The points of issue
The world first is the Irish trade-paperback original from Hodder Headline Ireland, 2007 (ISBN 9780340937969); no hardcover preceded it. It shows the number '1' in the printing line on the copyright page. The UK Hodder & Stoughton hardcover and the US Viking hardcover (both 2007) are the first hardcover editions and follow the Irish paperback; each carries a number line including '1' on first printings.
Is this the true first?
Publication order is unusual. The literal world first is the Irish trade-paperback original (Hodder Headline Ireland, 2007); the UK Hodder & Stoughton hardcover is the first hardcover; the US Viking hardcover is the US first. French's debut and first Dublin Murder Squad novel, it won the Edgar, Anthony, Macavity, and Barry awards for best first novel.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions of the hardcovers lack the complete number line to '1', may carry a blind-stamp or 'Book Club' notice on the flap, and use lighter bulked paper; later impressions state the impression number.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of In the Woods a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The world first is the Irish trade-paperback original from Hodder Headline Ireland, 2007 (ISBN 9780340937969); no hardcover preceded it. It shows the number '1' in the printing line on the copyright page. The UK Hodder & Stoughton hardcover and the US Viking hardcover (both 2007) are the first hardcover editions and follow the Irish paperback; each carries a number line including '1' on first printings.
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. Publication order is unusual. The literal world first is the Irish trade-paperback original (Hodder Headline Ireland, 2007); the UK Hodder & Stoughton hardcover is the first hardcover; the US Viking hardcover is the US first. French's debut and first Dublin Murder Squad novel, it won the Edgar, Anth
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club editions of the hardcovers lack the complete number line to '1', may carry a blind-stamp or 'Book Club' notice on the flap, and use lighter bulked paper; later impressions state the impression number.
I have a first edition of In the Woods — 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.