How to identify a first printing
- Copyright page states 'First Printing' (often with month and year) plus a descending number line that retains a '1' for the first printing — both present on a true first.
- As the imprint moved through corporate parents (independent → Warner Books → Grand Central / Hachette), follow the prevailing parent's number-line convention; the lowest number present indicates the printing.
- Early independent Mysterious Press (founded 1975 by Otto Penzler) issued numbered/limited signed editions of some titles — look for the limitation page/colophon.
Notable points & cautions
- Distinct from the related 'Otto Penzler Books' and the Armchair Detective Library; don't conflate imprints.
- Some sought-after firsts (Ellroy, Crumley, Block) exist in both a signed/limited state and a trade first — the limitation colophon distinguishes them.
- Because the imprint changed owners, a stated 'First Printing' should be cross-checked against the number line; a full line with '1' is the safest confirmation.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Mysterious Press (Otto Penzler imprint), Mysterious Press (under Warner Books / Grand Central), MysteriousPress.com (e-book revival with Open Road). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my The Mysterious Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Copyright page states 'First Printing' (often with month and year) plus a descending number line that retains a '1' for the first printing — both present on a true first. As the imprint moved through corporate parents (independent → Warner Books → Grand Central / Hachette), follow the prevailing parent's number-line convention; the lowest number present indicates the printing.
Does The Mysterious Press use a number line?
As the imprint moved through corporate parents (independent → Warner Books → Grand Central / Hachette), follow the prevailing parent's number-line convention; the lowest number present indicates the printing.
Is a book-club edition a The Mysterious Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Distinct from the related 'Otto Penzler Books' and the Armchair Detective Library; don't conflate imprints.
What era does this cover?
This covers The Mysterious Press (1975-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.
The Mysterious Press titles with documented first-edition points
Each link opens that title’s specific points of issue — the exact marks that separate a true first printing from a later one.
- Bad Chili (Joe R. Lansdale, 1997)
- Because the Night (James Ellroy, 1984)
- Blood on the Moon (James Ellroy, 1984)
- Captains Outrageous (Joe R. Lansdale, 2001)
- Comeback (Parker #17) (Richard Stark (Donald E. Westlake), 1997)
- Drowned Hopes (Dortmunder #7) (Donald E. Westlake, 1990)
- Good Behavior (Dortmunder #6) (Donald E. Westlake, 1986)
- L.A. Confidential (James Ellroy, 1990)
- Mucho Mojo (Joe R. Lansdale, 1994)
- Old Bones (Aaron Elkins, 1987)
- Rumble Tumble (Joe R. Lansdale, 1998)
- Suicide Hill (James Ellroy, 1986)
- The Ax (Donald E. Westlake, 1997)
- The Big Nowhere (James Ellroy, 1988)
- The Black Dahlia (James Ellroy, 1987)
- The Two-Bear Mambo (Joe R. Lansdale, 1995)