The points of issue
Holt, Rinehart and Winston first printing, 1982: copyright page with first-printing indicia (number line descending to 1 per HRW practice). Dust jacket priced the printed price. Grafton's first Kinsey Millhone novel — the key collectible because the first printing was small before the series became a bestseller.
Is this the true first?
US Holt 1982 is the true first, preceding the UK Macmillan edition. The US first is scarce (small initial run) and the most valuable in the series; signed copies sought.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book Club Edition has a rear-board blind stamp, no jacket price, and reduced size; lacks the full number line/first-printing statement. Confirm trade first by priced jacket and first-printing line.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of A Is for Alibi a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Holt, Rinehart and Winston first printing, 1982: copyright page with first-printing indicia (number line descending to 1 per HRW practice). Dust jacket priced the printed price. Grafton's first Kinsey Millhone novel — the key collectible because the first printing was small before the series became a bestseller.
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 Holt 1982 is the true first, preceding the UK Macmillan edition. The US first is scarce (small initial run) and the most valuable in the series; signed copies sought.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book Club Edition has a rear-board blind stamp, no jacket price, and reduced size; lacks the full number line/first-printing statement. Confirm trade first by priced jacket and first-printing line.
I have a first edition of A Is for Alibi — 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.