There Are No Ghosts in the Soviet Union - 1988 First US Ed

First U.S. Edition, explicitly stated on the copyright page. Hardcover in black paper-covered boards with a black cloth spine and gilt lettering, accompanied by the original illustrated red dust jacket. 230 pages. Originally published in Great Britain by William Collins Sons & Co. in 1987. An engaging collection of six crime and suspense narratives by the acclaimed British mystery novelist and creator of the Dalziel and Pascoe detective series. The title novella follows Inspector Lev Chislenko as he investigates an apparently impossible disappearance in a Moscow building, blending mystery with satirical observations of Soviet society. The accompanying stories - Bring Back the Cat!, The Bull Ring, Auteur Theory, Poor Emma, and Crowded Hour - demonstrate Hill's versatility, ranging from psychological suspense and dark comedy to literary pastiche. Auteur Theory revisits the world of Dalziel and Pascoe, while Poor Emma draws upon characters from Jane Austen's fiction. The distinctive dust jacket features a dramatic rising-angel illustration, with jacket design credited to Ann Aspell and author photography to Miriam Berkley. The story Bring Back the Cat! features Joe Sixsmith, a character who later became the protagonist of Hill's own detective series. That makes this collection especially interesting to readers who collect Hill's recurring characters. Condition: Fine / Near Fine. The book is Fine, with clean, attractive black boards, bright gilt spine lettering, and a fresh, unmarked interior. The binding is sound and square. The original, unclipped dust jacket is Near Fine, retaining its vibrant red color and printed price, with light shelf wear, minor edge rubbing, and a few small surface impressions. An attractive copy of the first American edition, retaining its original illustrated jacket.…