book 26 – The Cellar
Book 27 – The Loner
Book 28 – The Painter
Book 29 – The Hitchhiker
Book 30 – The Creed
Book 31 – The Workshop
Book 32 - The Preacher
DI O’REILLY MYSTERIES
Book 1 - Blood on the Island
Book 2 - Lies on the Island
Book 3 - Fear on the Island
Book 4 - Malice on the Island
Book 5 – Revenge on the Island
Book 6 – Christmas on the Island
Book 7 – Silence on the Island
Book 8 – Secrets on the Island
Book 9 –
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2025
42 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Stewart Giles
83 books85 followersAfter reading English at 3 Universities and graduating from none of them, I set off travelling around the world with my wife, Ann, finally settling in South Africa, where we still live. After Ann dropped a rather large speaker on my head I came up with the idea for a detective series. DS Jason Smith was born. Smith, the first in the series was finished a few months later. 3 years and 8 DS Smith books later, Joffe Books wondered if I would be interested in working with them. As a self-published author, I agreed. However, we decided on a new series - the DC Harriet Taylor Cornwall series. The Beekeeper hit the shelves and hit the number one spot in Australia. The second in the series, The Perfect Murder did just as well. The third in the series, The Backpacker I have self-published and is now available.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 5, 2025
A bit of a lull in murders lately has meant DI Oliver Smyth’s team of Smith, Smith’s wife DS Erica Whitton, DS Rupert Bridge, PC Baldwin, and DCs Kerry King and Harry Moore from York CID are able to concentrate on a spate of car thefts resulting in them looking for a motor chop-shop– until the headless, armless and legless torso of a young woman is found in a field. Meanwhile rumours abound in York of another chop-shop, a supposed urban myth named The Workshop where bodies go to be cut up The post mortem soon verifies Smith and King’s theory that her organs have been removed. Organ harvesting for profit is banned in nearly every country in the world but where there is demand, someone, somewhere, will find a way to supply that need. And it looks like Smith and the gang are hunting that person on their home turf but why were the woman’s remains left on show? Why has she been branded like a prize cow? When a concerned student reports the completely out of character disappearance of her housemate, the detectives are concerned that there may be a link to their victim and all the stops are pulled out to find Kirsty Davis, while Smith and Whitton take a short break to Spain to question an ex-con they think can assist them in locating this workshop. The reader knows where Kirsty is and the fate that possibly awaits her. The first woman is identified from missing persons and DNA as a second body, more intact but with even more gruesome injuries, is discovered, and the detectives have to wonder whether there is a depraved and sickening meat market operating around them in York. Now they just have to catch the monsters involved.
This is probably the most shocking and grisly case that Smith and the team have encountered during their unbroken run in solving crime in York. It was nice to see a reappearance from Porter Klaus from a previous story, together with all the regulars from forensics and pathology, none of whom could fail to be disgusted at this spate of crimes. The odious PC Griffin also tries to make trouble but you can guess who gets the last laugh as usual. This is another brilliant story in one of my favourite series, full of killer twists and turns with a great and very satisfying ending.
This is probably the most shocking and grisly case that Smith and the team have encountered during their unbroken run in solving crime in York. It was nice to see a reappearance from Porter Klaus from a previous story, together with all the regulars from forensics and pathology, none of whom could fail to be disgusted at this spate of crimes. The odious PC Griffin also tries to make trouble but you can guess who gets the last laugh as usual. This is another brilliant story in one of my favourite series, full of killer twists and turns with a great and very satisfying ending.
January 31, 2025
Stewart Giles has done it again, another unputdownable addition to the brilliant Detective Jason Smith series.
If you are looking for an edge of your seat thriller full of adrenaline pumping suspense with a storyline that is the stuff of nightmares then you need look no further THE WORKSHOP has all that and more with family life and issues interwoven into the story to soften the darkness. I really could not put this one down the series just gets better and better and this one ticked every single box and many I didn't know I have.
Jeremy Smythe's precious Rangerover has been stolen and the team are tasked with finding out who is stealing cars and selling parts to order but as the investigation gets under way the team soon realise that there is also another parts scam running and this one is human body parts. They are all shocked and traumatised by the brutality but also determined that they will find the people responsible and put them away. It is going to be easier said than done as the full extent of the operation becomes clear these are clever and well organised criminals and this could turn out to be a case that beats even the brilliant Jason Smith.
Gritty, dark and heart racing I was turning page after page all the way to the jaw dropping ending. I loved how Smith's personal life was built into the story to offset some of the darkness.
An absolutely brilliant read and well worth the 5 stars.
If you are looking for an edge of your seat thriller full of adrenaline pumping suspense with a storyline that is the stuff of nightmares then you need look no further THE WORKSHOP has all that and more with family life and issues interwoven into the story to soften the darkness. I really could not put this one down the series just gets better and better and this one ticked every single box and many I didn't know I have.
Jeremy Smythe's precious Rangerover has been stolen and the team are tasked with finding out who is stealing cars and selling parts to order but as the investigation gets under way the team soon realise that there is also another parts scam running and this one is human body parts. They are all shocked and traumatised by the brutality but also determined that they will find the people responsible and put them away. It is going to be easier said than done as the full extent of the operation becomes clear these are clever and well organised criminals and this could turn out to be a case that beats even the brilliant Jason Smith.
Gritty, dark and heart racing I was turning page after page all the way to the jaw dropping ending. I loved how Smith's personal life was built into the story to offset some of the darkness.
An absolutely brilliant read and well worth the 5 stars.
January 18, 2025
There’s a chop-shop called the workshop somewhere in the York area, which isn't about vehicles, and DS Jason Smith is hearing things about it when the torso of a person is found- something so horrid, even the SOCO’s are grimacing. It appears there is a profitable trade in body parts and young people are being taken for what can be harvested. When an ex-con appears to have more information than he is letting on, Smith and Whatton take a trip to find out more. The big boss has had his precious range rover stolen and wants this to be the focus of investigations but murder takes precedence.
OMG. I was shocked to learn that selling body parts is still legal in some countries. Stewart does his research very well and despite a gruesome premise this is a highly gripping read. The camaraderie between the characters is wonderful and I love Jason’s way of saying things exactly how they are, very little filter if any, but with a heart of gold and determination to see justice done. My only complaint is that I get through these too quickly as they are so compelling. A brilliantly clever, engrossing read. Five big stars
For more reviews please follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @nickisbookblog
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March 23, 2025
A body is discovered with no head, hands or feet, and the internal organs have been harvested. A senior officer's car has been stolen. Have both been victims of workshops cutting up and selling parts?
The Workshop is the 31st book in the DS Jason Smith series of crime thrillers/police procedurals.
Oh dear, poor York is the setting for yet another killing spree. Victims are being chopped up for parts and then discarded when no longer useful.
The majority of the book shows the police perspective to give us insight into the investigation. There are some chapters that show us the victims as they await their fate and this serves to ramp up the tension.
There was the usual humour and banter that I expect from this well established series. Smith's love of pies, his disregard for authority, and his commitment to his family all shine through the personal aspects of the plot.
There are some grisly details but they are not gratuitous. Despite my love for the series, I must admit that I found the ending a bit abrupt and the motive felt underdeveloped. However the strength of Smith's character and the plot negates this.
The Workshop is another excellent addtion to this series and I would recommend reading them all!
The Workshop is the 31st book in the DS Jason Smith series of crime thrillers/police procedurals.
Oh dear, poor York is the setting for yet another killing spree. Victims are being chopped up for parts and then discarded when no longer useful.
The majority of the book shows the police perspective to give us insight into the investigation. There are some chapters that show us the victims as they await their fate and this serves to ramp up the tension.
There was the usual humour and banter that I expect from this well established series. Smith's love of pies, his disregard for authority, and his commitment to his family all shine through the personal aspects of the plot.
There are some grisly details but they are not gratuitous. Despite my love for the series, I must admit that I found the ending a bit abrupt and the motive felt underdeveloped. However the strength of Smith's character and the plot negates this.
The Workshop is another excellent addtion to this series and I would recommend reading them all!
January 15, 2025
Gruesome and not for the faint hearted, as human body parts are chopped up, there's a rumour of a workshop in the city of York.
Book Thirty One Detective sergeant Jason Smith.
This book involves a lot of tough subjects as well as the workshop to find that the team also have the Car Jacking situation to solve.
As Jason and wife Erica Whitton
Watch a TV programme with their step daughter Lucy on human body parts trafficking little do they know what they have to deal with.
Stuff like this doesn't happen in Yorkshire, oh yes it does. And the team now need to find this place.
The author has well and truly done his homework, its all spot on this subject as you turn the pages.
It's once again another unputdownable read, that readers will love.
I think a save the steak n ale pie and pints of theakstons campaign are definitely now to be saved for later, with the proper chef in the kitchen but that readers will be another story to be carried onto the next in this amazing series.
Love it.
Book Thirty One Detective sergeant Jason Smith.
This book involves a lot of tough subjects as well as the workshop to find that the team also have the Car Jacking situation to solve.
As Jason and wife Erica Whitton
Watch a TV programme with their step daughter Lucy on human body parts trafficking little do they know what they have to deal with.
Stuff like this doesn't happen in Yorkshire, oh yes it does. And the team now need to find this place.
The author has well and truly done his homework, its all spot on this subject as you turn the pages.
It's once again another unputdownable read, that readers will love.
I think a save the steak n ale pie and pints of theakstons campaign are definitely now to be saved for later, with the proper chef in the kitchen but that readers will be another story to be carried onto the next in this amazing series.
Love it.
February 4, 2025
Wow! The DS Jason Smith Thrillers are dark, and deep, but this one was really dark and a bit unsettling. To think it's 2025 and things like this could be happening in the world, Yes, I know this is fiction, but if we really think about it, a lot of these stories could be real.
DS Jason Smith and his team are working tirelessly again to find the dregs of mankind to solve some disturbing cases. This story will take Jason and his partner to Spain, and what they find there is deception, but also some truths.
I love the DS Jason Smith stories and even though this particular story was unsettling and a bit macabre, it was still a great story and addition to the series. DS Smith and the other detectives work well together and they work hard to solve their cases. I love the characters, the snarkiness of DS Smith, and his dedication to his job and his family. I look forward to the next book by Stewart Giles in this series.
DS Jason Smith and his team are working tirelessly again to find the dregs of mankind to solve some disturbing cases. This story will take Jason and his partner to Spain, and what they find there is deception, but also some truths.
I love the DS Jason Smith stories and even though this particular story was unsettling and a bit macabre, it was still a great story and addition to the series. DS Smith and the other detectives work well together and they work hard to solve their cases. I love the characters, the snarkiness of DS Smith, and his dedication to his job and his family. I look forward to the next book by Stewart Giles in this series.
November 8, 2025
Book 31 in the Detective Jason Smith series and it's a gruesome one.
The crimes were horrific but it was a great storyline - scarily it felt like it could be realistic, there are a lot of sick people in the world. There were also twists and cover-ups galore.
I enjoyed that Smith managed to get out the country for a bit - how that all played out made me smile and I was hoping the memento was passed on... The ending made me chuckle, but I need the next book now!
Just as I thought Griffin was an OK bloke, he goes and undoes it all. Plus I could have throttled the Superintendent - a land-rover is not worth more than someone's life!
Overall, brutal deeds and depraved motives are key in this one.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from Books 'n' All Promotions and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The crimes were horrific but it was a great storyline - scarily it felt like it could be realistic, there are a lot of sick people in the world. There were also twists and cover-ups galore.
I enjoyed that Smith managed to get out the country for a bit - how that all played out made me smile and I was hoping the memento was passed on... The ending made me chuckle, but I need the next book now!
Just as I thought Griffin was an OK bloke, he goes and undoes it all. Plus I could have throttled the Superintendent - a land-rover is not worth more than someone's life!
Overall, brutal deeds and depraved motives are key in this one.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from Books 'n' All Promotions and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
January 21, 2025
Jason Smith and his team have their most gruesome case ever. Someone is getting body parts for order. This ranges from special blood types to unusual characteristics. With not only all this to deal with the Boss’s top of the range car has also been stolen which he wants solved as soon as possible too. Things are not looking good for Jason and things go from bad to worse when Darren crashes Jason’s beloved sierra into a police car. Another gripping read from Stewart.
February 13, 2025
Smith has nailed another case. He is getting a lose cannon in his older age and I actually like this side of him. He doesn’t care who he offends or what he says. The case itself is gruesome, it left us piecing together the pieces. Did I guess what was going on? Yes! But there is always some surprises lurking. I’ve said this before then the author pulls out some crackers, but have we seen as good as we’re going to get from Smith? I guess time will tell.
January 14, 2025
The author has successfully blended believable everyday scenarios with the macabre. This makes an interesting and shocking plot. A modern slant on a Gothic theme. I liked the attention to historical facts which added to the authenticity. Entertaining, gripping, engaging and surprising - all the elements of a five star read. Highly recommended
February 3, 2025
Another good read I really like this author
This author is so good he is one my favourite writers they are so good it is as if you are part of the story like you there I look forward to the next one be it Smith or D I O'Reilly both are extremely good
This author is so good he is one my favourite writers they are so good it is as if you are part of the story like you there I look forward to the next one be it Smith or D I O'Reilly both are extremely good
January 22, 2025
The Workshop by Stewart Giles is book 31 in the DS Jason Smith series. Jason, his wife Whitton and their daughter Lucy, are watching a documentary on the black market in human body parts, a very lucrative business. However, rumours are circulating about The Workshop, operating in York. It is a place where human bodies are brought in, cut up and shipped off round the world, all to order. What an imagination the author has. The story flows well and pulls you right in. The characters gel seamlessly and there is humour in their interaction. This offsets the darkness to a certain extent. The ruthlessness and depravity of those involved is clear, and all for money. I am always glued to these books and have to keep reading. This one was no exception.
April 19, 2025
Welcome back Jason Smith!!! Another brilliant read.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews