Desperate ills need desperate remedies.

If you've had a happy childhood, nobody can take that away from you.

Hercule Poirot: I am an imbecile. I see only half of the picture. Miss Lemon: I don't even see that.

Prisoners at the bar, have you anything to say in your defence?

It is ridiculous to set a detective story in New York City. New York City is itself a detective story.

I'm sorry, but I do hate this differentiation between the sexes. The modern girl has a thoroughly businesslike attitude to life! That sort of thing. It's not a bit true! Some girls are businesslike and some aren't. Some men are sentimental and muddle-headed, others are clear-headed and logical. There are just different types of brains.

At the small table, sitting very upright, was one of the ugliest old ladies he had ever seen. It was an ugliness of distinction - it fascinated rather than repelled.