The amount of missing girls I've had to trace and their family and their friends always say the same thing. 'She was a bright and affectionate disposition and had no men friends'. That's never true. It's unnatural. Girls ought to have men friends. If not, then there's something wrong about them.

I never can stand seeing people pleased with themselves,” said Joanna. “It arouses all my worst instincts.

Surfing is like that. You are either vigorously cursing or else you are idiotically pleased with yourself.

People who can be very good can be very bad too.

Liking is more important than loving. It lasts. I want what is between us to last, Luke. I don't want us just to love each other and marry and get tired of each other and then want to marry some one else.

the detective's highest talent lay in the gentle art of seeking favours under the guise of conferring them!

Plots come to me at such odd moments, when I am walking along the street, or examining a hat shop… suddenly a splendid idea comes into my head.