And for about the millionth time in her life she felt an overwhelming gratitude for her best friend. Because she knew he wouldn’t mention this afterward; she knew he wouldn’t take it as a sign...

It’s a noir world. Unfair things happen.

But sometimes the lies we let ourselves believe are for our own good.

Conan Doyle deluded a century of readers into thinking we’re all deductive geniuses.

Chatty, defensive, observant. My new favorite witness.

I also drink Scotch. But I’m not picky. I’ll take the victory Scotch, or the Scotch of defeat. Or the rotgut swill.

The response in the office was predictable, though it wasn’t Mac who cooed the loudest; it was her dad.”Who’s a big fierce monster dog? Who’s a bloodthirsty hound from Hell? It’s you. Yes it is.”...