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Identification

First Edition of 'Evil for Evil' by James R. Benn (Ex-Library Copy)

Photo reference

3 uploaded photos

Overview

This is a first edition, first printing of James R. Benn's 2009 historical mystery 'Evil for Evil', the fourth installment in his acclaimed Billy Boyle World War II mystery series.

Story

James R. Benn is the acclaimed author of the Billy Boyle World War II mystery series. 'Evil for Evil' is the fourth installment, published by Soho Press in 2009. This specific copy originates from the West Sussex Libraries system in the United Kingdom. The secondary market for modern mystery fiction is highly liquid but operates as a commodity market. Buyers for ex-library copies are typically readers looking to complete a series cheaply, rather than collectors seeking pristine first editions.

Maker / Origin

Unattributed

Condition & Value

As an ex-library copy, the condition is inherently compromised from a collector's standpoint. The presence of official stamps, checkout labels, and likely adhesive residue or protective jacket covers are standard for such items. These institutional markings permanently relegate the book to 'reading copy' status.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The secondary market for modern mystery fiction is highly liquid but operates as a commodity market. Buyers for ex-library copies are typically readers looking to complete a series cheaply, rather than collectors seeking pristine first editions. The market is saturated with used copies, keeping prices low, stable, and highly competitive.

Value Drivers

▲ Part of an established, ongoing mystery series (Billy Boyle), ensuring steady reader demand.

▲ First edition status provides a minor baseline appeal, though heavily muted by the institutional markings.

Concerns

▼ Ex-library status (stamps, stickers, glued jackets) permanently removes this from the collector market.

▼ High availability of non-library used copies at similar price points creates heavy listing competition.

Best Venue

List on high-volume media marketplaces such as eBay, Amazon, or AbeBooks. Price competitively around $10 to $12 (inclusive of shipping) to attract readers looking for a fast, cheap copy. Do not invest time or money in attempting to remove library stickers or stamps, as this rarely improves the value of modern fiction.

Upside Potential

There is virtually no upside above the stated high for an ex-library modern fiction book unless it happens to contain a verified author signature or inscription.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 1 comp

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Bookmarcs Online
    Evil for Evil (A Billy Boyle WWII Mystery) - Hardcover First Edition, Signed
    Excerpt describes a completely different book by a different author.
    $18