A Silly Book Game - Part 15

Easy Rules*:

Take the book you're reading.
Find a quote which answers the question in the post above yours.
Tell us what book you are quoting.
Find another quote from the same book (a question this time) for the next poster to answer.
It's good if both your answer and question are related, but that's not absolutely necessary.

*Newbies welcome!

Continued from here.

--------------------
(posted by boobalack)

"I hear they've got an opening down at the bird place."

Outside the Perimeter by J. Sutton

"A bird? The police are banging on my door about a bird?"

For what was to come, I would need to be in full possession of my wits."

Honey and Dust - Piers Moore Ede

"Was it possible?"

"Fearing that either a yes or a no might have equally disastrous consequences, I said maybe."

Bridge of Sighs by Richard Russo

"So, you want to join our club?"

"I'm not going in there."

Rum Punch by Elmore Leonard

"You get along with the Colombians?"

"Through lawyers", she said, "the usual way."

Endless Night by Agatha Christie

"But how did you buy it?"

"I take you to shopping mall, sir."

Honey and Dust - Piers Moore Ede

"Was this the place where man lost touch with the network of wild systems, landforms, elevations, the distinctive web of flora and fauna which define us?"

"It's another world entirely."

City of Souls by Vicki Pettersson

"You sleep with your money?"

“Let’s to bed, knight. Thou hadst need send for more money.”

‘The Oxford Shakespeare: Twelfth Night, or What You Will’ by William Shakespeare.

“Fair lady, do you think you have fools in hand?”

"You will see."

Honey and Dust - Piers Moore Ede

"What's one banana?"

“Would not a pair of these have bred, sir?”

‘The Oxford Shakespeare: Twelfth Night, or What You Will’ by William Shakespeare.

“Are you a comedian?”

"You insult the dead and our family name!"

The Pale Assassin by Patricia Elliott

"Why does he not say anything to defend Papa?"

“A coward, a most devout coward, religious in it.”

‘The Oxford Shakespeare: Twelfth Night, or What You Will’ by William Shakespeare.

“But shall we make the welkin dance indeed?”

"It's probably against their values."

Outside the Perimeter by J. Sutton

"Want carrot?"

"Fresh this morning. So go ahead, help yourself."

Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella

"Should I be worried about lunch?"

'for herself, her platter was an abominable mess of cheese and protein-powder and apples and salad oil, while round her, like saucers of specimen seeds, were ranged little piles of nuts and pine branches, which supplied body-building material, and which she weighed out in accordance with the directions of the Uric-Acid Monthly.'

Queen Lucia by E. f. Benson

'cannot i persuade you to stop?'

"Girl, I do not think you fully appreciate the honor I do you."

The Darkangel by Meredeth Ann Pierce

What vampyre would want you?"

I haven't spoken to him yet so I have no idea if he's noticed me. Ocasionally, I glance over at him, then quickly look away as my stomach pops over.

Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella

"So, have you remembered anything yet?"

"I took another sip of wine. None of this really made sense to me."

Outside the Perimeter by J. Sutton

"Why doesn't Atlanta have any Chinese restaurants?"

"I don't like to say this, but I feel better for that," she said.

Sourcery by Terry Pratchett

"In that case, you wouldn't mind taking me with you, would you?"

I was not about to bite.

Garlic and Sapphires - Ruth Reichl

"Wouldn't you like to live in New York?"

"Really, Father, you are being too idotic."

Curtain by Agatha Christie

"Afterall, what is guilt or innocence?"

"Ted looked confused."

Outside the Perimeter by J. Sutton

"Hey, do you know anyone who might help me use one of those things?"

"A man, actually."

City of Souls by Vicki Pettersson

"So, where's the real stripper?"

"I'll do that..."

Garlic and Sapphires - Ruth Reichl

"Do I know you?"

“You sir? Why, what are you?”

‘The Oxford Shakespeare: Twelfth Night, or What You Will’ by William Shakespeare.

“O mistress mine, where are you roaming?”

"We'll be home in a couple of days, good as new."

Prey by Rachel Vincent

"What's the doc say?"

“O, he’s drunk, Sir Toby, an hour agone.”

‘The Oxford Shakespeare: Twelfth Night, or What You Will’ by William Shakespeare.

“Wouldst though not be glad to have the niggardly rascally sheep-biter come by some notable shame?”

"Well, you're still intense."

Dead Irish by John Lescroart

"You mind if I look at it?"

"That...is for you to decide."

Garlic and Sapphires - Ruth Reichl

"Is it that bad?"

"I didn't look at it that way."

Dead Irish by Lescroart

"So have you been happy?"

“By your patience, no. My stars shine darkly over me.”

‘The Oxford Shakespeare: Twelfth Night, or What You Will’ by William Shakespeare.

“Art not thou the Lady Olivia’s fool?”

"I'll tell you." I murmer at last, "I'll tell you when I remember."

Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella

"Why are you carrying a shirt?"

"My God, man! It never occurred to me."

Love in the Time of Cholera (Vintage International) by Gabriel Garcia Màrquez

"And whose son are you?

ETA: Touchstones doesn't appear to be working.

"A saint sorely taxed."

Canada and Other Matters of Opinion by Rex Murhpy

"Who knew?"

#28 LOL, Linda. excellent!

"The few people who had known were beginning to forget for reasons over which they had no control."

Love in the Time of Cholera (Vintage International) by Gabriel Garcia Màrquez

"What do you expect, doctor?"

ETA: Still trying to get Touchstones to work for this one. Listed to the right is "Chronicle of a Death Foretold," instead of "Love in the Time of Cholera."

"They took him down for X-rays, sort of unexpected. He said for you to wait."

Garlic and Sapphires - Ruth Reichl

"Do you know how to get to New York Hospital?"

"Our exit's up next."

Prey by Rachel Vincent

"Is there a possibility it could happen again?"

"That...is what you are about to find out."

Garlic and Sapphires - Ruth Reichl

"Are you planning on coming back?"

"'no!' said Mrs. Quantock in the loudest possible Riseholme voice of surprise."

Queen Lucia by E. F. Benson

'what's all this about singing and playing?'

"Welcome to New York," I muttered under my breath.

Garlic and Sapphires - Ruth Reichl

"Can't I just stay in the hotel and order room service with Nicky?"

"I think not right at the moment," said Nijel.

Sourcery by Terry Pratchett

"Now then," said Sconner, brightly, "who would like the honour of setting the fire?"

"Ethan!" I shouted in midswing, because my brother was closest.

Prey by Rachel Vincent

"What can I get you to drink?"

"Now a cup of tea, that would be pure heaven."

A Step In The Dark by Judith Lennox

"You're a night owl, aren't you?"

"Why do you have to be continually asking questions?

Curtain by Agatha Christie

"You don't know who I am, do you?

“I know thee well.”

‘The Oxford Shakespeare: Twelfth Night, or What You Will’ by William Shakespeare.

“How dost though, my good fellow?”

"I am calm," he intoned, "I am totally in control."

Sourcery by Terry Pratchett

"There's a girl needs rescuing?"

"Please help me get these vines off!" she says desperately.

Wearing Dad's Head - Barry Yourgrau

"What do you think, I just lurk all day in this overgrown weed patch looking for the chance to get the drop on girls?"

#s 41, 48 squeaky, you are in rare form. marvelous.

'how dreadfully stupid of me not to remember that you were a bachelor too.'

Queen Lucia by E. F. Benson

'shall we stroll on the green a few minutes?'

"This is as far as I go..."

Wearing Dad's Head - Barry Yourgrau

"Do I look like a travel bureau?"

“If not, an it would please you to take leave of her she is very willing to bid you farewell.”

‘The Oxford Shakespeare: Twelfth Night, or What You Will’ by William Shakespeare.

“Shall I bid him go?”

"Oh, fine."

Prey by Rachel Vincent

"Is there any trouble with the neighbors?"

“’Has broke my head across, and has given Sir Toby a bloody coxcomb, too.”

‘The Oxford Shakespeare: Twelfth Night, or What You Will’ by William Shakespeare.

“Still so cruel?”

"I'm a homicide cop."

Dead Irish by John Lescroart

"So look, we're talking drugs or not?

“I warrant there’s vinegar and pepper in’t.”

‘The Oxford Shakespeare: Twelfth Night, or What You Will’ by William Shakespeare.

“What’s a drunken man like, fool?”

*special award for rankamateur for hilarious use of Shakespeare!*

*I agree, great response rankamateur!

*I third the special award! lol

I agree. If there was an academy award for Silly Games, then it belongs to Rankamateur! :)

"He's not dead, but he might be soon...."

Prey by Rachel Vincent

"If you have no memory of it, how do you know what happened?"

'eh? haven't you heard? i thought it would be all over the place by now.'

Queen Lucia by E. F. Benson

'and what have you come to tell me?'

"I don't know, I hadn't considered it. I guess a liar ought to have a good memory."

A Step In The Dark by Judith Lennox

"Do you think that wicked people always get their own way?"

#56,#57,#58,#59 - (Blushes, clears throat a couple of times, shuffles feet)
Er, thanks folks.

“’Tis but fortune, all is fortune.”

‘The Oxford Shakespeare: Twelfth Night, or What You Will’ by William Shakespeare.

“What foolish boldness brought thee to their mercies
Whom thou in terms so bloody and so dear
Hast made thine enemies?”

"Bunch of rednecks they recruited from Alabama or someplace."

Dead Irish by Lescroart

"So why did you have to kill her?"

"Kathy was a Peace Corps volunteer."

Secrets by Nuruddin Farah

"Could a day's stubble be that preponderous?"

"An exaggeration, I'm sure."

Hard-boiled Wonderland and the End of the World by Haruki Murakami

"Are you well endowed?"

She put her hand up to her brow and said, "God."

Dead Irish by Lescroart

"Sex, you mean?"

"'that will do beautifully,' she said."

Queen Lucia by E. F. Benson

'would Mrs. Weston come to her Dante class? would she? would she?'

"I doubt it. Unless you have influence with the gods."

A Step In The Dark by Judith Lennox

"Where have you been?"

"...just outside of Tabatinga where Brazil met Peru."

Dead Irish by John Lescroart

"Why don't you give me your phone number?"

"No, Monsieur, you cannot trap us that way," he said shortly, almost rudely.

The Pale Assassin by Patricia Elliott

"Now tell me what this confrontation is about."

"Marcus," he grunted.

Into the Path of Gods by Kathleen Cunningham Guler

"What kind of words are those to say to the one you were supposed to marry?"

"I'm pregnant."

Prey by Rachel Vincent

"Do we have a plan?"

"Let's play the spice game."

Garlic and Sapphires - Ruth Reichl

"Would that be acceptable?"

'i shall buy it, make the garden, furnish it, down to the minutest detail, and engage the servants, and then he'll give it me for a birthday present.'

Queen Lucia by E. F. Benson

'and do you know what we did this morning, before the toothache didn't begin?'

"He said we should see this movie about Russia."

Dog on It by Spencer Quinn

"What can you tell me about that?"

"she would perform an upwards scale in gradual crescendo, and on the highest most magnificent note would enunciate at the top of her voice, 'Yawning York!'"

Queen Lucia by E. F. Benson

"'who told you?' he asked."

"I noticed nothing about her except that she had a pleasant voice."

The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham

"Did you think the food was good?"

"My compliments to the chef," she said.

Hard-boiled Wonderland and the End of the World by Haruki Murakami

"Do you want to leave here?" she asks again.

"It might cause a lot of complications", said Ellie. "We shouldn't even get our bills."

Endless Nights by Agatha Christie

"What startled you, Mike?"

"She bloody hit me!"

The Devlin Diary by Christi Phillips

"Should I write that down?"

"No you can't do that. You will damage your shoulder again."

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

"Are you going to cut my throat?"

“I must have an ounce or two of this malapert blood from you.”

‘The Oxford Shakespeare: Twelfth Night, or What You Will’ by William Shakespeare.

“What relish is in this?”

"I looked down in bafflement at the wooden platter before me."

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

"But you aren't allowed to flog women, are you?"

...lol..maybe a different take on relish.
...#82 DeltaQueen...how funny is that, I am reading the same book!

#85 - wow, I don't think I've seen that happen before. Everybody better get ready for lots of scottish words! :0

"Ye shouldna be here. Since you are, weel, you'll have to pay the penalty for that."

The Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

"Do you need any help? "

"Never."

The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham

"Aren't you taking an awful chance?"

"If I hadn't had a knife, we'd both be dead now!"

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

"What are you waiting for?"

"'one, two,' said Lucia. 'three. now,' and she plunged wildly into a sea of demi-semi-quavers."

Queen Lucia by E. F. Benson

'you have a visitor with you, have you not?'

"I haven't got time for that sort of nonsense."

The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham

"Human nature is a nuisance, isn't it?"

"No! I said no! I admit Tom drinks like a fish and says things he shouldn't here and there, but the worst of this mess is the libelous note was signed 'Tamburlaine'!"

Mistress Shakespeare by Karen Harper

"He's been such a tosspot these last years, he'd say anything for a drink, so why torture him?"

“I can hardly forbear hurling things at him.”

‘The Oxford Shakespeare: Twelfth Night, or What You Will’ by William Shakespeare.

“Why, what’s the matter, does he rave?”

"It get's him what he wants."

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

"That man doesn't care overmuch for women, does he?"

"I've been telling you for months he's losing it."

Bridge of Sighs by Richard Russo

"Was he losing his mind or going someplace new and exciting, where no other painter had ever gone before?"

"It seemed improbable."

The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham

"Why don't you go away for a bit?"

"I don't know. I've wondered," Henry admitted.

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Stout

"Where's she going to find another husband in this tiny town?" Olive asked.

"I want her to know that if worst comes to the worst she can count on me."

The Moon and Sixpence

"How can you be so cruel?"

"You, Mr. Head Deacon Claptrap Nice Guy, expect me to give up my Sunday mornings and go sti among a bunch of snot-wots!"

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

"How can I help you today?"

"You know what."

Bridge of Sighs by Richard Russo

"You forgave him, didn't you?"

"I told you. Because you were nice enough to send that note."

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

"Do you think about her?"

"Haven't spoken to the jerk in three weeks."

Dog on It by Spencer Quinn

"So, what was the problem?"

First of all, I wasn't used of not being able to have my tea. To me, that alone was the pits. Then they didn't let me have my baby normal. They gave me a spinal. I hated that! Then they didn't feed you meat, and I didn't like that. And you had to go away down the hall to smoke and at the time I smoked.

My Kids, My Life by Audrey Wood

"Why are you wearing the big macintosh overcoat?"

“He’s in yellow stockings.”

‘The Oxford Shakespeare: Twelfth Night, or What You Will’ by William Shakespeare.

“Do you not see you move him?”

"It's not something to joke about."

The Chester Chronicles by Kermit Moyer

"Why'm I supposed to start humming for?"

Edited to fix author name.

'what good's being the boss if you can't?'

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'and you don't mind?'

'It doesna matter what it is. You've told me. That's enough for now."

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Do you know when I was born?"

"If I don't mind?
"I feel vaguely embarrassed that he needs to say this."

The Chester Chronicles by Kermit Moyer

"But what about our inconvenience? Who's going to pay for that?"

"I'm not talking about the money. I'm talking about that woman. Forget about it. She won't die and you know it."

Silk by Alessandro Baricco

"It's always difficult to resist the temptation to come back, isn't that true?"

"Well, you can believe what you want."

My Life, My Kids by Audrey Wood

"How did you know what time it was?"

"I just paid attention to certain fundamental details of laminar and spatial arrangements."

Sourcery by Terry Pratchett

"More like a wine bottle?"

"Yeah, you right."

The Chester Chronicles by Kermit Moyer

"So, you pulled my private file and read it?"

"'sometimes,' Vetinari said, testily, 'it really seems to me that the culture of cynicism in the watch is. . .is. . .'
'Insufficient?' said Vimes. There was silence."

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'i'd better go off and polish the knobs on my coronet, hadn't i?'

“Go off, I disgard you. Let me enjoy my private. Go off.”

‘The Oxford Shakespeare: Twelfth Night, or What You Will’ by William Shakespeare.

“Talkest though nothing but of ladies?”

"The economics and psychology of agriculture are such that exactly the opposite happened."

The Omnivore's Dilemma

(Hi, all! What a fun game.)

"How does one distinguish between the delicious and the deadly when foraging in the woods?"

#115 welcome, mark. :)

'i could smell it with my nose in a sack of onions.'

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'anyone seen the petty cash lately?'

"Without a doubt...for you know I never throw anything away."

The Moon and Sixpence

"Is it possible that it is still in the attic?"

"Yes, sir."

Turning Angel

"Sonny, did you know I was working with your dad?"

"If we can't keep a secret like that we have no business doing what we do."

Saving Faith by David Baldacci

"I take it you're somewhat security minded?"

"How strange that you should say that!"

The Moon and Sixpence

"Did I not tell you that I, too, in my way was an artist?"

“Wherefore are these things hid? Wherefore have these gifts a curtain before ’em? ”

‘The Oxford Shakespeare: Twelfth Night, or What You Will’ by William Shakespeare.

“Is it a world to hide virtues in?”

"In this kind of world," Peterson said,"absurd, if you will, possibilities nevertheless proliferate and escalate all around us and there are opportunities for beginning again."

Sixty Stories - Donald Barthelme

"Are you absolutely sure you didn't conceive it wrongly in the first place?"

"I'm not answering that," she said. "Pay attention, or you'll knock the bucket over."

The Wedding Officer by Anthony Capella

"You've never milked before, have you?"

"The kitten is crying for milk..."

Sixty Stories - Donald Bathelme

"But isn't that kind of a superficial approach to the problem?"

"They will manage to make themselves invisible from the arrogant population, filled with certainties, prowling the streets and the daylight hours."

The Last Summer of Reason by Farah Djaout

"Have they dared propose a preexistent right of women to dignity, insist on their place as equal members of the human race?"

"I think we'll all feel better if we try to get a bit more sleep," said Nijel diplomatically.

Sourcery by Terry Pratchett

"When all's said and done, what good are they?"

'they're for. . .for having.'

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'was he the one who tried poisoning my shaving cream?'

"Deadly," said the Senior Wrangler firmly. "One of them got my aunt."

The Last Continent by Terry Pratchett!

Thin fellow, was he?"

"However, he was a man of God, and I hoped he might be able to give me guidance."

Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier

"Who said that?"

'he's a bad news wolf!'

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'what? a fake of a fake? what good's that?'

"I expect he made a pretty profit."

Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier

"What is it, if not a crocodile?"

“This is the Ministry,” Kelsier said. “There’ll be two tails at least.”

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

“And… how much are we getting paid for achieving the impossible?”

'. . .i couldn't help noticing that you clenched your fist tightly as soon as you heard me, and i surmise therefore that you found. . .let me see. . .three dollars left in the chicken house.'

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'are you experiencing trouble?'

"So is my sister"

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

"Who was she with before she came to you?"

"She was the best whore in Naples before the war."

The Wedding Officer by Anthony Capella

"But how can we work if the brothels are shut?"

"I'm not your maid. Go fix it yourself!"

Before, After, and Somebody in Between by Jeannine Garsee

"If I tell you something, do you promise not to turn me in?"

'i just hope it don't cause loss of morals.'

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

"'do you see anything wrong with these lumps, corporal?' he said quietly."

//eta a missing word

"There's something strange about this place."

The Forest by Edward Rutherfurd

"Why, do you know any witches?"

'OH YES. IT'S QUITE THE NEW THING.'*

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

"possibly? you turn up when people are possibly going to die?'

*caps in the text. it's Death talking. if you're a Pratchett fan, you understand. Death talks like that. think of the late Sir Ian Richardson in a loud echo chamber.

"But I'd say your guy was dead less than nine hours before I saw him this morning."

Quite Ugly One Morning by Christopher Brookmyre

"Come on, chill out. Shall we go for a pint?"

"You might try saying a few prayers if you're lonely."

Quiet as a Nun by Antonia Fraser

"Do you fancy dressing up as a nun?"

'captain colon almost swallowed his tongue.'

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'you mean. . .you eat your meat raw and sleep in a tree?'

"That's good, isn't it?

Hot Rain by Kat Martin

"You really are one of the good guys?"

“What I am and what I would are as secret as maidenhead:”

‘The Oxford Shakespeare: Twelfth Night, or What You Will’ by William Shakespeare.

“Were you sent hither to praise me?”

"I won't tell if you don't."

The Forest by Edward Rutherfurd

"Which way were you betting, Sir?"

Edited to try to get Touchstones to work.

"One day, statistically, he will be right. The volcano will erupt."

The Wedding Officer by Anthony Capella

"If it does erupt, which way will the lava flow?"

"…towards the south-east."

The Forest by Edward Rutherfurd

"Did she deceive herself, or was she really so fearless?"

"I didn't care except that it might mean losing a servant."

Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier

"You don't mind sitting outside, Molly?"

“Mistress Mary, if you prized my lady’s favour at anything more than contempt you would not give means for this uncivil rule.”

‘The Oxford Shakespeare: Twelfth Night, or What You Will’ by William Shakespeare.

“Jove knows I love,
But who?”

'how'd you feel about me tellin' you? i mean, some people'd rather not know. it's a pers'nal thing.'

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'can you smell water anywhere around?'

"I assumed this was an elaborate way of asking after Mary, couched in bad poetry."

Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier

"And you did not answer?"

" I haven't heard a thing you've said all day," she said, her expression mellowing. "I'm not even aware that you are sitting near me in this cafe."

Quite Ugly One Morning by Christopher Brookmyre

"So, what are you doing here?"

#s 151 & 152 lovely. throaty chuckle

"I've come to your lair because you, my friends, owe me a great debt."

Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

"Do you want to go dance instead?"

@152 DeltaQueen, Hope you're enjoying that one as much as I did. Read that one earlier this year and have since gone through another 7 of his works with a further 3 on the tbr shelves.

'oh gods, yes.'

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'where is everyone tonight?'

"Vic's in his dressing room, most everyone is except for the ones on stage."

Salvation in Death by J.D. Robb

"Is there --- do you have any news?"

"Well, I'm no judge, but it rather looks like the Apocralypse, yuh?"

Sourcery by Terry Pratchett

"Is your geese giving you trouble?"

"That's much too vague and open-ended a question for a definitive answer."

Salvation in Death by J.D. Robb

"How many coffee shops did you pass on your endless and arduous hike from the subway?"

"Just a little one. Really."

Water for Elephants - Sara Gruen

"How about getting me some real food?"

"...I was thinking of the fossil fish in Mary's workshop, waiting for me to thaw, and I knew I had to do something."

Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier

"Storm the citadel?"

"That is a strange thing," remarked my companion, "you are the second man today that has used that expression to me."

Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Novels and Stories, Volume I by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

"You don't mind the smell of strong tobacco, I hope?"

"By this point I was stifling coughs and Johnny went downto the kitchen to fetch me some wine."

Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier

"What do we have all those visitors for if not for the sea air and water and for their health."

"If you'll step this way...I'll show you ladies something you've never seen before."

Water for Elephants - Sara Gruen

"You coming--or what?"

"Oh no, we be quarrymen."

Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier

"Why are you going on about such a thing when I've just had good news?"

"I hate adorable and romantic."

Salvation in Death by J.D. Robb

"Do you have any lines on the victim's real identity...?"

"This gentleman is, I believe, from the Clarion, he said . . .

A Shilling for Candles by Josephine Tey

"A bridge?"

'what about the troll?'

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'and what's in the sausages?'

"We had learned long ago that the nuns did not want us to talk about that topic."

My Heart Shook Like a Drum by Alice Blondin-Perrin

"How could they treat us like that?"

"We had cake for dinner, if you recall."

Salvation in Death by J.D. Robb

"Do you do that on purpose?"

"I has my reasons."

The Forest by Edward Rutherfurd

"Might you be my cousin?"

"...I am, according to the records, according to the grade book on her desk, according to the card index in the principal's office..."

Sixty Stories - Donald Barthelme

"...do you encounter your own existence as gratuitous?"

"And this now feels like a punishment for that."

Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb

"If my children are dead, who am I?"

"You've been faithful, even though you lost something so vital."

Salvation in Death by J.D. Robb

"How often are you supposed to go to confession?"

" I don't know, but I'll go if you come with me."

The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen

"What are you doing in my closet?"

"I'm so tired." The boy stated it as a fact, not a complaint.

Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb

"Do my eyes glow?"

'i generally never wait to find out about that sort of thing.'

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'can you imagine how much nerve that took?'

"I have finally found the nerve to petition for a larger desk."

Sixty Stories - Donald Barthelme

"Boy, they're kind of heavy, aren't they?"

“Nay, I prithee put on this gown and this beard,”

‘The Oxford Shakespeare: Twelfth Night, or What You Will’ by William Shakespeare.

“Will you help – an ass-head, and a coxcomb, and a knave; a thin-faced knave, a gull?”

'i can look like a wolf but i'm not a wolf.'

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'and what did old Stoneface say?'

"He didn't say anything. Out loud."

Ender's Shadow by Orson Scott Card

"Did you teach him that attitude of default hostility?"

"Mary knew it was all the media's fault, but finger pointing was too much exercise, and she couldn't sustain the blame for too long."

The Wife's Tale by Lor Lansens

"Why are you so late?"

(p.s., good answer #176!)

"The roof of the cow stall needed repairing."

The Forest by Edward Rutherfurd

"Were they all criminals?"

"'a werewolf, a troll and a dwarf,' said Carrot."

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'what's the point of starting here?'

"It's more fun this way."

Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire

"What do you want from me?"

"abnormal vigor"

Sixty Stories - Donald Barthelme

"Your liver is diseased?"

"'sometimes,' Vetinari said, testily, 'it really seems to me that the culture of cynicism in the Watch is. . .is. . .'

'insufficient?' said Vimes."

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

"'yeth, mithtreth?' said Igor, materializing out of the shadows."

//eta capital letter

"…we are going to give a ball."

The Forest by Edward Rutherfurd

"You want to tell me something?"

'. . .when you grin in that shiny sort of way it means that someone's playing silly buggers and doesn't know you've just thrown a six.'

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'do we have to rush so?'

"I've grown up with the idea of predestination. Free will seems a luxury."

The Edge of Reason by Melinda Snodgrass

"What do you want from me?"

"I need you to stay outside and keep watch."

Unseen: A Mystery by Mari Jungstedt

"Do you know where her family lives?"

"She saw instantly how foolish she'd been to wonder if anyone knew."

The Wife's Tale by Lori Lansens

"You're using my maiden name?"

It is unfair but there is nothing I can do about it."

Sixty Stories - Donald Barthelme

"You know that Paul is manufacturing bombs in your cellar, don't you?"

"And so....what?"

The Shadow Catcher by Marianne Wiggins

"Are you a mountaineer, Mr. Curtis?"

"I am afraid so, sir."

Hot Rain by Kat Martin

"Where are you parents now?"

"They had probably escaped from their - how shall I say? - exploiters, without giving notice."

The Wings of the Sphinx by Andrea Camilleri

"What makes you think they were being exploited?"

"If the fishing was poor, the boats might stay out for months at a time, until they'd earned their wages."

Blind Faith Hotel by Pamela Todd

"You going to Alaska, or not?"

"'Vimes, the thief-taker from Ankh-Morpork, is going to be the alleged ambassador,' snapped the baroness."

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'do the doggies know?'

*edited to correct punctuation

"All are gone. All are dead."

The Wife's Tale by Lori Lansens

"You are running away?"

"I have decided...to go to the Virgin Islands with Hubert."

Sixty Stories - Donald Barthelme

Do you mind?"

"I don't ... though some men would."

The Eye of Love by Margery Sharp

"What's that stuff on your hand? All that red stuff?"

"'sorry about that,' said Vimes. 'i was carried away by fruit.'

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'you heard glass break?'

"You can't imagine what's going on around here."

Sixty Stories - Donald Barthelme

"Why do you remind me of it?"

"'I'm not. . .sure,' said Vimes, who was sure."

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'where's the crew?'

"No one knows."

Sixty Stories - Donald Barthelme

"Is the President at fault?"

"He was shaken by the overwhelming revelation that the headlong race between his misfortunes and his dreams was at that moment reaching the finish line."

Looking for Alaska by John Green

"How will I ever get out of this labyrinth?"

'you will remain. . .our guest while investigations continue.'*

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'is there some problem?'

*ellipsis in the original

"They said it was an accidental overdose."

The Wife's Tale by Lori Lansens

"Will you come back tomorrow?"

"My carriage should arrive sometime tomorrow morning."

Havemercy by Jaida Jones and Danielle Bennett

"Instead, I opened the volume of Ke-Han verse and asked, 'Ah, yes. Where were we?' "

"Standing at the ocean's shore."

The Wife's Tale by Lori Lansens

"And your wife and sons?"

"Mostly in drugstores," Carl said.

Sixty Stories - Donald Barthelme

"Isn't that curious?"

"Yes," Father said, "but good-natured enough, most of the time."

The Hotel New Hampshire by John Irving

"Consummated?"

"Every rustic knew who did such things -- the witches and the fairies."

The Forest by Edward Rutherfurd

"Why the sudden coldness? Had he neglected her?"

"I wasn't alone, but it seemed I might as well have been, for the young man in the bed next to me was asleep."

Havemercy by Jaida Jones and Danielle Bennett which happens to be the book I have with me at work lol

"Or was it Isobel?"

"The information we received was quite encouraging."

Thomas D'Arcy McGee by David Wilson

"What if We Don't Fail?"

"You can see as well as I can," Malta retorted.

Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb

"How can I fear myself?"

'the news that they have nothing to fear is guaranteed to strike fear into the hearts of innocents everywhere.'

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'didn't i see you last month?'

"But love of the past must be balanced with needs of the future."

Thomas D'Arcy McGee by David Wilson

"What have all the rest been doing ever since these two men died?"

"More than a million Americans had to be brought into England to take their part in the great battle that was to begin in may."

The Invasion Before Normandy by Edwin P. Hoyt

"What would Bradley do?"

"...he might decide to challenge Lucas to a duel or something else equally archaic or testosterone driven."

Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh

"What does that mean?"

"…she suddenly realised, she must have come home."

The Forest by Edward Rutherfurd

"Had she really stolen that piece of lace," he asked, "or was it possible that she herself had come to imagine it?"

What he knew for certain, leaning against his doorjamb, staring into the shabby room, was that he was not the same person who had stood there the night before.

Tapping the Source by Kem Nunn

"You got good stuff?"

"I amaze myself sometimes."

The Forest by Edward Rutherfurd

"You could slip away, couldn't you? After dark?"

"He will be furious if he discovers I've slipped away."

Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb

"Have you a leader?"

'most of the Uberwald countries have no concept of a modern civil peacekeeping authority.'

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'how do you know he didn't see anything?'

"Know-Nothingism, McGee subsequently observed, had swept the country with a hurricane force."

Thomas D'Arcy McGee by David Wilson

"Didn't the English get a terrible handlin' in the Crimea, sir?"

'Vimes whose knowledge of geography was microscopically detailed within five miles of Ankh-Morpork and merely microscopic beyond that, nodded uncertainly.'

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'you're not suggesting i should go to this affair, are you?

//eta missing comma
//edited again to change the medical word for a state of unconsciousness (coma) to the word for a punctuation mark (comma). good grief.

"I wanted to save him from humiliation."

The Incident Report by Martha Baillie

"This used to be a sandwich, and what does it look like now?"

"... dead snakes," John answered in the tone that boys use to girls on such occasions.

Jonah's Gourd Vine by Zorah Neale Hurston

"What are you doing down here, John, with Amy looking all over Macon County for you?"

"I started to speak and the story spilled out of me -- something about an opera and freckled hands."

The Incident Report by Martha Baillie

"What is it about?"

"His horse gone at full moon, a pig in its place."

The Forest by Edward Rutherford

"You're not a traitor, are you?"

since it's been over an hour, i'm wondering if boobalack's computer may've crashed. i've picked a book at random and will supply only the question, which i shall forbear to answer as it wouldn't be fair.

from Josie's Well in Pieces of the Frame by John McPhee

'what is the secret of The Glenlivet?'

I did have computer problems. Sorry. I wasn't sure what to do, so I posted the question above and will answer yours and go forward. Then you could just do whatever you think will keep this thing from wrecking. lol

"Things are not always as they seem in the Forest."

The Forest by Edward Rutherford

"You mean I have to leave the Forest?"

"De chickens is cacklin' in de rice and dey say 'Come git it whilst iss fitten 'cause t'morrer it may be frost-bitten!'"

Jonah's Gourd Vine by Zorah Neale Hurston

"How much further you live from heah, Lucy?"

'would you mind a little detour on the way back to the Yard, sir? it'll make things clearer.'

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'why've you got a dress on, Nobby?'

"Don't make me regret it."

Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh

"Do you know how to attack using your powers?"

'here was a man who, in his tea break, would doodle an instrument for unthinkable mass destruction in the blank spaces around an exquisite drawing of the fragile beauty of the human smile. with a list of numbered parts.'

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'what was wrong with the first ones i did?'

"Oh who the hell knows?"

Winter in Madrid by C. J. Sansom

"What does Sandy think of them?

"He ain't tole me nothin' yit."

Jonah's Gourd Vine by Zorah Neale Hurston

"Skeeters botherin' yuh, John Buddy?"

"He's as filthy as they come," she says, "but he's on Mr. Cortez's leash."

Box Nine by Jack O'Connell

"Why would my neighbour be so concerned about my welfare?"

"I believe I haven't warned him about the frame of mind your in."

Worth the Risk by Nora Roberts

"Would you trust me to look into this?"

"'looks like it started in Gimlet's Delicatessen,' said Vimes. . .'get a statement off Gimlet.'"

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'oh no. . .what now?'

"There's something going on at the museum that needs your attention."

Scattered Graves by Beverly Connor

"Do you know who I am?"

"But his name wasn't really Barrancas…She watched as Sandy Forsyth walked across the tarmac…"

Winter in Madrid by C. J. Sansom

"What's so marvellous about the world?"

(Spelling as in book.)

"It's called the Mere Exposure Effect."

The Guinea Pig Diaries by A.J. Jacobs

"You want theatrics?"

"Harry arrived late at the theatre."

Winter in Madrid by C. J. Sansom

"I clean your shoes, señor?"

"I am more than capable of taking care of myself."

Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb

"What's in it for me?"

"…'You can make a lot off the meat ration.' He winked."

Winter in Madrid by C. J. Sansom

"Does she know you're a spy?"

"Not to worry, the Abominable Snowman's lurking right around the corner."

The Guinea Pig Diaries by A.J. Jacobs

"If this is true, why are men so opposed to cuddling?"

'. . .you always get idiots who don't move with the times.'

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'what, isn't he house-trained?'

"We watched him think for a minute."

Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones

"When can we say we know Mr. Dickens?"

"It's a mystery that humans have been pondering for centuries, but scientists and philosophers are no closer to an answer."

The Guinea Pig Diaries by A.J. Jacobs

"Where's my damn stimulation?"

'we'll go and see Igor. there's a good man with a needle if i ever saw one.'

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'i don't want to sound impatient, dear, but is this a carpet moment?'

"We can talk about it over drinks later."

Worth the Risk by Nora Roberts

"Have you ever found your wife dead?"

"Of course not, he said."

Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones

"Had the Australian government sent him?"

"I would not have let that bother me a few years ago."

Winter in Madrid by C. J. Sansom

"Wouldn't moving in make you a bit -- well -- cut off from the world?"

"...we outcasts have to stick together. It's a lonely world out there, Ike."

Box Nine by Jack O'Connell

"So how did it get here?"

"We don't live on the moon and we can't exist as if we lived on the moon."

The Retreat by David Bergen

"What do you believe?"

"Bernie is alive."

Winter in Madrid by C. J. Sansom

"So, work's keeping you busy?"

'the new king thinks i'm a fool, the werewolves treated me as if i was something the cat dragged in. . .the only person who's been halfway civil was a vampire!'

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'what's that for?'

"I'm a nurse."

Winter in Madrid by C. J. Sansom

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"Yes, I think he was behind the burglaries."

Scattered Graves by Beverly Connor

"What else do you have, David?"

'he called it the Piecemaker.'*

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'humans believe in crowns, don't they?'

*sic

"We all laughed."

Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones

"Do you know why he was taken to the mental hospital?"

Nurse Philliter decided that she was to be asked to go to a mental case and that the patient had come to fetch her in person.

‘Unatural Death’ by Dorothy L. Sayers.

“What!” she cried, “do you believe it was murder, then?”
(Would have worked better if I could have put the italics on 'murder', but that's not the way Ms. Sayers wrote it (sighs regretfully).)

"Have I not . . . just been . . . saying so?"

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

"Why didn't you tell me before?"

"There was talk of redskin reprisals against those villages that co-operated with the rebels."

Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones

"Why did I have to act dumber than I looked?"

"For money."

The Retreat by David Bergen

"Did you kill him?"

'there were only seven men. i killed one of them because i had to.'

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'how did the others die?'

"Time is a drug. Too much of it kills you."

Small Gods by Terry Pratchett

"When did you start think - When did you remember all this?"

"It was on the BBC."

Winter in Madrid by C. J. Sansom

"Do you think I care what that old shit says?"

"I didn't realize how important the lowlanders considered the academy until we studied Danlander political structure," said Esa.

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale

"How did you know that?" asked Liana.

"Sir, I am God's witness."

Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones

If dog meant dog and only could ever be dog, and turtle turtle, what did Sheba mean?"

“She don’t mean what she says, but if people was to hear of it they might think it odd.”

‘Unatural Death’ by Dorothy L. Sayers.

“Now where in thunder have I heard those words before?”

"The Empire State Building, Ellis Island, the U.N., tea at the Plaza and a Broadway show."

Worth the Risk by Nora Roberts.

"Why don't you leave Jerry alone?"

'then can you tell the creature that if he uses that word again in the presence of myself or any of my staff there will be, as we diplomats say, repercussions.'

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'and then. . .what was it? a diet of beetles?'

"Barbara pushed the horrible food around her plate"

Winter in Madrid by C. J. Sansom

"Am I too bourgeois?"

Miss Findlater spoke with the air of a disillusioned rake, who has sucked life’s orange and found it a dead sea fruit.

‘Unatural Death’ by Dorothy L. Sayers.

“So you were together – just you two – all the time?”

"Well, let's leave it that way for the time being. So much more romantic."

Box Nine by Jack O'Connell

"Have you ever used a tarot deck?"

“Wait till I’ve perfected my method and then I’ll show you - perhaps.”

‘Unatural Death’ by Dorothy L. Sayers.

“What makes you so fearfully keen about it?”

#280 i've always loved that line and it gave me a smile to read it. thanks, ra. :)

"Later she had been told that this somewhat expensive stuff was very popular for getting people drunk."

The Lost Honor of Katharina Blum by Heinrich Boll

"Why had she no savings book or checkbook?"

"I have to say there have been a few grants. But I can't believe in all these years no one's ever told you it's rude to inquire about someone's income."

Box Nine by Jack O'Connell

"You always talk to people you don't know like that?"

#285...good answer.

"This was why he had been hired."

Something Missing by Matthew Dicks

"What does one say to a homeowner who finds a stranger hiding in their coat closet?"

"You are a brave woman."

Winter in Madrid by C. J. Sansom

"…will not this matter have consequences for you and your husband?"

edited to correct speeling.

"That sounds like a terrible reason to dodge a dream."

Something Missing by Matthew Dicks

"I just can't spend my life in that room, you know?"

"'home can mean all sorts of things, sir,' said Cheery."

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'but why was she going on about drink?'

“It’s `olesomer than tea to my mind and don’t fret the coats of the stomach.”

‘Unatural Death’ by Dorothy L. Sayers.

“And what did Mister Stephen do when the money went?”

"To calm his exploding nerves, he began running through the ABCs in his head. A, B, C, D, E, F..."

Something Missing by Matthew Dicks

"Mrs. Pearl, do you know where your phone is?"

"If I knew, I wouldn't feel like I was chasing wild geese."

Worth the Risk by Nora Roberts

"Why didn't she get out?"

... - The poor old thing's crazy as a bedbug, of course, but harmless.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

She liked vermin, did I?

“Great ratter she was.”

‘Unatural Death’ by Dorothy L. Sayers.

“A cruel business that was, sir, wasn’t it?”

"Some humans, if the wretched truth must be told, find the most extraordinary things a source of great personal amusement. Not excluding inducing terror in others."

Drowning World by Alan Dean Foster

"And what of the feeling I've been having for days and days of us being watched?"

(edited for punctuation)

“You’ve no idea what a dreadfully gossipy place Leahampton is, Miss Climpson.”

‘Unatural Death’ by Dorothy L. Sayers.

“Would it be fair for me to say ‘The lady doth protest too much methinks’?”

"I don't need you men to do my thinking for me."

The Sea Captain's Wife by Beth Powning

"Was this a sign?"

"It might be a sign. Time for a new car."

Trick of the Light by Rob Thurman

"So, what did the Light tell you?"

'the little flickering part of his brain that was still sparking coherent thought through the fog of mind-numbing terror that filled Colon's head was telling him that he was so far our of his depth that the fish had lights on their noses.'

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'is there anything about me that you find funny.'

"That yellowish makeup's spread across her lips, too, so you can hardly tell she even got a mouth."

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

"So you'll use that one out in the garage now, you understand?"

"Of course. Not much sense in refusing you that."

Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb

""What has brought about this new alliance?"

"I can't tell you ever single thing, Skeeter."

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

"What did you think of him?"

"He was an ugly son of a bitch who cheats on his wife..."

Trick of the Light by Rob Thurman

"Now, what would you like?"

'i should like my leather case down from the roof.'

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'why were you standing behind the door, Captain?'

"You couldn't understand if you wanted to."

Trick of the Light by Rob Thurman

"How was Florida?"

"Make me cold just thinkin' 'bout it.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

"Lord have mercy, who done what to you?"

"Mother, I'm going to have a baby."

The Sea Captain's Wife by Beth Powning

"Mama?"

" I had a dread of turning into a certain kind of mother - the kind whose body sagged, who moved in a woolly-smelling fog, solemn with trivial burdens"

The Cambridge Introduction to Narrative by H. Porter Abbott (quoting from Alice Munro's short story "Miles City Montana")

"Okay, Cynthia?"

“It is going to be rough and I’m a bad sailor.”

‘Vile Bodies’ by Evelyn Waugh.

“Fanny, are we going to be wrecked?”

Woo! Just got to say, you guys are cooking! These are all really good.

"We will not starve."

The Sea Captain's Wife by Beth Powning

"The chicken?"

"An old Sicilian proverb says, 'Only the spoon knows what is stirring in the pot,' I said with a grin."

Trick of the Light by Rob Thurman

"So what's cooking?"

"I can cook corn pone."…"I can boil potatoes."

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

"What's so special about" -- she wrinkles up her nose at it -- "pig fat?"

“Oh, twenty damns to your great pig-face”, said the Baroness suddenly and turned away.

‘Vile Bodies’ by Evelyn Waugh.

Was Mr Outrage an immortal soul, thought Mr Outrage; had he wings, was he free and unconfined, was he born for eternity?

"'Vere i come from, ve eat things like you,' she said."

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'well, where's the texture? where's the white bits and the yellow bits and those green bits you always hope are herbs?'

*editorial attempt to see if it would make the touchstones work.

She is upstairs in my office for an extradiction deposition.

The Usual Suspects (The complete screenplay) by Christopher McQuarrie

Are we ready, kids?

'yes, miss.'

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

'did you think it came to him in dreams, dear?'

"That is more correct than you know."

Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb

"You bring me gifts, don't you?"

"There it is, that ugly thing."

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

"When you were engaged, were your parents disappointed?"

Edited to try to get Touchstones to work.

"'you would not know it,' answered Gregory."

The man who was Thursday by G. K. Chesterton

'what disguise will hide me from the world?'

“Poor little girl,” said Ginger. “That’s what paper bags are for.”

‘Vile Bodies’ by Evelyn Waugh.

They were trying to make her lie down. How could one drive properly lying down?

'it is because they know that the train is going right. it is because they know that whatever place they have taken a ticket for that place they shall reach.'

The man who was Thursday by G. K. Chesterton

"'is he really an anarchist, then?' she asked."

"Well, can I do anything else?"

The Woodlanders by Thomas Hardy

"Why should she yawn?"

'Syme strolled with her to a seat in the corner of the garden, and continued to pour out his opinions.'

The Man Who Was Thursday by G. K. Chesterton

'will you take a little supper?'

"I might. Get some ham or something."

By the Pricking of my Thumbs by Agatha Christie

"She's - is she a little peculiar?"

'. . .in some indescribable way, she kept recurring like a motive in music through all his mad adventures afterwards, and the glory of her strange hair ran like a red thread through all those dark and ill-drawn tapestries of the night.'

The Man Who Was Thursday by G. K. Chesterton

'he wouldn't really use--bombs or that sort of thing?'

"I can't believe the charade has gone on this long."

The Help by Kathryrn Stockett

"Won't she be happy?"

" 'tis the strangeness after her genteel life that makes her feel uncomfortable at first."

The Woodlanders by Thomas Hardy

"Why don't ye speak?"

"I'm a were-flea."

Strip Mauled edited by Esther Friesner

"Have you seen my son Charlie?"

"We move into a formal living room with ornate molding and green velvet settees, so full of heavy furniture I can hardly see the floor."

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Y'all think prayer's going to keep white people from killing us?"

"'good lord, no!' he said, 'that has to be done anonymously."

The Man Who Was Thursday by G. K. Chesterton

'what is it you object to?'

"If that man comes into the house, I will leave it!"

The Mysterious Affair At Styles by Agatha Christie

"So, was the coffee poisoned?"

Continued here.


Ain't nuttin' to see round these parts. Ya'll move along now, ye hear?

(quote and image from Every which way but loose review on Blu-ray.com)