# Is "The Neon Rain" by James Lee Burke a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of The Neon Rain by James Lee Burke (Henry Holt, 1987) is identified by: 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page with a full number line descending to 1; original priced dust jacket (quarter black cloth over grey paper boards, silver spine lettering). US Henry Holt is the true first.

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page with a full number line descending to 1; original priced dust jacket (quarter black cloth over grey paper boards, silver spine lettering)
- Publisher imprint reads Henry Holt
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | James Lee Burke |
| Publisher | Henry Holt |
| Year | 1987 |
| True first | US edition |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page with a full number line descending to 1… |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
'First Edition' stated on the copyright page with a full number line descending to 1; original priced dust jacket (quarter black cloth over grey paper boards, silver spine lettering).

## Is this the true first?
US Henry Holt is the true first. First Dave Robicheaux novel; a key modern collectible.

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book club edition is smaller, lacks the stated 'First Edition' and full number line, and its jacket carries no printed price (often a blindstamp on the rear board).

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *The Neon Rain* by James Lee Burke a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/the-neon-rain
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.