We're all pilgrims on the same journey but some pilgrims have better road maps.

Most of my books are about contemporary subjects, and the world changes so fast that I'm lucky when events haven't overtaken the book I'm writing at the moment.

I try to end every chapter with an air of suspense. I try to leave the reader wanting to turn the page.

I think it's more difficult now to write a spy thriller with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Many authors have tried, but few have succeeded in capturing the interest of readers.

Everyone looked pensive, which is good cover-up for clueless.

I generally unwind by having dinner with close friends.

There are Mafia families that have bought magnificent houses on the North Shore, although not yet the great estates because they don't want that kind of high profile.