my crime books are actually novels and are written as such. One might even say that each one is really two novels, one of which is the story I tell the reader, and the other the buried story I know and let slip now and then into a clue to whet the reader's interest.

Old men make wars that young men may die.

Useless as a pulled tooth.

Every crucial experience can be regarded either as a setback, or the start of a wonderful new adventure, it depends on your perspective!

Politics is still the man's game. The women are allowed to do the chores, the dirty work, and now and then--but only occasionally--one is present at some secret conference or other. But it's not the rule. They can go out and get the vote, if they can and will; they can collect money, they can be grateful for being permitted to work. But that is all.

[On fishing:] Greatest rest in the world for the brain.

... if one can remember without loving, then couldn't one love without remembering?