# Is "Demolition Angel" by Robert Crais a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of Demolition Angel by Robert Crais (Doubleday, 2000) is identified by: First printing states "First Edition" on the copyright page beneath a complete number line descending to 1 (10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1). US Doubleday hardcover is the true first; a standalone novel introducing LAPD bomb-squad investigator Carol Starkey.

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- First printing states "First Edition" on the copyright page beneath a complete number line descending to 1 (10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1)
- Bound in cloth-covered boards with gilt spine lettering, the 386-page text block issued in the pictorial dust jacket; on an unclipped example the printed jacket price is present at the front flap corner
- Confirm both the stated line and the terminal 1, as later Doubleday printings drop the low digit
- Publisher imprint reads Doubleday
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | Robert Crais |
| Publisher | Doubleday |
| Year | 2000 |
| True first | US edition |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | First printing states "First Edition" on the copyright page beneath a complete number… |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
First printing states "First Edition" on the copyright page beneath a complete number line descending to 1 (10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1). Bound in cloth-covered boards with gilt spine lettering, the 386-page text block issued in the pictorial dust jacket; on an unclipped example the printed jacket price is present at the front flap corner. Confirm both the stated line and the terminal 1, as later Doubleday printings drop the low digit.

## Is this the true first?
US Doubleday hardcover is the true first; a standalone novel introducing LAPD bomb-squad investigator Carol Starkey. A signed uncorrected advance reading copy (proof) preceded trade publication for promotional use but is a separate pre-publication state, not the first edition.

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No significant book club edition noted for the first printing; the stated "First Edition" line with terminal 1 and the priced trade jacket distinguish the Doubleday first from later trade printings.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *Demolition Angel* by Robert Crais a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/demolition-angel
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.