Laurie R. King: A Grave Talent. London, HarperCollins, 1995. First edition, first printing. Blue cloth, silver gilt. Demi 310 pp. Signed by King. Print sequence to copyright page reads 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2. First British edition of King’s first book, and winner of the Edgar for best first novel of the year.

The story involves female detective Casey Martinelli and veteran cop Alonzo Hawkin. King is a prolific author, yet she has the highest acclaim for well-crafted stories and intriguing characters. King has written over 25 novels and is highly esteemed on both sides of the Atlantic.

The American first edition by St Martin’s was a run of only 2500 copies. The British edition would probably have been less.

Condition: In superb condition, a sharp, unread copy, as new.