The points of issue
US St. Martin's Press / Thomas Dunne first, 1998: copyright page states 'First Edition' with a number line ending in 1; pictorial dust jacket over black boards. Alex McKnight #1. It won both the 1999 Edgar and the 1999 Shamus for Best First Novel, an unusual double. A scarce first printing.
Is this the true first?
US St. Martin's Press / Thomas Dunne 1998 is the true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
A number line not ending in 1 indicates a later printing; book-club editions lack the jacket price and may carry a code on the rear board.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of A Cold Day in Paradise a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: US St. Martin's Press / Thomas Dunne first, 1998: copyright page states 'First Edition' with a number line ending in 1; pictorial dust jacket over black boards. Alex McKnight #1. It won both the 1999 Edgar and the 1999 Shamus for Best First Novel, an unusual double. A scarce first printing.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. US St. Martin's Press / Thomas Dunne 1998 is the true first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
A number line not ending in 1 indicates a later printing; book-club editions lack the jacket price and may carry a code on the rear board.
I have a first edition of A Cold Day in Paradise — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.