# Is ""C" Is for Corpse" by Sue Grafton a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of "C" Is for Corpse by Sue Grafton (Henry Holt, 1986) is identified by: First printing has a complete number line reading down to 1 (1 through 10) on the copyright page. US Henry Holt, New York, is the true first, 1986; third Kinsey Millhone novel.

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- First printing has a complete number line reading down to 1 (1 through 10) on the copyright page
- Bound in grey paper-covered boards with silver lettering to the spine
- 243 pages
- The first-issue dust jacket, designed by Abby Kagan, must carry its printed price on the front flap
- Third Kinsey Millhone novel
- Publisher imprint reads Henry Holt
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | Sue Grafton |
| Publisher | Henry Holt |
| Year | 1986 |
| True first | US edition |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | First printing has a complete number line reading down to 1 (1 through 10) on the… |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
First printing has a complete number line reading down to 1 (1 through 10) on the copyright page. Bound in grey paper-covered boards with silver lettering to the spine; 243 pages. The first-issue dust jacket, designed by Abby Kagan, must carry its printed price on the front flap. Third Kinsey Millhone novel.

## Is this the true first?
US Henry Holt, New York, is the true first, 1986; third Kinsey Millhone novel. Anthony Award winner.

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The book-club edition lacks a printed jacket price and typically shows a blind-stamped dimple on the rear board; it is also usually smaller and lighter than the Holt trade first.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *"C" Is for Corpse* by Sue Grafton a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/c-is-for-corpse
CC BY 4.0. Part of the Canonical First-Edition Points of Issue dataset (https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/api/first-edition-titles.json). Last reviewed 2026-07-03.