If you think it's hard getting in, you should try getting out.

Writing about magic is harder than writing about spies because you're dealing with something that doesn't really exist.

Inside every fat man, there's a thin man trying to get out.

My greatest fear is disappointing the reader, so each book has to be better than the one before.

Until he lost all his money, my father was a successful north London Jewish businessman. He was unusual among his immediate family in that he was enormously cultured and had an incredible library.

Whatever you say, old boy. Just look after yourself. And whatever you do, don't swallow the gum!

Oh-do be careful with that! That's my Buddha hand grenade. Twist the head twice and throw it and anyone within ten yards can say their prayers.