First Signet printing of this Hollywood novel by the American hard-boiled writer, author of They Shoot Horses Don't They? and others. NY: Signet/New American Library, 1951. First edition thus (stated first printing). Perfect-bound in pictorial color wraps, 7-1/8 x 4-1/4 in. Textblock edges stained pink. 144pp. Light rubbing and some spots of surface loss to front cover. Else about near fine. Spine uncreased. Signet 884. Cover art by Raymond Pease.