Crime fiction confirms our belief, despite some evidence to the contrary, that we live in a rational, comprehensible, and moral universe.

Read widely and with discrimination. Bad writing is contagious.

we can forgive anything as long as it isn't done to us.

All these problems [deciding cases] are easier for people who believe in God. Those of us who don't or can't have to do the best we can. That's what the law is, the best we can do. Human justice is imperfect, but it's the only justice we have.

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

The weekend break had begun with the usual resentment and had continued with half-repressed ill humour. It was, of course, his fault. He had been more ready to hurt his wife's feelings and deprive his daughter than inconvenience a pub bar full of strangers. He wished there could be one memory of his dead child which wasn't tainted with guilt and regret.

People were excited by violence. What, after all, was the sexual act but a voluntarily endured assault, a momentary death?