I've never been able to write a book without one very strong character in my rucksack.

A good man knows when to sacrifice himself, a bad man survives but loses his soul.

Blackmail is more effective than bribery.

The Secret Intelligence Service I knew occupied dusky suites of little rooms opposite St James's Park Tube station in London.

Let's all pretend to be someone else, and then perhaps we'll find out who we are.

I can't think of anybody worse to live with.

If you see the world as gloomily as I see it, the only thing to do is laugh or shoot yourself.