Ninety-seven is my lucky number.

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

I hate the only one of my book jackets when I was made up professionally, my hair made into a smooth bell.

I'm glad I was never an heiress.

If I write that it was a cold day, you can be sure I know it was a cold day because Pepys told us.

As the Dauphine stepped out of her carriage on to the ceremonial carpet that had been laid down, it was the Duc de Choiseul who was given the privilege of the first salute. Presented with the Duc by Prince Starhemberg, Marie Antoinette exclaimed: 'I shall never forget that you are responsible for my happiness!

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