Overview
This is a first printing of the 1998 omnibus edition of James Ellroy's acclaimed Lloyd Hopkins Trilogy, published under the prestigious Mysterious Press imprint.
Identification
James Ellroy's 'L.A. Noir' Omnibus, First Mysterious Press Edition (1998)
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Story
James Ellroy is a master of American hardboiled crime fiction, best known for his L. A. Quartet. This 1998 omnibus, published by the respected mystery imprint Mysterious Press (a division of Warner Books), collects his earlier Lloyd Hopkins trilogy, providing a convenient single-volume format for readers. The secondary market for late-90s crime fiction omnibuses is saturated and highly accessible.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
Condition cannot be definitively assessed without photographs. For modern first editions, value is heavily dependent on the presence of a crisp, unclipped dust jacket, clean boards, and pages free of remainder marks, library stamps, or heavy age-toning.
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
The secondary market for late-90s crime fiction omnibuses is saturated and highly accessible. While James Ellroy is a highly collected author, serious collectors generally prefer true first editions of the individual novels rather than later compilations. Consequently, this volume trades primarily as a reading copy rather than a high-value collectible, moving steadily but at low price points on high-volume platforms.
Value Drivers
▲ First printing of the 1998 Mysterious Press omnibus edition.
▲ Collects three seminal early novels by a highly acclaimed crime author.
▲ Hardcover format appeals to readers wanting a durable reading copy.
Concerns
▼ Omnibus editions generally carry lower collector demand compared to true first editions of the individual titles.
▼ Unverified condition — ex-library markings, remainder marks, or a missing dust jacket would push value toward the $5 floor.
▼ Unverified signature — lacking an author signature caps the high-end potential.
Best Venue
Given the modest secondary market value, this item is best suited for a high-volume media marketplace like eBay or Amazon. Price competitively around $8-$10 for a steady sale, or bundle it with other James Ellroy or hardboiled crime novels to increase the overall lot value and offset shipping costs.
Upside Potential
If the book is in pristine, unread condition and features a verified signature from James Ellroy on the title page, the value range shifts upward to $30-$50, appealing to dedicated author collectors.