TRUE CRIME

(London): Sceptre, 2003. First printing. Very good plus.. Amy Winehouse's personal copy of this gritty London novel by one of her father's favorite writers. Winehouse was a known reader; both she and her family commented on this aspect of her personality over the years in interviews. The Amy Winehouse Collection, sold by us in 2025, contained more than 225 volumes from her library that amply demonstrated this. One could easily recognize the teenager who loved Salinger, the nerd who acquired numerous graphic novels, the training vocalist reading multiple Frank Sinatra biographies, and the touring musician just looking for a good read to pass the time on the road. This title, a duplicate from that larger collection and here offered separately, is no exception. Both Arnott and this book specifically were cited by Winehouse's father, Mitch, in a joint 2006 BBC Radio interview. Asked about their favorite fictional Londoner, Mitch replied: "Harry Starks, from THE LONG FIRM, Jake Arnott. BBC: Telly or book? Mitch: No the books [...] LONG FIRM and what was the other one? TRUE CRIME. BBC: He's a good writer isn't he? Mitch: Fabulous. BBC: Gets that sense of place and time so well. Mitch: Absolutely, 50s and 60s. Great. BBC: And that was your era I guess as well? Mitch: Yeah that's right. Right on." A touching memento from one of the most indelible musical artists of the early 21st century. 7.25'' x 5''. Original color photographic wrappers. [4], 338, [10] pages. Minor creasing and sunning to spine. Pages a bit toned. Mild shelfwear. Overall clean and sound. Provenance: The Estate of Amy Winehouse via Julien's Auctions, Los Angeles (Property From The Life And Career Of Amy Winehouse, November 6th and 7th, 2021, lot 313). A copy of the limited edition slipcased catalogue is provided. Julien's auction postcard for lot 313 loosely laid in. Housed in a custom black and pink archival clamshell box.