Thrillers have been traditionally very masculine books; the women characters often rather decorative.

Fear could paralyse. Action was the antidote.

What she needs,' Tom said aloud 'is a husband.' Agnes said crisply, 'Well, she can't have mine.

I wanted to be some kind of captain of industry. Then I wanted to be in advertising, and then I wanted to be a newspaper reporter.

It's great that in the German language I've sold almost 30 million books. Isn't that amazing?

After a certain point, most people, including editors, will tell you everything you do is great.

I am very fond of Edith Wharton. She's quite high brow but also a great storyteller. My favorite is 'The House of Mirth.' I also like 'The Reef.