Alias Smith and Jones

Hello, newbie here posting with a question,

I found Cabin Fever by Brian Fox in a second hand bookstore, and picked it up, recognising Alias Smith and Jones from the crack_van recs. I have never seen the TV series, and have no idea where to find the episodes. Also, my internet doesn't get renewed until a weeks time (so the rest of the week is slow as a wet one>.< ). I want to start reading the book (not letting my $3 go to waste!), but I don't know much about the characters aside from the crack_van intro. Has anyone read the (spin off?) books?

Now my dilemma is this (yes I do have one!):
Should I read the book first, or wait until I have seen an episode first? 

Also, if anyone can point me towards some helpful links for a newbie, that would be great.

Thanks in advance,
~Maz