I realize that I had always in my heart of hearts planned to write a biography of Marie Antoinette.

[In 16th century European society] Marriage was the triumphal arch through which women, almost without exception, had to pass in order to reach the public eye. And after marriage followed, in theory, the total self-abnegation of the woman.

Normally I make myself swim, do exercises. For zest I like going to the cinema.

I have no plans for a future Jemima Shore mystery, but would write one tomorrow if a good idea came to me.

Lives in previous centuries for women are largely a matter of class. It would have been fun to have been a rich, privileged woman in the 18th century, but no fun at all to be her maid.

I think crime writing is my link with trying to preserve a sort of order.

I am re-reading Henry James as a change from history. I began with Daisy Miller, and I've just finished Washington Square. What a brilliant, painful book.