I shuddered from stem to stern, as stout barks do when buffeted by the waves.

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.

Jeeves, you really are a specific dream-rabbit." "Thank you, miss. I am glad to have given satisfaction.

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

Mere abuse is no criticism.

They pointed out that the friendship between the two artists had always been a byword or whatever you called it. A well-read Egg summed it up by saying that they were like Thingummy and what's-his-name.

Whenever I have that sad, depressed feeling, I go out and kill a policeman.