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Police officers are being killed in York. The murders are cold, calculated and methodical. This killer leaves nothing behind besides a sense of dread.
When someone Detective Jason Smith has worked with ends up dead it becomes personal, but this phantom leaves nothing to even hint at why this is happening.
The only breakthrough in the case comes from several witnesses who claim to have seen a ghost-like figure around the time of the murders.
Facing ghosts of his own, and on the brink of breakdown Smith is pushed even further over the edge when he discovers the sick reality behind these murders.
This isn't about murder - this is about something else altogether.
These ghosts will haunt Jason Smith for the rest of his life.
When someone Detective Jason Smith has worked with ends up dead it becomes personal, but this phantom leaves nothing to even hint at why this is happening.
The only breakthrough in the case comes from several witnesses who claim to have seen a ghost-like figure around the time of the murders.
Facing ghosts of his own, and on the brink of breakdown Smith is pushed even further over the edge when he discovers the sick reality behind these murders.
This isn't about murder - this is about something else altogether.
These ghosts will haunt Jason Smith for the rest of his life.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2022
40 people are currently reading
24 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 6, 2022
A thrilling story yet again, well worth waiting for. Rather than a complicated plot with lots of clues, its a fast paced psychological puzzle which centers around Smith, his wife and their police colleagues.
Anyone living in York will be enthralled to hear of all the references to the University, pubs and roads there. Its all so intimate and personal and believable! I was drawn in straightaway and couldn't put it down. I feel really worried that Smith has a brain tumour! Can't wait to see what happens next to Smith and his family.
An intelligent puzzle with a satisfying conclusion.
Anyone living in York will be enthralled to hear of all the references to the University, pubs and roads there. Its all so intimate and personal and believable! I was drawn in straightaway and couldn't put it down. I feel really worried that Smith has a brain tumour! Can't wait to see what happens next to Smith and his family.
An intelligent puzzle with a satisfying conclusion.
February 26, 2022
DS Jason Smith is an Australian who has lived and worked in York for many years now and is part of a loyal established team of detectives. These include his wife Erica Whitton, newly promoted to DS to keep the top brass happy, DC Yang Chu, DS Bridge, PC Baldwin and DI Oliver Smyth who is the nephew of their blundering boss, Superintendent Smyth. Smith and Erica have a young daughter Laura and aging dogs Theakston the Lazy Bull Terrier and Fred the Ugly Pug. Sadly Smith’s nightmares seem to be back after the horrors he has suffered in recent cases. Hopefully it won’t affect him too much as he really needs to be on top form for what lies ahead.
A small boy spies what could only be described as a ghost in the house of a policeman over the road. The ghost points a gun at the policeman and then vanishes. It’s not long before the PC’s wife returns home and discovers him dead, shot through the head execution style. The boy is the only witness. Then another PC, closer to home this time, is lured and murdered in the same way. Again only one witness, a teenager who swears she saw a ghost. Both these killings have clearly been carefully planned and with the addition of a third very similar death, the only motive Smith can think of is a grudge against the police. You’d think there would be plenty of suspects to choose from but only a few decent ones are found and quickly ruled out. So could there be another far more complex and sinister motive? Supt Smyth declares war on the murderer and it’s up to Smith and his team to front the assault and halt this very clever killer. But where do they start in this most baffling of cases?
I say it every time but really each story in this series, one of my absolute favourites, just gets better and better! The characters are so familiar now that they're more like family and as a reader you find yourself really caring about what happens to them. Their seamless interactions, teamed with little dashes of humour (nice to see Supt Smyth on form at press briefings and who would mess with DCI Chalmers?!) and a great plot, all go to produce a winning combination. This is a superb addition to the series with a lovely ending. I can’t wait for more!! Thoroughly recommended. 5*
A small boy spies what could only be described as a ghost in the house of a policeman over the road. The ghost points a gun at the policeman and then vanishes. It’s not long before the PC’s wife returns home and discovers him dead, shot through the head execution style. The boy is the only witness. Then another PC, closer to home this time, is lured and murdered in the same way. Again only one witness, a teenager who swears she saw a ghost. Both these killings have clearly been carefully planned and with the addition of a third very similar death, the only motive Smith can think of is a grudge against the police. You’d think there would be plenty of suspects to choose from but only a few decent ones are found and quickly ruled out. So could there be another far more complex and sinister motive? Supt Smyth declares war on the murderer and it’s up to Smith and his team to front the assault and halt this very clever killer. But where do they start in this most baffling of cases?
I say it every time but really each story in this series, one of my absolute favourites, just gets better and better! The characters are so familiar now that they're more like family and as a reader you find yourself really caring about what happens to them. Their seamless interactions, teamed with little dashes of humour (nice to see Supt Smyth on form at press briefings and who would mess with DCI Chalmers?!) and a great plot, all go to produce a winning combination. This is a superb addition to the series with a lovely ending. I can’t wait for more!! Thoroughly recommended. 5*
March 24, 2022
A series of execution style killings of police officers in York. DS Jason Smith is anxious to find the killer quickly but the only witnesses describe the culprit as a ghostly figure. And Smith has seen it too...
Ghosts is the 17th book to feature DS Smith and his colleagues. There are mentions of events for previous book but no spoilers.
OMG!!! The book is fast paced, dramatic and absolutely gripping. It is a quick read but doesn't feel rushed. I was swept up in the action and devoured the pages in a couple of hours.
Smith is coping with events from his past as well as a migraine. But nothing matters more to him than finding the cop killer to save his friends and colleagues. The sinister ghostly figure is a recurring motif through the book as it attacks police officers in their homes and on the streets.
The tension and anticipation is high over the course of the book. These crimes have a shock factor for us as well as the characters in the book. The murders are not gory as they are execution style so they are horrifying in their simplicity and speed.
The humour of Smith's relationship with superior officer Smyth lightens the tone of the book as well as adding an extra dimension to the characters. Plus there is Smith and Whitton's relationship providing a loving but banter filled personal life (loved the car related chats they have in this book) which feels natural and realistic.
Ghosts is another excellent addition to the Jason Smith series.
Ghosts is the 17th book to feature DS Smith and his colleagues. There are mentions of events for previous book but no spoilers.
OMG!!! The book is fast paced, dramatic and absolutely gripping. It is a quick read but doesn't feel rushed. I was swept up in the action and devoured the pages in a couple of hours.
Smith is coping with events from his past as well as a migraine. But nothing matters more to him than finding the cop killer to save his friends and colleagues. The sinister ghostly figure is a recurring motif through the book as it attacks police officers in their homes and on the streets.
The tension and anticipation is high over the course of the book. These crimes have a shock factor for us as well as the characters in the book. The murders are not gory as they are execution style so they are horrifying in their simplicity and speed.
The humour of Smith's relationship with superior officer Smyth lightens the tone of the book as well as adding an extra dimension to the characters. Plus there is Smith and Whitton's relationship providing a loving but banter filled personal life (loved the car related chats they have in this book) which feels natural and realistic.
Ghosts is another excellent addition to the Jason Smith series.
February 7, 2022
Oh wow! A book I really didn't want to put down. A young boy is woken by the sound of a car door closing. He watches his neighbour across the road go into his house and then witnesses something he will never forget. He describes the perpetrator as a ghost as he kept appearing and disappearing without seeing where he went. Soon there are three victims- all are members of the police force so although random it looks like the killer is against the police for whatever reason. DS Jason Smith has his hands full.
OMG! This is one stunning read- I really couldn't put it down. It's very cleverly thought out with an intriguing plot line and of course Smith’s wry sense of humour. Although one of a series this happily stands alone- I highly recommend the others in the series- all 5* from me. There is a depth and warmth of character, Smith is very nicely balanced with his wife and partner Laura. A read to very much keep the pages turning but be warned- real life may stop this! One stunning read, highly recommended.
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March 29, 2022
Detective Jason Smith is back in this brilliant addition to the series. Will this be the case to finally break the unbreakable DS Smith?
Smith is still struggling to cope with nearly losing his family in Australia. The dreams are horrific and the double awakenings terrifying. Afraid of going to sleep because of the dreams he is struggling but determined not to be beaten.
However, that was before a murder apparently carried out by a ghost. But ghosts don't exist... Or do they?
As the pressure builds and the death count rises Smith finds himself in a race to work out what is going on before anyone else dies. But no motive, no clues and the randomness of the victims where on earth do they start?
This is a gripping read that had me as flummoxed as the detectives. Who, why, when and where next were questions all racing around in my head looking for answers but I had no clue until all is revealed in an ending that was simply mind blowing.
Another brilliant read from a favourite author.
Smith is still struggling to cope with nearly losing his family in Australia. The dreams are horrific and the double awakenings terrifying. Afraid of going to sleep because of the dreams he is struggling but determined not to be beaten.
However, that was before a murder apparently carried out by a ghost. But ghosts don't exist... Or do they?
As the pressure builds and the death count rises Smith finds himself in a race to work out what is going on before anyone else dies. But no motive, no clues and the randomness of the victims where on earth do they start?
This is a gripping read that had me as flummoxed as the detectives. Who, why, when and where next were questions all racing around in my head looking for answers but I had no clue until all is revealed in an ending that was simply mind blowing.
Another brilliant read from a favourite author.
February 11, 2022
Wow book seventeen
An unputdownable thriller.
Set in the city of York as we join DS Jason Smith and the team.
Five policemen have been murdered in all and the killer is not normal, described by witnesses as a women in a brown coat that disappeared into thin air. Like a ghost, even Smith has seen her and Erica Whitton his wife and partner in crime is concerned for him he's not been sleeping very well lately and there is no such things as ghosts is there? so creepy.
Wow once again this book is heart pounding that creates an uneasy feeling in your tummy, that has massive twists, this has to be one of my best in the series and I say the same every time that makes you want to jump into the story I would love to share a banter down The Hogs Head Pub with Smith and the team for a pint or more of a Theakson's and a steak and ale pie a job well done for the team, and cheers to the author.
Incredible, mind-blowing, and his best yet, could not fault it. Loved it.
An unputdownable thriller.
Set in the city of York as we join DS Jason Smith and the team.
Five policemen have been murdered in all and the killer is not normal, described by witnesses as a women in a brown coat that disappeared into thin air. Like a ghost, even Smith has seen her and Erica Whitton his wife and partner in crime is concerned for him he's not been sleeping very well lately and there is no such things as ghosts is there? so creepy.
Wow once again this book is heart pounding that creates an uneasy feeling in your tummy, that has massive twists, this has to be one of my best in the series and I say the same every time that makes you want to jump into the story I would love to share a banter down The Hogs Head Pub with Smith and the team for a pint or more of a Theakson's and a steak and ale pie a job well done for the team, and cheers to the author.
Incredible, mind-blowing, and his best yet, could not fault it. Loved it.
February 5, 2022
GHOSTS opens with a bizarre, sinister episode. Another horrific act follows later the same day. Astounding, baffling mystery is all pervasive. An atmosphere of high tension invades every page as they fly by. The mystifying conundrum causes feelings like a pressure cooker ready to explode. Riveting, skyrocketing action and suspense lead to a dynamite conclusion impossible to see coming. GHOSTS is a one sitting read.
GHOSTS SHOULD NOT BE MISSED.
GHOSTS SHOULD NOT BE MISSED.
February 6, 2022
Ghosts by Stewart Giles is book 17 in the Detective Jason Smith series. This is a great story set in York. Police officers are being murdered and Jason has no idea why or even how it is being done. Some of the witnesses have seen a ghost-like figure in the vicinity of the murders but that doesn’t bring them any more clarity. Jason is wound up tight and is on the verge of a breakdown, but he won’t slow down. It is a gripping read and sets a frantic pace.
February 24, 2022
I love the Jason Smith series and I can’t believe we are at book 17. This series just gets better and better. Smith and his team have their work cut out in this book. York is in chaos as there’s been deaths galore including 5 serving policemen, a criminal, and a Doctor. To make matters worse all the witnesses are convinced that the murderer is a ghost. Will Smith and his team get to the bottom of this before the home office take them off this case. A well deserved five star read.
April 14, 2025
Another great book
As with all of Stewart books this one kept me guessing right to the end and as it was about police being murdered it had a different feel to it than his previous ones.
Another great 5 star read
As with all of Stewart books this one kept me guessing right to the end and as it was about police being murdered it had a different feel to it than his previous ones.
Another great 5 star read
February 26, 2022
Review
Very entertaining as usual. However If is don't think it's based on reality!
Good to have real places mentioned (I am a Yorkshire woman)
Very entertaining as usual. However If is don't think it's based on reality!
Good to have real places mentioned (I am a Yorkshire woman)
March 1, 2022
Highly recommended love S Giles books .
June 18, 2022
Enjoyed as usual. Great read
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews