The points of issue
US Charles Scribner's Sons first, 1992: 'First Edition' stated with a complete number line counting down to 1 on the copyright page; dust jacket priced for 1992. The first Cliff Janeway bookman mystery, prized by collectors for its rare-book subject. It won the Nero Award and was an Anthony Award nominee.
Is this the true first?
US Charles Scribner's Sons 1992 is the true first; UK editions are later.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
A number line that does not count down to 1 indicates a later printing; book-club editions are smaller and lack the jacket price.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Booked to Die a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: US Charles Scribner's Sons first, 1992: 'First Edition' stated with a complete number line counting down to 1 on the copyright page; dust jacket priced for 1992. The first Cliff Janeway bookman mystery, prized by collectors for its rare-book subject. It won the Nero Award and was an Anthony Award nominee.
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 Charles Scribner's Sons 1992 is the true first; UK editions are later.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
A number line that does not count down to 1 indicates a later printing; book-club editions are smaller and lack the jacket price.
I have a first edition of Booked to Die — 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.