In both cases, weakness and scruples had defeated strength and ruthlessness.

I like to create imaginary characters and events around a real historical situation. I want readers to feel: OK, this probably didn't happen, but it might have.

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.

I’ve worked with volunteers before,” he began. “It’s important not to… not to treat them like servants. We may feel that they are laboring to obtain a heavenly reward, and should therefore work harder than they would for money; but they don’t necessarily take that attitude. They feel they’re working for nothing, and doing a great kindness to us thereby; and if we seem ungrateful they will work slowly and make mistakes. It will be best to rule them with a light touch.

I imagined it. I wrote it. But I guess I never thought I'd see it.

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

I aim to be translucent, so you don't notice the words, just their meaning. I haven't much insight into people's motivations.