The points of issue
The Edgar winner is 'LaBrava', US Arbor House first, 1983, with a full number line counting down to 1 on the copyright page and the 1983 price intact on the front jacket flap. Won the 1984 Edgar Award for Best Novel.
Is this the true first?
The US Arbor House 1983 'LaBrava' is the true first; the UK Viking/Allen Lane edition is a first-thus.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions are usually smaller and lack the jacket price; later printings drop the terminal 1 from the number line.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Spadework (LaBrava) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The Edgar winner is 'LaBrava', US Arbor House first, 1983, with a full number line counting down to 1 on the copyright page and the 1983 price intact on the front jacket flap. Won the 1984 Edgar Award for Best Novel.
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. The US Arbor House 1983 'LaBrava' is the true first; the UK Viking/Allen Lane edition is a first-thus.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club editions are usually smaller and lack the jacket price; later printings drop the terminal 1 from the number line.
I have a first edition of Spadework (LaBrava) — 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.