To read of a detective's daring finesse or ingenious stratagem is a rare joy.

Afraid? I can dodge folly without backing into fear.

I don't approve of open fires. You can't think, or talk or even make love in front of a fireplace. All you can do is stare at it.

A Dickens character to me is a theatrical projection of a character. Not that it isn't real. It's real, but in that removed sense. But Sherlock Holmes is simply there. I would be astonished if I went to 221½ B Baker Street and didn't find him.

I think the detective story is by far the best upholder of the democratic doctrine in literature. I mean, there couldn't have been detective stories until there were democracies, because the very foundation of the detective story is the thesis that if you're guilty you'll get it in the neck and if you're innocent you can't possibly be harmed. No matter who you are.

I have a strong moral sense - by my standards.

Hemingway never grew out of adolescence. His scope and depth stayed shallow because he had no idea what women are for.