Wolfe scowled at her. I could see he was torn with conflicting emotions. A female in his kitchen was an outrage. A woman criticizing his or Fritz's cooking was an insult. But corned beef hash was one of life's toughest problems, never yet solved by anyone.

I have never regarded myself as this or that. I have been too busy being myself to bother about regarding myself.

[A] pessimist gets nothing but pleasant surprises, an optimist nothing but unpleasant.

War doesn't mature men; it merely pickles them in the brine of disgust and dread.

One of the hardest things to believe is that anyone will abandon the effort to escape a charge of murder. It is extremely important to suspend disbelief on that. If you don't, the story is spoiled.

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

A guest is a jewel on the cushion of hospitality