Murder is the unique crime, the only one for which we can never make reparation to the victim.

A politician is required to listen to humbug, talk humbug, condone humbug. The most we can hope for is that we don't actually believe it.

I learned early and at that kitchen table that there are ways of avoiding, without guilt, the commitments of love.

There comes a time when every scientist, even God, has to write off an experiment.

What the detective story is about is not murder but the restoration of order.

the unforgivable was usually the most easily forgiven.

Charm is always genuine; it may be superficial but it isn't false.