Rex Stout's narrative and dialogue could not be improved, and he passes the supreme test of being rereadable. I don't know how many times I have reread the Wolfe stories, but plenty. I know exactly what is coming and how it is all going to end, but it doesn't matter. That's writing.

What's the use of a great city having temptations if fellows don't yield to them?

His whole aspect was that of a man who has unexpectedly been struck by lightning.

It was my Uncle George who discovered that alcohol was a food well in advance of modern medical thought.

When you have been just told that the girl you love is definitely betrothed to another, you begin to understand how Anarchists must feel when the bomb goes off too soon.

I believe there are two ways of writing novels. One is mine, making a sort of musical comedy without music and ignoring real life altogether; the other is going right deep down into life and not caring a damn.

I always advise people never to give advice.