The points of issue
The Doubleday Canada (Toronto) 1985 edition is the true first. The US Viking (New York) 1985 edition is the first US edition, with the 'FIRST EDITION' statement and a number line ending in 1. Won the 1986 Edgar Award for Best Novel (for the best novel of 1985); Wright was the first Canadian to win in that category. First Karl Alberg novel.
Is this the true first?
Precedence belongs to the Canadian Doubleday Canada 1985 edition, which dealers identify as the true first; the US Viking 1985 edition is the first US edition. Wright was a Canadian author published first in Canada.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
On the US Viking edition, later printings drop the 1 from the number line and book-club issues lack the price.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Suspect a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The Doubleday Canada (Toronto) 1985 edition is the true first. The US Viking (New York) 1985 edition is the first US edition, with the 'FIRST EDITION' statement and a number line ending in 1. Won the 1986 Edgar Award for Best Novel (for the best novel of 1985); Wright was the first Canadian to win in that category. First Karl Alberg 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. Precedence belongs to the Canadian Doubleday Canada 1985 edition, which dealers identify as the true first; the US Viking 1985 edition is the first US edition. Wright was a Canadian author published first in Canada.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
On the US Viking edition, later printings drop the 1 from the number line and book-club issues lack the price.
I have a first edition of The Suspect — 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.