RAT RACE

by Dick [Richard] [Stanley] Francis New York: Harper & Row, Publishers, (1971). First American edition, first printing. "First U.S. edition" statement to the copyright page, first printing number code sequence 1 through 10 and date code sequence 71 to the last blank page, $5.95 and date code 0371 to the jacket's flap. By the late, three-time Edgar, Gold Dagger, Cartier Diamond Dagger, and MWA Grand Master Awards winning author, and former champion steeplechase jockey. This mystery features Matt Shore, a pilot who hijacks a plane with four passengers including a jockey on its way to a horserace course. Presentable first printing. Small sticker-removal surface abrasion to the upper corner of the front end-paper, else very good plus in brick-red linen over textured black boards with red embossed flame insignia to the front cover and with black embossed titles to the spine, red-and-white 'Harper Suspense Novel' patterned end-papers, deckle page fore-edges; in a very good plus dust jacket with art by Jay J. Smith, with very faint tan stain to the rear panel's lower edge, some mild crimps to the front panel's shelf-edges, and slight rubbing to the lower spine edge and upper front corner tip. NO remainder mark. The dust jacket will be placed in a clear, removable protective sleeve after scanning for this entry.…