Identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a first edition, first printing of Lauren Wilkinson's acclaimed debut novel, 'American Spy'. Published in 2019, this literary thriller subverts the traditional Cold War espionage genre by centering on a Black female FBI intelligence officer.
Story
Published in 2019 by Random House, 'American Spy' is Lauren Wilkinson's debut novel. It gained significant cultural traction, notably being selected for Barack Obama's summer reading list, which spurred massive printing numbers. The secondary market for modern first editions of popular late-2010s literary thrillers is highly saturated. While 'American Spy' was critically acclaimed, its large initial print run by Random House means supply currently outpaces collector demand.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
Based on the provided description, the book is assumed to be in standard secondhand condition with its original dust jacket. For modern first editions, value is heavily dependent on the presence of an unclipped, crisp dust jacket and a tight, unread binding.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
The secondary market for modern first editions of popular late-2010s literary thrillers is highly saturated. While 'American Spy' was critically acclaimed, its large initial print run by Random House means supply currently outpaces collector demand. Most movement occurs in the accessible $5 to $10 reading-copy tier, with only signed or pristine unread copies generating slight premiums.
▲ First edition, first printing status appeals to completionist collectors.
▲ Original dust jacket assumed present, essential for modern hardcover resale.
▲ Author's debut novel status carries long-term literary interest.
▼ Lack of a verified signature limits the ceiling to the standard unsigned tier.
▼ High initial print run heavily dilutes scarcity and suppresses secondary market prices.
▼ Unverified physical condition; any spine lean or jacket tears would drop value to the $5 floor.
Best Venue
Given the modest secondary market value, this book is best suited for a casual resale platform like eBay or Poshmark, or bundled with similar contemporary thrillers to offset shipping costs. List at $8 to $10 if the condition is pristine, or expect a fast sale around $5.
Upside Potential
If the book is discovered to be signed by Lauren Wilkinson on the title page, the value range shifts upward to the $12-$15 tier, aligning with verified signed comps.
Also found — market-range context
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.