Reynie's fce fell. 'It's not funny, Kate.' For a moment - a fleeting moment - Kate looked desperately sad. 'Well, of course it's not funny, Reynie Muldoon. But what do you want me to do? Cry?

She announced her age right away, for children consider their ages every bit as important as their names.

I think when I started to write The Mysterious Benedict Society that I had that kind of thing in mind - the notion of having to be able to solve puzzles and riddles because enormous stakes rode upon your ability to do that.

They stared out their window at night enough to know where the darkest shadows lay, and it was to the darkest shadows they kept.

I tend to find characters who lack vulnerability dull.

The gym is always open, except when it's closed.

Milligan! Come and tell us why you're so dreadfully glum!" ~ Constance, The Mysterious Benedict Society