The points of issue
William Morrow first printing, 2001: copyright page with the number line descending to 1 and the Morrow first-edition statement. Dust jacket priced the printed price. Lehane's breakout standalone.
Is this the true first?
US Morrow 2001 is the true first, preceding the UK Bantam edition. The US first with full number line is the collectible; signed copies sought.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings show a number line not reaching 1. The number line ending in 1 plus the priced jacket confirms the trade first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Mystic River a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: William Morrow first printing, 2001: copyright page with the number line descending to 1 and the Morrow first-edition statement. Dust jacket priced the printed price. Lehane's breakout standalone.
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 Morrow 2001 is the true first, preceding the UK Bantam edition. The US first with full number line is the collectible; signed copies sought.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings show a number line not reaching 1. The number line ending in 1 plus the priced jacket confirms the trade first.
I have a first edition of Mystic River — 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.