The Ludwig Conspiracy question

Anyone out there familiar with a store called "Ollies"? It is similar to "Big Lots". We just had one open here and of course I went to see what it was like. In the book section, I found "The Ludwig Conspiracy" hardcover, for $2.99 U.S. Since I have read all the "Hangman's Daughter" series so far (at least twicw) and had this book in my wish list on Amazon, i bought it. I opened up to the title page and saw it was signed by the Author, at least I hope it is his signature. How can I verify that it is truly a signed first edition?