“Israfel has long been a house of cards, and he has been disturbed. He can feel his supports collapsing, day by day.”

“He has a song in his heart for me. I hope it is not "Shut Uppa You Face, Whatsa Matta You.”

“There he is, tall, tanned, Italian, sophisticated. So what do you do?"I said, "Er, leap on him and snog him within an inch of his life? Taking care not to strangle myself on his false beard, or disturb his banana.”

“You can count your days or make your days count for something. The choice is yours.”

“And Beauvoir knew then the man was a saint. He's been touched by any number of medical men and women. All healers, all well intentioned, some kind, some rough. All made it clear they wanted him to live, but none had made him feel that his life was precious, was worth saving, was worth something.”

“It's a blessing Madame Gamache and I had at our wedding. It was read at the end of the ceremony.Now you will feel no rainFor each of you will be shelter for the otherNow you will feel no coldFor each of you will be warmth for the otherNow there is no loneliness for youNow there is no more loneliness.Now you are two persons, but there is one life before you.Go now to your dwelling placeTo enter into the days of your togetherness.And may your days be good and long upon this earth.(Apache Blessing)”

“Oh dear. I have just seen Angus hunkering down in the long grass. He's stalking their poodle. I'll have to intervene to avert a massacre. Oh, it's OK, Mrs. Next Door has thrown a brick at him.”