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Identification

J. A. Jance 'Skeleton Canyon' First Edition Hardcover, 1997

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

This is a stated First Edition, first printing (with full number line 10-1) hardcover copy of J. A. Jance's bestselling novel 'Skeleton Canyon'.

Story

Published in August 1997 by Avon Books, 'Skeleton Canyon' is the fifth novel in the popular Joanna Brady mystery series set in Cochise County, Arizona. J. A. Jance is a New York Times bestselling author known for her regional Southwest mysteries. Late 20th-century mystery novels by prolific authors like J. A. Jance have a dedicated but aging collector base. Supply heavily outweighs demand for most titles, keeping prices modest.

Maker / Origin

Unattributed

Condition & Value

Condition is the primary value determinant for modern first editions. Assuming standard used condition pending visual verification, the binding should be tight and the dust jacket present. Value is highly dependent on the dust jacket being unclipped and free of tears, and the text block remaining free of remainder marks or foxing.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

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

Market Analysis

Late 20th-century mystery novels by prolific authors like J. A. Jance have a dedicated but aging collector base. Supply heavily outweighs demand for most titles, keeping prices modest. First editions only command a slight premium over reading copies unless they are signed or in exceptional, unread condition. Buyers are typically series completists shopping on eBay, AbeBooks, or Amazon used markets.

Value Drivers

▲ Confirmed first edition, first printing (10-1 number line) appeals to series completists.

▲ Hardcover format with original dust jacket retains better value than paperback reading copies.

Concerns

▼ Unverified dust jacket condition — tears, chips, or price-clipping would drop value to the $10 reading-copy floor.

▼ Unverified page edges — presence of remainder marks (sharpie dots/lines) heavily discounts modern first editions.

Best Venue

List on a broad online marketplace like eBay or Amazon as a fixed-price listing. Price around $15-$20 if unsigned and in standard condition, or push to $25-$30 if the dust jacket is pristine. Ensure photos clearly show the '10-1' number line to confirm first printing status for collectors.

Upside Potential

If the book is flat-signed or inscribed by J. A. Jance, or if it is in absolutely pristine, unread condition, it can realize the $30 high end of the range, as demonstrated by the verified Hill Country Books comp.

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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.

  • Fleur Fine Books
    Skeleton Canyon (SIGNED)
    Link could not be verified.
    $20