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

the unforgivable was usually the most easily forgiven.

you'd like the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. That must be the most futile oath anyone ever swears.

All fiction is largely autobiographical and much autobiography is, of course, fiction.

Can we ever break free of the devices and desires of our own hearts? Might not our conscience be telling us what we most want to hear?

gossip ... was like any other commodity in the marketplace. You received it only if you had something of value to give.

It shows considerable wisdom to know what you want in life and then to direct all your energies towards getting it.