Without a yardstick sometimes the high points can be taken for granted.

...being written by someone who might not quite understand the subconscious nuance of the character leaves us in varying degrees of flatness.

the best lies to tell are the ones people want to believe

I would so hate to be a first-person character! Always on your guard, always having people read your thoughts!

DCI Horner's advice to Jack Spratt: "Remember, m'boy," his old boss had said, eyes twinkling, "that if anyone tries to get the better of you, stand up straight and say to yourself in an imperious air, 'I am the new Mrs. de Winter now!' You'll find it works wonders.

Do I have to talk to insane people?" "You're a librarian now. I'm afraid it's mandatory.

Don't move," said Sprockett."Mimes don't generally attack unless they are threatened.